Overview & Reviews

In science fiction, experiments with mixing and matching DNA tend to go horribly wrong. So it was with some trepidation that we first approached the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, a vehicle that looks like the result of some mix-up from the SUV and convertible assembly lines. But somehow, this genetically modified crossover SUV actually works out pretty well.

Granted, the combination of the CrossCabriolet's high seating position, plus-size dimensions and slightly funky styling takes some getting used to. Its steep sticker price may also give some folks pause. But if you can get by those potential deal-breakers, you'll discover the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet surprisingly makes sense for anyone looking for a convertible with real practicality.

Current Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
As its name suggests (sort of), the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is the convertible version of the midsize Murano crossover SUV. It's about the same size as the regular Murano, but it has just two doors, and instead of the regular hardtop there is a power-operated soft top. Under the hood is the expected 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive are standard.

A single well-equipped trim level is offered, and it includes pretty much every available Murano feature, such as 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a Bose sound system. A navigation system with Bluetooth streaming audio is optional.

In reviews, our editors have noted that the CrossCabriolet's cabin is attractively designed with high-quality materials, just like the Murano. It also retains much of the Murano's interior room, meaning there's comfortable seating all around, including legitimate space for two adults in back -- something a scant few convertibles can boast. The trunk offers 12.3 cubic feet of cargo room with the top up or down, a number that is also quite good for a convertible.

In our performance testing, the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet was just a tick slower than the four-door hardtop version. Braking performance is quite good as well, at least by midsize SUV standards. On the move, the CrossCabriolet delivers a reasonably comfortable ride, but its lofty ride height and sheer size makes for rather ponderous handling. The body structure also isn't quite as rigid as those of other new convertibles, and consequently the CrossCabriolet shakes a bit more when driving on rough roads.

Used Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Models
The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet debuted for the 2011 model year. For that first year, the navigation system was standard equipment, but it's been an option ever since. There have been no other notable changes.

User Reviews:

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  Love it! Now own 2! - 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By kix66radio - February 1 - 4:58 pm

  We bought our 2011 in July of 2012 and absolutely love it! We live in Anchorage Alaska where we normally have beautiful summers that are perfect for top down weather and cold winters. The convertible top on this car keeps out the cold weather in the winter plus the AWD is just what the doctor ordered for up here. A few times we would have the drivers window freeze and stick to the top if they had gotten wet. Other wise everthing else worked with no problems. We now own 2 of them, the 2011 is now mine and my wife has a new 2014 model!

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  I think critics are crazy - 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By strotherdc01 - June 10 - 1:21 pm

  I was intrigued to find a family mans convertible but I was discouraged by the critics reviews. I decided to go look at it and drive it for myself. I loved it! It was responsive, roomy (for a convertible) and completely loaded. So I bought it! My MPGs have been about 22. I love the tan leather and the seats are extremely comfortable.

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  Yfc - 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By Horacio_hornsby@yahoo.com - March 15 - 3:30 pm

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  I lasted 3 weeks before trading it in! - 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By sileroy - December 26 - 5:19 am

  I lasted 3 weeks, then finaly decided that I was getting rid of this car. I was transfixed by the idea of having a true four passenger convertible and I ignored all of the cars faults on the sunny day that I purchased the car. I traded the car in after 3 weeks on a luxury SUV. To say that the car handles poorly is a gross understatement. The car needs to take even relatively tame corners at mild speeds and still the front wind shield would reverberate. The car is roomy for passengers one inside, but rear access is difficult. The front seat releases each have significant issues. The drivers side is power and too slow. The passenger side is manual, but is very unreliable.

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  Fantastic all season car - 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By hillbillydoc - June 18 - 5:50 pm

  I have had my 2011 Murano Crosscabriolet for 2 1/2 years, and 40,000 miles later I absolutely love it. This car is an extremely fun drive with the top down. With the top up, road noise is better than other convertibles that I have owned. Yes, the rear visibility is a bit diminished, but not terrible. There is some rattle from the window, but again this is common with many convertibles. The car is very comfortable to drive on road trips, and the interior and driver interfaces are top notch. I have driven this car in all conditions, including snow, and have been happy with the performance.

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  A Perfect Choice - 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By violinmom - June 8 - 2:42 pm

  I have been searching for a car that would fill my needs for AWD but have a fun factor, have been driving a full sized SUV for years and was craving a sporty fun car..our climate tho requires AWD..really loved the idea of this cross cabriolet..was fun to drive in test drive, was roomy enough, sat up a little higher..had AWD..and i like that not everyone has one! but some online reviews had me a little concerned. well...I have had it for a month, and i adore it, was the perfect choice, i have no complaints at all, its really fun, looks cool, different and not common to see lots of them..all things i like.

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  NOT the ugliest car of the year - 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By docentdon - May 30 - 8:59 am

  When the 2011 Cabriolet came out, it garnered horrible reviews. I have watched this different machine through 3 years of a boring lease on another foreign SUV all the time waiting until I could try the Murano Cabriolet. I am now proudly driving my beautiful comfortable 2014 Murano Cabriolet and getting comments like: "Wow, what is it!" "Looks like an SUV on steroids." "Did you sell your house to buy that gorgeous thing?" Easy comfort for 4 people with all the bells and whistles. And, most important, for us old codgers, easy in-and-out which ALL the other convertibles I tried were not. This will probably be my last car purchase and I am sure I will love it for years to come.

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  Im Not Disappointed But .... - 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By jpw56 - April 1 - 8:38 am

  I traded in an SUV and a hard top convertible in the hopes I would be able to have just one car that had the attributes of both. This does, for the most part. As others say, its either love it or hate it. It clearly is a looker and folks either think its cool or ugly. Its definitely not a performance vehicle, but it doesnt claim to be. Its a very heavy vehicle and back seat access can be a pain, but the good seems to outweigh the bad, so far. It has memory seating so if you set your preferences, it will revert back with a touch of a button. The nav and leather upgraded interior is lovely and comfortable and to me, the only downside is that it requires premium petrol.

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  Surprised - 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By gotopless - January 1 - 11:42 pm

  Much to my surprise..... I purchased as a surprise for my wife. She had seen one and loved it, the look of it anyway.... TOP DOWN is exceptional! comfortable, firm, solid and actually luxurious for a Nissan. Top up, different story. BLIND SPOTS are very bad! Poor design on the rear window. To remedy this I added magnifier mirrors on both sides to help correct the blind side problem. My wife LOVES her car and it is the only one she drives! (she has choices)

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  Owned 2 Cross Cabs---Im 67" and am comfortable!! - 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By Larry Yeisley - November 5 - 11:50 am

  Not for everyone. Fun to drive-- a tall mans sports car. Fun to drive, gets plenty of great, positive comments. Best vehicle I have owned. Definitely not a good vehicle for a young family with small children.