Nissan Murano: what class of car and how does it differ from competitors?

Nissan Murano is one of the most recognizable crossovers of the Japanese brand, combining elegant design, spacious interior and advanced technology. But what class does this model belong to? Many car enthusiasts confuse it with SUVs or full-size SUVs, although according to the international classification Murano has a special place.

In this article we will figure out why Murano called a “premium mid-size crossover”, compare it with key competitors and find out what technical features define its class. You'll also learn how classification affects the cost of ownership, insurance, and even how a car feels on the road.

International classification: what class does the Nissan Murano belong to?

According to the generally accepted classification, Nissan Murano belongs to the class mid-size crossovers (D/SUV segment). However, its positioning is closer to the premium segment, which sets the model apart from competitors like Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

In Europe and USA Murano often compared to cars such as Ford Edge or Hyundai Santa Fe, but in terms of comfort and equipment it is closer to Lexus RX or Audi Q5. The main difference is The Murano isn't a full-fledged premium car, but it offers comparable levels of trim and technology at a more affordable price.

• 📏 Dimensions: Length ~4.9 m, width ~1.9 m (typical for segment D)
• 🚗 Platform: Shared with Nissan Pathfinder And Infiniti QX60 (which emphasizes his “elevated” status)
• 💺 Comfort class: Premium finishes, sound insulation and multimedia at the level of luxury brands

Interestingly, in some countries Murano classified as a “full-size” crossover due to its spacious interior, although it is inferior in size to the same Toyota Highlander. This is due to the fact that the model was originally developed for the American market, where large cars are valued.

Specifications that define the Murano class

The class of a car largely depends on its technical equipment. Nissan Murano completed exclusively 3.5 liter V6 engine (260 hp) and CVT Xtronic CVT, which is not typical for mid-size crossovers, where 4-cylinder engines are often found.

Other Key Features:

• 🔧 Drive: Full (AWD) or front (FWD), with the system Intelligent 4WD
• 🛣️ Ground clearance: 180 mm - enough for urban conditions and light off-road conditions
• 🔋 Transmission: CVT with manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters (rare for the segment)
• 🎚️ Suspension: Independent multi-link rear, which improves handling

Parameter	Nissan Murano	Toyota RAV4 (hybrid)	Lexus RX 350
Engine	V6 3.5 l, 260 hp	2.5 l + electric motor, 218 hp	V6 3.5 l, 295 hp
Transmission	CVT Xtronic	CVT Direct Shift-CVT	8-speed automatic
Fuel consumption (combined)	10.2 l/100 km	5.8 l/100 km	11.5 l/100 km
Price (base, Russia, 2026)	from 4.2 million ₽	from 3.8 million ₽	from 6.1 million ₽

As can be seen from the table, Murano occupies an intermediate position: it is more powerful and more comfortable RAV4, but cheaper and more economical Lexus RX. It is this combination that makes it unique in its class.

Comparison with competitors: why is Murano not a SUV or an SUV?

Many people mistakenly attribute Nissan Murano to SUVs due to its urban focus. However SUV (For example, Nissan Juke) is a compact crossover with an emphasis on agility, while Murano offers:

• 🪑 Spacious interior with the ability to accommodate 5 passengers (versus 4–5 in SUVs)
• 🚛 Larger trunk (up to 1,850 l versus 300–500 l for SUVs)
• 🛣️ Ground clearance 180 mm (SUVs usually have 150–160 mm)

On the other hand, Murano is not a full-fledged SUV (like Nissan Patrol), because:

• 🔄 Deprived of downshifts and differential locks
• 🏔️ Not intended for serious off-road use (maximum dirt roads)
• 🔧 Suspension is tuned for comfort, not cross-country ability

⚠️ Attention: If you want true all-terrain capability, consider Nissan X-Trail with the system ALL MODE 4x4-i or Pathfinder - they are better adapted for off-road use than Murano.

Thus, Murano - this is urban crossover with premium elements, ideal for those who value comfort, style and reliability, but do not plan to drive off-road.

How does classification affect the cost of ownership?

Attribution Nissan Murano to the mid-size premium segment directly affects the owner’s expenses. Here are the key points:

1. Insurance (MTPL/CASCO): Tariffs are higher than for compact crossovers (e.g. Qashqai), but lower than for luxury models (such as Infiniti QX60).
2. Taxes: In Russia Murano falls under the luxury tax (due to the 3.5 liter engine), but the rate is lower than for cars with 4.0+ liter engines.
3. Service: Spare parts and maintenance are more expensive than mass-produced crossovers, but cheaper than premium brands.
4. Fuel: Consumption 10-12 l/100 km (higher than hybrids, but lower than full-size SUVs).

For comparison: ownership Murano costs 20–30% less than Lexus RX, but 15–20% more expensive than Toyota RAV4. This is important to consider when choosing between car classes.

Detailed cost of ownership calculation for 5 years

Average cost of ownership Nissan Murano (2020 onwards) in Russia for 5 years/100 thousand km:

- Maintenance (once every 15 thousand km): ~350 thousand ₽

- Insurance (CASCO + OSAGO): ~500 thousand ₽

- Fuel (10 l/100 km, 95 gasoline): ~600 thousand ₽

- Taxes and fines: ~50 thousand ₽

- Depreciation (when sold for 60% of the price): ~1.2 million ₽

Total: ~2.7 million ₽ (or ~45 thousand ₽/month).

The evolution of Murano: how the model class has changed over the years

First generation Nissan Murano (2003) was positioned as a “sports crossover” and belonged to the class compact SUVs. However, with each generation the model “grew”:

• 📅 2003–2007 (Z50): Compact crossover based on Nissan Altima, V6 engine 3.5 l (245 hp).
• 📅 2008–2014 (Z51): Increased dimensions, transition to the mid-size segment, the appearance of a hybrid version (US only).
• 📅 2015–2026 (Z52): Completely premium design, CVT instead of automatic transmission, emphasis on comfort and technology.

Now Murano third generation (since 2015) - this is already a full-fledged mid-size crossover with premium ambitions. A restyling is expected in 2026, which could bring the model even closer to the luxury segment.

⚠️ Attention: When buying used Murano pay attention to the generation: models before 2015 are technically simpler, but less comfortable. After restyling in 2018, sound insulation and multimedia improved.

Who is the Nissan Murano suitable for: a portrait of the ideal owner

Nissan Murano — not a universal car, and it will not suit everyone. Ideal owner of this model:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family of 3-4 people (child + luggage will fit without problems).
• 🏙️ A city dweller who rarely goes off-road.
• 💼 An entrepreneur or manager who cares about image (but is not ready to overpay for Lexus or BMW).
• 🚗 Lover of a comfortable ride with good noise insulation and a smooth variator.

But to whom Murano won't fit:

• 🏔️ For those who often drive off-road (need Pathfinder or Patrol).
• 💰 Thrifty drivers (fuel consumption and maintenance costs are higher than Qashqai).
• 🚘 For fans of sports driving (the CVT does not provide the same dynamics as an automatic transmission or manual transmission).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano class

🔍 Is Murano an SUV or a crossover?

Nissan Murano - this is crossover, not an SUV. It is built on a passenger platform (rather than a frame), has independent suspension and is not intended for serious off-road use. SUVs (eg. Nissan Patrol) are equipped with a frame structure, reduction gear and differential locks.

💰 Why is Murano more expensive than Qashqai if both are crossovers?

Murano refers to mid-size segment (D), whereas Qashqai — compact crossover (segment C). In addition, Murano equipped with a more powerful engine (V6 versus 1.3–2.0 l in Qashqai), premium finishes and advanced safety systems that justify the price difference.

🚗 Can Murano be considered a premium car?

Formally Murano does not belong to the premium segment (as Lexus or BMW), but in terms of equipment and comfort it is close to them. For example, the top-end configuration includes:

• Leather interior with ventilation and heating
• System ProPILOT Assist (semi-autonomous driving)
• Audio system Bose with 11 speakers

At the same time, the price is lower than that of competitors from the premium segment.

🛠️ What engine does the Murano have and why is there no diesel or hybrid?

All modern Murano are equipped petrol V6 3.5 l (260 hp) with variator. Diesel and hybrid versions were only produced for some markets (for example, the hybrid was sold in the US until 2016). In Russia and Europe, the model is offered only with a gasoline engine due to:

• Low demand for diesel engines in the crossover class
• Difficulties with certification of hybrid systems
• Focus on comfort and smoothness (a CVT is better suited for this than an automatic transmission)

🔄 When is the new generation of Murano expected?

According to the latest data, a full fourth generation Murano expected no earlier than 2026-2026. In 2026, restyling of the current model with updated optics, multimedia and, possibly, a hybrid power plant is possible. Follow the news on the official website Nissan.