Buying a crossover Nissan Murano third generation (Z52 body) is a decision that is often made on emotions. The car's appearance, reminiscent of a futuristic concept, and rich equipment attract many buyers. However, behind the beautiful façade lies a complex technical component that you should know about in advance.
The owners of this car are divided into two camps: those who are in love with comfort and design, and those who are faced with technical problems. Murano Z52 reviews are extremely polar, and in order to make an informed decision, it is necessary to analyze real operating experience, and not just advertising brochures.
Interior design and ergonomics: first impression
Appearance Nissan Murano The Z52 remains his main trump card. The body lines are smooth, and the absence of sharp corners makes the car recognizable even in traffic. The owners note that the car does not look outdated even several years after the start of production. The interior is designed in an “airplane cockpit” style, which creates a premium feeling.
The finishing materials are really up to par: soft plastic, high-quality leather and inserts that are pleasant to the touch. However, the ergonomics cause complaints among some drivers. The center console has a complex shape, which is why you have to reach for some buttons. Climate control often hidden in the menu, which is inconvenient when driving.
Zero Gravity seats are a separate topic for discussion. On the one hand, they provide excellent back support over long distances. On the other hand, they are too soft and have a small range of height adjustment for tall drivers. Space at the back quite spacious, but due to the shape of the roof, rear passengers may be uncomfortable if they are taller than 185 cm.
Interestingly, many owners praise the sound insulation. Even at high speeds, the cabin is quiet and there is virtually no aerodynamic whine. It does Nissan Murano An excellent choice for family trips where passenger comfort is important.
Engine and transmission: the heart of the car
Under the hood Nissan Murano The Z52 in most regions has one type of power unit - a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine. This is a classic motor VQ35DE (or its modification VQ35V), which is highly reliable with proper care. It produces about 249 horsepower, which provides confident acceleration and power reserves for overtaking.
Transmission - continuously variable variator Xtronic CVT (model JF016E). This is where the main “Achilles heel” of the entire model lies. The CVT requires special treatment: regular oil changes, a calm driving style and no sudden starts from traffic lights. CVT reliability directly depends on the owner's driving style.
Four-wheel drive All-Wheel Drive connects automatically and distributes torque efficiently. In normal urban conditions, the rear axle does not participate in traction, which saves fuel. However, in difficult weather conditions the system works competently, keeping the car on its trajectory. It is worth remembering that this is not an SUV, but a crossover for asphalt.
⚠️ Attention: The JF011E variator (or its analogues in the Z52) absolutely does not like overheating. Be sure to monitor the transmission temperature and avoid prolonged slipping in mud or snow.
Fuel consumption is another nuance that is often discussed in reviews. In the city, taking into account traffic jams and warming up in winter Nissan Murano can consume from 13 to 16 liters per 100 kilometers. On the highway during quiet driving, consumption drops to 9-10 liters, but an aggressive driving style again raises the bar.
- I'm afraid it will fail
- I'm used to it and serving
- I don't know, no problems yet
- I'm only looking at mechanics.
Weaknesses and typical problems
Despite the attractiveness Nissan Murano The Z52 has a number of design flaws that dealers are silent about. One of the most common problems is the failure of the steering rack. A knock in the steering wheel appears already at 60-80 thousand kilometers. Replacing a rack is an expensive procedure, and repairs do not always guarantee long service life.
Owners also complain about the electrics. Sometimes the multimedia system becomes glitchy and may freeze or not respond to touch input. Problems with sensors parking and rear view cameras are also found, especially after winter use, when reagents corrode the connectors.
The suspension, although comfortable, does not last forever. The silent blocks of the front arms and stabilizer links require replacement sooner than expected. The rear multi-link suspension is difficult to repair, and spare parts for it are not cheap. Build quality the body is sometimes lame: corrosion processes are possible in places of chips, although in general the galvanization is not bad.
- ⚠️ Rapid wear of the steering rack and the appearance of knocking on small irregularities.
- ⚠️ Frequent malfunctions of the multimedia system and sensor.
- ⚠️ Expensive repair of the variator in case of violation of service regulations.
- ⚠️ High fuel consumption in the urban cycle with aggressive driving.
☑️ Checklist before purchasing Z52
Maintenance and cost of ownership
Possession Nissan Murano The Z52 requires a certain maintenance budget. Spare parts for this car do not belong to the budget segment, especially original ones. Many owners switch to high-quality analogues, but they also cost significant money. Specifics of spare parts is such that some items (for example, suspension elements or sensors) can be ordered from abroad.
The service schedule is strictly regulated. The oil change in the variator should be done every 40-60 thousand kilometers, and not every 90, as the manufacturer claims. Ignoring this rule will lead to rapid transmission failure. The V6 engine also requires high-quality consumables and timely replacement of spark plugs and a timing belt (if there is one, in this case a chain, but it also has a resource).
Insurance and taxes for a 3.5 liter car will be high. The owners note that the tax in some regions can exceed 15-20 thousand rubles per year. This is a significant expense that needs to be taken into account when purchasing. Difficulty of diagnosis also plays a role: not every service will undertake the repair of a CVT or complex Nissan electronics.
How much does the service cost per year?
With smooth operation and timely replacement of consumables, annual costs for maintenance and insurance can range from 80,000 to 120,000 rubles. If the variator or rack breaks down, the amount can increase significantly.
Comparison with competitors
On the secondary market Nissan Murano The Z52 competes with models such as Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Compared to the Koreans, Nissan wins in comfort and design, but loses in reliability and maintenance costs. Korean crossovers are easier to repair and cheaper to maintain.
Mazda CX-9 with its classic automatic transmission and sportier handling, it looks more attractive for those who like to drive. However, the Mazda is less comfortable on bad roads and has less rear space. Balance of characteristics Nissan is different: this is a car for those who value smoothness and silence, rather than sporty dynamics.
| Parameter | Nissan Murano Z52 | Mazda CX-9 (generation 2) | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gearbox type | CVT | Automatic 6AT | Automatic 6AT/8AT |
| Engine | 3.5 l (249 hp) | 2.5 l (192-231 hp) | 2.4/3.3 l (170-249 hp) |
| Suspension comfort | High | Medium | High |
| Maintenance cost | High | Average | Low |
When compared with its European counterparts, Nissan loses in handling and steering precision. But in the “comfort” class it still holds up well, offering maximum options for its money. Price segment allows you to find copies with high mileage, but in good condition, if you are lucky with the owner.
Despite high maintenance costs, the Nissan Murano Z52 remains one of the most stylish and comfortable crossovers in its class, if you can find one with a working CVT.
Tips for choosing when purchasing
When choosing Nissan Murano For a Z52 on the aftermarket, the key is to take your time. Check your service history carefully. The ideal option is a car with a full set of documents, which shows that the oil in the variator was changed every 40-50 thousand kilometers. Service history - this is a guarantee that the previous owner did not “kill” the transmission.
Be sure to run computer diagnostics. It will show errors in control units that may be hidden from the eyes of an ordinary technician. Pay special attention to error codes related to the pressure in the variator and the operation of the steering rack. Don't hesitate to ask the seller to drive it over rough roads to hear the knocking noises.
Inspect the body for signs of major repairs. If the car was in an accident, the geometry of the body could be disrupted, which would lead to rapid wear of the suspension and problems with handling. Interior condition It also tells a lot about the mileage: a worn steering wheel or pedals may indicate crooked odometer numbers.
Before purchasing, be sure to order an independent examination of the variator from specialized specialists. The cost of diagnostics will pay off if it reveals hidden defects.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid buying a Murano Z52 with more than 150,000 km mileage without a complete CVT overhaul and steering rack replacement unless you have experience repairing these components.
Don't go for the most expensive options unless you plan to use all the features. The navigation system and premium audio may be faulty and cost half the price of the car to repair. It is better to choose a car with lower mileage, but in an average configuration.
What to do if the variator starts to “kick”?
If you notice jerking or kicking when shifting, stop using the vehicle immediately. Driving with a faulty variator can lead to its complete failure, the repair of which is comparable to the cost of the car.
Final summary
Nissan Murano The Z52 is a car for lovers of comfort and style who are willing to put up with certain risks. It is not suitable for those who are looking for a budget and indestructible option. This is a choice for those who understand the complexity of the design and are willing to invest in regular and high-quality maintenance.
If you find one with a neat history, this crossover will give you a lot of positive emotions. The smooth ride, quietness in the cabin and appearance are worth it. However responsibility for choice lies solely with the buyer. Careful due diligence before a transaction is the only way to avoid major financial losses in the future.
Ultimately, the Murano Z52 remains a unique offering on the market. It cannot be called ideal, but it definitely stands out against the background of the gray mass of crossovers of the same type. Your choice should depend on your priorities: style and comfort or low cost of ownership and ease of repair.
What is the real resource of the variator on the Nissan Murano Z52?
With strict adherence to the oil change schedule every 40-50 thousand km and a calm driving style, the resource of the variator can be 200-250 thousand kilometers. If maintenance is ignored, the resource is reduced to 80-100 thousand km.
How reliable is the 3.5L V6 engine?
The VQ35DE engine is considered one of the most reliable Nissan units. When using high-quality oils and timely replacement of spark plugs, it can easily cover 300-400 thousand kilometers without major repairs. The main problems are related to oil consumption at high mileage due to wear of the valve stem seals.
Is it worth buying a Murano Z52 with all-wheel drive for winter?
The All-Wheel Drive system is effective on snow and ice, but this is no off-road vehicle. For winter, good winter tires are sufficient. All-wheel drive helps get the car moving and stabilizes it, but does not allow you to drive off-road or in deep snow without the risk of getting stuck.
What are the main disadvantages of the Nissan Murano interior?
The main complaints about the interior concern ergonomics: complex climate buttons, inconvenient multimedia placement, and too soft front seats that quickly tire during active driving. There is also a problem with the windshield fogging up in winter if the ventilation system is faulty.