2012 Nissan Murano US pricing released, CrossCabriolet drops
Nissan has set 2012 Murano pricing from $30,100 for the base S FWD, while the Murano CrossCabriolet convertible falls by $1,840 compared to the previous year.
Nissan has announced US pricing for the 2012 Murano line, with the base S FWD model starting at $30,100. That marks an $800 increase over the previous year. The Murano CrossCabriolet, Nissan's convertible crossover, is now priced at $44,540, a drop of $1,840 compared to 2011.
2012 Murano range and pricing details
The Murano SUV continues in S, SV, SL and LE trims, each available with front- or all-wheel drive. The entry-level S FWD is now $30,100. The SV FWD comes in at $33,670, SL FWD at $37,210, and LE FWD at $39,110. For buyers wanting all-wheel drive, each trim commands a $1,600 premium, with the S AWD at $31,700 and the LE AWD topping the range at $40,710.
- Murano S FWD: $30,100
- Murano SV FWD: $33,670
- Murano SL FWD: $37,210
- Murano LE FWD: $39,110
- Murano S AWD: $31,700
- Murano SV AWD: $35,270
- Murano SL AWD: $38,810
- Murano LE AWD: $40,710
All models are powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 265hp, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Standard equipment on the S includes a 7-inch monochrome display, while higher trims add features such as leather upholstery, premium audio, and navigation. For 2012, Nissan introduces a Platinum Edition, which brings 20-inch alloy wheels, navigation and Black Sapphire paint for an additional $800 over the equivalent LE.
CrossCabriolet convertible pricing and features
The Murano CrossCabriolet, which combines the Murano's crossover platform with a soft-top roof, returns for 2012 at a lower price. At $44,540, it undercuts the previous year's sticker by $1,840. The CrossCabriolet is offered in a single, high-spec trim based on the LE, with all-wheel drive, the same 3.5-litre V6, and optional navigation. It remains one of the few convertible crossovers on the market, though its unconventional looks have divided opinion. In 2011, it was named the most disliked car of the year by some outlets (see: /most-disliked-car-of-2011-is-the-nissan-murano-crosscabriolet).
Market context and rivals
The Murano competes in the US mid-size crossover segment, where rivals include the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Pricing for the 2012 Toyota Highlander starts at $28,090, undercutting the Murano S FWD, while the Honda Ridgeline, which combines pickup and SUV attributes, begins at $29,250 (see: /2012-honda-ridgeline-pricing-announced). Nissan positions the Murano as a more premium offering, reflected in its higher base price and equipment levels.
The 2012 Murano is available now at US dealers. The price changes for both the standard SUV and the CrossCabriolet reflect Nissan's effort to keep the model competitive in a crowded segment, while the convertible's price cut may help attract buyers to a niche product that has struggled for acceptance.
