Nissan Murano is one of the most recognizable premium crossovers, combining power, comfort and stylish design. But before buying, many people ask the question: how much does this car actually “eat”? Official manufacturer data often diverges from reality, and fuel consumption can vary depending on the generation, engine, operating conditions and even driving style.
In this article we will look at real fuel consumption Nissan Murano per 100 km according to the owners, we will analyze the differences between generations Z50 (2003–2007), Z51 (2008–2014) and Z52 (2015-present), and we'll also give practical tips on how to curb your crossover's appetite. You'll find out why Consumption in the city may exceed the declared one by 2–3 litersHow does all-wheel drive affect efficiency? ATTESA E-TS and what “pitfalls” are hidden behind the numbers in the technical data sheet.
Official data vs real consumption: why don’t the numbers match?
The manufacturer declares for Nissan Murano the following fuel consumption indicators (for example: Z52 with engine VQ35DD 3.5 l):
- 🏙️ Urban cycle: 12.5–13.2 l/100 km
- 🛣️ Country cycle: 8.1–8.5 l/100 km
- 🔄 Mixed cycle: 9.8–10.2 l/100 km
However, according to reviews from owners on forums (for example, Drive2 or MuranoClub) real numbers are often higher:
- 🏙️ City: 14–16 l/100 km (in winter until 18 l)
- 🛣️ Route: 9–11 l/100 km (at speed 110–130 km/h)
- 🔄 Mixed: 11–13 l/100 km
The difference is explained simply: factory tests are carried out under ideal conditions (temperature +20°C, smooth asphalt, no traffic jams), while in reality the consumption is affected by:
- 🌡️ Ambient temperature (in winter, consumption increases by 15–20% due to heating and thickening oil)
- 🚦 Traffic jams and frequent stops (engine VQ doesn't like working idle)
- 🛞 Tire pressure and size (tires
235/55 R20increase rolling resistance) - ⚙️ Condition of transmission and spark plugs (worn parts can add +1–2 l/100 km)
⚠️ Attention: If your Murano consumes more 18 l/100 km in the city or 12 l on the highway - this is a reason to checkoxygen sensors,catalystsAndfuel injectors. Often the problem lies in air leaks or a clogged filter.
- Up to 12 l/100 km
- 12–14 l/100 km
- 14–16 l/100 km
- More than 16 l/100 km
Fuel consumption by generation: Z50, Z51, Z52
Over 20 years of production Murano has undergone major changes, including a change in engines and transmissions. Let's take a closer look at each generation.
| Generation | Engine | City (l/100 km) | Route (l/100 km) | Mixed (l/100 km) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z50 (2003–2007) | VQ35DE 3.5 l (245 hp) | 13–15 | 9–10 | 10–12 | First generation with 4-speed automatic. The most voracious due to the outdated transmission. |
| Z51 (2008–2014) | VQ35DE 3.5 l (265 hp) | 12–14 | 8–9 | 9–11 | Appeared CVT Xtronic, which improved efficiency by 10–15%. |
| Z52 (2015–present) | VQ35DD 3.5 l (249 hp) | 11–13 | 7,5–8,5 | 8,5–10 | System Direct Injection and a lightweight platform reduced consumption by 1–1.5 l/100 km. |
Key findings:
- 🔧 Z50 — the most “gluttonous” generation due to an outdated automatic transmission. Owners complain about consumption up to 17 l/100 km in winter traffic jams.
- ⚡ Z51 with
CVT1–2 liters more economical, but sensitive to the quality of the oil in the variator. - 💡 Z52 - leader in efficiency thanks to
direct injection, but requires 95+ petrol (at 92nd, consumption increases by 5–7%).
If you choose between Z51 And Z52, keep in mind that the difference in fuel consumption can pay for the difference in price within 2–3 years of active use.
The influence of driving style on fuel consumption
Nissan Murano - a car with character, and its appetite directly depends on how you drive it. Even within one generation, consumption may vary by 3–4 liters/100 km depending on driving style.
Factors that increase consumption:
- 🚀 Sudden accelerations (engine VQ35 likes to “eat” when the pedal is pressed to the floor)
- 🔄 Frequent braking/acceleration (in traffic jams, consumption increases by 20–30%)
- 🎛️ Using the mode
Sport(increases speed and consumption by 1–1.5 l/100 km) - 🏔️ Off-road driving (all-wheel drive
ATTESAactivates automatically, increasing the load)
How to reduce consumption?
- 🐢 Smooth accelerations up to 2000–2500 rpm (optimal range for VQ35)
- 🛑Usage engine braking on slopes (especially important for CVT)
- 🅿️ Disconnection
4WD Autoon dry asphalt (if you drive mostly around the city) - 🚗 Regularly checking tire pressure (a decrease of 0.3 atm increases consumption by 1–1.5%)
Smooth acceleration without pedal to the metal
Disabling all-wheel drive on a flat road
Using cruise control on the highway
Check tire pressure every 2 weeks
Refueling with gasoline not lower than AI-95 -->
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that your consumption has suddenly increased by 2–3 liters for no apparent reason, checkair filterAndmass air flow (MAF) sensor. A clogged filter or faulty sensor can result in a rich fuel mixture.
Influence of technical condition on fuel consumption
Even the most careful driver will face increased consumption if the car is not serviced on time. For Nissan Murano It is critical to monitor the following nodes:
Top 5 reasons for increased consumption:
- Worn spark plugs (ignition problems → unburned fuel → +1–2 l/100 km). Recommended replacement interval: every 30,000 km.
- Dirty fuel injectors (uneven injection → overconsumption up to 15%). Cleaning should be done every 50,000 km.
- Clogged air filter (engine “chokes” → rich mixture → +0.5–1 l/100 km). Change the filter every 15,000 km.
- Faulty lambda probe (oxygen sensor) (ECU receives incorrect data → overrun to 2–3 l/100 km).
- Wear of transmission fluid in
CVT(slippage → increased load → +1–1.5 l/100 km). Changing the oil in the variator is mandatory every 60,000 km!
Particular attention should be paid all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS. If it does not work correctly (for example, due to a faulty differential or hydraulic pump), this can add up to 2 l/100 km to the total expense. Check the condition of the system at every maintenance!
What happens if you don't change the CVT oil?
Neglecting to change the oil in the variator Nissan Murano leads to:
1) Slipping and jerking during acceleration (the ECU compensates for this by increasing the speed → consumption increases).
2) Overheating of the transmission (oil loses its properties, friction increases).
3) Complete failure of the variator (repair will cost 150,000–250,000 rub.).
Recommended oil: NS-3 (for Z52) or NS-2 (for Z51).
What gasoline to fill: 92 vs 95 vs 98
The manufacturer recommends for Nissan Murano octane gasoline not lower than 95. However, many owners are experimenting with 92ndtrying to save money. Let's figure out whether it's worth doing.
| Octane number | Fuel consumption | Dynamics | Risks | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92 | +5–7% (0.5–1 l/100 km more) | Power reduction by 5–10% | Detonation, engine wear | Minimum (price per liter is 2–3 rubles lower) |
| 95 | Basic (optimal) | Stated characteristics | No risks | — |
| 98 | −1–2% (0.1–0.3 l/100 km less) | Better performance at high speeds | No risks | No (higher price) |
Conclusion: Usage 92 gasoline not only increases consumption, but also reduces engine life due to detonation. If you want to save money, better fill in 95th and watch your driving style. 98th makes sense only for lovers of dynamic driving or in hot climates (reduces the risk of detonation).
⚠️ Attention: If after refueling 92 gasoline you heard a metallic knock during acceleration - this is detonation. Go to immediately 95th and check the condition of the spark plugs!
If you often refuel at unknown gas stations, use additives to clean the fuel system (for example, Liqui Moly Fuel System Cleaner). This will help avoid carbon deposits on the injectors and valves, which will reduce fuel consumption in the long run.
Comparison with competitors: who is more economical?
How Nissan Murano does it compare to other premium crossovers? Let's compare it with the main competitors in terms of fuel consumption (data for 3.5 liter engines, all-wheel drive).
| Model | City (l/100 km) | Route (l/100 km) | Mixed (l/100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano Z52 (3.5 l) | 11–13 | 7,5–8,5 | 8,5–10 |
| Toyota Highlander (3.5 l) | 12–14 | 8–9 | 9–11 |
| Honda Pilot (3.5 l) | 13–15 | 9–10 | 10–12 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe (3.5 l) | 12–14 | 8,5–9,5 | 9,5–11 |
| Ford Edge (3.5 l) | 14–16 | 9–10 | 10–12 |
As can be seen from the table, Murano Z52 — one of the most economical in its class. However Toyota Highlander And Hyundai Santa Fe are not far behind, but Honda Pilot And Ford Edge lose in all respects.
Benefits Murano:
- ⚡ CVT Xtronic more efficient than a classic “automatic machine” (for example, Highlander)
- 🔥 Direct injection system (y Santa Fe port injection only)
- 🛡️ Lightweight platform (100–150 kg lighter than competitors)
Disadvantages:
- 💰 Expensive service (especially changing the oil in
CVT) - 🛢️ Sensitivity to gasoline quality (at 92nd, consumption increases more than that of competitors)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about fuel consumption Nissan Murano
❓ Why is fuel consumption 2-3 liters higher in winter?
In winter, consumption is affected by several factors:
- 🔥 Long warm-up (idling increases consumption by 1–1.5 l/100 km)
- ❄️ Thick motor oil (increases resistance → +0.5 l/100 km)
- 🚗 Winter tires (increases rolling resistance by 5–10%)
- 🔋 Additional consumers (stove, heated seats, windows)
To reduce consumption, use synthetic oil 0W-20 and insulate the engine (for example, with a car blanket).
❓ Is it possible to reduce consumption by disabling all-wheel drive?
Yes, but with reservations. B Nissan Murano system ATTESA E-TS by default works in mode Auto, where all-wheel drive is engaged automatically when slipping. If you only drive on asphalt, you can switch to 2WD (front axle drive). This will give savings 0.3–0.5 l/100 km.
Important: Do not use 2WD on a slippery road or off-road - this can lead to loss of control!
❓ What is the fuel consumption on gas (GBO)?
Installing HBO on Murano (especially Z51/Z52) allows you to save up to 30–40% on fuel. Average propane consumption:
- 🏙️ City: 14–16 l/100 km
- 🛣️ Route: 10–12 l/100 km
Disadvantages of HBO:
- ⚠️ Power reduction by 5–10%
- ⚠️ Risk of valve overheating (especially on VQ35DE)
- ⚠️ Expensive maintenance (filter replacement, equipment adjustment)
Payback of HBO - 1.5–2 years with a mileage of 20,000 km/year.
❓ Why did the consumption increase in the CVT after changing the oil?
If after changing the oil in the variator, fuel consumption increases, the following reasons are possible:
- Used wrong oil (for example, instead of
NS-3floodedNS-2). - Not reset ECU adaptation (requires variator training via
Consult-III+). - Oil change completed not completely (residues of old oil impair the properties of the new one).
Solution: Contact an authorized dealer for diagnostics and reset of adaptations.
❓ What is the consumption Murano with a diesel engine?
Nissan Murano never equipped with diesel engines. If you see offers for the sale of diesel Murano", most likely it is:
- 🔧 Do-it-yourself alteration (for example, installing an engine from Navara)
- 🚗 Error in ad (confused with Nissan Pathfinderwhere was the diesel YD25)
Such vehicles are not certified and may have problems with ECU, transmission And guarantee.