Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2026): a complete guide to the used crossover

Nissan Murano Z51 - the third generation of the iconic crossover, which debuted in 2014 and was produced until 2026. This model was the last in the line Murano, as the brand decided to focus on electric vehicles and compact SUVs. The Z51 retained its signature style with smooth body lines and a premium interior, but received a completely updated platform, a hybrid version and advanced driver assistance systems.

On the Russian market Murano Z51 officially sold until 2022, but still remains in demand on the secondary market. Its main advantages are a spacious interior, comfortable suspension and reliable 3.5 liter V6 (260 hp), which is paired with a CVT Xtronic. However, the model also has weaknesses: expensive maintenance, sensitivity of electronics to fuel quality and typical “diseases” of the variator after 150,000 km. In this guide, we'll look at everything you need to know before buying. Murano Z51 - from technical nuances to advice on choosing a used copy.

Technical characteristics of Nissan Murano Z51: engines, transmission, suspension

Under the hood Murano Z51 two types of power units were installed: classic gasoline V6 3.5 and a hybrid system based 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine (only for some markets, e.g. Japan). In Russia, only the gasoline version was officially supplied. Let's look at it in more detail:

• 🔧 Engine: VQ35DD (3.5 l, V6, 24 valves) with system Direct Injection and phase shifters. Power - 260 hp at 6000 rpm, torque - 336 Nm at 4400 rpm.
• ⚙️ Transmission: variator Jatco JF017E (marketing name Xtronic) with manual mode and 7-step simulation. Four-wheel drive All-Mode 4x4-i with a clutch in the rear gearbox.
• 🛣️ Suspension: front - MacPherson with aluminum levers, multi-link at the rear. Adaptive shock absorbers (optional for top trim levels).
• 🔋 Hybrid: in some markets a version with 2.5 liter engine (150 hp) + electric motor (50 hp), total power - 200 hp. Battery Li-ion by 1.4 kWh.

CVT Xtronic paired with VQ35DD provides smooth acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer). However, real tests show times closer to 8.0–8.3 s, especially on used cars. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle - 9.8–11.5 l/100 km, but in the city it can reach up to 14–16 l/100 km with an aggressive driving style.

Parameter	Gasoline 3.5 V6	Hybrid 2.5 (for Japan)
Power, hp	260	200 (total)
Torque, Nm	336	258
Consumption (city), l/100 km	14–16	6.5–7.5
Transmission	CVT Xtronic	CVT + e-CVT
Drive	Full (All-Mode 4x4-i)	Full/Front

Important: the JF017E variator is sensitive to overheating - when towing or long-term driving at high speeds (over 140 km/h), forced cooling is required. Otherwise, the transmission resource is reduced by 30–40%.

Options and equipment: what the Nissan Murano Z51 offered in Russia

On the Russian market Murano Z51 officially sold in three trim levels: SE, SL And Platinum. Basic version SE already included rich equipment, and the top-end Platinum was approaching the premium segment. Let's look at the key differences:

• 🚗 SE (basic): LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rear view camera, system NissanConnect with 8-inch screen.
• 💎 SL (medium): + panoramic roof, heated/ventilated leather seats, adaptive cruise control, system Around View Monitor (all-round view), audio system Bose (11 speakers).
• 👑 Platinum (top): + 20-inch wheels, adaptive shock absorbers, heated steering wheel, system Predictive Forward Collision Warning (prediction of accidents), leather trim on the dashboard.

Options for all versions were offered: adaptive headlights (rotary), traffic sign recognition system And Keyless entry with push button engine start. An interesting feature is the Platinum The driver and front passenger seats had a function Zero Gravity (anatomical shape to reduce fatigue).

⚠️ Attention: In complete sets SE And SL before the 2018 release there is a problem with touch screen - it may freeze or stop responding to touches. This is due to a faulty media controller. Repair costs 25 000–40 000 ₽.

Cost of a new one Murano Z51 in Russia at the time of discontinuation (2022) started from 3.2 million ₽ for SE and reached 4.1 million ₽ for Platinum. Now on the secondary market prices vary:

• 2015–2017, mileage 80–120 thousand km — 1.8–2.3 million ₽;
• 2018–2020, mileage 50–80 thousand km — 2.3–2.8 million ₽;
• 2021–2022, mileage up to 30 thousand km - 2.9–3.5 million ₽.

Typical problems and “diseases” of the Nissan Murano Z51: what to look for

Despite the premium positioning, Murano Z51 has a number of “childhood diseases” that appear after 100,000–150,000 km. The main problems are related to the variator, engine and electronics. Let's look at them in detail:

1. CVT Xtronic (JF017E)

The most vulnerable node in Murano Z51. Typical symptoms of malfunctions:

• 🔄 Jerks during acceleration (especially when “cold”) - indicates wear on the belt or solenoids.
• 🛑 Switching delay (1-2 seconds) - problem with the valve body or software.
• 🔥 Overheating (burning smell, error P0776) - requires replacing the oil and radiator.

The service life of the variator with careful operation is 180,000–220,000 km. However, if you ignore the oil change regulations (every 60,000 km) or towing trailers (maximum weight - 900 kg!) he can “die” already by 120,000 km. Cost of major repairs - 150 000–250 000 ₽.

2. Engine VQ35DD

The petrol V6 is considered reliable, but has weaknesses:

• 🔥 Problems with the direct injection system — clogged injectors (symptom: tripping at idle). Cleaning costs 15 000–20 000 ₽.
• 🛢️ Oil leak through the valve cover or camshaft seals (after 150,000 km).
• 🔋 Failure of ignition coils (resource - 80,000–100,000 km, price of one - 5 000–7 000 ₽).

3. Electronics and interior

Frequent complaints from owners:

• 📱 Multimedia glitches (NissanConnect) — freeze, loss of connection with Bluetooth.
• 🔊 Speaker crunch Bose - membrane defect (solved by replacing the columns, price - 8 000–12 000 ₽ per pair).
• 🚪 Plastic creaks in the cabin (especially in the area of the dashboard and central tunnel).

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Murano Z51 with mileage be sure to check the service history of the variator. If the oil has not been changed every 60,000 km, refuse the deal - repairing the transmission will cost more than the savings on the purchase.

Checking the oil in the variator (should be transparent, without a burning smell)

Test drive with sharp acceleration (there should be no jerking)

Error diagnosis via OBD-II (especially codes P0776, P0841)

Inspection of the interior for squeaks and operability of electronics

Checking the maintenance history (especially oil changes in the variator) -->

Owner reviews: pros and cons of the Nissan Murano Z51

Reviews on forums and social networks about Murano Z51 polar: some praise it for its comfort and dynamics, others criticize it for the high cost of maintenance. After analyzing more than 200 reviews (including Drive2, Drom.ru and foreign resources), we have highlighted the key pros and cons:

Pros

• ✅ Comfortable suspension — even on 20-inch wheels, the crossover “swallows” potholes.
• ✅ Spacious salon — distance between rows of seats 950 mm (more than Toyota Highlander).
• ✅ Reliable engine — VQ35DD with proper maintenance it works 300,000+ km.
• ✅ Good sound insulation — at a speed of 120 km/h the cabin is quieter than Mazda CX-9.

Cons

• ❌ Expensive maintenance — changing the oil in the variator costs 12 000–15 000 ₽ (with filters).
• ❌ High fuel consumption — easy to get out in the city 15–16 l/100 km.
• ❌ Weak electronics - frequent glitches NissanConnect and parking sensors.
• ❌ Expensive spare parts - for example, the front bumper is 80 000–100 000 ₽.

Fun fact: the owners Murano Z51 in the USA and Japan they note that the hybrid version is much more reliable than the gasoline version - the CVT there lasts longer due to a less loaded operating mode. Unfortunately, this modification was not officially sold in Russia.

Real reviews from owners

“I bought a 2017 Murano with a mileage of 60 thousand km. In two years I invested 200 thousand rubles in maintenance (variator, coils, injectors). The car is cool, but it eats money like a dragon.” (Drive2, Moscow)

“I drive a 2019 Platinum - no problems, I just change the oil every 7 thousand km. The variator is like new, consumption is 12 liters in the city.” (Drom.ru, St. Petersburg)

"After 150 thousand km, the screen began to glitch - sometimes it goes out for 5-10 seconds. The dealer said that the multimedia control unit needed to be replaced (100 thousand rubles!). I decided to sell it." (Nissan-Club Forum)

Comparison with competitors: Murano Z51 vs Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Santa Fe

Nissan Murano Z51 competes with crossovers Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe And Ford Edge. Let's look at the key differences in the main parameters:

Parameter	Nissan Murano Z51	Toyota Highlander (XU60)	Hyundai Santa Fe (TM)
Engine	3.5 V6 (260 hp)	3.5 V6 (299 hp)	2.5 Turbo (281 hp)
Transmission	CVT	8-automatic	8-automatic
Consumption (city), l/100 km	14–16	13–15	12–14
Used price (2018, 80 thousand km)	2.3–2.6 million RUB	2.8–3.2 million ₽	2.0–2.4 million ₽
Warranty for variator (Russia)	100,000 km	— (automatic transmission)	— (automatic transmission)

Conclusions:

• Murano Z51 loses Highlander in the dynamics and reliability of the transmission, but wins in price and suspension comfort.
• Santa Fe cheaper to maintain, but inferior in premium interior and sound insulation.
• If the priority is reliability, it's better to choose Toyota. If more important comfort and design — Murano.

💡

When choosing between Murano and Highlander, check the CVT/automatic transmission history. Toyota's automatic machine lasts longer, but also costs more to repair (original spare parts).

How to choose a used Nissan Murano Z51: step-by-step instructions

Purchase Murano Z51 on the secondary market requires care. Follow this algorithm to avoid problems:

1. Document verification:
   • 📄 Make sure that the car is not in collateral (check via traffic police or Autocode).
   • 🔍 Check the ownership history - if more than 3 owners have changed in 2 years, this is an alarming sign.
2. Mileage Features:

   Optimal mileage for purchase - 60,000–100,000 km. Cars with more mileage 150,000 km require investment in a CVT and suspension. The exception is units with a full maintenance history from an official dealer.

3. Diagnostics:
   • 🔧 CVT: the oil should be light, without metal shavings. Check for errors (P0776, P0841).
   • 🔋 Battery: in Murano Z51 The battery often runs out due to the large number of electronics. Optimal choice - Varta E44 or Bosch S5.
   • 🎵 Audio system: turn on the music at maximum volume - the speakers crunch Bose indicates the need to replace them.
4. Test drive:

   Please note:

   • 🚦 Smooth acceleration (jerking = problems with the variator).
   • 🛣️ Stability at speeds of 100+ km/h (steering wheel beating = wheel imbalance or wheel bearing wear).
   • 🔊 Extraneous sounds when turning the steering wheel (creaking = wear on the steering rack).

Average cost of ownership Murano Z51 (per 100,000 km):

• 🛢️ Fuel: 130 000–150 000 ₽ (at a gasoline price of 50 ₽/l).
• 🔧TO: 80 000–100 000 ₽ (including changing the oil in the variator).
• 🛡️ Insurance (CASCO): 50,000–70,000 ₽/year.

⚠️ Attention: Don't buy Murano Z51 with mileage over 180,000 km, if the variator has not undergone a major overhaul. The risk of transmission failure in this case exceeds 70%.

Tuning and improvements: what can be improved in the Murano Z51

Nissan Murano Z51 does not apply to tuning cars, but some owners modify it to improve appearance or dynamics. Let's consider popular modifications:

1. External tuning

• 🎨 Vinyl wrap - matte or chameleon colors are popular (cost - from 50 000 ₽).
• 🔥 Sport kit - front splitter and rear diffuser (for example, from Liberty Walk, price - 80 000–120 000 ₽).
• 💡 LED optics - replacing standard headlights with Morimoto or Spec-D (from 30 000 ₽ per pair).

2. Technical tuning

• 🏁 Chip tuning - ECU firmware to increase power up to 280–290 hp (cost - 25 000–35 000 ₽).
• 🛡️ Crankcase protection - relevant for off-road (price - 15 000–20 000 ₽).
• 🎵 Audio system - replacement of standard Bose on Focal or Hertz (from 100 000 ₽).

3. Practical improvements

• 🔌 Wireless charging for smartphone (installation - 5 000–8 000 ₽).
• 📱 Android Auto / Apple CarPlay - if they are not in the standard system (module - 15 000–20 000 ₽).
• 🚗 Parking sensors 360° - if they are not included in the package (set - 25 000–35 000 ₽).

The most popular modification is installation of variator protection (additional cooling radiator). This increases the transmission resource by 30–50% and costs about 20 000 ₽.

What not to do with the Murano Z51

🚫 Install a lift kit (impairs handling and loads the variator).

🚫 Install wheels larger than 20 inches (increases fuel consumption and suspension wear).

🚫 Chip the engine without upgrading the cooling system (risk of overheating).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z51

❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Murano Z51?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Maximum trailer weight - 900 kg (without brakes) or 1,500 kg (with brakes).
• Be sure to install additional variator cooling radiator.
• The speed when towing should not exceed 90 km/h.

Ignoring these rules leads to overheating of the variator and its premature wear.

❓ What is the service life of the VQ35DD engine?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 10,000 km, original filters) the engine runs 350,000–400,000 km. Main conditions for durability:

• Use of oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP or Nissan Original Oil).
• Regular cleaning of injectors (every 60,000–80,000 km).
• Avoiding overheating (controlling antifreeze levels).

❓ What kind of oil should I pour into the Murano Z51 variator?

Manufacturer recommends Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Alternatives:

• Idemitsu CVTF (Japan)
• Ravenol CVT Fluid (Germany)

Volume for a complete replacement - 9.5 l. Partial replacement (3–4 liters) is allowed, but does not solve the problem of solenoids wear.

❓ Why is Murano Z51 so expensive to maintain?

Main expense items:

• 🛢️ Oil in the variator — 1,200 ₽/l (need 9.5 l).
• 🔧 Filters — original ones cost 2–3 times more than analogues (for example, a variator filter Nissan 31726-35X00