Choosing a premium crossover in the middle price segment is a task that requires in-depth analysis. Nissan Murano It often becomes the subject of heated debate on automotive forums, where some praise it for its futuristic design and incredible comfort, while others criticize it for its specific ergonomics and capricious technology. Real owners have accumulated a huge layer of information that helps sift out the marketing fluff from the harsh truth of operation.
In this article we have collected the most frequent comments and praise from owners of different generations Muranoso that you can get an objective picture of the car. We will not limit ourselves to dry numbers from price lists, but will analyze how the car behaves in traffic jams, on the highway and in harsh winter conditions. If you're planning a purchase, these details could be the deciding factors.
It is especially important to understand that reliability of this crossover directly depends on the year of manufacture and quality of service. Many owners note that with timely care, the car serves faithfully, but ignoring the maintenance regulations can lead to expensive repairs. It is critically important to check the condition of the CVT before purchasing a used one, since replacing it often exceeds the market value of the car.
Design and ergonomics: love at first sight or deception of expectations
Appearance Nissan Murano - this is its main trump card, which attracts attention even years after its release. Smooth body lines, the absence of sharp corners and a signature radiator grille create the image of a sophisticated gentleman. Owners often comment that a car looks much more expensive than it actually costs, especially in dark, deep paint colors.
However, behind the beautiful shell there is a specific ergonomics of the cabin, which not everyone likes. The Zero Gravity seats do offer excellent support, but the high-slung steering wheel and angled dash make some drivers uncomfortable on long trips. You'll need to get used to the unusual layout of the climate control buttons.
Visibility in the car causes mixed feelings. On the one hand, huge windows create a feeling of spaciousness, on the other hand, wide pillars create serious dead spots. This requires the driver to pay increased attention when changing lanes. In addition, the rear window has a complex shape, making parking difficult without cameras and sensors.
- 🚗 The branded design makes the crossover stand out from its competitors even after 5-7 years of operation.
- 🛋️ Zero-gravity seats are ideal for long-distance travel.
- 👀 Wide body pillars significantly impair side visibility, requiring frequent turns of the head.
Comfort and dynamics: what owners say about driving
Dynamic characteristics Murano completely depend on the type of drive and suspension settings. Owners of front-wheel drive versions often complain about the lack of sharpness of the steering, which seems “wobbly” at high speeds. All-wheel drive versions behave much more confidently, but they cannot be called sports cars.
The main goal of Nissan engineers is a smooth ride. The suspension perfectly absorbs small bumps and potholes, turning city driving into a soft glide. However, at high speeds during sharp maneuvers, the crossover begins to roll heavily, reminding of its weight. This is not a drawback, but a feature of the setup, focused on maximum comfort, and not on drive.
Interior noise insulation is at a high level, but not ideal. On the highway, at speeds above 110 km/h, you can hear the noise of tires rolling and the wind in the rear-view mirrors. In the city, the cabin remains a quiet refuge, where even loud music does not disturb the conversation of passengers. Engine V6 It works very softly, practically not showing its work during a quiet ride.
- Dynamics and acceleration
- Suspension comfort
- Noise insulation
- Handling on the track
Acceleration dynamics with a 3.5-liter engine are sufficient for confident overtaking, but not impressive. The variator can create a “rubber band” effect when, when you press the gas pedal sharply, the speed first increases, and the speed is gained with a delay. This must be taken into account when overtaking in traffic.
- 🛣️ The suspension copes perfectly with city bumps and dirt roads.
- 🔇 The soundproofing of the interior is high-quality, but requires improvement for ideal silence on the highway.
- 🐎 The V6 engine provides smooth and confident acceleration without jerks or vibrations.
Engine and transmission reliability: main problems
The heart of most models Murano is a 3.5-liter petrol engine VQ35DE or its modification VQ35HR. These units are considered one of the most reliable in the Nissan family, but they also have their “sores”. Owners often encounter the problem of the timing chain tensioner, which requires replacement after a mileage of about 150-200 thousand kilometers. Neglecting this issue can lead to valve bending.
The most vulnerable point of the crossover is the Jatco variator. This unit is extremely sensitive to overheating and oil quality. Oil in the variator you need to change it every 40-50 thousand kilometers, and not once every 100 thousand, as the manufacturer recommends. Ignoring this rule often leads to failure of the valve body or cones.
The all-wheel drive system also has its own characteristics. In some versions, the rear axle coupling may overheat during long towing or aggressive off-road driving. For the city and highway this is not a problem, but for active off-road Murano not intended. It is also worth monitoring the condition of the front stabilizer struts, which wear out faster on rough roads.
☑️ Technical condition monitoring
Electrical equipment is another risk area. Sensors, generators and starters can fail suddenly. Owners often complain about problems with camshaft position sensors, which cause errors on the dashboard and floating idle speed.
Problems with Jatco CVT
The most common symptoms of a bad CVT include shifting noises, humming noises, and vibrations during acceleration. Often the problem is solved by changing the oil and filter, but in advanced cases a major overhaul or replacement of the unit is required.
Timely Maintenance can extend the life of a car for many years. Many owners note that with proper care, the car does not cause problems even after 300 thousand kilometers.
- ⚙️ The variator requires frequent oil changes to maintain performance.
- 🔧 The timing chain tensioner is a weak point of the engine that requires monitoring.
- 🌡️ The all-wheel drive system is not designed for serious off-road use.
Fuel consumption and operating costs
Fuel consumption Nissan Murano is a topic that causes a lot of discussion. Official figures are often underestimated, and actual figures depend on driving style and operating conditions. In the urban cycle, consumption can reach 16-18 liters per 100 km, and with aggressive driving - even higher. On the highway at a speed of 90-100 km/h, consumption drops to 10-11 liters.
Owners note that in winter, fuel consumption increases significantly due to warming up the engine and using the stove. The condition of the spark plugs and filters also affects consumption. Regular replacement of consumables helps to slightly reduce the crossover's appetite. Using quality fuel is also critical to the performance of a V6 engine.
The cost of maintenance is higher than that of mass crossovers, but lower than that of European premium brands. Spare parts for Murano available, but original parts are not cheap. Many owners switch to high-quality analogues, which allows them to significantly save on repairs. However, for critical components such as the variator, it is better to use original spare parts.
To reduce fuel consumption, try to avoid sudden acceleration and plan routes in advance to avoid traffic jams. Also 定期检查 (check) your tire pressure, as underinflated wheels increase rolling resistance.
Insurance and taxes are also a significant expense. Due to the high engine power (about 250 hp), the car tax will be high. Insurance companies may jack up rates for owners of crossovers with larger engines, especially if they don't have a history of accident-free driving.
| Indicator | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption in the city | 15-18 l/100 km | Depends on traffic |
| Consumption on the highway | 10-11 l/100 km | At a speed of 90 km/h |
| Tank volume | 71 liter | Enough for 400+ km |
| Engine oil | 4.5 liters | 5W-30 recommended |
Problems with electronics and multimedia
Electronic filling Murano causes mixed reviews. On the one hand, the Nissan Connect system offers rich functionality, including navigation and smartphone connectivity. On the other hand, users often complain about the slowness of the interface and freezing of the screen. Updating the software often does not completely solve the problem.
A common problem is the failure of parking sensors and rear view cameras. The media screen may go black or reboot while driving. This is not security critical, but is very annoying. Owners note that repairing a multimedia system can be expensive, so many are looking for alternative solutions, such as installing third-party heads.
The keyless entry system can also fail. The key fob may stop opening doors if the battery runs out or the chip breaks. In such cases, you have to use a mechanical key, which is hidden inside the key fob. It is also worth monitoring the condition of the battery, as a weak battery causes many false errors in electronics.
Nissan Murano's electronics are rich in functions, but require regular updates and can be capricious in Russian winters and temperature changes.
Some owners encounter problems with the climate control. Temperature sensors may show incorrect data, which is why the interior does not warm up or does not cool down to the desired temperature. Repairing the climate system often requires replacing sensors and calibrating the system.
- 📱 The multimedia system may slow down and freeze during prolonged use.
- 🔑 The keyless entry system is sensitive to the low battery in the key.
- 🌡️ Climate control sensors may not work correctly in extreme conditions.
Final Summary: Is Nissan Murano Worth Buying?
Despite a number of shortcomings, Nissan Murano remains an attractive proposition on the secondary market. Its main advantages are its unique design, high level of comfort and powerful engine. If you value a smooth ride and are not looking for sporty dynamics, this crossover could be an excellent choice for a family.
However, before purchasing, you need to carefully check the technical condition, especially the variator and engine. Be prepared for high operating costs and possible electronic problems. Service should only be carried out by qualified personnel familiar with the features of this model.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities. If you're looking for a car that's reliable, practical, and inexpensive to maintain, you may want to consider other options. But if you're looking for a car with character, style and comfort that's willing to compromise on reliability, then Murano - an excellent candidate.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used copy, be sure to have the variator diagnosed by an independent specialist, as hidden defects can cost you half the cost of the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year of Nissan Murano is the most reliable?
The second generation models (Z51) after the 2012-2014 restyling are considered the most reliable. During this period, many early childhood diseases were eliminated.
Is it necessary to warm up the engine before driving in winter?
A short warm-up (2-3 minutes) is sufficient for modern V6 engines. However, in winter it is recommended to drive at low speeds for the first 5-10 minutes to warm up the gearbox and all-wheel drive.
Is the Murano suitable for off-roading?
No, this is a city crossover. All-wheel drive is designed to improve stability on wet roads and light off-road conditions, but not for serious off-road or muddy conditions.
What is the combined fuel consumption of the Murano?
Actual consumption in the combined cycle is about 12-14 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on driving style and condition of the car.
Is it possible to put low-quality fuel into a Murano?
Strongly not recommended. The V6 engine is very sensitive to fuel quality, and using low-octane gasoline can cause detonation and engine damage.