2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Review
Price Estimate: $4,531 - $6,604





+82
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious backseat
- big trunk (for a convertible)
- commanding driving position.
Cons
- Available only in all-wheel-drive trim
- noticeable cowl shake
- large yet insubstantial doors.
What’s new
The 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet's touchscreen navigation system, which includes Bluetooth streaming audio, moves from the standard equipment list to a stand-alone option.
Edmunds says
It's a little bizarre and certainly pricey, but the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet makes surprising sense for anyone looking for a convertible with some real practicality.
For sale near Northbrook, IL
Sorry, there are no 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet vehicles for sale in our network.
Vehicle overview
Just when we think we've seen every possible body style under the sun, out pops the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. This midsize four-passenger vehicle takes key attributes of two wildly divergent categories -- the car-based crossover SUV and the soft-top convertible -- and combines them to create something thoroughly unique. Whether or not that's a good thing depends on your perspective.
On the positive side, this two-door convertible version of Nissan's four-door Murano offers several distinct advantages over virtually every other convertible on the road. The spacious rear seat can comfortably seat two people and the comparatively large trunk provides plenty of cargo room even with the power-operated cloth top folded down. This Murano also retains the relatively tall seating position that has helped make crossovers so popular.
That said, the Murano CrossCabriolet has its share of weaknesses, not the least of which is its oddball appearance. The fact that it's only offered in a single fully loaded trim level gives it a steep price point, although it's fair to say that similarly equipped vehicles from other luxury brands cost more. Dispensing with the all-wheel-drive system and offering a more affordable entry-level CrossCabriolet without all the bells and whistles might even make this Nissan a star in rental car fleets in California and Hawaii.
There are several other convertibles to consider at this price point, and plenty of other SUVs, but there's nothing quite like the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. Sure, the Jeep Wrangler is a convertible SUV as well, but that's like comparing appletinis and Orange Crush. Frankly, the CrossCabriolet is so unique that the folks at Nissan are either visionaries or absolutely nuts. Perhaps they're a little bit of both.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are standard.
In Edmunds performance testing, the CrossCabriolet went from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds -- just 0.3 second slower than the regular Murano. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway. Unlike the regular Murano, which takes regular gas, the CrossCabriolet prefers premium fuel.
Safety
The 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, pop-up roll bars, front-seat side airbags, door-mounted side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
In Edmunds brake testing, the CrossCabriolet came to a stop from 60 mph in 124 feet -- a good distance for an SUV-sized vehicle.
Driving
The CVT of the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet does a good job of keeping the powerful V6 in its sweet spot without the sort of drone typically associated with other CVT-equipped vehicles. And while the CrossCabriolet looks wildly different, it handles much like a conventional Murano, with commendable body control and steering that's well weighted. Plus, a decent amount of information from the tires is transmitted to the driver's hands. Still, compared to just about any convertible car, the CrossCabriolet feels like a lumbering pachyderm around corners. The ride is reasonably compliant, though the standard 20-inch wheels don't exactly make things supple.
We'll remind you that slicing off the roof of any vehicle weakens its structure, so there's an engineering challenge in minimizing the consequences. And while Nissan has reinforced the CrossCabriolet's structure, bigger bumps still send vibrations through the steering wheel and make the windshield header wiggle from side to side. We probably would have hailed the CrossCabrio for its structural integrity 10 or so years ago, but compared to other new convertibles, this Nissan's structure seems a little flaccid. Nevertheless, it is incredibly fun to drive around in such an extravagantly unique convertible.
Interior
Convertibles are not supposed to be spacious. The people who end up riding in back are usually either tiny or have lost a round of Rock-Paper-Scissors. However, the CrossCabriolet is different from almost all other convertibles because it does indeed offer legitimate hip- and legroom in a backseat that will accommodate two adults. It is not just spacious for a convertible; it's spacious, period. It's also pretty easy to get back there as long as you roll down the large rear windows. The doors are long, though, so entry and exit can be tricky in parking lots. We also don't find the tinny, insubstantial sound the doors produce when you bang them closed to be particularly becoming for a vehicle that costs nearly $50,000.
On the upside, the CrossCab's trunk is quite large for a convertible. Even with the top lowered, it easily holds two stacked golf bags and a sizable suitcase. Many convertibles struggle to match that with the roof raised.
Otherwise, the CrossCabriolet shares its cabin with a fully loaded regular Murano. The dash design is identical, with the same well-sorted electronics controls, and overall quality is strong. The seats are comfortable and most people should find the driving position ideal.
2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet models
The 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is a two-door, four-passenger convertible version of the regular Murano crossover SUV.
It's available in only one loaded trim level that comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglamps, heated mirrors, a fully powered soft top and keyless ignition/entry. Inside, it gets automatic dual-zone climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment and memory functions, a heated and power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker Bose audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, an iPod/USB audio interface and an audio/video input.
The only options are upgraded leather upholstery and a navigation system with a touchscreen interface, real-time traffic/weather updates and Bluetooth streaming audio.

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Compare 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$294/mo for Murano CrossCabriolet Base
Murano CrossCabriolet Base
vs
$195/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Fun car for the young
4.25 out of 5 starspesci, 06/17/2013
2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet 2dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
This car isn't for older drivers. The backseat is very difficult to get into for passengers and the doors are heavy and of course, it sits high.
You will also get some top and cowl rattle
If you can get passed the above, then this is the car for you.
Its fun
It looks nice
It rides very nice.
Life is good with the top down in this car.
I have had mine for several thousand miles and … love it!
It rides great and the leather feels even better.
It hasn't leaked a drop even in heavy rain.
It's a lot of fun and the luxurious interior is a step up for me having come from Honda.
The GPS isn't all that great but nice to have with the
large touch screen
I think critics are crazy
4.75 out of 5 starsstrotherdc01, 11/02/2012
2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet 2dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
I was intrigued to find a family man's 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 MPG's have been about 22.
I love the tan leather and the seats are extremely comfortable.
I'm Not Disappointed But ....
4.13 out of 5 starsjpw56, 09/26/2011
2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet 2dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
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, it's either love it or hate it.
It clearly is a looker and folks either think its cool or ugly.
It's definitely not a performance vehicle, but it doesn't claim to be.
It's 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.
So Glad I Purchased It!
5 out of 5 starsrob_d, 08/14/2012
2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet 2dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
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. It's non stop!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, so we've included reviews for other years of the Murano CrossCabriolet since its last redesign.
2012 Murano CrossCabriolet Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $44,540 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $294/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Murano CrossCabriolet include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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