Crossover Nissan Murano third generation (factory index Z51) has become a real bestseller on the global market thanks to its combination of stylish design, spacious interior and impressive off-road capabilities. Produced from 2015 to 2022, this car still remains in demand on the secondary market, especially in the version for Russian roads. However, it is important to know it exactly before purchasing. overall dimensions — they directly affect maneuverability in the city, parking and the ability to transport goods.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the body parameters Murano Z51: from standard length and width to nuances of ground clearance and trunk volume. You'll learn how the model's dimensions compare to its main competitors (e.g. Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Santa Fe), and also receive practical advice on operation - for example, how to load the trunk correctly so as not to exceed the permissible weight. We will pay special attention to the differences between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, as this affects the ground clearance and overall height of the car.
Official dimensions of Nissan Murano Z51: length, width, height
Basic sizes Nissan Murano Z51 regulated by the manufacturer and are the same for all trim levels, with the exception of small variations in ground clearance. Here are the key parameters:
- 📏 Body length: 4898 mm - this figure makes the car comfortable for long trips, but requires caution when parking in tight yards.
- 📐 Width excluding mirrors: 1939 mm (with mirrors - 2123 mm). It is important to take this parameter into account when driving through narrow gates or car washes.
- 📊 Height: 1710 mm (for versions with all-wheel drive can increase to 1715 mm due to different suspension).
- ⚖️ Wheelbase: 2825 mm - the optimal balance between stability on the highway and maneuverability in the city.
For clarity, let’s compare these data with the closest competitors in the class:
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano Z51 | 4898 | 1939 | 1710 | 2825 |
| Toyota Highlander (XU50) | 4890 | 1925 | 1730 | 2790 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe (DM) | 4770 | 1890 | 1680 | 2780 |
| Ford Edge (U394) | 4798 | 1928 | 1702 | 2850 |
Important: The Nissan Murano Z51 is 10-30 mm longer than most competitors, which provides more legroom for rear passengers, but makes parking in heavy traffic more difficult. At the same time, the width of the car allows you to feel confident on multi-lane roads, without fear of “falling” into the adjacent lane.
- Perfect
- Too big
- Comfortable, but takes some getting used to
- Not suitable for the city
Ground clearance (ground clearance) and its features
One of the most discussed parameters Nissan Murano Z51 - this is ground clearance, which directly affects cross-country ability and driving comfort on Russian roads. The officially declared ground clearance for the model is 175 mm (for versions with all-wheel drive). However, there are several nuances here:
- 🚗 Front-wheel drive versions have a ground clearance of 5–10 mm less - about 170 mm. This is due to a different suspension design.
- ⚙️ Fully loaded the clearance decreases by 15–20 mm due to sagging springs. This is critical to consider when planning trips on dirt roads.
- ❄️ Winter tires (especially with a high profile) can add 5-10mm to the actual ground clearance.
For comparison: Toyota RAV4 (XA50) ground clearance is 195 mm, and Subaru Outback - 213 mm. Thus, Murano Z51 does not belong to “SUVs” in the classical sense, but copes with light off-road conditions and snow drifts better than many SUVs.
⚠️ Attention: When installing non-standard wheels with a diameter of more than 19 inches, the ground clearance can be reduced to 165 mm. This can cause damage to the front bumper on high curbs or potholes.
Before purchasing Murano Z51 check the condition of the suspension springs - over time they sag, reducing the ground clearance by 10–15 mm. This is especially true for cars with a mileage of more than 100,000 km.
Trunk volume: facts and life hacks
Official luggage compartment volume Nissan Murano Z51 amounts to 392 liters with the rear seats up and 1604 liters - when folded. These numbers look impressive, but in practice there are a few things to consider:
- 📦 Trunk shape not perfectly rectangular - narrowing towards the rear door limits the loading of long loads (for example, skis or boards).
- 🔧 Underground takes up the full-size spare wheel, leaving little space for storing small items.
- 🪑 Folding seats occurs in a 60:40 ratio, but the backs do not lie completely flat - a slight slope remains.
For clarity, here is a comparison with competitors:
| Model | Trunk volume (l) | Volume with seats folded (l) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano Z51 | 392 | 1604 | High loading threshold (75 cm) |
| Toyota Highlander | 509 | 1909 | Flat floor with seats folded down |
| Kia Sorento | 605 | 1820 | Low loading threshold (68 cm) |
To make the most of your space, use these tips:
Use organizers (baskets or drawers) for small items
Install a roof rack for long loads
Remove the shelf above the trunk (if it is in the way)
Use seat covers to avoid getting the interior dirty when transporting dirty items -->
⚠️ Attention: Maximum trunk load Murano Z51 - 200 kg. Exceeding this value leads to sagging of the rear suspension and the risk of damage to the shock absorbers. When transporting heavy loads, distribute the weight evenly over the entire area.
Comparison of dimensions of the Murano Z51 with the previous generation (Z50)
Second generation (Z50, 2007–2014) and third (Z51) shares not only the design, but also the approach to dimensions. The manufacturer made a new one Murano more spacious inside, while maintaining compact external dimensions. Here are the key differences:
- 📈 Length increased by 38 mm (from 4860 to 4898 mm), which made it possible to add legroom for rear passengers.
- 📉 Height decreased by 20 mm (from 1730 to 1710 mm), improving stability at high speeds.
- 🔄 Wheelbase remained almost unchanged (2825 mm versus 2824 mm for Z50), but the weight distribution has become more balanced.
- 🚪 Width increased by 19 mm (from 1920 to 1939 mm), which had a positive effect on the lateral support of the seats.
Interestingly, despite the increase in external dimensions, Murano Z51 became 60–80 kg lighter than its predecessor due to the use of high-strength steel and aluminum parts in the body structure. This improved acceleration dynamics and fuel efficiency.
Why is the Murano Z51 lower than the Z50?
The reduction in height by 20 mm was dictated by two factors:
1. Aerodynamics — the drag coefficient (Cx) decreased from 0.36 to 0.33, which reduced fuel consumption on the highway.
2. Center of gravity — a lower landing improved handling when cornering and reduced body roll.
The influence of dimensions on operation: pros and cons
Dimensions Nissan Murano Z51 have both undeniable advantages and some disadvantages that you should know about before purchasing. Let's take a closer look at them.
Benefits:
- ✅ Spacious salon — thanks to the increased wheelbase and body width, even tall passengers are comfortable in the back row.
- ✅ Stability on the track — a low center of gravity and a wide track (1605 mm front / 1610 mm rear) ensure confident behavior at speeds above 120 km/h.
- ✅ Large trunk — 1604 liters with the seats folded allows you to transport large loads, such as bicycles or furniture.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Difficulties with parking — length of almost 4.9 meters requires skills in maneuvering in tight yards. A rear view camera and parking sensors become mandatory options.
- ❌ High trunk threshold (75 cm) - makes loading heavy objects difficult, especially for short people.
- ❌ Limited cross-country ability — the ground clearance of 175 mm is insufficient for serious off-road use, despite the presence of all-wheel drive.
For urban use Murano Z51 fits perfectly, but if you frequently drive on country roads or park in tight spaces, it may be worth considering shorter length alternatives (e.g. Nissan X-Trail) or high ground clearance (for example, Toyota RAV4).
The Nissan Murano Z51 is optimal for families with children who often travel on the highway. Its dimensions provide comfort over long distances, but require caution in urban environments.
How do dimensions affect maintenance?
The size of the car is directly related to a number of maintenance nuances that owners should consider Nissan Murano Z51:
- 🔧 Cost of painting — a large body area (especially taking into account the complex design lines) increases material consumption by 15–20% compared to compact crossovers.
- 🛠️ Replacing wheels — due to the large disc offset (ET45) and hub diameter (66.1 mm), selecting non-original wheels can be a problem.
- 🚿 Washing — the width of 1939 mm does not always fit into standard contactless car wash boxes. You have to choose a hand wash or boxes for large cars.
- 🔋 Battery - due to the large engine compartment space in Murano Z51 a battery of increased capacity (70–75 Ah) is installed, which affects its price.
Requires special attention replacing headlight bulbs. Due to the complex shape of the headlights and limited access to them from the engine compartment, the procedure takes 2–3 times longer than for compact models. Some services charge an additional fee for this work.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the front brake pads with Murano Z51 A special tool is often required to press in the caliper piston due to its large diameter (60mm). Not all service stations have such equipment, so check this point in advance.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the dimensions of the Nissan Murano Z51
Is the Murano Z51 suitable for a 2 meter high garage?
Yes, but with reservations. The height of the car is 1710 mm, however, with the trunk or hatch open, the highest point (antenna or roof rails) can reach 1750–1800 mm. If your garage has shelves or ceiling connections, measure the distance from the floor to them at several points. The optimal margin is at least 20 cm.
Is it possible to install 20-inch wheels on the Murano Z51?
Technically yes, but it will affect ground clearance and comfort. Factory wheels are 18 or 19 inches. Installing 20-inch wheels will reduce the ground clearance by 10–15 mm and make the suspension stiffer. In addition, tires for such wheels cost 30–40% more, and their choice is limited.
What is the maximum length of cargo that can be carried in the trunk?
With the rear seats folded, the maximum cargo length is about 180 cm (from the rear bumper to the front seats). However, due to the narrowing of the trunk towards the rear door, loads over 100cm wide may not fit through. To transport long items (such as boards or skis), it is recommended to use a roof rack.
How do the dimensions of the Murano Z51 affect fuel consumption?
Large frontal area (about 2.5 m²) and weight (from 1700 kg) increase fuel consumption by 10–15% compared to compact crossovers. In the city Murano Z51 consumes 11–13 l/100 km, on the highway – 7.5–8.5 l/100 km. Using a roof rack adds another 0.5–1 l/100 km due to worse aerodynamics.
Can you tow a trailer with the Murano Z51?
Yes, but with restrictions. The maximum towed trailer weight is 1500 kg (for versions with all-wheel drive). It is important to consider that:
- The total weight of the vehicle + trailer must not exceed 3500 kg.
- When towing, you must use the original towbar (part number
Nissan 999T5-AY000). - The load on the coupling device should not exceed 75 kg.
To tow a trailer weighing more than 750 kg, it is mandatory to install a brake system on the trailer.