Nissan Murano: full characteristics of the crossover - from engines to comfort

Nissan Murano is a stylish premium crossover that has held its position as one of the brand’s most recognizable cars for more than 20 years. Combining dynamic design, a spacious interior and advanced technology, the model has become a favorite among those who value comfort and individuality. But what is hidden behind the bright appearance? In this article we will analyze in detail technical specifications, design features And real indicators Murano different generations - from debut Z50 (2002) to current Z52 (2023).

You will find out what engines were installed on the model, how the crossover behaves on the road, what “diseases” are typical for different versions, and what to look for when buying a used copy. We will also compare Murano with key competitors - Toyota Venza, Ford Edge And Hyundai Santa Feto help you make informed choices.

Generations of Nissan Murano: evolution of design and technology

For its history Nissan Murano replaced by three generations, each of which brought revolutionary changes. Let's take a quick look at the key milestones:

• 🔹 Z50 (2002–2007) - the first generation built on the platform Nissan FF-L (like Altima And Maxima). Featured a futuristic design, all-wheel drive Attesa E-TS and 3.5 liter VQ35DE (245 hp).
• 🔹 Z51 (2007–2014) — radical update with a more aggressive appearance, improved sound insulation and a new CVT Jatco JF011E. Versions with a hybrid installation have appeared (Japan only).
• 🔹 Z52 (2014–present) — a modern embodiment with the “Resonance” design, adaptive suspension, system ProPILOT Assist (in some markets) and turbocharged engine QR25DET (in China).

I wonder what Murano was initially positioned as a “sports crossover” - an alternative to boring family cars. For example, in Z50 suspension with shock absorbers was used Sachs and anti-roll bars, which made handling more responsive than competitors. And in Z52 engineers went further: they added a system Active Ride Control, which automatically adjusts the stiffness of the shock absorbers to the road conditions.

Engines and transmission: what units were installed on Murano

One of the key factors of popularity Murano — reliable and powerful engines. Throughout the history of the model, only three main power units have been used, but each of them deserves special attention.

Engine	Volume/Type	Power, hp	Torque, Nm	Years of installation	Features
VQ35DE	3.5 l, V6	245–265	328–336	2002–2014	Aluminum block, timing chain, resource 300+ thousand km
VQ35HR	3.5 l, V6	260–271	336–353	2007–2014	Improved gas distribution system, less vibrations
QR25DET	2.5 l, R4, turbo	250	380	2014–present (China)	More economical than V6, but less reliable during aggressive driving

The most legendary engine Murano rightfully considered VQ35DE — this V6 is known for its “indestructibility” and smooth thrust throughout the entire rev range. However, it has a weak point: after 150–200 thousand km, the speed often begins to “float” due to contamination of the throttle valve and mass air flow sensor (MAF). The problem is solved by cleaning or replacing the sensor.

As for the transmission, here Nissan traditionally used CVTs Jatco:

• 🔧 RE0F10A (until 2007) - the first CVT in Murano, prone to overheating when towing.
• 🔧 JF011E (2007–2014) - more reliable, but requires an oil change every 60 thousand km.
• 🔧 JF017E (since 2014) - modern version with adaptive logic, but sensitive to oil quality.

⚠️ Attention: If you buy Murano with a CVT, be sure to check the oil change history. When driving over 100 thousand km without maintenance, the risk of CVT belt failure increases 3 times. Symptoms of malfunction: jerking during acceleration, humming at idle, error P0776 (pressure solenoid malfunction).

Chassis and Handling: What to Expect from the Murano on the Road

Nissan Murano It was never positioned as an SUV, but its chassis can surprise even experienced drivers. All generations were equipped with independent suspension MacPherson front and multi-link rear, which provided excellent handling on asphalt. However, there are nuances:

• 🚗 Z50 (2002–2007) — rigid suspension, holds the road well, but on bumps it transmits all the irregularities to the cabin. Anti-roll bars often rust after 10 years of use.
• 🚗 Z51 (2007–2014) — softer than its predecessor, but there was a roll in corners. Shock absorbers Kayaba serve ~80–100 thousand km.
• 🚗 Z52 (2014–present) — adaptive suspension Active Ride Control automatically adapts to your driving style. However, electronics can malfunction at sub-zero temperatures.

The all-wheel drive system deserves special attention Attesa E-TS, which is in Murano It works on the principle of a “plug-in rear axle”. In normal mode, the car is front-wheel drive, but if it slips, the electronics engage the rear axle in a split second. This solution reduced fuel consumption, but has a disadvantage: on a slippery road Murano may suddenly “steer” the rear axlewhich takes some getting used to.

Wheel size also affects the behavior of the car:

• 🔄 235/65 R18 - standard for most versions, a balance between comfort and controllability.
• 🔄 255/55 R20 - optional wheels for Z52, improve appearance, but reduce smoothness.

Fuel consumption: real numbers vs factory data

Official data on fuel consumption Nissan Murano often cause skepticism among owners. Let's compare the passport indicators with real reviews:

Engine	Factory consumption (l/100 km)	Real consumption (city/highway)	Notes
VQ35DE (3.5 V6, automatic transmission)	12.5 / 8.5	14–16 / 9–11	Consumption increases when using the CVT in sport mode.
VQ35HR (3.5 V6, CVT)	12.0 / 8.0	13–15 / 8.5–10	Better performance thanks to the system Eco Mode.
QR25DET (2.5 turbo, CVT)	10.5 / 7.0	12–14 / 7.5–9	The most economical, but requires 95+ gasoline.

Why is the difference between factory and real data so great? The point is that Nissan tests fuel consumption under ideal conditions: on a flat road, with one driver and at a temperature of +20°C. In reality, the indicators are influenced by:

• ❄️ Winter operation (+1–2 l/100 km due to heating and thick oil).
• 🚦 City traffic jams (frequent acceleration/braking increases consumption by 20–30%).
• 🔧 Condition of the air filter and spark plugs (a dirty filter adds 0.5–1 l/100 km).

⚠️ Attention: If your Murano with engine VQ35DE started consuming more than 18 l/100 km in the city, check:

• 🔍 Oxygen sensor (lambda probe) - if it fails, consumption increases by 15–20%.
• 🔍 Crankcase ventilation valve - a clogged valve leads to increased pressure in the engine.
• 🔍 Fuel injectors - after a mileage of 150+ thousand km they should be washed or replaced.

Interior and equipment: what Murano is capable of in terms of comfort

Interior Nissan Murano has always been one of the strengths of the model. Even in the basic configuration, the interior is decorated with high-quality materials, and the ergonomics are thought out to the smallest detail. Let's look at the key features:

• 🪑 Seats - in Z52 chairs with memory settings and ventilation function are used (optional). B Z50/Z51 The seats are less comfortable for long trips due to insufficient lateral support.
• 🎛️ Steering wheel — in top versions, leather with heating and audio system control buttons. Diameter 380 mm - optimal for maneuvering.
• 📱 Multimedia - in Z52 standard system NissanConnect with 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay And Android Auto. In older generations - outdated navigation Hard Drive Navigation.

Cabin space:

• 📏 Interior length: 1980 mm (all generations).
• 📏 Trunk volume: 450–500 l (up to 1600 l with seats folded).
• 📏 Ceiling height: 980 mm - comfortable even for passengers 190+ cm tall.

However, there are also disadvantages. For example, in Z50 The plastic of the instrument panel begins to creak over time, and Z51 owners complain about rapid wear of the door trim. B Z52 the problem is solved through the use of soft plastic and leather trim.

What configurations of the Murano Z52 were officially available in Russia?

Three configurations were officially supplied in Russia:

1. Elegance — basic, with fabric trim, 18-inch wheels and climate control.

2. Premium — leather interior, sunroof, rear view camera, system Bose.

3. Premium Plus — adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, ventilated seats.

Reliability and typical problems: what to look for when purchasing

Nissan Murano — a reliable car, but each generation has its own “diseases”. Here's what you need to check before buying a used copy:

Check the oil change history of the variator (every 60 thousand km)

Inspect the suspension for rust (especially stabilizers)

Test the all-wheel drive system (if there are any delays when connecting)

Check the operation of the air conditioner (in Z50 compressor often fails)

Run diagnostics to check for errors (especially P0300 — misfire) -->

Typical problems by generation:

• 🔧 Z50 (2002–2007):
  • 🔹 Leaking camshaft seals (after 150 thousand km).
  • 🔹 Corrosion of the subframe and side members (especially in the northern regions).
  • 🔹 Failure of wheel bearings (resource ~100 thousand km).
• 🔧 Z51 (2007–2014):
  • 🔹 Problems with electronics (on-board computer often “glitches”).
  • 🔹 Leaking front crankshaft oil seal (sign: oil stains under the car).
  • 🔹 Wear of brake discs (the front ones last ~50 thousand km).
• 🔧 Z52 (2014–present):
  • 🔹 Problems with the turbine QR25DET (resource ~150 thousand km).
  • 🔹 System malfunctions ProPILOT Assist (solved by flashing).
  • 🔹 Rear gearbox leaking (on a mileage of 100+ thousand km).

If you are considering Murano with mileage of more than 150 thousand km, be sure to check:

1. 🔍 Compression in cylinders (standard for VQ35DE - 12–13 bar).
2. 🔍 Timing chain condition (at VQ35 it lasts ~200 thousand km, but there are exceptions).
3. 🔍 The performance of the variator (is there any jerking when switching).

Comparison with competitors: Murano vs Toyota Venza, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe

To understand how much Nissan Murano compares favorably with its competitors, let's compare it with the three main rivals in the class:

Parameter	Nissan Murano Z52	Toyota Venza (2021)	Ford Edge ST (2020)	Hyundai Santa Fe (2023)
Engine	3.5 V6, 260 hp	2.5 hybrid, 219 hp	2.7 EcoBoost, 335 hp	2.5 turbo, 277 hp
Consumption (city), l/100 km	14	6.5	15	12
Trunk volume, l	500	810	1110	571
Price (new), million rubles.	3.2–3.8	3.5–4.0	3.9–4.5	3.0–3.6

Main advantages Murano before competitors:

• 🚀 Design - even after 10 years Z52 looks more modern than Santa Fe 2018.
• 🛋️ Comfort — best noise insulation in the class (noise level at a speed of 100 km/h - 62 dB).
• 🔧 Reliability - engines VQ They run for 400+ thousand km with proper maintenance.

Weaknesses:

• ⛽ Fuel consumption - higher than a hybrid Venza or turbocharged Santa Fe.
• 💰 Maintenance cost — original spare parts (for example, stabilizer links) are more expensive than Hyundai.
• 📦 Practicality — the trunk is smaller than Ford Edge or Toyota Venza.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano

❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Nissan Murano?

Yes, but with reservations. Maximum trailer weight for Murano with engine VQ35DE — 900 kg (without brakes) or 1500 kg (with brakes). However:

• 🔹 CVT JF011E does not like long-term loads - when towing, be sure to install an additional cooling radiator.
• 🔹B Z52 there is a mode Tow Mode, which adjusts the gear ratios for towing.
• 🔹 With a mileage of over 100 thousand km, towing reduces the resource of the variator by 20–30%.

❓ What kind of gasoline should I fill in Nissan Murano?

Depends on the engine:

• 🔹 VQ35DE/VQ35HR — 92nd (according to the manual), but to increase the resource it is recommended 95th.
• 🔹 QR25DET — only 95+ (turbo requires high octane).

If you fill the 92nd into QR25DET, the risk of detonation increases by 40%, which leads to accelerated wear of the piston group.

❓ What kind of oil to pour into the Nissan Murano variator?

For all CVTs Jatco in Murano special liquid is used NS-2 (for Z50/Z51) or NS-3 (for Z52). Important:

• 🔹 Replace every 60 thousand km (despite the manufacturer’s declared interval of 90 thousand km).
• 🔹 Oil volume - 8.5 l (full replacement), 4.5 l (partial).
• 🔹 You cannot use universal ATF fluids - this will lead to belt slipping.

❓ How much does Nissan Murano maintenance cost per year?

Costs depend on mileage and generation:

• 🔹 Z50 (2002–2007) — 30–50 thousand rubles/year (spare parts are cheaper, but repairs are required more often).
• 🔹 Z51 (2007–2014) — 40–70 thousand rubles/year (electronics and suspension are more expensive).
• 🔹 Z52 (2014–present) — 50–90 thousand rubles/year (turbocharged engine and adaptive suspension require more attention).

The most expensive consumables:

• 🔹 CVT oil NS-3 — 6–8 thousand rubles. for 4 l.
• 🔹 Brake pads Akebono — 12–15 thousand rubles. per set.
• 🔹 Spark plugs NGK PLFR5A-11 — 3–4 thousand rubles. for 6 pieces.

❓ Which Nissan Murano is better to buy: new or used?

The choice depends on your budget and goals:

• 🔹 New Z52 (2023) - ideal if modern security systems are important to you (ProPILOT, Blind Spot Warning) and warranty. The downside is the high cost (from 3.2 million rubles) and the risk of problems with electronics.
• 🔹 Used Z51 (2010–2014) - the best price/quality balance. Reliable VQ35HR, simple electronics, price from 1.2 million rubles. Ideal for family use.
• 🔹 Used Z50 (2005–2007) - only for enthusiasts. Cheap (from 500 thousand rubles), but requires investment in the repair of the suspension and variator.

If your budget is limited, the best option is Murano Z51 2012–2013 with mileage up to 120 thousand km. The main thing is to check the service history of the variator!