Although innovation and novel design can lead to a fun and successful car when it comes to the automotive industry, the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet might not fit the bill.

Why make a convertible SUV?

In 2011 Nissan released its one-of-a-kind SUV convertible crossover as an alternative style to their already popular Murano. The goal of the company was to appeal to the consumer base of convertible lovers who still craved the SUV lifestyle.

Upon its release, the Murano Crosscabriolet was one of Nissan’s most expensive cars on the market, bested only by its iconic supercar, the Nissan GTR. From the dealership, you could expect to purchase this convertible SUV for about $47,000, but the specs may leave you feeling pretty underwhelming.

At a price point comparable to a new luxury car offered by BMW or Audi, the Crosscabriolet offered a measly 265hp and 248 pound-feet of torque. Although the cross-cabriolet removes the rear doors it is heavier than it’s parent car, the Murano by almost 300 pounds.

In addition to the weight of the convertible top, the lack of a hard frame top reduces the Crosscabriolet’s structural rigidity and increases body roll, making cornering uncomfortable.

If you are concerned about an SUV with only two doors, Nissan had a unique solution: the 2 doors it does have were extended by almost 8″. While these excessively long doors are intended to assist passengers with crawling in and out of the cramped back seat, it does increase your risk of accidentally swinging your door into the car parked next to you in a crowded parking garage.

If you’re not overly concerned with being extra cautious when opening your door, you may find yourself concerned with the height of any guests that you would plan on bringing along for a ride. To accommodate for the convertible soft-top, the roof slopes down in the backseat, making it difficult for anyone larger than a child to sit comfortably. Combine that with a minimal amount of legroom and you may not find yourself volunteering to take your car for a group outing.

As with any convertible, the Crosscabriolet is no exception to low visibility. In an attempt to make rear-view visibility better, the Crosscabriolet features not one, but two rear windows. While this sounds great in theory, unfortunately, it doesn’t make it easier to see over the car’s high rear deck.

Regardless of any downside, the Nissan Crosscabriolet has undoubtedly developed its own fanbase, so if you find yourself craving a convertible SUV, this might be the car you’re looking for.