How much does a Nissan Murano weigh: total weight by generation and modification

Crossover Nissan Murano is one of the most recognizable representatives of the Japanese brand in the mid-size SUV market. Its mass directly affects dynamic characteristics, fuel consumption and even the cost of insurance. But finding accurate data on the weight of a specific modification is not so easy: official sources often provide conflicting information, and technical documents are not always available.

In this article we have collected current data on the weight of all generations of Murano (Z50, Z51, Z52) taking into account the type of drive, engine and year of manufacture. You will learn how weight affects handling, which modifications are the lightest and which are the heaviest, and why this is important when choosing a car. We’ll also figure out how to measure weight correctly and what to look for when buying a used crossover.

Generations of Nissan Murano and their weight categories

For its history Murano replaced by three generations, each of which had unique design features and, as a result, different weights. The first generation (Z50, 2002–2007) was built on the platform Nissan FF-L and it was the easiest. The second (Z51, 2007–2014) received a more durable frame and additional equipment, which increased the weight. The third generation (Z52, since 2014) has become heavier due to improved sound insulation and safety systems.

Below is a summary table average weight by generation. Please note: weight may vary depending on configuration and market (for example, American versions are often heavier than European versions due to additional options).

Generation	Years of manufacture	Curb weight (kg)	Gross weight (kg)	Notes
Z50 (1st)	2002–2007	1 650–1 750	2 100–2 200	Lightest generation, engines VQ35DE (3.5 l)
Z51 (2nd)	2007–2014	1 780–1 920	2 250–2 400	Hybrid versions were added, weight increased by 10–15%
Z52 (3rd)	2014–present	1 850–2 050	2 350–2 550	Heaviest generation, CVT and all-wheel drive by default

I wonder what the weight of hybrid versions of the Murano Z51 (2014–2016) can exceed 2 tons due to the batteries and electric motor, making them one of the heaviest in the line. At the same time, the dynamics of such models are often better due to the instantaneous torque of the electric motor.

How the type of drive affects the weight of the Murano

One of the key factors determining mass Nissan Murano, is the drive type. All-wheel drive models (4WD/ATTESA) is always heavier than its front-wheel drive counterparts by 100–150 kg. This is due to additional components: transfer case, driveshaft and rear differential.

The difference is especially noticeable in the third generation (Z52), where all-wheel drive versions weigh from 1,950 kg, while front-wheel drive - from 1,850 kg. In this case, the distribution of mass along the axes also changes: 4WD-models have ~55% of the weight on the front axle, FWD - up to 60%. This affects handling: all-wheel drive versions are less prone to drift at high speeds.

• 🔧 Front-wheel drive (FWD): lightweight, economical, but worse off-road.
• 🌍 All-wheel drive (4WD/ATTESA): heavier, but better handling and maneuverability.
• ⚡ Hybrid versions: the heaviest weight due to the batteries, but the best dynamics.

⚠️ Attention: When buying a used one Murano with all-wheel drive, check the condition of the transfer case - its repair may cost 150–200 thousand rubles due to the complexity of the design.

Weight by engine: which engine is the heaviest?

The engine is the second most important factor influencing the weight of a car. In line Murano Three main power units were used:

1. VQ35DE (3.5 l, gasoline) - the most common, engine weight ~ 180 kg.
2. QR25DE (2.5 l, gasoline) - light (~ 140 kg), but weak for a heavy crossover.
3. The hybrid system (2.5 l + electric motor) is the heaviest option (~220 kg with batteries).

The heaviest modifications are Murano Hybrid (Z51) and versions with VQ35DE + all-wheel drive (Z52). For example, Murano Z52 3.5 4WD weighs up to 2,050 kg fully loaded, which is 200–300 kg more than front-wheel drive versions with QR25DE.

Why are hybrid Muranos so heavy?

The weight of the hybrid system increases due to:

- Nickel-metal hydride batteries (about 50–70 kg).

- Electric motor and inverter (another ~40–60 kg).

- Reinforced suspension to compensate for additional weight.

As a result, hybrid versions weigh 150–200 kg more than their gasoline counterparts, but at the same time consume 20–25% less fuel in the urban cycle.

If performance is important to you, pay attention to the power-to-weight ratio. For example, Murano Z50 3.5 (245 hp) has 140 hp/ton, whereas Murano Z52 3.5 (260 hp) - total 127 hp/ton due to increased mass. This explains why the new generation subjectively seems less playful, despite more power.

How to correctly measure the weight of your Murano

If you want to know the exact weight of your Nissan Murano, it is not enough to look at the data in the PTS - it is indicated there permissible maximum weight, not actual. Here are three reliable ways:

Find the nearest vehicle scales (at gas stations, scrap metal collection points).

Drain the fuel to the minimum level (or subtract its weight separately).

Take into account the weight of passengers and cargo (if any during weighing).

Compare the results with the passport data (permissible deviation is ±3%).-->

Important: curb weight Kerb weight is the weight of the vehicle with a full tank, spare tire and standard equipment, but without passengers or cargo. Gross weight (gross weight) includes the maximum load (usually 400–500 kg for Murano).

For example: if your Murano Z52 3.5 4WD weighs on the scales 1,980 kg without passengers, this is normal - the manufacturer indicates the curb weight in the range 1,950–2,050 kg depending on the configuration. An excess of 50–100 kg may indicate additional equipment (for example, crankcase protection or reinforced bumpers).

⚠️ Attention: If the weight of your car exceeds the passport values by more than 150 kg, this may be a sign of hidden modifications (for example, reservations) or unaccounted for cargo. Such cars often have problems with suspension and brakes.

Effect of mass on fuel consumption and dynamics

Weight Nissan Murano directly affects two key parameters: fuel consumption And accelerating dynamics. The heavier the car, the more energy is required to accelerate it and maintain speed. For example:

• 🛢️ Murano Z50 3.5 FWD (1,650 kg): consumption in the city ~12 l/100 km.
• 🛢️ Murano Z52 3.5 4WD (2,050 kg): consumption in the city ~14–15 l/100 km.
• ⚡ Murano Hybrid (2,100 kg): consumption ~10–11 l/100 km due to the electric motor.

The difference in dynamics is even more noticeable. For example, acceleration to 100 km/h:

• Murano Z50 3.5 FWD — 8.5 sec.
• Murano Z52 3.5 4WD — 9.2 sec.

This is explained not only by the increase in mass, but also by the transition to a variator (CVT) in the third generation, which is less efficient during sudden acceleration compared to the classic “automatic” (RE5R05A) in Z50.

Frequently asked questions about the weight of Nissan Murano

❓ How much does the 2020 Nissan Murano with all-wheel drive weigh?

Curb weight Murano Z52 3.5 4WD 2020 is 1,980–2,050 kg depending on the configuration. Gross weight - up to 2,550 kg.

❓ Why is the third generation Murano heavier than the previous ones?

Main reasons: reinforced platform, additional sound insulation, security systems (for example, ProPILOT Assist), as well as the transition to a CVT CVT, which is heavier than a classic “automatic”.

❓ How does weight affect the cost of MTPL insurance?

In Russia, the weight of a car does not directly affect the cost of compulsory motor liability insurance, but it can indirectly increase the price through parameters of power and body type. However, in some countries (eg Germany) weight is taken into account when calculating tax.

❓ Is it possible to reduce the weight of the Murano to improve dynamics?

Theoretically, yes: replacing stamped wheels with light-alloy ones, removing unnecessary equipment (for example, the rear row of seats), installing lightweight bumpers. But the effect will be minimal (up to 50 kg), and the cost of modifications is often unjustified.

❓ Which Murano is the lightest?

The easiest version is Murano Z50 2.5 FWD (2002–2007) with a mass of approx. 1,630 kg. However, such models are extremely rare, since the main engine for the Z50 was VQ35DE (3.5 l).