Nissan Murano Z52 is a crossover that has already become loved by many car owners for its stylish design, comfortable interior and time-tested platform. But is this car really that good in practice? We have collected real reviews from owners with mileage ranging from 20 to 150 thousand kilometers to help you make an informed decision before purchasing.
In this article you will find not only general impressions, but also specific figures on fuel consumption, typical problems after 50+ thousand km, as well as a comparison with competitors in the class. We will pay special attention CVT reliability, build quality And cost of service — these are the points that most often concern potential buyers.
Among the owners Murano Z52 There are both enthusiastic fans and those who are disappointed in the car after several years of use. We analyzed hundreds of reviews on forums and social networks to highlight key trends and give an objective assessment.
Technical characteristics and configurations: what the owners chose
Basic version Nissan Murano Z52 equipped with a 3.5-liter gasoline engine VQ35DE with a power of 249 hp, which is paired with a CVT Xtronic. This combination provides smooth acceleration but raises questions about durability. Most owners note that there is enough power to spare for city use, and on the highway the crossover confidently maintains a speed of 140-160 km/h.
Popular configurations include:
- 🔹 Comfort — basic version with climate control, leather steering wheel and 18-inch wheels. Most often purchased for family use.
- 🔹 Elegance — adds a panoramic roof, premium audio system Bose and adaptive cruise control. Favorite option: heated seats.
- 🔹 Premium - top version with all-round cameras, ventilated front seats and ProPilot. Owners note that it makes sense to overpay for these functions only with active use.
Interesting fact: about 60% of buyers choose the front-wheel drive version, despite the fact that Murano positioned as a crossover. This is due to a lower price and lower fuel consumption - in the city the difference with all-wheel drive reaches 1.5-2 liters per 100 km.
- Comfort
- Elegance
- Premium
- Other
Real fuel consumption: owner data vs official figures
The manufacturer claims a combined consumption of 9.8 l/100 km for the front-wheel drive version and 10.2 l/100 km for the all-wheel drive version. However, real indicators, according to reviews from owners, differ significantly:
| Movement type | Official data (l/100 km) | Actual consumption according to reviews (l/100 km) |
|---|---|---|
| City (traffic) | 12.5 | 14.5-16.0 |
| Route (90-110 km/h) | 7.2 | 8.0-9.5 |
| Mixed cycle | 9.8-10.2 | 11.5-13.0 |
| Winter mode (city) | — | 16.5-18.0 |
Many owners note that consumption greatly depends on driving style. With aggressive acceleration with a CVT, consumption can increase to 18-20 liters in the city. This is especially noticeable in the first 10-15 thousand km, until the engine is run-in.
⚠️ Attention: When using fuel with an octane rating below 95, consumption may increase by 10-15%, and detonation may occur during sudden acceleration. The owners recommend filling only AI-95 or AI-98 from trusted networks.
An interesting life hack from experienced owners: if you regularly reset the variator adaptations through a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431), fuel consumption in the city can be reduced by 0.5-1 liter. However, it is not recommended to do this more than once every 10 thousand km.
Reliability of the Xtronic variator: myths and reality
The main fear of potential buyers Murano Z52 - this is a variator JF017E, which is installed on this model. There is a lot of conflicting information on the Internet: some claim that it “dies” after 100 thousand km, others drive without problems for 200+ thousand. Let's look at the real data.
According to statistics from service centers, the main problems begin after 80-120 thousand km if the service regulations are not followed. Typical symptoms:
- 🔧 Jerks during acceleration (especially when cold)
- 🔧 Humming or whistling noise from under the hood
- 🔧 Delay when switching between "D" and "R"
- 🔧 Loss of power at high speeds
What owners say about the resource of the variator:
- 📊 30% - no problem up to 150+ thousand km (regular maintenance)
- 📊 50% - first symptoms after 100 thousand km (requires repair)
- 📊 20% - major repairs up to 80 thousand km (operation without maintenance)
⚠️ Attention: It is critically important to change the oil in the variator every 60 thousand km (and not 90, as the dealer advises). Use only original fluid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. Replacement costs 8-12 thousand rubles, and repair of the variator costs from 150 thousand.
There are also positive stories. For example, owners from cold regions (Yakutia, Magadan) note that with proper warming up (at least 5 minutes in cold weather) and regular oil changes, the variator lasts longer than in a temperate climate. This is due to the fact that constant low temperatures destroy rubber elements less than frequent changes.
Change the oil every 60 thousand km|Warm up for at least 3 minutes in summer and 5 minutes in winter|Avoid sudden starts and braking|Check the oil level every 10 thousand km|Use only original fluid-->
Typical problems after 50+ thousand kilometers
Even with careful operation after 50 thousand km Murano Z52 characteristic “diseases” begin to appear. We analyzed owner reviews and service data to compile a list of the most common problems:
| Problem | Manifestation | Repair cost (₽) | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front crankshaft oil seal leaking | Oil stains under the car, burnt oil smell | 12 000-18 000 | Monitor the oil level, change every 10 thousand km |
| Knock in the front suspension | Clicking noises when driving over bumps | 8,000-25,000 (bushings, racks, supports) | Check the condition of the boots every 20 thousand km |
| Throttle Position Sensor Failure | Floating speed, jerking during acceleration | 3,500-6,000 (sensor replacement) | Use high-quality fuel, clean the throttle every 30 thousand km |
| Corrosion of thresholds and arches | Rust on welds, swelling of paintwork | 20,000-50,000 (depending on degree) | Treat with anticorrosive once every 2 years, wash in winter at least once a week |
Particular attention should be paid to electronics. Many owners complain about malfunctions of the multimedia system NissanConnect after 3-4 years of operation. Typical problems: navigation freezes, spontaneous shutdown Bluetooth, errors when connecting a smartphone. In most cases, resetting to factory settings helps, but sometimes a flashing is required.
Another unpleasant surprise is the cost of original spare parts. For example, a front bumper will cost 40-50 thousand rubles, and a headlight - 35-45 thousand. Therefore, many owners switch to non-original spare parts from TYC or Depo, which are 2-3 times cheaper, but require more frequent replacement.
What to do if the Murano Z52 does not start in winter?
If the starter turns, but the engine does not start:
1. Check the pressure in the fuel rail (must be at least 3.5 bar)
2. Inspect the spark plugs for carbon deposits
3. Check the operation of the injectors (a common problem is condensate freezing in the fuel system)
4. If the battery is weak, try to “light it” from another car, but no more than 2-3 minutes in a row
In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by warming up the battery in a warm room or replacing the fuel filter.
Comfort and handling: impressions from daily use
One of the main advantages Murano Z52, according to the owners, this is a high level of comfort. The crossover perfectly absorbs road irregularities thanks to its soft suspension and well-tuned shock absorbers. This is especially appreciated during long trips: many note that after 500-600 km they don’t feel tired while driving.
Here's what owners say about different aspects of comfort:
- 🪑 Seats: “The most comfortable in the class, but lateral support could be better” (review from an owner with a mileage of 80 thousand km)
- 🎧 Noise insulation: "At a speed of 120 km/h the cabin is quieter than in Audi Q5 2018" (comparative test)
- 🌡️ Climate control: “In winter, the interior quickly warms up, but in summer, the air conditioning sometimes fails to cope in 35-degree heat”
- 📱 Ergonomics: “The buttons on the steering wheel are comfortable, but the touch screen could be bigger” (a common complaint)
Opinions are divided on handling. Some praise Murano for predictable behavior on the highway, others note oversteer at high speeds. This is especially noticeable on all-wheel drive versions with the system All-Mode 4x4-i, which sometimes lags behind connecting the rear axle.
An interesting point: many owners note that after replacing standard tires Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport on Michelin Primacy 4 or Continental ContiSportContact 5 Handling is significantly improved, especially on wet roads. However, this increases noise by 10-15%.
If you don't have enough dynamics when overtaking, try activating the "Sport" mode - it changes the logic of the CVT, making acceleration sharper. But remember that in this mode, fuel consumption increases by 15-20%.
Cost of ownership: how much can you realistically spend on maintenance?
One of the key factors when choosing Nissan Murano Z52 becomes the cost of maintenance. Let's look at the main expense items based on data from owners with a mileage of 50-100 thousand km.
Average maintenance costs (every 15 thousand km):
- 🛢️ Oil and filter change: 6,000-9,000 ₽
- 🔧 Suspension diagnostics: 1,500-3,000 ₽
- 🔋 Replacement of air and cabin filters: 2,500-4,000 ₽
- 🛞 Wheel balancing: 1,200-2,000 ₽
Major expenses that await owners:
- 🔄 Timing belt replacement (every 100 thousand km): 25,000-35,000 ₽
- 🔋 Battery replacement (every 3-4 years): 8,000-15,000 ₽
- 🛞 Tire replacement (every 40-50 thousand km): 40,000-70,000 ₽ per set
- 🔧 Overhaul of the variator (after 120+ thousand km): 150,000-250,000 ₽
Insurance also hits your pocket: CASCO for Murano Z52 costs 80-120 thousand rubles per year, depending on the region and the age of the driver. Many owners save by taking out only MTPL (10-15 thousand rubles) and an additional theft policy (20-30 thousand rubles).
⚠️ Attention: When buying used Murano Z52 Be sure to check the service history of the CVT. If there are no receipts for oil changes, be prepared for additional expenses of 50-100 thousand rubles in the first 20 thousand kilometers.
Interesting fact: owners who are serviced by “official” dealers spend 30-40% more than those who use specialized services. Nissan. At the same time, the quality of work is often comparable. Popular networks: Nissan Service, Auto special center, Jatco-Service (for CVTs).
Comparison with competitors: which is better to choose
In the class of large crossovers Murano Z52 there are several direct competitors. Let's compare the key parameters based on reviews from owners who switched from other models.
| Parameter | Nissan Murano Z52 | Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVT/automatic transmission reliability | ⭐⭐⭐ (requires frequent maintenance) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (automatic transmission is more reliable) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (good automatic transmission) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (automatic transmission without problems) |
| Fuel consumption (city) | 14.5-16.0 l | 13.5-15.0 l | 12.0-14.0 l | 12.5-14.5 l |
| Suspension comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (soft) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (a little harder) | ⭐⭐⭐ (more athletic) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (balanced) |
| Maintenance cost (per 100 thousand km) | ~250 000 ₽ | ~220 000 ₽ | ~180 000 ₽ | ~190 000 ₽ |
| Cabin space | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (spacious, but the trunk is small) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (most spacious) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (good) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (good) |
Many owners who compared Murano with Toyota Highlander, note that the Japanese crossover is more reliable, but less comfortable. For example, pendant Highlander stiffer, and the interior is noisy at speeds above 110 km/h. But the variator Toyota does not require such close attention.
Korean competitors (Santa Fe And Sorento) benefit in the price of service and warranty period (7 years for Hyundai/Kia versus 3 years Nissan). However, in terms of the quality of interior materials and level of sound insulation, they are noticeably inferior Murano.
The Nissan Murano Z52 outperforms competitors in comfort and design, but loses in transmission reliability and maintenance costs. If your priority is a soft ride and a premium interior, then Murano great choice. If reliability and efficiency are more important, consider Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Santa Fe.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z52
What is the real service life of the VQ35DE engine?
With proper maintenance (oil change every 10 thousand km, high-quality fuel), the engine can easily cover 300-400 thousand km. The main problems begin after 200 thousand km: wear of oil scraper rings, leaking oil seals, loss of compression. Owners recommend doing diagnostics for smoke and compression after 150 thousand km.
Can you tow a trailer with the Murano Z52?
Yes, but with reservations. The maximum trailer weight is 1500 kg (for versions with all-wheel drive). However, owners do not recommend regularly using a crossover for towing due to:
- Increased load on the variator (accelerates its wear)
- Increasing fuel consumption to 20-22 l/100 km
- Transmission overheating on long climbs
If you have to tow, be sure to install an additional CVT oil cooler.
What kind of oil should I put in the variator?
Only original Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (item KE909-99932). Analogs (for example, Idemitsu CVTF or Ravenol CVT) can only be used as a last resort, but they reduce the life of the variator by 15-20%. The volume for a full replacement is 9.5 liters, for a partial replacement - 4.5 liters.
How often should you change spark plugs?
The official regulation is every 100 thousand km, but owners recommend reducing the interval to 60-80 thousand km. It is better to use original candles Nissan (article 22401-JK81B) or their analogues from NGK (IFR6T11). Signs of wear: difficult starting, engine tripping, increased fuel consumption.
Is it worth buying a Murano Z52 with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km?
It is possible, but with caution. Mandatory checks before purchasing:
- CVT diagnostics (checking pressure, belt condition, presence of metal shavings)
- Checking the compression in the cylinders (must be at least 11 bar in each)
- Inspect the lift for corrosion and leaks
- Checking service history (especially CVT oil changes)
Average price on the market: 1.8-2.3 million rubles per copy of 2018-2019 with a mileage of 100-120 thousand km. Budget for possible repairs after purchase: 100-200 thousand rubles.