Nissan Murano III: An icon of style and comfort in the world of crossovers

When it comes to crossovers that stand out from the crowd, Nissan Murano The third generation (Z52 body) occupies a special place. This car was created not just to move from point A to point B, but to evoke emotions at first sight and a feeling of premium comfort during the trip. The company's designers took a bold step, abandoning classic angular shapes in favor of smooth lines reminiscent of flowing water or a precious stone.

You may be interested in how exactly the engineers managed to combine an aggressive appearance with incredible interior comfort. The answer lies in the careful attention to every detail of the interior and the use of advanced suspension technologies. Owners often note that adaptive suspension and sound insulation make this car an ideal companion for long trips on any road.

Today we will look at all the key aspects of owning this model, from the power plant to the hidden features of the multimedia system. If you're planning a purchase or already own one, you'll find it helpful to learn about real-life maintenance costs and common problems encountered.

Exterior and design philosophy of the Z52

Design concept Fluid Sculpture 2.0 completely transformed her appearance Nissan Murano. Instead of the usual brutality, we see an elegant silhouette with a sloping roof and characteristic windows tapering towards the rear. This solution not only improves aerodynamics, but also gives the car a sporty, almost coupe-like appearance that is rarely found in the large crossover class.

The front part of the body is dominated by the signature V-motion radiator grille, which in this generation has become even more massive and expressive. The headlights are equipped with LED modules, providing excellent visibility at night. Please note lensed optics, which is not only functional, but also serves as an important element of visual identification of the model on the road.

The rear of the car also deserves attention thanks to its striking lights that visually expand the body. The use of chrome in the design of bumpers and window frames emphasizes the status of the car. However

Interior and comfort level

Salon Nissan Murano The third generation is often called a “first class cabin” due to the use of high-quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics. Zero Gravity chairs, developed jointly with NASA, provide maximum relief of the spine and back muscles, which is critical for long trips. Suede trim the ceiling and soft leather on the dashboard create an atmosphere of a real premium segment.

The instrument panel is made in the form of a wide console that combines the multimedia system screen and ventilation deflectors. This solution allowed us to create a minimalistic and modern design, devoid of visual noise. The driver has access to all the necessary settings through an intuitive interface that does not require lengthy learning.

Rear seat space is spacious enough for average height passengers, but the sloping roof may limit headroom for tall people. However, the presence of a panoramic roof greatly enhances the feeling of freedom and fills the interior with natural light. Climate control in the rear compartment works efficiently, providing comfort even in hot weather.

⚠️ Attention: Seat upholstery made of genuine leather requires regular care with special products, since light colors quickly show dirt from denim or dark clothing.

Technical characteristics and dynamics

Under the hood Nissan Murano one of the most reliable engines in the class is installed - a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated petrol unit of the VQ35DE series. This one V-shaped six-cylinder engine produces 249 horsepower and is capable of accelerating a heavy crossover to hundreds in 8-9 seconds, which is an excellent indicator for such a weight.

The transmission is a continuously variable CVT, which is paired with an All-Wheel Drive all-wheel drive system. The Intelligent Torque Distribution system allows you to effectively control the vehicle on slippery surfaces by automatically redistributing power between the axles. Dynamic stabilization Helps maintain directional stability when cornering at high speed.

Fuel consumption for such a powerful unit is naturally not the lowest in its class, but it is quite acceptable for a car of this size. In a mixed cycle, consumption is about 10-11 liters, and in urban mode it can reach 14-15 liters. It's important to note that Nissan Murano requires the use of high-quality gasoline AI-95 and higher to preserve engine life.

Service features and typical problems

Despite the overall reliability, Nissan Murano has a number of specific maintenance requirements that must be taken into account during operation. The most vulnerable point is considered to be the variator, which requires regular oil changes every 40-50 thousand kilometers. Ignoring this procedure can result in overheating and costly transmission repairs.

The engine cooling system also deserves close attention. In some batches of cars, problems were observed with the thermostat or radiator, which led to overheating. Regularly checking the coolant level and the condition of the pipes will help avoid critical situations. Heat exchangers must be washed when traces of corrosion or scale appear.

The electrical part of the car, including the multimedia system and parking sensors, works stably, but sometimes software glitches can occur. In such cases, updating the software from an authorized dealer helps. It is also worth monitoring the condition battery, since the abundance of electronics creates a high load on it in winter.

• ✅ Change the oil in the variator strictly according to the regulations, without exceeding the intervals.
• ✅ Monitor the condition of spark plugs and coils, especially after 100,000 km.
• ✅ Check the operation of the interior ventilation system, as filters quickly become clogged in dusty conditions.

Safety and driver assistance systems

The designers paid great attention to passive and active safety Nissan Murano. The body is highly durable and equipped with many airbags, including side and curtain airbags, protecting all passengers. Thoughtful design body allows you to effectively dissipate impact energy in a collision.

Among the active safety systems, the Nissan Safety Shield complex stands out, including a surround-view camera, a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. These technologies significantly reduce the risk of accidents when maneuvering in a parking lot or changing lanes in heavy traffic. Driving assistant along the lane helps keep the car within specified boundaries, reducing driver fatigue.

However, it is worth remembering that no electronic assistants can replace the driver’s attentiveness and responsibility. Systems may fail in severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow or heavy rain, when sensors and cameras become dirty. Therefore, always keep your hands on the steering wheel and monitor the road conditions.

⚠️ Attention: All-round cameras require regular cleaning of the lenses from dirt and reagents, otherwise the image may become unclear and useless in a critical situation.

What to do if the Check Engine light comes on?

If your check engine light comes on, don't panic. First check the gas cap for tightness as this is a common cause. If the problem cannot be solved, contact a diagnostician to read the errors to avoid serious engine damage.

Real maintenance costs

Possession Nissan Murano requires a budget comparable to European mid-class crossovers. The cost of spare parts and consumables may be higher than average, especially when it comes to original body parts or optics. Spare parts in stock from official dealers, but delivery times for body parts can range from several weeks to months.

Fuel consumption is one of the main expense items. In a city with traffic jams, the owner can count on significant expenses at the gas station. However, thanks to the high torque, the engine does not require constant high speeds, which slightly smoothes out this negative factor during quiet driving.

This car also has an above-average insurance policy due to its cost and popularity among thefts in some areas. It is recommended to install reliable protection systems and undergo maintenance from trusted specialists in order to maintain the warranty or avoid hidden defects during repairs. Timely maintenance - the key to a long life of expensive units.

• 💰 Estimated fuel consumption in the city: 13-15 liters per 100 km.
• 💰 Average cost of scheduled maintenance at an official dealer: 15-20 thousand rubles.
• 💰 Cost of replacing a set of brake pads: 10-15 thousand rubles.

Comparison with competitors and final verdict

In the crossover market Nissan Murano competes with models such as Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Ford Edge. Unlike Japanese competitors, which often offer a more utilitarian approach and more third-row passenger space (if equipped), Murano focuses on the design and comfort of the second row. Exclusive style makes it stand out from its more conservative rivals.

The main selling point is the unique interior and premium feel that is hard to find in other cars in this price segment. However, if you want maximum practicality and off-road capability, it's worth considering other options with stiffer suspension and low-range gearing. Nissan Murano — This is a car for the city and good roads, and not for off-road use.

As a result, the purchase Nissan Murano third generation is a choice in favor of emotions and comfort. This is a car for those who value individuality and are not ready to put up with the dull design of the mass market. The only serious drawback may be the high cost of servicing the variator at high mileage if you do not follow the oil change schedule.

• 🏆 Pros: Unique design, excellent chairs, powerful dynamics.
• 📉 Cons: High fuel consumption, risk of problems with the variator if maintenance is ignored.
• 🎯 Verdict: An ideal choice for lovers of comfort and style who are ready for proper service.

What is the service life of the VQ35DE engine in a Nissan Murano?

With timely oil changes and the use of high-quality fuel, the service life of the VQ35DE engine can exceed 300,000 kilometers. However, it is important to monitor the condition of the timing chain and thermostat, as their wear can lead to serious problems.

Is winter mode necessary for all-wheel drive?

The Nissan All-Wheel Drive all-wheel drive system operates automatically and does not require manual mode switching. However, in deep snow or ice conditions, it is recommended to turn on the Snow mode (if equipped) or use winter tires for better performance.

Is it possible to use regular oil in a variator?

Absolutely not. The Nissan variator requires the use of special oil (Nissan NS-2 or NS-3), which has a unique composition of friction additives. Using the wrong oil will quickly wear out the cones and chain.

What electronic problems are typical for the model?

Sometimes there are malfunctions in the multimedia system (black screen, freezing) or parking sensor errors. In most cases, rebooting the system or updating the software at the dealer will help.

Is it worth buying a high-mileage Murano?

Buying a car with more than 150,000 km is associated with risks, especially regarding the CVT and engine. It is recommended to carry out a full diagnosis from specialists before purchasing and set aside a budget for possible repairs.