Spring is here, the weather is warming and there is more sunshine. It is a great time of year to have a convertible and get and enjoy it. When you think of new SUVs, convertible models don’t exactly come to mind. Sure there is the Jeep Wrangler, which has been offered in soft-top form for decades. But it is nice to have choices and finally there is another SUV convertible option.
Nissan has released the 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet. To become a convertible, Nissan had to significantly redesign the Murano. The front doors are 7.9 inches longer than other Murano trim lines to provide rear seat access and it has different structural integrity. The model has a hydraulic soft cover that comes in five different sections with an aluminum and magnesium frame. The top takes 27 seconds to open or retract. The CrossCabriolet comes standard with all-wheel drive and a skylight above the rear glass to allow for more light penetration when the retractable top is up.
2011 Murano CrossCabriolet
The CrossCabriolet shares the same power train as other 2011 Muranos, a 3.5 liter 265 horsepower V-6 engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Its fuel economy is rated at 17-mpg city and 22-mpg, which is better than its smaller, less powerful, and much less expensive counterpart, the Jeep Wrangler. The 2011 Wrangler returns only 15-mpg city and 19-mpg highway, but does have a starting price about $25,000 less than the much more luxurious Murano CrossCabriolet.
Although it is 400 pounds heavier than Muranos with a metal roof, according to Motor Trend, the Murano CrossCabriolet actually has a slightly better figure-eight course time than other Murano trims. This is because the CrossCabriolet has a lower ride height and lower center of gravity.
Once the top is down, the Murano CrossCabriolet really shines. The Murano already has handsome styling and when paired with a retractable roof, it definitely stands out and is a real attention getter. If you are looking for unique styling and a convertible with a higher ride height and all-wheel drive capability, this model is definitely worth considering.
However, having a retractable roof does have some drawbacks. The CrossCabriolet has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $47,190, a whopping $7,220 more than the Murano LE AWD’s base price. Nissan wanted to keep the model’s pricing and options simple so the CrossCabriolet comes fully equipped. The model comes with such features as a 7-inch central display screen, leather seats, Bose stereo system, and dual-zone climate control. With its two doors and retractable top, there is less interior passenger room, and seating capacity is just four, compared to five in other Muranos.
The CrossCabriolet’s added weight makes the model a bit slower in acceleration than other Murano trims. The elimination of the metal roof also substantially cuts into cargo space, leaving it with a mere 12.3 cubic feet. While this is more like a compact sedan, it beats any other convertible.
Nissan has made a considerable investment for a niche model in the Murano CrossCabriolet. However, as the world’s first all-wheel drive cross-convertible, it is definitely a model that commands attention and can get people talking about the brand and into showrooms.
