Crossover owners often seek a balance between comfort, dynamics and cost of ownership. Nissan Murano The third generation, released in 2013, was a real revolution in design, offering customers a futuristic exterior and a rich interior.
Many car enthusiasts view this car as an alternative to its more boring European competitors. However, behind the external gloss there is a set of technical nuances that every potential buyer needs to know about.
In this article we will look at real reviews owners, technical features and typical problems that owners of this model face after several years of operation.
Interior design and ergonomics: first impression
Unique appearance Nissan Murano 2013 immediately makes it stand out on the stream. The designers abandoned the usual straight lines, creating an aggressive silhouette with a high line of windows and a characteristic radiator grille.
The interior of the car deserves special attention due to the use of high-quality materials. Soft plastic, pleasant leather on the steering wheel and seats create an atmosphere of premium, typical of more expensive segments.
Ergonomics are designed so that the driver feels confident behind the wheel. The instrument panel is equipped with large indicators, and the multimedia system is intuitive, despite the abundance of buttons.
You need to pay attention to visibility: Large windows provide excellent visibility, but wide pillars can create blind spots when maneuvering.
Engines and technical part: reliability and dynamics
Under the hood of the crossover lies a naturally aspirated gasoline engine. VQ35DE volume 3.5 liters. This motor is one of the most successful developments of the concern, known for its endurance with proper maintenance.
The power of the unit is 249 horsepower, which provides decent acceleration dynamics for a heavy SUV. The CVVT variable valve timing system helps the engine operate efficiently at both low and high speeds.
However, the life of the engine directly depends on the quality of the oil and the regularity of its replacement. Ignoring maintenance regulations can lead to rapid wear of the hydraulic compensators and timing chain.
It is critical to monitor the condition of the cooling system, as overheating can lead to deformation of the cylinder head, which is an expensive repair.
Transmission and chassis: operating features
Paired with the engine is a continuously variable transmission Xtronic (CVT). This gearbox provides smooth operation, but requires careful handling and the use of only specialized fluids.
All-wheel drive is implemented through a clutch that connects the rear axle when the front wheels slip. This is enough for confident driving on snow or dirt roads, but not for serious off-road use.
The crossover's suspension is tuned for comfort: it absorbs bumps well, but at high speeds in corners, body roll can be observed. The steering has light effort, which is convenient in city traffic.
It is necessary to regularly check the condition of the silent blocks of the arms and stabilizer struts, as they are subject to wear when used on bad roads.
Typical faults and weaknesses
Despite the overall reliability, Nissan Murano The 2013 model has a number of known problems that owners report in their reviews. Knowing these nuances will help you avoid unexpected repair costs.
One of the common problems is the failure of oxygen sensors, which leads to increased fuel consumption and errors on the dashboard. Owners also complain about leaks in the cooling system radiator.
- ⚠️ A cooling radiator leak can lead to overheating and serious consequences for the engine.
- ⚠️ Worn engine mount often causes vibration at idle.
- ⚠️ Tire pressure sensors may fail due to contact oxidation.
In the air conditioning system, freon sometimes leaks through poor-quality sealing rings. This requires regular checking of the circuit for tightness.
Electrical problems can manifest themselves in the operation of power windows or door locks, which is associated with wear and tear on the wiring in the corrugation.
It is also worth mentioning the possible sticking of piston rings at high mileage if the wrong oil was used.
Important to rememberthat timely diagnosis allows us to identify these problems at an early stage and prevent their development.
- Engine reliability
- Interior comfort
- Maintenance cost
- Design and appearance
Fuel consumption and efficiency
Many buyers are interested in real fuel consumption, since the 3.5-liter engine capacity is cause for concern. In the city Nissan Murano consumes from 14 to 16 liters per 100 kilometers.
When driving quietly on the highway, consumption drops to 9-10 liters, which is a good indicator for a car of this weight and class. However, aggressive driving style can increase the figure to 18 liters.
The owners note that the acceleration dynamics are worth the money spent, but in dense city traffic it is almost impossible to save fuel.
The use of high-quality AI-95 gasoline is mandatory to preserve the life of the engine and fuel system.
Comparison table of characteristics
For a visual comparison of technical parameters, below is a table of the main characteristics of the model.
| Parameter | Meaning | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5 L V6 | Atmospheric, 249 hp |
| Transmission | CVT Xtronic | CVT, all-wheel drive |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 7.9 sec | Good dynamics |
| Trunk volume | 454 l | Possibility of increase |
⚠️ Attention: The CVT does not like extreme loads and towing heavy trailers without additional cooling.
☑️ Preparation for purchase
Maintenance Recommendations
To ensure that you enjoy your car for many years, you must strictly follow the maintenance schedule. The engine oil should be changed every 7-8 thousand kilometers, and not every 15 thousand, as indicated in the official instructions.
The oil in the variator requires replacement every 40-50 thousand kilometers. This is critical to extending the life of the gearbox, as it is very sensitive to the quality of the working fluid.
Use only original spare parts or high-quality time-tested analogues. Saving on consumables can result in serious breakdowns in the future.
Regularly check the condition of timing belts and chains, as well as the functionality of the cooling system.
What to do if the Check Engine light comes on?
If your check engine light comes on, don't panic. First check if there are any problems with the quality of the fuel. If the problem cannot be solved, it is necessary to conduct computer diagnostics, which will show an error code. It is not recommended to reset the error yourself, as this may hide the real problem.
Don't forget to check the brake system: pads and discs require replacement when they reach their wear limit.
Owners also recommend checking the condition of CV joint boots and suspension silent blocks at every maintenance.
Before a long trip, be sure to check the tire pressure and the condition of the spare wheel to avoid troubles along the way.
Ownership results
Nissan Murano 2013 is an excellent choice for those who value comfort, style and dynamics. The car offers a rich package and a high level of equipment, superior to many competitors.
However, a potential buyer should be prepared for high fuel costs and the need for quality transmission maintenance. Low liquidity in the secondary market can become an obstacle to the subsequent sale of the car.
With a competent approach to operation, this crossover can serve for many years without serious problems, delighting its owners with a smooth ride and unique design.
If you are ready to pay attention to the technical condition and spare no expense on quality service, Nissan Murano will be an excellent companion on the roads.
The 2013 Murano's main advantage is its combination of premium comfort and dynamic driving, but the cost of ownership is above average due to fuel consumption and the specifics of CVT maintenance.
Frequently asked questions from owners
What is the service life of the VQ35DE engine on this car?
With timely oil changes and the use of high-quality consumables, the engine life can reach 300-400 thousand kilometers without major repairs.
Is the Xtronic CVT reliable in the 2013 Nissan Murano?
The variator is reliable provided that the oil is changed regularly every 40-50 thousand kilometers and there are no extreme loads. Ignoring maintenance will dramatically shorten its lifespan.
Is it possible to use a car for trips to the country?
Yes, all-wheel drive and ground clearance allow you to confidently move on dirt roads, but the car is not designed for serious off-road conditions and deep fords.
What is the real fuel consumption in the city?
In the urban cycle with active driving, consumption is 14-16 liters, in traffic jams it can reach 18 liters. On the highway at a speed of 90 km/h the consumption is about 9-10 liters.