The Nissan Cross Cabriolet: Is it an SUV or a Convertible?

Let's say you want the practicality of an SUV. There are plenty of choices in today's market; nearly every manufacturer puts at least one out, and most manufacturers have a range. Crossover SUVs - built on a car frame - are particularly popular nowadays. SUVs are good for carrying cargo or passengers.

Let's say you want the fun of a convertible. There are a number of choices in today's market, and most manufacturers put out one or two models. Convertibles give you fun in the sun, but the rear seats are often cramped.

There is a way to have most of the functionality of a midsize SUV with the fun and the sun of a convertible. The concept has been tried before with the horrible Suzuki X90 of 1996-1997, but the Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet that came out in 2011 was the first good vehicle to prove the concept.

It's a premium variant of the Murano, only available with all options and coming in at $41,995 base price for a new 2014. A navigation system is $2,000 extra. It's powered by a 265 horsepower V6 shared with the standard Murano model. It is a soft top, though.