For good reason, convertibles are commonly associated with feelings of sportiness and fun. I mean really, is there anything better than racing down a country road or a scenic route along the beach with the top down and the wind whipping through your hair? It’s for this very reason why convertibles are such popular cars, but for those who are looking for a convertible that you can also cruise to the grocery store in or make a trip to the mall with, we’ve compiled a special list for you. Below are our choices for the top pre-owned convertibles with the best cargo space offerings.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK
- From a roominess perspective, the SLK is a bit snug, even by convertible standards. However, the available trunk space is rather accommodating, no matter if the roof is up (10.1 cubic feet or at least 2 bags of golf clubs) or down (6.4 cubic feet).
- Though it demonstrated slower than average splits in 0 to 60 testing (6.8 seconds) for convertibles, what it lacks in hair-raising speed, it makes up for solid fuel economy. Per EPA estimates, the SLK gets 26 mpg combined.
- The benefits of quality German engineering are apparent in the SLK, as the convertible blends sharp handling and agility with a ride that is smooth and composed for its passengers.
- Says Edmunds: “Offering retractable-hardtop convenience and rewarding performance in a dignified package, the compact 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a standout luxury convertible.”
2015 Chevrolet Camaro
- The 2015 edition of the Camaro has comparable trunk space to more expensive competitors like the SLX (10.2 cubic feet with the roof up, 8 cubic feet with the roof down), but the drawback with the Camaro is the small trunk opening that can make loading and unloading cargo a challenge.
- For those looking for raw speed in their convertible, the Camaro is your Huckleberry. In Edmunds track testing, the Camaro convertible accelerated from 0 to 60 in an impressive 4.6 seconds.
- The Camaro delivers confident handling and precise steering that make it a superior performer on winding roads when compared to other throwback muscle cars.
- Says Motor Trend: “Although visibility and interior space are lacking in the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, it fulfills its main purpose as a sports car that one can live with on a daily basis and appeals to a broad audience.”
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Outfitted with 8.8 cubic feet of trunk space, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers solid cargo capacity for a convertible that earns high marks across the board for passenger comfort.
- Equipped with extensive safety features, the E-Class’ Lane Tracking package adds a blind-spot warning system and a lane departure warning system.
- Much like the SLK, the E-Class remarkably blends ride quality with superb handling ability. Though not widely regarded as a hugely athletic selection among convertibles, its precision handling and robust engines make it a quality driving machine.
- Says Edmunds: “Enjoyable to drive, meticulously built and available in a host of different body styles, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury-car triumph that deserves serious consideration.”
2015 Infiniti Q60 Convertible
- Believe it or not, the trunk in the Q60 convertible is more spacious than that of its coupe relative, offering 10.3 cubic feet of storage space with the roof up. Lower the roof, however, and only 1.9 cubic feet of storage space remains.
- The breaking system on the Q60 convertible has earned rather high marks. In fact, in Edmunds brake tests, the Q60 came to a stop in 108 feet – a respectably short distance for a luxury convertible.
- In the handling department, the Q60 convertible feels strong and responsive to the driver. The standard suspension also injects athleticism without the rough feel that comes with the available sport-tuned suspension.
- Says U.S. News & World Report: “Nimble handling and lively acceleration are the 2015 Infiniti Q60’s hallmarks, test drivers write, but its powertrain is unrefined and its cabin styling is out of date.”
2012 Jaguar XK
- The soft top on the XK takes only 18 seconds to lower, and when deployed, offers a quiet and insulated ride. Also, with the top down, the XK convertible can still hold an impressive 8 cubic feet of storage space.
- The acceleration capabilities of the Jaguar XK are rather notable, as the convertible went from 0 to 60 in a very rapid 4.5 seconds. Unfortunately, what you get in performance, you pay for at the pump, as the XK only gets 17 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway).
- The braking ability of the XK is what you’d expect from a luxury convertible. In Edmunds brake testing, the XK came to a stop from 60 mph in a very impressive 111 feet.
- Says Edmunds: “The 2012 Jaguar XK provides the luxury and comfort expected from the legendary marque, as well as high performance and decent value.”
