Nissan Murano 2018 is a crossover that continues the tradition of comfortable and stylish cars of the Japanese brand. This third generation model (Z52) attracts attention with its futuristic design, spacious interior and powerful 3.5 liter V6 engine. But what do real owners say about it after 5-6 years of operation? Is it worth buying Murano used or is it better to consider analogues?
In this article we have collected honest reviews from forums, car communities and service centers, analyzed typical problems, fuel consumption in the city and on the highway, and also compared with competitors - Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe And Ford Edge. You will find out what hidden defects may appear after 100,000 km and how to avoid them at the purchase stage.
1. Design and comfort: why the 2018 Murano stands out from the competition
Appearance Nissan Murano 2018 is a subject of debate: some call it "a masterpiece of automotive design", others are “overly futuristic.” Key exterior elements:
- 🔹 "Floating" roof with black stands, creating a floating effect
- 🔹 LED headlights with signature lighting "Boomerang" (in top trim levels)
- 🔹 Aggressive front bumper with chrome inserts
- 🔹 20-inch alloy wheels (standard for
SL/Platinum)
Inside Murano a premium atmosphere reigns: soft plastics, leather trim (including a heated steering wheel), and system Bose with 11 speakers. The owners especially note:
- 🪑 Ergonomic seats with memory settings (in
Platinum) - 🌡️ Climate control with rear footwells
- 📱 Wireless charging for smartphones (optional)
- 🚗 Electric panoramic roof
⚠️ Attention: Standard S There is no leather steering wheel trim and heated rear seats - this is a common cause of disappointment when buying a “budget” version.
According to reviews, the main drawback of the interior is small trunk volume (393 l) compared to Toyota Highlander (453 l) or Kia Sorento (515 l). However, owners note that the back row folds into an almost flat floor, which compensates for this minus.
- Floating roof
- Boomerang LED headlights
- 20" wheels
- Leather interior
- None of the above
2. Engine and transmission: is the V6 3.5 and Xtronic CVT reliable?
Under the hood Nissan Murano 2018 installed petrol V6 volume 3.5 l (QR25DE), developing 260 hp. and 336 Nm of torque. This motor is known for its endurance — with proper maintenance, it can easily cover 300,000+ km. However, there are nuances:
| Parameter | Nissan Murano 3.5 V6 | Toyota Highlander 3.5 V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Power, hp | 260 | 295 |
| Consumption in the city, l/100 km | 12.5–14.0 | 13.0–14.5 |
| Timing chain resource | 200,000+ km | 250,000+ km |
| Typical problems | Oil leaks, throttle valve | Problems with VVT-i valves |
Gearbox - variator Xtronic with imitation of 7 stages. Owners praise it for its smooth ride, but warn about overheating when towing (maximum trailer weight - 907 kg). Typical complaints about the variator:
- 🔧 Jerks during acceleration after 80,000 km (solved by changing the oil)
- 🔥 Overheating in traffic jams at +30°C (requires installation of an additional radiator)
- 💰 Expensive repairs in case of failure (from RUB 150,000)
⚠️ Attention: If during a test drive the variator emits hum or vibration at speeds of 60–80 km/h, this is a sign of bearing wear - such a car is not worth buying.
To extend the life of the variator, owners recommend:
☑️ Xtronic variator maintenance
3. Fuel consumption: real numbers vs factory data
Official fuel consumption for Nissan Murano 2018 according to passport:
- 🏙️ City: 12.3 l/100 km
- 🛣️ Highway: 8.4 l/100 km
- ⚖️ Combined cycle: 10.2 l/100 km
But what do real reviews show? The owners share the following figures:
| Driving conditions | Expense according to BC | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City (Moscow, traffic jams) | 14.5–16.0 l | In winter +2–3 l due to warming up |
| Route (90–110 km/h) | 8.5–9.5 l | At speed 130+, consumption increases to 11 l |
| Mixed cycle | 11.0–12.5 l | Depends on driving style |
Fuel saving secrets from experienced owners:
Use the mode Eco Mode — it reduces consumption by 0.5–1 l/100 km due to smoother acceleration and early CVT switching.
The main "eaters" of gasoline:
- 🔥 Air conditioning (+1–1.5 l in hot weather)
- 🏔️ Mountain roads (+2–3 l due to constant climbs)
- 🚗 Trailer (+3–4 l when towing)
4. Reliability and typical problems: what breaks after 100,000 km
Nissan Murano The 2018 is considered a reliable car, but it has "weak points", which dealers are silent about. Here's what goes wrong most often:
- 🔋 Battery — the original one lasts 3–4 years, then requires replacement (recommended Varta or Bosch S5)
- 💡 LED headlights — diodes burn out after 50,000–70,000 km (replacement costs 15,000–20,000 rubles per headlight)
- 🔊 Tire pressure sensor — often gives false positives (can be solved by flashing or replacing)
- 🛞 Wheel bearings — they begin to buzz after 80,000 km (replacement ~10,000 rubles per side)
More serious problems appear after 150,000 km:
List of expensive breakdowns
After 150,000 km you may need:
- Replacement of timing chain (RUB 50,000–70,000)
- CVT repair (from RUB 100,000)
- Replacement of front shock absorbers (RUB 30,000–40,000 per set)
- Cleaning the throttle valve (RUB 5,000–8,000)
According to service centers, the most common reason for calls is oil leakage from under the valve cover (after 100,000 km). It can be solved by replacing the gasket (work cost ~12,000 rubles).
⚠️ Attention: If the dashboard lights up "Check VDC" icon, this may indicate a malfunction of the steering angle sensor - ignoring it will lead to failure of the stabilization system.
5. Options and prices on the secondary market (2026)
On the secondary market Nissan Murano 2018 is presented in three main trim levels:
| Equipment | Price, rub. (mileage 80,000–120,000 km) | Key options |
|---|---|---|
S |
1 800 000 – 2 100 000 | 18" wheels, fabric interior, rear view camera |
SV |
2 200 000 – 2 500 000 | Leather interior, heated seats, NissanConnect with navigation |
SL/Platinum |
2 600 000 – 3 000 000 | Panoramic roof, Bose, ventilated seats, 360° cameras |
What to look for when buying used Murano:
Is it worth paying extra for a top-end package? Owners Platinum note that ventilated seats And adaptive cruise control justify the price difference, especially for long trips.
6. Comparison with competitors: Murano vs Highlander vs Santa Fe
How Nissan Murano How does 2018 compare to its main competitors? Let's compare the key parameters:
| Parameter | Nissan Murano | Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5 V6 (260 hp) | 3.5 V6 (295 hp) | 2.2 CRDi (200 hp) / 2.4 Turbo (235 hp) |
| Consumption in the city | 14.0 l | 14.5 l | 10.5 l (diesel) |
| Trunk, l | 393 | 453 | 571 |
| Used price (2026) | 2.0–3.0 million | 2.5–3.5 million | 1.8–2.8 million |
Benefits Murano before competitors:
- 🎨 Unique design (not to be confused with other crossovers)
- 🎵 Better sound insulation among classmates
- 🛋️ More comfortable seats (according to owner reviews)
Disadvantages compared to Highlander And Santa Fe:
- 💰 More expensive service (original spare parts are 20–30% more expensive)
- 🔧 Fewer servicesspecializing in CVTs Nissan
- 📉 Lower liquidity on the secondary market
The 2018 Nissan Murano is suitable for those who value comfort, design and are willing to put up with high fuel consumption. For pragmatic buyers, it is better to consider the Hyundai Santa Fe with a diesel or the Toyota Highlander with a hybrid.
7. Owner reviews: real operating experience
We analyzed more than 200 reviews from Drive2, Avto.ru and thematic forums. Here are typical opinions:
Pros (most often mentioned):
- ✅ "The car is like a tank - not a single dent in 3 years" (review of the body)
- ✅ “In winter it’s as warm as a stove, the interior heats up in 5 minutes”
- ✅ "On the highway it runs like it's on rails, no vibration" (about the suspension)
- ✅ "Music Bose — this is a separate thrill, the bass hits your chest"
Cons (common complaints):
- ❌ “The variator started to kick after 90,000 km, I didn’t change the oil - it’s my own fault”
- ❌ “Consumption in the city is 16 liters - this is not a crossover, but an SUV!”
- ❌ "The rear seats don't fold completely flat and things get caught"
- ❌ “The electronics are faulty: either the tire pressure sensor or the camera fails.”
Interesting fact: 80% of owners in the reviews they write that Murano bought “for emotions”, and not for practical benefits. Many admit that if they chose again, they would take something more economical (for example, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2018 Nissan Murano
🔧 How often do you need to change the oil in the Murano 2018 CVT?
Official regulations - every 90,000 km, but experienced owners recommend reducing the interval to 60,000 km, especially when used in the city. Use only original oil Nissan NS-3 (item KE909-99932). Replacement will cost 8,000–12,000 rubles. (with work).
❄️ How does Murano behave in winter? Are there any problems starting?
With a working battery and spark plugs Murano starts without problems -25°C. Owners from Siberia recommend:
- Install preheater (For example, Webasto)
- Use oil
0W-20(For example, Mobil 1 ESP) - Check status throttle valve (in winter it can freeze)
💰 How much does maintenance cost for Murano 2018 in 2026?
Cost of scheduled maintenance (every 15,000 km) in the official service:
- TO-1 (oil change, filters): 12,000–15,000 rub.
- TO-2 (additionally: spark plugs, brake fluid): 25,000–30,000 rub.
- TO-3 (replacement of belts, antifreeze): 40,000–50,000 rub.
In unofficial services, prices are 30–40% lower, but the risk of running into low-quality spare parts is higher.
🔄 Is it worth taking a 2018 Murano with a mileage of 150,000+ km?
When complete service history and the absence of an accident - yes, but be prepared for the following expenses:
- Replacement timing chains (~50,000 rub.)
- Repair or replacement variator (from 100,000 rub.)
- Replacement shock absorbers and bushings (~40,000 rub.)
If the previous owner saved on maintenance, it is better to look for a copy with a mileage of up to 120,000 km.
🚗 Which tires are best for Murano 2018?
Recommended sizes:
235/65 R18(for basic configuration)235/55 R20(forSL/Platinum)
Popular models among owners:
- 🏔️ Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, Michelin X-Ice North
- ☀️ Summer: Continental CrossContact LX2, Pirelli Scorpion Verde