Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet: The Mom’s Fun and Family Car

The new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet – the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible – is only weeks from being released and just a few days ago I had the opportunity to fly to Dallas and check it out firsthand and test drive it during a hosted Nissan media event. To be honest, I never considered convertibles a “mom car” but rather something that either the young single or newly retired drove. Most convertibles are compact, only comfortable for two and oftentimes the trunks seem unbearably small. But that stereotype has evolved now that the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet ($46,390) has arrived. As a mom and traveler, here are some of my favorite features of this new crossover convertible:

Made for a family. The fact that the Murano CrossCabriolet was designed with four people in mind was the most exciting news for me. I’ve always had friends and family who drove convertibles and the backseat was never the most comfortable place to sit. The CrossCabriolet is a two-door car but the seats are easy to move and there is plenty of room for anyone to climb in the back. I do think this car is best for families with older kids. I know if my kids were toddlers they’d be throwing their sippy cup and books out the car and want to wiggle out of their car seats so they could stand up and wave to other cars as if they were in a parade.

Seat memory. Another favorite feature is the driver’s side programmable 2-position seat memory (for two drivers) which automatically sets the car’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors positions. I’ve had cars with this feature and it’s really helpful not having to readjust the seating and mirrors every time there is a driver change.

Fun colors: With six color choices, everyone can find a color that’s right for them from the breezy Caribbean to the sleek Super Black. Other color choices are Sunset Bronze, Merlot, Platinum Graphite and Glacier Pearl White.

Roomy trunk. As a busy mom of two, a roomy trunk is a high priority for me. My husband and I are hockey parents which means we need to have enough space to accommodate a  huge bag, stick and still have room for groceries or gym and swim team bags. If this describes your lifestyle too, you will be pleased to hear there is plenty of trunk space. The reason for the spacious trunk and back seat is the convertible top’s compact design when stowed. This is one feature you will have to see for yourself.

Quiet. We drove the car around Dallas with the top both up and down. The wind was blowing wildly the entire test-drive but with the top and windows up you wouldn’t notice. Because the roof is hard-top there is no whistling or air seeping in.

Comfortable seats. I have chronic back pain and the first thing I noticed after taking the driver seat was how comfortable the seat was. It took all pressure off my lower back. It ends up the seats have power lumbar support and extra cushion which makes for a comfortable ride – especially on a long road trip.

Easy to maneuver. I hadn’t driven in Dallas since I lived there and it ends up the busy highways and downtown traffic haven’t changed. However, I never felt uncomfortable in the CrossCabriolet. It’s easy to steer and maneuver in and out of traffic.

Winter comfort. Living in Minnesota, things like heated seats are as much a necessity as they are a luxury and the CrossCabriolet has not only 8-way power heated driver’s seat and 4-way manual heated front passenger seat but also a heated steering wheel. Plus, we snow drivers will really appreciate the all-wheel drive!

Spunky. If I had to choose one word to describe the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet – it would be spunky. The reason, it’s a fun car with a possibility of all of the features of a luxury car. It’s eye-catching and cute and a perfect addition for the modern family.