Have you noticed that convertible SUVs are all the rage now? But why are they so popular? What’s the deal–really? Here’s a dive-in to understand the appeal.
Swapping Muscle for Grit: Dodge’s Move
Back in the mid-’70s, Dodge decided to pack up its muscle car obsession. Instead, the automaker queued up some off-road beasts. Fans of trucks remember the ‘Adult Toys Series’ with a hearty fondness. Comprising of the Lil’ Red Express, The Dude, and Warlock, this series was Dodge’s gamble on off-road vehicles.
An ace up their sleeve? The Dodge Ramcharger. Though not as unique as the ‘Adult Toys Series’ trucks, the Ramcharger was still a beast on wheels. Equipped with a V8 engine, it was a machine that made hearts race.
Nissan: Unveiling The Off-road Lineup
Nissan, the Japanese carmaker, is like that friend who surprises you with their hidden talents. Known for its commuter cars and revered by gearheads for its track-ready monsters, Nissan also offers a decent lineup of off-road vehicles.
Making its debut in 2011, the Murano CrossCabriolet received mixed reviews. The SUV had a V6 engine under the hood which could churn out a cool 265 hp. While it didn’t have the zip of a Shelby GT500 convertible, it was a mashup of an SUV and a convertible.
The American Trucks: Customization To The Max
Let’s be honest, it’s pretty common to spot American trucks that scream ‘off-road ready’. Equipped with a lift kit, off-road tires, and roof-lights, truck owners seem to love their modifications. Occasionally though, things can go too far. Case in point, the Ford F-150 convertible by NCE. This beast is based on a 2016 Ford F-150 Platinum convertible and it sure turns heads. Some think it’s weird, some think it’s appealing, creating quite a buzz. Hats off to Newport Convertible Engineering for this metamorphosis.
The UK is famous for epic car brands–that’s a fact. You’ve got the cute Mini and the seriously fast McLaren, right? British car manufacturers have always managed to grab the attention of car lovers everywhere. And when it comes to cars that can tackle both city streets and off-road trails, you’ve got to hand it to Land Rover Range Rover.
The Land Rover introduced the Evoque model in 2011. Flash forward six years, and they dropped the convertible version of it. The really cool bit is that this convertible packs in a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, giving it a punchy 237 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. Pretty cool, right?
The popularity of convertible SUVs is no rocket science. They offer the best of both worlds. Leisure of a convertible and utility of an SUV rolled into one, these automobiles cater to your every mood. Whether you’re feeling beachy or favoring the mountains, a convertible SUV has got you covered. Combine that with some irresistible appeal, and you’ve got a winner. So, it’s no surprise that everyone’s falling for these charming chameleons of the car world!