Nissan Murano Z52: honest owner reviews about the pros and cons

Crossover Nissan Murano The third generation, known in the Z52 body, has been holding the attention of the Russian car market for several years. Its distinctive design, reminiscent of a fusion of futuristic concepts, and spacious interior make it a desirable purchase for many families. However, buying a used car requires careful consideration, and nothing can replace the real-life experience of those who already drive the car on a daily basis.

Owners Murano Z52 share their observations on the Internet, forming an objective picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the model. In this article, we have collected the most common opinions regarding the reliability of units, dynamics and comfort, so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing.

Many note that over the years of operation, the characteristic features of this model have not changed: this is a car for those who value aesthetics and softness more than sporty drive. But there are also pitfalls that dealers are silent about.

Design and road perception

The first thing that catches your eye is the exterior. Stylish body and panoramic roof create a premium feel, even on the aftermarket. Owners often praise rounded shapes and the absence of sharp corners, which makes the car visually lighter and more modern than its competitors.

However, there is also another side to the coin. Due to the streamlined shape and high glass, rear visibility is significantly limited. You'll have to rely on cameras and parking sensors as the blind spots are huge. Some drivers note that in heavy traffic this creates some discomfort and requires getting used to.

The atmosphere of Japanese minimalism reigns inside the cabin. Quality of materials at its best: soft plastic, pleasant leather and acoustic glass. But there is a nuance: over time, some interior elements, for example, multimedia buttons, may begin to creak or play, which is not typical for a new car, but occurs on runs over 100 thousand kilometers.

The panoramic roof is really a feature of the model, but it has its own characteristics. In hot weather, the interior heats up faster, even with tinting. Therefore, many owners install additional sunscreens or prefer darker tint to avoid overheating.

• 🚗 Unique design makes it stand out Nissan Murano from a stream of other crossovers.
• 👀 Limited rear visibility requires the use of parking assistance systems.
• 🌞 The panoramic roof creates space, but can lead to overheating of the cabin in summer.
• 🎨 The interior looks expensive, but some elements may require improvement at high mileage.

Engine and acceleration dynamics

Under the hood Murano Z52 In Russia, the most common naturally-aspirated petrol engine is 3.5 liter (VQ35DE series). This power unit is known for its power in 249 horsepower and high reliability with timely maintenance. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 7.5 seconds, which is an excellent indicator for a heavy crossover weighing more than 1.8 tons.

However, owners often complain that the dynamics do not always correspond to the engine power. This is due to the setting of the variator. When you press the gas pedal sharply, there is a delay (the “cotton pedal” effect), and only after gaining speed does the car begin to accelerate. Many drivers find this strange, but you can get used to it.

Fuel consumption is one of the main points of contention. In the urban cycle real consumption ranges from 14 to 17 liters per 100 km, depending on driving style and traffic jams. On the highway it drops to 9-10 liters. This is not an economical car, and you need to be prepared for that, especially given current gas prices.

Engine noise insulation at high speeds leaves much to be desired. When the tachometer needle approaches the red zone, the sound of the engine penetrates the cabin. This is not critical, but for a car of this class you expect more silence. Some owners improve the situation with additional sound insulation of the engine shield.

⚠️ Attention: The VQ35DE engine is sensitive to oil quality. Changing replacement intervals by more than 2-3 thousand kilometers can lead to rapid wear of the hydraulic compensators and timing chain.

• ⛽ Real consumption in the city rarely falls below 14 liters.
• 🚀 The engine is powerful, but the gas response is slow due to the variator.
• 🔧 The engine is reliable, but requires only high-quality oil and regular replacement.
• 🔇 At high speeds, you can hear the noise of the motor, which reduces comfort in the cabin.

Transmission and road behavior

The heart of the transmission Murano Z52 is a CVT variator, which, paired with all-wheel drive, ensures a smooth ride. Comfortable suspension perfectly absorbs small irregularities and holes, creating a “swing” effect. This is an ideal option for measured city driving and long journeys on good roads.

However, the variator is the most vulnerable point of the car. With long mileage (more than 150,000 km), owners are faced with knocking in the transmission or overheating errors. The gearbox does not like aggressive driving, towing trailers or abrupt starts from traffic lights. If you like to "drive", this car may not be suitable.

All-wheel drive engages automatically and works effectively in icy conditions or on light off-road conditions. But deep snow or mud is not for him. The front axle is often overloaded, and the rear axle engages with a delay, which can lead to skidding on slippery surfaces if you are not careful.

The steering is very light, which is convenient when parking, but at high speeds there is a “emptiness” in the center of the steering wheel. The driver has to constantly steer to keep the car in the lane. Some owners note that this causes fatigue on long highway trips.

⚠️ Attention: The variator requires an oil change every 60,000 km, even if the manufacturer claims an “eternal” resource. Ignoring this rule will lead to costly repairs or replacement of the unit.

• 🛣️ The suspension is very soft, but can be too rolly when cornering.
• ⚙️ The variator does not like overloads and requires frequent oil changes.
• ❄️ All-wheel drive is suitable for winter, but not for serious off-road use.
• 🎯 The steering wheel is light, but on the highway you need constant direction control.

Features of operation and maintenance

Contents Nissan Murano Z52 requires financial investment. Spare parts for this model are more expensive than for mass-produced crossovers, and some elements, such as optics or body parts, may be in short supply. Maintenance cost in official service can be high, but many owners switch to trusted independent service stations specializing in Japanese cars.

Particular attention should be paid to electronics. The multimedia system often freezes or does not recognize smartphones. Updating the firmware sometimes helps, but does not always solve the problem completely. Owners also complain about the capricious climate control system, which may stop maintaining the set temperature for no apparent reason.

The car body has good anti-corrosion properties, but is not ideal. Chips on the hood and front fenders quickly lead to rust if they are not treated immediately. Many owners recommend doing a full anti-corrosion treatment immediately after purchase, especially in regions with harsh climates.

The engine cooling system also requires monitoring. The expansion tank and pipes may crack over time, leading to loss of antifreeze. Regularly checking the coolant level and the condition of the hoses will help avoid engine overheating at the most inopportune moment.

Hidden problems and nuances of choice

When choosing a specific instance, you should pay attention to the service history. Cars with more than 100,000 km mileage often have hidden defects that are not visible during external inspection. Check carefully operation of all electronic systems, including heated seats, mirrors and power windows.

One of the common problems is wear on the silent blocks of the front control arms. They can start knocking already at 60-70 thousand kilometers. This is not critical, but requires replacement, which is not cheap. It is also worth checking the condition of the shock absorbers, since on soft suspensions they often fail prematurely.

The start-stop system often turns off by itself or causes complaints. If you want to maintain this operating mode, you may have to replace the battery with a more powerful one or reflash the control unit. Many owners simply disable this feature, as it often does not work correctly.

It is important to check the condition of the interior. The leather on the steering wheel and seats can wear out quickly, especially if the owner has not used covers. Replacing leather is expensive, so when purchasing, it is better to look for a piece with minimal signs of wear or be prepared for additional restoration costs.

What to do if the variator error light comes on?

If the CVT error light appears on the dashboard, stop driving immediately. Continued use may result in complete failure of the transmission. Contact a specialized service to diagnose and change the oil or repair the unit.

Bottom line: is the Murano Z52 worth buying?

To summarize, we can say that Nissan Murano Z52 — this is a car with character. It's not for those looking for economy or sporty handling. This is a choice for people who value appearance, comfort and status. Main plus - this is uniqueness and spaciousness, the main disadvantage is the high maintenance costs and capricious transmission.

If you are ready for regular maintenance and are not afraid of possible breakdowns, this machine will bring you a lot of joy. But if you're looking for a "buy it and forget it" car, you might want to consider other options. Buying a Murano Z52 with over 150,000 km mileage without a warranty on the engine and CVT is a high-risk lottery.

Owners often return to this model again and again, despite all the shortcomings. The fact is that driving emotions and aesthetics often outweigh rational arguments. If you're looking for a car that will be pleasing to the eye and provide comfort, the Murano Z52 is an excellent candidate, but it requires careful consideration.

• ✅ Pros: Design, comfort, space, powerful engine.
• ❌ Cons: Fuel consumption, variator, cost of spare parts.
• ⚖️ Verdict: An excellent choice for those who appreciate comfort and have a budget for maintenance.
• 🔧 Advice: Buy only after a complete diagnosis from specialized specialists.

Owner Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the real fuel consumption of the Nissan Murano Z52 in the city?

In the urban cycle with active driving, consumption is 15-17 liters per 100 km. In traffic jams this figure can reach 18-20 liters. On the highway at a speed of 90-100 km/h, consumption drops to 9-10 liters.

Is the CVT reliable on the Murano Z52?

The variator is reliable provided that the oil is changed regularly every 60,000 km. With a mileage of more than 150,000 km, the risk of failure increases. Avoid sudden starts and towing trailers.

What are the most common breakdowns of this model?

Most often, owners encounter wear on silent blocks, problems with multimedia electronics, antifreeze leaks and wear on the steering rack. The VQ35DE engine is considered one of the most reliable in the line.

Is it worth buying a Murano with 200,000 km mileage?

Buying a car with such mileage comes with risks, especially if there is no full service history. It is recommended to conduct a complete diagnosis of the engine and variator before purchasing.

How often do you need to change the oil in the variator?

Despite the manufacturer's statements about “eternal” oil, experts recommend changing it every 60,000 km. This will significantly extend the life of the transmission and prevent costly repairs.