Although convertibles may not be the shining stars that they were a few decades ago, these vehicles have maintained a steady foothold in pop culture — and in the hearts of many dedicated fans. If you’re looking for a well-reviewed convertible while still being somewhat affordable, the 2020 Ford Mustang is worth a look. It placed second on MotorTrend’s list of the best convertibles under $50,000, outshining both the Chevy Camaro and the Fiat 124 Spider. 

Ranking among the best

Related: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Perfect Convertible Car

Sitting comfortably in second place on MotorTrend’s list, the Ford Mustang is in good company. Even the fourth-place contender, the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro convertible, offers excellent quality for the price point. Its 2.0-liter turbo I4 gets 275 hp, and its fuel economy is 20 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The Camaro convertible’s top also goes down in about 15 seconds, which is relatively quick.

However, the Camaro ended up in last place due to its fairly unimpressive ride and small cabin. MotorTrend notes that the cloth top uses up almost all the trunk space when it’s down.

In third place, just behind the Mustang, is the Fiat 124 Spider. This convertible has a 1.4-liter I4 that gets 160 hp, with a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. It has beautiful styling and a quickly collapsible top, but, like the Camaro, its trunk space is lacking.

Which convertible beats the Mustang?

The Ford Mustang is excellent, but it didn’t quite manage to beat MotorTrend’s number one pick: the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Miata provides an incredibly enjoyable ride, so much so that MotorTrend describes it as “designed purely to put a smile on its driver’s face.”

This convertible has a 2.0-liter I4 that gets 181 hp, with a fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. Although it doesn’t have too much power, it handles well and is overall highly responsive. 

As with the other vehicles on this list, however, the Miata has limited trunk space. Its suspension is also somewhat lacking, which is noticeable when driving quickly.

Why the 2020 Ford Mustang is so great

Although it comes second, the Ford Mustang convertible is a fantastic choice. MotorTrend describes it as “legendary” and “one of the best convertibles on the market,” and we can see why. The Mustang has a 2.3-liter turbo I4 that gets an impressive 310 hp, the highest on this list. Its fuel economy is 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

Because of its higher horsepower, the Mustang feels more powerful and is particularly fun to drive. It is incredibly responsive and can handle corners well. Unlike the Miata, the Mustang has an excellent suspension.

Notably, the Mustang is the only vehicle on this list that has decent cargo space — even with the top down. That alone makes it a more practical choice for long trips and contributes to overall passenger comfort.

MotorTrend also notes that it’s easy to create a pleasant, visually striking interior if you go for some higher-level options. However, the Mustang has a small driving range, which may not suit all drivers.

Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the vehicles on this list. But if you’re looking for a convertible that offers an attractive, roomy interior, a competitive powertrain, and a responsive ride, the Ford Mustang will be right up your alley.

RELATED: Car and Driver Picks the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Over the Ford Mustang