Cool Features of the Murano Convertible SUV

Photo Source/Copyright: Car and Driver

The Murano convertible at Vision Nissan Canandaigua represents one of the most daring design concepts in recent automotive history. Merging the elevated driving position and rugged capability of a traditional midsize SUV with the exhilarating freedom of a drop-top, this vehicle provides an unmatched open-air driving experience. Engineered to tackle unpredictable weather with its standard all-wheel-drive system, it offers a premium, high-riding alternative for those who find standard sports cars too cramped or conventional crossovers too generic.

What Was the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet?

Formally named the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, this vehicle was a highly unique, two-door variant of Nissan’s popular second-generation midsize crossover. Marketed boldly as the world’s first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible, it broke the mold by eliminating the rear doors, stretching the front doors, and replacing the hardtop roof with a fully powered, insulated cloth top. It retained the foundation of a premium SUV—complete with high ground clearance and a robust V6 engine—while completely shifting the paradigm of what a lifestyle convertible could be.

Why Nissan Created the Murano Convertible

Nissan engineered the Murano convertible to seize an untouched first-mover advantage in a booming automotive segment. As consumer preferences rapidly shifted away from traditional sedans and toward utility vehicles, Nissan’s leadership recognized a market gap for buyers who wanted seasonal, open-air fun without giving up the commanding view and year-round confidence of an SUV. The project was also heavily inspired by executive ambition to target affluent empty-nesters, trendsetters, and style-conscious buyers who viewed their vehicle primarily as a bold fashion statement.

A Timeline of the CrossCabriolet’s Production

The lifespan of this revolutionary vehicle was brief but memorable, spanning across a single generation of production:

• 2010: The Murano CrossCabriolet officially premiered at the Los Angeles Auto Show, shocking critics and enthusiasts alike.
• 2011: Official production launched, introducing the vehicle to showroom floors with standard 20-inch wheels, a dual-popup roll-bar system, and a premium V6 powertrain.
• 2012: Nissan upgraded the vehicle’s tech suite, making touchscreen GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity standard equipment.
• 2013: The model received minor aesthetic updates, including refreshed wheel designs, two new exterior paint options, and a slight price adjustment.
• 2014: Production quietly concluded with no structural changes, marking the final model year for the pioneering crossover.

Features That Made the Murano Convertible Unique

What truly sets the Murano convertible apart from any other vehicle on the road is its brilliant engineering compromises. To maintain structural integrity without a roof, Nissan completely reinforced the body and removed the traditional B-pillars, resulting in a sleek, uninterrupted silhouette when the top was down. Furthermore, unlike cramped, traditional convertibles, it retained its high ground clearance and standard intelligent all-wheel drive, giving it all-weather utility that typical drop-tops simply cannot match.

Looks and Interior Details

Visually, the Murano convertible pairs a muscular, sculpted lower SUV body with a sharply raked windshield and a rear decklid reminiscent of a classic sports car. Inside, the cabin is swathed in pure luxury, featuring premium leather-appointed seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a high-end Bose sound system. Notably, the soft-top roof featured an integrated rear skylight glass panel to keep the cabin bright even when the top was up, while the rear seats offered legitimate, adult-sized legroom that defied standard convertible expectations.

Why Was the Murano Convertible Discontinued?

Despite its innovative design, the Murano convertible was ultimately discontinued due to low sales volume and a polarizing public reception. The radical half-SUV, half-convertible concept proved too quirky for mainstream buyers, and its premium original sticker price of around $45,000 positioned it out of reach for casual consumers. Additionally, folding the massive soft-top into the trunk severely compromised cargo capacity, reducing trunk space down to just 7.6 cubic feet. With fewer than 6,000 units sold over its four-year run, Nissan decided not to renew the model when the third-generation Murano debuted.