Crossover Nissan Murano - one of those cars that set trends in the mid-size SUV class at the turn of the 2000s. Having debuted in 2002, the model became the brand's first production crossover built on the platform of a passenger car rather than an SUV. This solution made it possible to combine a spacious interior, comfortable suspension and efficiency with the appearance of a real SUV. Over 22 years of production Murano changed three generations (Z50, Z51, Z52), each of which had unique features and target audiences.

Today Murano remains in demand in the secondary market due to its reliability, original design and balanced characteristics. However, not all generations are equally good: the first versions suffered from “childhood diseases”, and the latest ones from simplified configurations for the American market. In this material we will analyze all key changes between generations, including restylings, technical innovations and typical problemsto help you choose the best version to purchase.

First generation Nissan Murano (Z50, 2002–2007): a revolution in class

Debut generation Nissan Murano Z50 was a real breakthrough: the car was built on a platform Nissan Altima, but with all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance. Design by Shiro Nakamura (author Nissan 350Z) combined aggressive body lines, large wheel arches and unusual headlight shapes - this style was new to the conservative SUV market of the early 2000s. Only one engine was installed under the hood: VQ35DE volume 3.5 l (245 hp), paired with a CVT Xtronic or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Features Murano Z50:

  • 🔧 Nissan's first production crossover on a passenger platform FF-L.
  • 🚗 Exclusive engine: VQ35DE with variable valve timing system CVTCS.
  • 💺 Spacious salon with the possibility of transforming the rear row (folding 60/40).
  • 🛡️ Security: 6 pillows, system VDC (stability control) and anti-lock braking system ABS as standard.

Among the shortcomings, the owners noted poor sound insulation (especially at speeds above 120 km/h) and unfinished variator the first years of production, which warmed up during intensive driving. The 2005 restyling brought updated optics, a modified radiator grille and a modified suspension, but problems with the CVT remained until the end of production.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Murano Z50 Before 2004, be sure to check the oil change history of the variator. Resource of original liquid NS-2 did not exceed 60 thousand km, and its overheating led to failure of the cones.

Second generation (Z51, 2007–2014): growing in size and premium

Nissan Murano Z51 debuted in 2007 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, offering buyers a more premium image and increased dimensions. The car has grown by 100 mm in length and 40 mm in width, which has a positive effect on the legroom for rear passengers. The design has become stricter: rounded shapes have disappeared, chrome inserts and LED optics have appeared in top versions. Still working under the hood VQ35DE, but now with a return of 265 hp. (for the USA) and 234 hp. (for Europe).

Key innovations Z51:

  • 🔄 New CVT Jatco JR710E with imitation of steps and manual switching mode.
  • 🎛️ All-wheel drive system All-Mode 4x4-i with electronic control and center differential lock.
  • 📱 Multimedia: HDD navigation, rear view camera and audio system Bose with 11 speakers.
  • 🛋️ Salon: leather trim, heated/ventilated seats, electric adjustment.

The 2010 facelift brought an updated front end with a more aggressive bumper, LED daytime running lights and a revised suspension. However, the main problem Z51 remained variator: despite the improvements, its resource rarely exceeded 150 thousand km during intensive use. In 2012, a version with a diesel engine appeared for the European market. YD25DDTi (190 hp), but it was not popular due to its high price.

📊 Which generation of Murano do you like best?
  • Z50 (2002–2007)
  • Z51 (2007–2014)
  • Z52 (2014–2026)
  • I find it difficult to answer
Parameter Nissan Murano Z50 Nissan Murano Z51
Years of production 2002–2007 2007–2014
Length/width, mm 4780/1885 4830/1895
Engine (gasoline) VQ35DE 3.5 l, 245 hp VQ35DE 3.5 l, 265 hp (USA)/234 hp (EU)
Transmission CVT/4automatic transmission CVT Xtronic
Fuel consumption, l/100 km 11.5 (city) 12.0 (city)

Third generation (Z52, 2014–2026): futuristic design and hybrid

Nissan Murano Z52 presented in 2014 at the New York Auto Show, and it became the most radical in terms of design. The car received "floating" roof, hidden rear door handles, LED optics all around and a futuristic front end with a V-shaped grille. Platform D (from Nissan Altima) has been modified for better handling, and premium materials have appeared in the cabin: leather trim with stitching, wood inserts and a digital instrument panel.

Technical features Z52:

  • 🔋 Hybrid version (Japan and US only): QR25DER 2.5 l + electric motor, total power 250 hp.
  • 🛡️ Security systems: ProPILOT Assist (semi-autonomous driving), Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
  • 📲 Multimedia: 8" touch screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, audio system Bose with 11 speakers.
  • 🚙 Suspension: adaptive dampers DSSC (Dynamic Suspension Control).

Restyling for 2021 affected mainly optics (new LED headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting) and multimedia system (wireless Apple CarPlay). However, the main problem Z52 became refusal of diesel versions for Europe and simplification of configurations for the US market. For example, after 2020, the option of ventilated seats disappeared, and the hybrid version never appeared in Russia.

Why wasn't the Murano Z52 sold in Europe after 2020?

The main reason is tightening environmental standards Euro 6d and low demand for large crossovers with gasoline engines. Nissan focused on models Qashqai And X-Trail, and Murano remained exclusively for North America and the Middle East.

Comparison of generations: which is better to choose?

Generation choice Nissan Murano depends on your priorities: budget, reliability requirements and design preferences. Below are the key criteria for each option:

For savings and ease of repair:

  • 💰 Murano Z50 (2005–2007) - the most affordable on the secondary market, but requires investment in a CVT and suspension.
  • 🔧 Murano Z51 (2010–2014) - optimal balance of price and equipment, especially in versions with 4-automatic transmission (instead of a CVT).

For comfort and premium:

  • 🛋️ Murano Z51 in top configuration LE (2012–2014) - leather interior, ventilated seats, 360° camera.
  • 🚀 Murano Z52 (2015–2017) - better sound insulation, adaptive cruise control, but high maintenance costs.

To be safe:

  • 🔩 Avoid Z50 until 2005 and Z51 with CVT until 2010.
  • ✅ Optimal choice - Z51 with 4 automatic transmission or Z52 with mileage up to 100 thousand km.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Murano Z52 check the CVT firmware update history. After 2018, Nissan released several critical updates to eliminate jerks during acceleration.

☑️ What to check before buying Murano Z51/Z52

Done: 0 / 5

Typical problems and weaknesses

Every generation Murano has its own “diseases” that you should know about before purchasing. Below are the most common problems and how to diagnose them.

Nissan Murano Z50 (2002–2007):

  • 🔥 CVT overheating - the main cause of breakdowns. Symptoms: jerking during acceleration, burning smell, error P0776.
  • 🔊 Knock in the front suspension — wear of silent blocks of levers and stabilizer struts (lifetime ~80 thousand km).
  • 💡 Oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, leading to electronic problems.

Nissan Murano Z51 (2007–2014):

  • 🛢️ Oil leak from under the valve cover (engine problem VQ35DE after 150 thousand km).
  • 🔋 Battery failure due to high power consumption of on-board electronics.
  • 🚪 Doors creaking — wear of guides and seals (solved by adjustment or replacement).

Nissan Murano Z52 (2014–2026):

  • 📱 Multimedia system glitches (freezes, spontaneous reboots). The solution is to update the firmware.
  • 🔌 Problems with parking sensors (false alarms due to contamination).
  • 🛞 Uneven tire wear — regular wheel alignment is required (every 20 thousand km).
💡

During a test drive Murano Z52 be sure to check the system operation ProPILOT Assist at speeds up to 60 km/h. If the car “floats” in the lane, the cameras may need to be calibrated.

Modifications and special versions

Over the years of production Nissan Murano was produced in several unique modifications, which are worth highlighting separately:

Murano Cabriolet (2011–2014):

  • 🚗 The world's only crossover convertible based on Z51.
  • 🔧 Engine VQ35DE (265 hp), CVT, all-wheel drive.
  • 💰 Only ~3000 copies were released, today the price on the secondary market starts from 1.5 million rubles.

Murano Hybrid (2015–2026):

  • 🔋 Hybrid installation: QR25DER 2.5 l + electric motor (250 hp in total).
  • ⚡ Fuel consumption: 7.8 l/100 km combined (according to EPA).
  • 🌍 Sold only in the USA and Japan, not officially delivered to Russia.

Murano CrossCabriolet (2010 concept):

  • 🎨 A prototype with an extended wheelbase and a soft top.
  • 🚫 I didn’t go into series due to low demand for niche models.
💡

The Murano Cabriolet is the rarest and most collectible option, but purchasing one requires careful inspection of the condition of the soft top and roof electronics.

Prospects for the model: will there be a new generation?

Nissan announced it will cease production in 2023 Murano for the American market after model year 2026. Reasons:

  • 📉 Falling demand for mid-size crossovers in favor of compact ones (Rogue) and large (Pathfinder) models.
  • 💲 Increase in production costs due to stricter environmental standards.
  • 🔋 Nissan's transition to electric vehicles: instead of Murano the brand will develop Ariya and other EVs.

However, there is a possibility that the model will return in the form electric crossover under the same name. Nissan patented the name in 2022 Murano EV, and the prototype is on the platform CMF-EV already being tested. Expected characteristics:

  • 🔋 Battery with a capacity of 90 kWh, power reserve ~ 450 km.
  • 🚀 Two electric motors (front + rear), total power ~300 hp.
  • 📱 System ProPILOT 2.0 with autopilot function on the highway.
⚠️ Attention: If you are considering purchasing Murano Z52 2023–2026, please note that spare parts for it may become more expensive after discontinuation. This is especially true for electronics and body parts.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Which Nissan Murano engine is the most reliable?

Considered the most reliable VQ35DE (3.5 l) in versions after 2010. With proper maintenance (oil change every 10 thousand km, monitoring the antifreeze level), this engine can easily cover 300+ thousand km. Avoid early versions (2002–2005) due to problems with oil leakage and oil seal leaks.

Is it worth buying a Murano with a CVT?

Yes, but only if two conditions are met: 1) mileage up to 150 thousand km; 2) a history of regular oil changes in the variator (every 60 thousand km). CVTs Jatco in Murano are sensitive to overheating, so avoid examples that show signs of towing or off-road driving.

Which Murano Z52 trim level is the most equipped?

Top equipment for Z52 — Platinum. It includes: leather interior with stitching, ventilated front seats, audio system Bose with 11 speakers, all-round camera, adaptive cruise control ProPILOT Assist and 20-inch wheels. In some regions (such as the Middle East) a version was offered Limited Edition with unique interior trim.

Is it possible to install gas on a Murano?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Engines VQ35DE sensitive to changes in compression ratio, and gas equipment increases the risk of overheating and detonation. If there is no alternative, choose 4th generation systems with ignition timing correction and install them from authorized dealers Lovato or BRC.

How is Murano different for the US and Europe?

Main differences:

  • 🔹 Engines: offered in the USA VQ35DE (265 hp), in Europe - derated version (234 hp) and diesel YD25DDTi (190 hp).
  • 🔹 Suspension: European versions had a stiffer setting for better handling.
  • 🔹 Equipment: in the USA, climate control and a leather steering wheel were standard, in Europe - often as options.
  • 🔹 Headlights: American versions had halogen headlights even in the top, European versions had xenon or LED.