Nissan Murano Z51: ground clearance 2023 - real data, how to increase and not spoil the suspension

Crossover Nissan Murano third generation (Z51 body) since 2015 remains one of the most stylish and comfortable representatives of the class. But when it comes to cross-country ability, the main question for owners is: What is the actual ground clearance of the Murano Z51?? The manufacturer’s official data often diverges from actual measurements, and after replacing wheels or sagging springs, the numbers change completely. In this article we will analyze exact ground clearance values for different versions of the Murano Z51 (including the 2019 facelift), ways to measure it correctly and safe methods for increasing it without damaging the suspension.

We will pay special attention to the “pitfalls”: why the ground clearance can differ even for new cars from the factory, how 20-inch wheels (an option for top-end trim levels) affect the clearance, and what to do if the crossover “sags” after 50,000 km. We will also compare Murano Z51 with key competitors - Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe And Ford Edge - according to real geometric cross-country ability, and not just according to passport data.

Official ground clearance of Nissan Murano Z51: what the manufacturer is hiding

According to technical documentation Nissan, ground clearance Murano Z51 (2015–2023) is 178 mm for all trim levels. However, this figure requires clarification:

• 📏 Measured under load: the manufacturer indicates the ground clearance when the car is fully loaded (5 passengers + luggage). An empty crossover will be 10–15 mm higher.
• 🔧 Depends on suspension: models with adaptive system Multi-Link (optional for versions with engine VQ35DD) may have less clearance in Sport mode.
• 🚗 Wheel influence: basic 18-inch wheels give +2 mm to ground clearance compared to 20-inch wheels (optional for Platinum Edition).

It is important to understand that 178 mm is the minimum value under engine protection. Under the front bumper the clearance can reach 200 mm, and under the rear axle - 190 mm. These are the points that most often suffer when parking on curbs or driving off asphalt.

⚠️ Attention: If you plan to drive on dirt roads or virgin snow, keep in mind that the actual ground clearance under a loaded vehicle is reduced to 165–170 mm. This is critical for overcoming ruts more than 15 cm deep.

Modification	Official ground clearance (mm)	Real ground clearance (empty/loaded)	Wheel size
Murano Z51 (base, 2015–2018)	178	185 / 175	235/65 R18
Murano Z51 (restyling, 2019–2023)	178	183 / 173	235/55 R20
Murano Hybrid (Japan/Europe)	175	180 / 170	235/60 R18

Don't know how to measure ground clearance correctly? More on this in the next section.

How to correctly measure the clearance of the Murano Z51: 3 critical points

To get reliable data, it is not enough to stick a ruler under the car. Clearance Nissan Murano Z51 need to be measured in three zones:

1. Under engine protection (lowest point). Use laser range finder or a level staff with a level. Measure from the ground to the bottom edge of the guard.
2. Under the front bumper (weak spot when parking). Here the clearance can reach 200 mm, but the plastic body kit often clings to obstacles.
3. Under the rear axle (above the bridge). It is important to take into account the exhaust system - its pipes may protrude below the main protection.

Remember: clearance is minimum value from three dimensions. If there are 178 mm under the engine protection and 190 mm under the bumper, the official clearance will still be 178 mm.

A mistake many owners make is measuring on uneven surface or with incorrect tire pressure. For example, at a pressure of 1.8 bar (instead of the recommended 2.2), the clearance will artificially increase by 5–7 mm. Please also note that after replacing springs or shock absorbers (for example, Bilstein B4) the clearance may change by ±10 mm.

⚠️ Attention: If you recently purchased a used Murano Z51, check the ground clearance immediately. Spring subsidence over a mileage of 80,000+ km can reduce the clearance to 150–160 mm, which will make the car vulnerable even to city curbs.

Comparison of Murano Z51 ground clearance with competitors: who is higher?

On paper Nissan Murano Z51 with a ground clearance of 178 mm it looks competitive, but real tests show a different picture. Let's compare it with the main rivals in the class:

• 🚙 Toyota Highlander (XU70): officially 180 mm, but thanks to the flatter bottom, the actual clearance under protection is 185 mm. Advantage: It overcomes ruts better.
• 🚙 Hyundai Santa Fe (TM): 185 mm according to the passport, but the rear part sags more Murano when loading. Minus: weak crankcase protection.
• 🚙 Ford Edge (U394): 190 mm, but wide wheels (245/50 R20) reduce actual cross-country ability on soft ground.
• 🚙 Kia Sorento (UM): 182 mm, but better body geometry - smaller overhangs front and rear.

Main plus Murano — lower center of gravity thanks to a wider track (1605 mm at the front versus 1575 mm at Santa Fe). This improves handling on asphalt, but reduces cross-country ability on uneven surfaces. If geometric cross-country ability is important to you, pay attention to Mitsubishi Outlander (215 mm) or Subaru Outback (213 mm), although they belong to a different class.

Model	Ground clearance (mm)	Approach/departure angle	Advantage	Disadvantage
Nissan Murano Z51	178	16° / 20°	Low center of gravity, comfort	Weak crankcase protection
Toyota Highlander	180	18° / 22°	Best Geometry	Stiff suspension
Hyundai Santa Fe	185	17° / 21°	High ground clearance	Sags when loading

How to increase the ground clearance of the Murano Z51 without harming the suspension: 4 proven methods

If the standard 178 mm is not enough for you, there are several ways to increase the ground clearance. But it's important to remember: any intervention in the suspension affects the handling and service life of parts. Let's consider the options from the safest to the most radical:

1. High profile tires

   Replacing 18-inch wheels with 17-inch tires 235/70 R17 will add ~10 mm ground clearance. Minus: there may be problems with the odometer (error up to 3%).

2. Spacers for springs

   Polyurethane or aluminum spacers 20–30 mm thick (for example, Daystar KC09112) will increase the clearance by 15–25 mm. Critical: wheel alignment is required.

3. Springs with increased rigidity

   Sets from Eibach Pro-Lift or H&R raise the crossover by 20–40 mm. Plus: improved handling. Minus: suspension stiffness increases by 15–20%.

4. Complete replacement of the suspension with a lifted one

   Sets from Old Man Emu or Ironman 4x4 They lift the car by 40–50 mm, but cost from RUB 150,000 and require modification of the brake lines.

What happens if you install spacers without adjusting the camber?

Unadjusted camber after installing spacers leads to uneven tire wear (especially the inner edge) and poor directional stability at speeds above 100 km/h. On average, tire life is reduced by 30–40%, and the risk of aquaplaning increases by 15%.

The most affordable and safest way is high profile tires. For example, transition from 235/65 R18 on 235/70 R17 will cost 30,000–40,000 ₽ (including the sale of old wheels) and will not require modifications. If you need a noticeable increase, the best option is spacers + camber adjustment (total cost ~25,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: Installing spacers with a thickness of more than 30 mm without modifying the shock absorbers leads to accelerated wear of struts (resource is reduced by 40–50%). Signs of a problem: knocking noises when passing speed bumps and oil drips on the shock absorber body.

Murano Z51 ground clearance drop: when to sound the alarm?

Over time, clearance Nissan Murano Z51 decreases due to wear of suspension elements. Normal drawdown - up to 10 mm per 100,000 km. If the clearance has decreased more, check:

• 🔧 Springs: cracks, corrosion or “fatigue” of the metal (sink by 15–20 mm). A common problem after 80,000 km.
• 🔧 Shock absorbers: oil leak or loss of elasticity. Symptom: the car “sags” when braking.
• 🔧 Support bearings: Wear leads to play and uneven ground clearance on the sides.
• 🔧 Rubber-metal bushings: destruction increases the free play of the levers, which visually reduces the clearance.

Critical drawdown - when the ground clearance under load drops below 150 mm. In this case:

1. Check crankcase protection for traces of impacts (often bends when subsiding).
2. Inspect CV joint boots — with low ground clearance they tear on uneven surfaces.
3. Swipe suspension diagnostics at the stand (cost ~1,500 ₽).

Average cost of restoring clearance:

• Replacement of springs (pair) - 8,000–12,000 RUR.
• Replacing shock absorbers (pair) — 15,000–25,000 ₽ (Kayaba or Monroe).
• A complete set of bushings — 5,000–7,000 ₽.

Myths about Murano Z51 ground clearance: what's wrong with popular advice

There is a lot of conflicting information about clearance on the Internet. Nissan Murano Z51. Let's look at the most common myths:

1. “Installing 20-inch wheels increases ground clearance”

   In fact - reduces. Lower profile tires (eg. 235/55 R20 instead of 235/65 R18) reduce the lumen by 5–7 mm.

2. “Adaptive suspension lifts the car off-road”

   System Multi-Link in Murano designed for comfort, not to increase ground clearance. In the “Off-Road” mode, it softens the blows only a little.

3. “Spacers do not affect handling”

   Even 20 mm spacers change the center of gravity, which worsens directional stability during sharp maneuvers by 5–10%.

4. “Clearance can be increased by inflating tires to 3 bar”

   This will give +2–3 mm, but will lead to uneven tread wear and a rough ride.

Another popular myth is “Murano Z51 has become taller after restyling in 2019”. In fact, the ground clearance remains the same (178 mm), but the shape of the bumpers has changed, which visually makes the car taller. Real measurements confirm this (see table in the first section).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano Z51 ground clearance

Is it possible to set a 200mm ground clearance on the Murano Z51 without compromising the suspension?

Technically yes, but it would require complete suspension replacement to a lift (for example, kits from Ironman 4x4), installing extended brake hoses and adjusting the steering rack. The cost of such modifications starts from 200,000 ₽, and the suspension life will be reduced by 30–40%. This is not practical for city driving.

What is the ground clearance of the Murano Z51 on 20-inch wheels?

When installing standard wheels 235/55 R20 ground clearance is reduced by 5–7 mm compared to 18-inch ones. The actual value under engine protection will be 170–173 mm (empty car) and 160–165 mm when fully loaded.

What to do if the Murano Z51 catches the guard on curbs?

Solutions options:

1. Install spacers 20 mm (cost ~5,000 ₽).
2. Replace the protection with aluminum one with increased ground clearance (for example, from Skid Plate Solutions).
3. Use parking sensors with a 360° camera for precise parking.

The most reliable way is a combination of spacers + new protection (total cost ~20,000 ₽).

Does ground clearance affect fuel consumption?

Yes, but only slightly. Increasing the ground clearance by 20 mm (for example, due to spacers) increases consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km due to deteriorating aerodynamics. When installing a lift kit with a lift of 40+ mm, consumption can increase by 1–1.5 l/100 km.

Can a Murano Z51 with standard ground clearance be driven off-road?

Technically yes, but with caveats:

• 🚗 Deep rut (more than 15 cm) - risk of being caught by the protection.
• 🚗 Wet soil - low ground clearance promotes “burrowing”.
• 🚗 Rocky terrain means weak crankcase protection.

For light off-road (gravel, dry primer) Murano Z51 suitable, but for serious off-road it is better to choose Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner.