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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  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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  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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  Awesome Car - 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By mistakall - December 15 - 4:25 am

  I purchased my vehicle about 4 days ago and I am loving every minute of it. It defenitly turns heads and I get compliments galore. I luv riding with my top down enjoying the breeze and openess getting plenty of Florida sunshine on me. I got all the bells and whistles so far my favorite is the bluetooth audio streaming now I can listen to all my favorite songs....lol...I got a great deal on my vehicle through my insurance company I saved over $10,000.00 no kidding so this was a steal for me. I wanted to purchase this on my 50th bday but couldnt afford it but now im the happiest ive ever been in a vehicle.

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  Reviewers just dont get it.... - 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By 925349 - July 11 - 2:16 pm

  Ok, we have all seen the negative reviews. Actually, one negative review copied by a lot of others...that obviously, never drove the car!! This car is one of the GREAT ONES! It has every creature comfort, plenty of power, a great roadster look, ease of entry, great roominess in the comfortable back seats, and has led to one GREAT SUMMER OF FUN. At this time, you wont see many on the road because that one reviewer scared the masses, but he will be made to look as stupid as those that dissed on the MUSTANG and the CORVETTE when they first came public. We know how that turned out! Kudos to ...and anyone that thinks this looks like a jeep..get GLASSES. ;)) Five Stars from CT!!!

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  So Glad I Purchased It! - 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By rob_d - December 5 - 8:38 am

  As some reviewers have commented across other websites, you either love this car or hate it. After driving it for some 6 months and 12,000 miles, and having made multiple 400 mile trips through both snow and through 100F heat, I absolutely love this car! There are not many AWD convertibles out there, and while it was never meant to be a sports car, this crossover has been everything I could have wanted in an AWD convertible for taking long trips over mountains. The build quality is excellent and I have not experienced any of the difficulties (handling, door weight, etc.) noted in other reviews I read before purchasing. And get used to compliments from truckers and teenagers. Its non stop!