Introduction: Why sizes Nissan Murano Z51 important for the buyer
Choosing a crossover is always a compromise between comfort, practicality and handling. Vehicle dimensions directly affect how it will feel in city traffic jams, on the highway or when parking in a tight driveway. Third generation Nissan Murano (Z51), released in 2015 and remaining on the production line until 2023, has become one of the most balanced offerings in the mid-size crossover class. But is it right for you?
In this article we will look at all key sizes Murano Z51: from body length to turning circle, compare them with the main competitors and give practical advice. For example, you will learn how dimensions affect actual trunk capacity with seats folded (1890 liters is the maximum for the model), which wheels can be installed without the risk of touching the arches, and why a ground clearance of 180 mm can be both a plus and a minus.
If you are planning to buy a used one Murano Z51 or just compare it with Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe or Ford Edge — here you will find exact numbers and expert comments. Let's start with a review of the external dimensions.
External dimensions Nissan Murano Z51: length, width, height
Crossover Nissan Murano Z51 belongs to the segment mid-size SUVs with an emphasis on comfort and premium quality. Its size is optimal for family trips, but may raise questions among those who are accustomed to compact parking lots in megacities. Here are the official manufacturer data:
- 📏 Body length: 4898 mm is 100 mm longer than the previous generation (Z50), but 50 mm shorter than Toyota Highlander the same model range.
- 📐 Width (without mirrors): 1938 mm. Taking into account the side mirrors, the width reaches
2125 mm, which is important to consider when driving through narrow gates or car washes. - 📊 Height: 1710 mm - standard for a crossover, but higher than Mazda CX-9 (1690 mm), which affects the center of gravity.
- 🚗 Wheelbase: 2825 mm. This parameter determines passenger legroom and stability on the road.
For clarity, let's compare Murano Z51 with main competitors in the table:
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano Z51 | 4898 | 1938 | 1710 | 2825 |
| Toyota Highlander (XU50) | 4940 | 1925 | 1730 | 2790 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe (TM) | 4785 | 1890 | 1680 | 2765 |
| Ford Edge (U394) | 4790 | 1928 | 1700 | 2850 |
What does this mean in practice? Murano Z51 longer Santa Fe, but already Highlander, which makes it more maneuverable in the city. However, the high seating position and width can make parking difficult in tight yards. For example, when entering a standard garage with a width of 2.5 m, there is only ~18 cm the reserve on each side is enough, but beginners will have to practice.
⚠️ Attention: When installing wide wheels (for example, 255/55 R20) the actual width of the car will increase by 20–30 mm on each side. Please take this into account when driving through automatic barriers or narrow parking lots.
- Parking dimensions
- Trunk capacity
- Ride height
- Passability (clearance)
Ground clearance and geometry Murano Z51: what you need to know
Official ground clearance Nissan Murano Z51 amounts to 180 mm - this is an average figure for a crossover class SUV. For comparison: Toyota RAV4 ground clearance is greater (194 mm), and Mazda CX-5 - less (175 mm). But the numbers don't always reflect the real picture. Here's what's important to consider:
- 🏔️ Actual clearance under the protection of the engine crankcase - approx.
150–160 mm. This is critical when driving on dirt roads or virgin snow. - 🚧 Approach/departure angles: 16° front and 21° rear. This limits the ability to overcome steep inclines (for example, in shopping center parking lots).
- 🛣️ Ramp longitudinal angle: 14° - worse than Subaru Outback (20°), but better than Volkswagen Tiguan (12°).
Murano Z51 not intended for serious off-road use, but will cope with city curbs, snowdrifts or gravel roads in the country. However, there are nuances:
- 🔧 When installing engine protection, the ground clearance will decrease by
10–15 mm. - 🌧️ In rain or slush, the actual clearance under the front bumper may be reduced to
130 mmbecause of the mudguards. - ⚙️ On versions with
20-inch wheelsthe ground clearance visually seems smaller due to the low-profile tires.
⚠️ Attention: When towing a trailer or loading the trunk more than500 kgthe rear of the car sags, reducing the ground clearance under the rear bumper to140–150 mm. This can lead to bumps on uneven surfaces.
How to check the real ground clearance?
To measure actual ground clearance, take a ruler or tape measure and measure the distance from the ground to:
1. The lower edge of the front bumper (under number).
2. Crankcase protection (if installed).
3. Rear bumper (under the tow bar, if equipped).
4. Door thresholds (critical when driving onto high curbs).
Compare the obtained values with the passport values - the difference can reach 20–30 mm.
Trunk capacity: from 891 to 1890 liters
One of the key advantages Nissan Murano Z51 — spacious trunk. In the standard configuration its volume is 891 liters, which is 100 liters more than Hyundai Santa Fe, and only 50 liters less than Toyota Highlander. However, actual capacity depends on several factors:
- 📦 Trunk depth: 105 cm is enough to accommodate a stroller or two large suitcases.
- 🚪 Width between wheel arches: 110 cm - allows you to transport wide loads (for example, a disassembled bicycle).
- ⚖️ Load capacity: to
500 kg(including passengers). Excess weight leads to suspension sag.
With the second row seats folded, the volume increases to 1890 liters - this is enough for moving or transporting large purchases (for example, furniture from IKEA). However, there are nuances:
- 🪑 Second row seats fold in proportion
60:40, but do not form a flat floor - a protrusion ~10 cm high remains. - 🔧 There is a storage niche under the trunk floor, but its depth is only
15 cm— only a spare tire or small things will fit there. - 🚫 In versions with a panoramic roof, the trunk height is reduced by
5–7 cmdue to the opening mechanism.
For clarity, what can be transported in the trunk Murano Z51:
| Cargo | In the standard trunk (891 l) | With seats folded (1890 l) |
|---|---|---|
| Suitcases (medium, 24") | 3–4 pcs. | 6–8 pcs. |
| Baby stroller (transformable) | 1 piece (vertical) | 2 pcs. (horizontal) |
| Bicycles (disassembled) | 1 piece | 2–3 pcs. |
| Construction materials (plasterboard) | — | Sheets up to 2.4 m (with the hatch open) |
If you need to transport long cargo (for example, skis or boards), Murano Z51 You can recline the back of the front passenger seat - this will add ~50 cm to the length of the luggage compartment.
Wheel and rim sizes: what can be installed on Murano Z51
Standard wheel sizes for Nissan Murano Z51 depend on the configuration:
- 🔄 Basic version: disks
18×7.5J, tires235/65 R18. - 💎 Top configurations: disks
20×8J, tires235/55 R20. - ❄️ Winter option: recommended
225/65 R18for better maneuverability.
When choosing custom wheels, it is important to consider:
- 📏 Maximum disc diameter:
20 inches(more - the risk of hitting the arches). - 🔧 Departure (ET): from
+35to+45 mm. Deviation will lead to accelerated wear of the suspension. - ⚙️ Disc width: from
7.5Jto8.5J. Narrower - the grip will deteriorate, wider - fuel consumption will increase.
Here is the compatibility table for non-standard sizes:
| Tire size | Disc diameter | Change in clearance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
235/60 R18 |
18" | +5 mm | Improves comfort, but slightly lowers the speedometer. |
255/50 R20 |
20" | –10 mm | Sporty look, but suspension stiffness will increase. |
225/70 R17 |
17" | +15 mm | Optimal for off-road use, but may interfere with wheel arch liners. |
⚠️ Attention: When installing tires with a speed index lowerH (210 km/h)or lower load capacity95Tthere is a risk of denial of insurance in case of an accident. Check the markings on the sidewall of the tire!
Make sure the hub bore diameter (DIA) is 66.1mm
Check bolt compatibility (M12×1.25 thread)
Measure the gap between the tire and the arch with the steering wheel turned fully
Check the maximum axle load (for Murano Z51 — 1150 kg)-->
Interior dimensions: space for passengers
Inside Nissan Murano Z51 feels roomier than many competitors thanks to clever ergonomics. Here are the key parameters:
- 👫 Front row: legroom -
108 cm, for the head -102 cm(with panoramic roof -97 cm). - 👨👩👧👦 Back row: legroom -
95 cm, for the head -98 cm. The third passenger will only feel comfortable on short distances. - 🚪 Doors: opening width -
85 cm, which makes boarding/disembarking easier.
For comparison: in Toyota Highlander legroom on the second row on 5 cm more, but Murano wins in terms of interior width. This is especially noticeable in versions with separate second-row seats (an option for top trim levels).
Here's what the owners say about the salon:
- ✅ The high seating position makes entry/exit easier, but may be inconvenient for short passengers (less than 160 cm).
- ❌ The second row armrest interferes with the third passenger - it has to be removed.
- ⚠️ In cold weather, the rear seats take longer to warm up than the front ones due to the features of the heating system.
If space for a third passenger in the back row is important to you, pay attention to Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe — they have a wider middle seat.
Turning circle and maneuverability in the city
Official turning diameter Nissan Murano Z51 amounts to 11.8 m (from curb to curb). This is an average figure for a crossover of this class, but there are nuances:
- 🔄 Turning radius:
5.9 m- this means that for a 180° turn you will need a strip width of at least6.5 m. - 🚦 Wheel turning angle: 36° - worse than Mazda CX-5 (38°), but better than Ford Explorer (34°).
- 🅿️ Parking: Parallel parking requires a space of at least
6.3 m(including stock).
In the city Murano Z51 behaves predictably, but there are points worth considering:
- 🔍 Dead zones: Due to the high stern and wide pillars, visibility when parking is limited. A rear view camera and parking sensors are not provided in basic versions.
- 🚗 Turning width: When the steering wheel is fully turned, the rear wheel extends beyond the dimensions of the body by
~20 cm- this is important on narrow streets. - ⚙️ Steering: in Murano It's light, but not sharp enough for sporty riding. At a higher speed
100 km/hsteering required.
⚠️ Attention: When towing a trailer, the turning circle increases to 13–14 m. This can create problems in tight gas stations or parking lots.
If you often have to park in cramped conditions, pay attention to versions with the system Around View Monitor (all-round view) - it greatly simplifies maneuvering.
Comparison with competitors: who is more spacious?
To objectively assess the size Nissan Murano Z51, let's compare it with the main competitors in the class:
| Parameter | Nissan Murano Z51 | Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Santa Fe | Ford Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 4898 | 4940 | 4785 | 4790 |
| Width (mm) | 1938 | 1925 | 1890 | 1928 |
| Height (mm) | 1710 | 1730 | 1680 | 1700 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 180 | 194 | 185 | 183 |
| Trunk volume (l) | 891/1890 | 837/2093 | 571/1615 | 1110/2078 |
Conclusions:
- 🏆 Luggage Leader: Ford Edge (1110 l standard), but Murano not far behind.
- 🚗 The most compact: Hyundai Santa Fe — it’s easier to park, but the interior is tighter.
- 💺 Best back row: at Toyota Highlander - more legroom and flat floor.
- 🛣️ Best cross-country ability: again Highlander thanks to the higher ground clearance.
If it is critical for you capacity, pay attention to Ford Edge or Toyota Highlander. If more important handling in the city — Hyundai Santa Fe or Mazda CX-9. Murano Z51 occupies the golden mean, offering balanced dimensions and a premium interior.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sizes Nissan Murano Z51
Is it possible to install on Murano Z51 22 inch wheels?
Technically yes, but this will require modifications: trimming the arches, changing the offset and selecting low-profile tires. However, this will lead to:
- Deterioration in comfort (suspension stiffness will increase).
- Risk of damage to discs on uneven surfaces.
- Problems with passing technical inspection (if the changes are not certified).
Optimal maximum - 20 inches with rubber 255/50 R20.
What is the real ground clearance? Murano Z51 with crankcase protection?
With standard protection, the ground clearance under the front is reduced to 150–160 mm. If you install enhanced protection (for example, from Nismo), the clearance can be reduced to 140 mm. In this case:
- Rear clearance remains
180 mm(unless there is additional protection). - Under the bumpers the clearance is
160–170 mm.
For off-road use it is better to choose Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner.
Will it fit in the trunk? Murano Z51 baby stroller Cybex Priam?
Yes, but with nuances:
- When folded (without wheels), the stroller will fit into a standard trunk (891 l).
- If you do not remove the wheels, you will need to fold the second row of seats.
- For strollers with large wheels (e.g. Thule) the height of the trunk may not be enough - you will have to lay it diagonally.
Tip: before purchasing, check the dimensions of the stroller - the optimal length for Murano no more 110 cm.
What is the minimum garage size for Murano Z51?
To place the car comfortably and be able to open the doors, the garage must be:
- Length: no less
5.5 m(so that there is room in front and behind). - Width: no less
2.7 m(including open doors -3.2 m). - Height: no less
2.0 m(if there is a roof rack or antenna on the roof).
With garage width 2.5 m The doors can only be opened from one side.
Is it possible to transport to Murano Z51 refrigerator 170 cm high?
Yes, but only with the second row seats folded down and the trunk hatch open. In this case:
- Maximum load height -
120 cm(from floor to ceiling). - The refrigerator will have to be placed at an angle or disassembled (if possible).
- The weight of the refrigerator should not exceed
150 kg(otherwise the suspension will suffer).
For transportation of high loads it is better to rent Gazelle or a van.