Crossover Nissan Murano Z52 The fourth generation, introduced in 2022, continues to be one of the most controversial offerings in the premium SUV segment. On the one hand - stylish design, spacious interior and proven platform, on the other - questionable reliability of the variator, high fuel consumption and inflated price on the secondary market. To figure out whether this car is worth buying today, we have collected latest reviews from owners 2023-2026, analyzed typical problems and compared Murano Z52 with key competitors.
In this article you will find not only subjective impressions, but also specific data on fuel consumption in the urban/suburban cycle, statistics on breakdowns of the CVT8 variator, as well as recommendations for choosing between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Particular attention was paid to the reviews of those who operate the car in Russian conditions - taking into account the quality of fuel, roads and service. If you are considering Murano Z52 As a purchasing option, this information will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Design and Exterior: Why the Murano Z52 Still Stands Out on the Road
Even 2 years after restyling Nissan Murano Z52 remains one of the most recognizable crossovers on the road. His aggressive front end with a V-shaped radiator grille, narrow headlights with LED optics and dynamic body lines distinguish the model from competitors like Toyota Venza or Ford Edge. Owners often note in reviews that the car looks more expensive than its actual cost - especially in top trim levels with 20-inch wheels and two-tone paint.
However, not everyone likes such a futuristic design. For example, some people complain about impractical shape of the rear pillars, which restrict visibility when parking. Also, the downside is that the plastic of the bumpers is too soft - scratches often appear in parking lots even from light touches. Here's what the owners write about the appearance:
- 👍 "Bought Murano 2023 in color Deep Blue Pearl - it looks like fire! They overtake on the highway to take a closer look." (Alexey, Moscow)
- 👎 "The design is too pretentious for a family car. After a year I'm already tired of it - I want something more classic." (Igor, Ekaterinburg)
- 💡 "Pay attention to tail lights “They quickly become cloudy with dirt, and they are almost invisible in the rain.” (Review from Drive2)
Fun fact: in 2026 Nissan released a special series Murano Midnight Edition with black accents and tinted headlights. These cars on the secondary market cost 150-200 thousand rubles more than standard versions, despite the identical filling.
- I like it very much
- I like it, but it's too pretentious
- Neutral
- Don't like it
- Too aggressive
Interior and ergonomics: spacious, but not without flaws
Salon Murano Z52 This is its main advantage over its competitors. It's really spacious here: distance between front and rear seats - 1020 mm, and the trunk volume reaches 1100 liters with the backrests folded. Finishing materials in top versions (leather Semi-Aniline with stitching) look premium, but in the basic versions the plastic is hard and creaky.
Owners praise:
- 🪑 "Seats with memory settings and ventilation are a lifesaver in summer traffic jams. During a 3-hour drive, your back does not get tired." (Maria, Sochi)
- 🎛️ "Heated steering wheel and a huge number of adjustments - you can customize it perfectly for yourself." (Dmitry, Novosibirsk)
- 🔊 "Audio system Bose with 11 speakers - the sound is like in a concert hall. The bass doesn't wheeze even at maximum." (Review from Drom.ru)
But there are also serious complaints:
- 🚫 "Multimedia screen slows down when connected Android Auto. Sometimes you have to reboot the system." (Sergey, Kazan)
- 🔌 "The USB connectors are located inconveniently - the wires interfere with changing gears." (Elena, St. Petersburg)
- 🌡️ "The climate control does a poor job of warming your feet in cold weather below -20°C." (Andrey, Krasnoyarsk)
Details about interior materials
Standard S artificial leather is used with a noticeable difference in texture on the seats and door panels. In versions SL And Platinum genuine leather with perforations is used, but even after a year of use it can begin to creak in the cold. This is especially noticeable in the area of the armrests and center console.
One of the most frequently asked questions is How comfortable is it to drive a car with a high seating position?. Opinions are divided here: women note good visibility, while men taller than 185 cm complain about the lack of legroom under the steering wheel.
Technical characteristics and dynamics: CVT8 variator is the main headache
Under the hood Nissan Murano Z52 a single engine is installed - 3.5 liter V6 VQ35DD 260 hp, paired with a CVT Jatco CVT8. This transmission has become the main cause of controversy among owners. On the one hand, it provides smooth acceleration and low noise level, on the other hand, afraid of overheating and requires frequent oil changes.
Real data on dynamics and fuel consumption (based on reviews from 2023-2026):
| Parameter | City (traffic) | Route (90-110 km/h) | Mixed cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel consumption (AI-95), l/100 km | 14.5-16.2 | 8.7-9.5 | 11.8-13.0 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, sec | 7.8-8.3 (depending on download) | ||
| Max. speed, km/h | 210 (electronically limited) | ||
| CVT resource before repair, km | 120,000–180,000 (with an oil change every 60 thousand km) | ||
Here's what owners say about transmission reliability:
- ⚠️ "Started at 98,000 km jerk when shifting. Diagnostics showed wear of the variator belt. The repair cost 280 thousand rubles." (Oleg, Rostov-on-Don)
- 🔧 "I change the oil in the variator every 40 thousand km - no problems so far (mileage 110 thousand km). I use only original fluid NS-3" (Ivan, Krasnodar)
- 💰 "If you buy with a mileage of more than 80 thousand km, budget 200-300 thousand rubles for possible CVT repairs." (Advice from the Nissan-Club.ru forum)
To extend the life of your CVT, avoid towing trailers heavier than 2,000 pounds and avoid accelerating hard from a standstill when cold. The optimal warm-up mode is 2-3 minutes at idle at temperatures below -10°C.
Interesting nuance: in 2023 Nissan quietly updated the variator firmware for Murano Z52, which reduced jerking when switching. The update is available from authorized dealers, but many owners do not even know about its existence.
Chassis and handling: soft, but not for off-roading
Nissan Murano Z52 built on a platform Nissan D, which also underlies Pathfinder And Infiniti QX60. The suspension here is completely independent: front - MacPherson struts, behind - multi-lever. This provides an excellent ride, but there is a downside: the car sways a lot on undulating roads.
Reviews about behavior on the road:
- 🛣️ "On the highway it holds the road confidently, but when overtaking at speeds above 140 km/h it feels lack of directional stability" (Anatoly, Voronezh)
- ❄️ "Velcro in winter" front wheels are slipping at start. All-wheel drive is connected with a delay." (Tatiana, Perm)
- 🔧 "Shock absorbers begin to knock after 60 thousand km. The original ones cost 25 thousand rubles per pair." (Review from Auto.ru)
Important point: Murano Z52 Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (Intelligent AWD). The latter adds +150 kg to the weight and increases fuel consumption by 0.7-1.0 l/100 km. At the same time ground clearance is only 185 mm — this is enough for city curbs, but not for serious off-road use.
CVT mileage (optimally up to 80 thousand km)
Condition of the rear suspension silent blocks (they creak when reversing)
All-wheel drive system operation (check on snow or wet asphalt)
Integrity of the windshield (often cracked by stones)
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Many owners recommend installing it immediately after purchase additional front strut braces (cost ~15 thousand rubles), since the standard suspension is too soft for Russian roads.
Typical problems and weaknesses: what to look for before purchasing
Analysis of reviews for 2023-2026 showed several systemic problems Nissan Murano Z52, which appear regardless of the year of manufacture:
- CVT8 CVT - the main source of problems. When the mileage exceeds 100 thousand km, the belt and cones often need to be replaced (repair cost starts from 200 thousand rubles).
- Electronics — the multimedia system is glitchy, sometimes the parking sensors are triggered spontaneously.
- Paintwork — chips quickly appear on the hood and front fenders.
- Brake system — pads and discs wear out faster than the stated period (on average by 30-40 thousand km).
- Air conditioning system — in hot regions, condensation often flows into the cabin due to clogged drainage.
Here are real cases from reviews:
- 🔥 "At 78,000 km Check Engine light came on. Diagnostics showed a malfunction of the ignition coils. Replacing all six cost 45 thousand rubles." (Kirill, Samara)
- 💧 "After the rain, a smell of dampness appeared in the cabin. It turned out that Door seals allow water to pass through" (Olga, Nizhny Novgorod)
- 🚨 "On the highway when overtaking brakes failed. The reason is air in the system due to a leaky tank." (Andrey, Chelyabinsk)
If you buy a used Murano Z52, be sure to check the CVT service history. Without regular oil changes (every 60 thousand km), the risk of expensive repairs exceeds 70% after 100 thousand km.
Another important point: in 2023 Nissan recalled a batch of cars due to possible fuel pump defect. If your Murano released until June 2023, check the VIN on the Rosstandart website.
Cost of ownership: how much does it really cost to maintain a Murano Z52
Upon purchase Nissan Murano Z52 It is important to consider not only the price of the car, but also maintenance costs. Here are the current prices for 2026 (for Moscow and regions):
| Service/Spare part | Cost, ₽ | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Changing the oil in the variator (NS-3, 8 l) | 12 000–15 000 | Every 60 thousand km |
| Changing engine oil (5W-30.5 l) | 6 000–8 000 | Every 10 thousand km |
| Brake pads (front + rear) | 25 000–35 000 | Every 30-40 thousand km |
| Spark plugs (6 pcs.) | 9 000–12 000 | Every 100 thousand km |
| CASCO insurance (with a deductible of 30 thousand) | 80 000–120 000 | Annually |
The owners note that most expensive to maintain - vehicles with all-wheel drive. For example, changing the oil in the transfer case costs 5-7 thousand rubles, and repairing the connection coupling can cost 50-70 thousand rubles.
Average maintenance costs per year (according to reviews):
- 🚗 Urban operation (15 thousand km/year): 120,000–150,000 ₽
- 🛣️ Country trips (30 thousand km/year): 180,000–220,000 ₽
- ❄️ Operation in cold climates: +20-30% to the cost (due to frequent heating and tire wear)
It is not profitable to save money on servicing the Murano Z52. For example, using non-original oil in a variator can lead to its breakdown after 80 thousand km, and repairs will cost 3-4 annual maintenance budgets.
Comparison with competitors: is Murano worth paying extra for?
Main competitors Nissan Murano Z52 in the premium crossover segment:
- Toyota Venza (hybrid, CVT, price from 3.8 million ₽)
- Ford Edge (2.0T + 8AT, price from 3.5 million ₽)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (2.5T + 8AT, price from 3.2 million ₽)
- Kia Sorento (2.5T + 8AT, price from 3.3 million ₽)
Benefits Murano before competitors:
- 👑 More premium interior (genuine leather, better sound insulation)
- 🚗 Smooth acceleration thanks to the variator (no jerking when switching)
- 🛋️More legroom on the second row
Disadvantages compared to competitors:
- 💸 Higher fuel consumption (1.5-2.0 l/100 km more than Santa Fe)
- 🔧 Less reliable transmission (variator vs. classic automatic Kia/Ford)
- 📉 Loses value faster on the secondary market (over 3 years - minus 40-50%)
Conclusion: Murano Z52 worth choosing if they are critical for you comfort, design and premium. If reliability and efficiency come first, it’s better to look away Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z52
❓ What is the real service life of the VQ35DD engine?
With proper maintenance (oil change every 10 thousand km, original filters), the engine can easily travel 300-350 thousand km without major repairs. Main enemies - overheating (monitor the antifreeze level) and fuel quality (it’s better to refuel at proven networks like Gazpromneft or Rosneft).
❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Murano Z52?
The official maximum trailer weight is 907 kg. However, owners and mechanics recommend not exceeding 700 kg, since CVT8 variator is not designed for high loads. When towing, be sure to use an additional transmission cooling radiator (installation cost ~25 thousand rubles).
❓ What oil to pour into the variator?
Only original liquid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Analogues like Idemitsu CVTF or Ravenol CVT can only be used as a last resort. The volume for a complete replacement is 8 liters. Important: after changing the oil, you need to reset the fluid aging counter via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).
❓ What is the ground clearance of the Murano Z52 and can it be increased?
Standard ground clearance is 185 mm. You can increase it in two ways:
- Install spacers under the springs (cost ~20 thousand rubles, ground clearance will increase by 20-30 mm).
- Install springs from Nissan Pathfinder (clearance will increase by 15-20 mm, but handling will deteriorate).
Both options will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and may affect the life of the chassis.
❓ Is it worth buying a used Murano Z52 2022-2023?
Yes, but only if three conditions are met:
- Mileage no more than 60-70 thousand km.
- There is a full service history (especially oil changes in the variator).
- The price is 15-20% lower than the market price (due to risks with CVT8).
The best option is cars manufactured in 2023 with a warranty until 2026. Avoid cars with over 100 thousand km - the risk of a quick CVT repair is too high.