Nissan Murano Z50 (2015–2023): full review of the used crossover

Nissan Murano Z50 is a crossover that, since 2015, has been surprising with its futuristic design, spacious interior and hybrid technology. The third generation model was a real breakthrough for the brand, combining the elegance of a premium sedan and the practicality of a full-size SUV. But is it that good? Murano Z50 on the secondary market? Is it worth buying a used one or is it better to pay attention to competitors?

In this review, we will look at all the key aspects: from technical characteristics to typical problems that owners encounter. You will find out which engines are more reliable, how the hybrid version behaves on the track, and why Murano often compared to Infiniti QX60. And also - real reviews, advice on choosing and answers to frequently asked questions.

Design and exterior: futuristic but controversial

Nissan Murano Z50 It immediately catches your eye with its aggressive and at the same time elegant design. The car received a branded radiator grille "V-Motion", which has become the hallmark of many models of the brand. Smooth body lines, a floating roof and narrow headlights create the impression of a dynamic and modern crossover.

However, not everyone likes this style. Some owners complain that after 3-4 years, the chrome elements begin to fade, and the plastic trim on the bumpers cracks from minor impacts. The front part and sills are especially vulnerable - they are often damaged when parking.

• 🔹 Design advantages: memorable appearance, premium optics with LED backlight, large wheel arches (suitable for wheels up to 20 inches).
• 🔸 Cons: fragile chrome parts, expensive body repairs, controversial shape of rear lights (many confuse with Infiniti).
• 🔶 Advice: When buying a used one, pay attention to the condition of the paintwork - even small scratches are noticeable on dark colors.

I wonder what Murano Z50 It was offered in two body styles: standard and extended (for the Chinese market). In Russia, only the basic version was officially sold, but sometimes “gray” copies with an extended wheelbase are available.

Interior: spacious, but not without flaws

Salon Murano Z50 made in the best traditions Nissan early 2010s: soft plastic, leather trim (in top versions) and ergonomic seats with good lateral support. The front panel turned out to be minimalistic, but functional - all buttons are at hand, and the multimedia system NissanConnect (since 2017) supports Apple CarPlay And Android Auto.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• 🛋️ Pros of the salon: spacious second row (even for tall passengers), large trunk (up to 1867 l), high-quality sound insulation.
• 🚨 Typical problems:
  • creaking plastic panels (especially in cold weather);
  • quickly wearing leatherette on the steering wheel;
  • inconvenient location of climate control buttons in basic versions.

Owners note that in the hybrid version Murano Hybrid The trunk is smaller due to the battery, but there is an additional compartment for small items under the floor. And also - the top trim levels provide ventilation and heating of all seats, which is important for Russian winters.

⚠️ Attention! When inspecting a used one Murano Z50 Be sure to check the operation of the electronics: parking sensors, rear view camera and heated seats often fail. This may indicate problems with the on-board computer.

Technical characteristics: engines, transmission, suspension

Nissan Murano Z50 was offered with three types of power plant:

1. Petrol 3.5 V6 (VQ35DD) — 260 hp, 336 Nm, paired with Xtronic CVT.
2. Hybrid 2.5 + electric motor - 250 hp (total capacity), only for some markets (rare in Russia).
3. Diesel 2.5 (YD25DDTi) — 190 hp, 450 Nm, with 6-speed automatic transmission (for Europe only).

In Russia it was officially sold only petrol V6, and this is the most reliable option. Engine VQ35DD known for its endurance, but requires quality oil (synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-20) and timely replacement of the timing belt (every 100–120 thousand km). CVT Xtronic It’s also reliable if you don’t overheat it in traffic jams.

The hybrid version is more economical (consumption ~7–8 l/100 km versus 10–12 l for the V6), but its repair is more expensive due to the battery. Diesel in our conditions is a lottery: at frosts below -20°C there may be problems with starting.

Characteristics	Gasoline 3.5 V6	Hybrid 2.5	Diesel 2.5
Power, hp	260	250 (combined)	190
Consumption (mixed), l/100 km	10.5–12	7–8	6.5–7.5
Transmission	CVT	CVT	6 automatic transmission
Drive	Full/Front	Full	Full
Recommended fuel	AI-95	AI-95	DT (Euro-5)

Suspension Murano Z50 soft and comfortable, but not designed for off-road use. The ground clearance of 185 mm allows you to overcome city bumps, but on a serious country road it’s better not to take risks. A common problem is a knocking sound in the front suspension after 80–100 thousand km (usually the stabilizer struts or silent blocks are to blame).

Options and equipment: what to choose in the secondary market

In Russia Nissan Murano Z50 officially sold in three trim levels:

• 🔘 SE — basic version with fabric trim, 18" wheels and a simple audio system.
• 🔘 SV — leather interior, 360° camera, heated steering wheel and seats are added.
• 🔘 SL/Platinum — premium trim, adaptive cruise control, seat ventilation, system ProPILOT Assist (starting from 2018).

It is better to look for versions on the secondary market SV or SL — they are equipped with everything necessary for comfortable operation. In basic SE Often there are even no parking sensors, which is inconvenient for a large crossover.

Please note the year of manufacture:

• 📅 2015–2016 — first batches, “childhood illnesses” are possible (problems with the variator, multimedia firmware).
• 📅 2017–2019 — the most balanced versions with updated NissanConnect.
• 📅 2020–2023 - restyling (optics changed, new colors appeared), but the remnants of old stocks were sold in Russia.

⚠️ Attention! Some 2015-2016 cars have a problem with automatic transmission control unit, due to which the variator goes into emergency mode. Please check your dealer's firmware update history before purchasing.

Condition of the variator (is there any jerking during acceleration)

All-wheel drive system operation (check that 4WD is engaged)

Integrity of paintwork (especially on the hood and bumpers)

Electronics functionality (camera, sensors, multimedia)

Service history (regularity of maintenance, oil changes in the variator) -->

Pros and cons of the Nissan Murano Z50: an honest analysis

Benefits:

• ✅ Spacious salon - one of the most spacious in the class (comparable to Toyota Highlander).
• ✅ Reliable V6 engine — with proper maintenance, it runs 300+ thousand km.
• ✅ Comfortable suspension — swallows pits well, but not “cotton”.
• ✅ Rich equipment — even in the middle trim levels there is everything you need.
• ✅ Low cost of ownership compared to premium competitors (Lexus RX, Acura MDX).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ High fuel consumption — in the city up to 14–15 l/100 km (especially with all-wheel drive).
• ❌ Expensive spare parts — original parts (for example, headlights or bumpers) can cost the same as premium brands.
• ❌ Weak corrosion resistance — sills and arches rust after 3–4 years of operation.
• ❌ Electronics problems — multimedia and parking sensors often fail.
• ❌ Low liquidity - on the secondary market it lasts longer than Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

An important point: in 2020, Nissan officially stopped selling Murano in Russia, so new spare parts are now supplied on order, and their cost has increased by 20-30%.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

Nissan Murano Z50 competes with models such as Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe And Kia Sorento. Let's compare the key parameters:

Parameter	Nissan Murano Z50	Toyota Highlander (XU50)	Hyundai Santa Fe (TM)
Engine (base)	3.5 V6 (260 hp)	2.5 (185 hp) / 3.5 V6 (299 hp)	2.4 Turbo (235 hp)
Consumption (mixed), l/100 km	10.5–12	9–11 (2.5) / 11–13 (3.5)	8.5–10
Used price (2017, 100 thousand km), rub.	1.8–2.2 million	2.0–2.5 million	1.6–1.9 million
Pros	Design, space, reliable V6	Hybrid version, reliability	5 year warranty, low price
Cons	Consumption, expensive spare parts	Boring design, expensive renovation	Less space, weak engine

If you need reliable family crossover - better look to the side Toyota Highlander (especially hybrid). If important design and comfort — Murano out of competition. And if the budget is limited - Hyundai Santa Fe offers more for less money.

Interesting fact: Nissan Murano Z50 built on the same platform as Infiniti QX60, but costs 1.5–2 times cheaper. At the same time, in terms of equipment and comfort, they are almost identical!

Why is the Murano cheaper than the Infiniti QX60?

The main reason is the brand. Infiniti is positioned as a premium brand, so even with the same filling, the price is higher. In addition, the QX60 offers more luxurious interior trim (real leather, wood) and additional options, such as adaptive suspension. But in terms of reliability and technical characteristics, the models are practically the same.

Owner reviews: real operating experience

We analyzed owner reviews Nissan Murano Z50 on forums and social networks. Here's what they say:

👍 Pros according to reviews:

• “The car is very comfortable for long trips - you don’t get tired even after 1000 km.”
• "The V6 engine pulls great, overtaking is no problem."
• "The interior is spacious, the trunk can even accommodate a large bicycle."
• “The design still excites—it doesn’t date.”

👎 Cons according to reviews:

• "Consumption in the city of 14-15 liters is too much."
• "After 100 thousand km, the plastics in the cabin began to creak."
• “The repair of the variator cost 180 thousand rubles - the original parts are very expensive.”
• "It behaves unstable on ice in winter - you need good tires."

Many owners note that Murano requires attentive attitude to service. For example, the oil in a variator needs to be changed every 60 thousand km (and not 100, as the dealer writes), otherwise the risk of breakdown grows exponentially. It is also recommended to check the condition of the brake discs once a year - they wear out quickly due to the heavy weight of the car.

Overall, Nissan Murano Z50 receives 4 out of 5 stars — a great car for those who are willing to put up with its shortcomings for the sake of style and comfort.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

❓ How much does it cost to service a Nissan Murano Z50 per year?

Average cost of maintenance (oil, filters, diagnostics) — 20–30 thousand rubles per year. If you need to replace brake pads or spark plugs - another +15-25 thousand. The CVT is more expensive: oil change - ~10 thousand, major repairs - from 150 thousand rubles.

❓ Which engine is more reliable: V6 or hybrid?

Gasoline V6 (VQ35DD) more reliable and easier to repair. The hybrid version is more economical, but the battery lasts ~150–200 thousand km, and its replacement costs 200–300 thousand rubles. For Russia it is better to choose V6.

❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on the Murano Z50?

Technically possible, but not recommended. The V6 engine is sensitive to fuel quality, and gas reduces the life of valves and spark plugs. If you still decide, choose 4th generation equipment and get tuned by trusted technicians.

❓ Which tires are best for the Murano Z50?

Optimal sizes: 235/65 R18 or 235/55 R20. Suitable for winter:

• Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 — better balance of grip and comfort;
• Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 - for harsh winters;
• Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 — good handling on ice.

In summer you can choose Continental CrossContact LX2 or Pirelli Scorpion Verde.

❓ Is it worth buying a Murano Z50 with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km?

You can, but only if:

• there is a full one service history;
• the variator was serviced every 60 thousand km;
• there are no traces of an accident (check the body geometry);
• the engine has not overheated (check the oil for emulsion).

Otherwise, the risk of large investments in repairs is too high.