Crossover owners Nissan Murano Generations of the Z52 often wonder how power-hungry this car is in everyday use. The situation is complicated by the fact that under the hood there is a powerful naturally aspirated gasoline engine, which is not particularly economical compared to modern turbo engines or hybrid units.
Many buyers rely on the figures stated by the manufacturer, which often look optimistic. However, real life, especially in a metropolis with its traffic jams, dictates its own harsh rules. Fuel consumption becomes one of the main factors influencing the cost of owning this car, and you need to be prepared for it in advance.
Technical characteristics and declared indicators
With my heart Nissan Murano The Z52 is a 3.5-liter petrol engine of the VQ35DE series. This unit is highly reliable and has excellent dynamics, but its volume leaves its mark on the car’s appetite. The manufacturer specifies average values that can only be achieved under ideal laboratory conditions or very smooth open highway driving.
According to technical documentation, fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 10-11 liters per 100 kilometers. In city mode, the manufacturer claims a figure of around 13-14 liters, and on the highway at a speed of 90-100 km/h the engine consumes approximately 8-9 liters. These data are a guideline, but not the absolute truth for each individual driver.
- 🚗 Engine VQ35DE provides excellent traction without turbocharging
- ⛽ Declared urban cycle - up to 14 liters per 100 km
- 🛣️ Highway mode allows you to reduce consumption to 8-9 liters
It is important to understand that the stated figures were obtained at the stand using special fuel and ideal aerodynamics. In real conditions fuel consumption will always be higher. Engineers often test cars with a half-empty tank and no additional aerodynamic drag, which gives an inflated result.
⚠️ Attention: You should not believe advertising brochures 100%; real savings are achieved only with an aggressive driving style, which is not always appropriate for a comfortable crossover.
It must be taken into account that the CVT (variable transmission) transmission plays a key role in efficient use of fuel. It tries to keep the engine speed in the optimal zone, but during sudden acceleration it can “spin” the engine to high values, which instantly increases consumption.
Real performance in urban environments
The city cycle is the most difficult test for any car with a large engine capacity. In conditions of dense traffic, constant acceleration and braking Nissan Murano The Z52 consumes significantly more than on the highway. It is almost unrealistic to expect figures below 14-15 liters during rush hour.
If you are moving around a large metropolis with traffic jams, then a figure of 16-18 liters per 100 kilometers is quite normal and even a good result. The engine management system often richens the mixture during hard acceleration to provide the necessary power for overtaking or starting from a traffic light.
- 🚦 Traffic jams increase consumption to 17-19 liters per 100 km
- 🌡️ Winter warming up the engine in cold weather adds another 1-2 liters
- 🛣️ Driving at low speeds with a high load is ineffective
The effect of air conditioning and electric heating is especially noticeable in hot weather. When you turn on the air conditioner at full power, the load on the generator increases, which forces the engine to work harder. This is especially true for atmospheric engines, which do not have a cylinder shutdown system in idle mode.
- 14-15 liters
- 16-17 liters
- 18-19 liters
- More than 20 liters
Many owners note that driving style is critical. Smooth acceleration and early engine braking can reduce fuel consumption, but in city traffic this is not always possible. You need to constantly monitor the road situation to avoid sudden maneuvers.
⚠️ Attention: Using the Sport mode in the CVT in the city can increase fuel consumption by 20-25% due to early gear changes and high revs.
Road trips and country routes
On country roads Nissan Murano unlocks its savings potential. When driving uniformly at a speed of 90-100 km/h, fuel consumption stabilizes and can drop to 8-9 liters per 100 kilometers. This is due to the fact that the engine operates in economical mode, and the variator maintains optimal speed.
However, increasing the speed dramatically changes the picture. Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed, so when driving at 120 km/h and above, the engine requires significantly more energy. Fuel consumption can increase to 11-12 liters, which is still an acceptable result for such a heavy and powerful crossover.
- 🚀 At a speed of 110-120 km/h, the consumption is 10-11 liters
- 🏎️ Mode 140 km/h and above sharply increases consumption to 13-14 liters
- ⛽ The quality of fuel on the highway affects the stability of the engine
It's important to note that cargo mode also affects highway consumption. If you're driving with a full load of passengers and trunk, or towing a trailer, the aerodynamics and weight of the vehicle increase the load on the powertrain. In such cases, saving becomes more challenging.
On the highway, the main enemy of economy is high speed. The optimal mode for minimum consumption is 90-100 km/h with cruise control turned on.
In addition, it is worth considering the condition of the roads. Driving on broken asphalt or dirt roads forces the variator to work harder, which increases fuel consumption. In this case, savings are achieved by reducing speed and choosing the smoothest trajectory.
Factors affecting fuel consumption
Many factors can significantly change the actual fuel consumption figures of your Nissan Murano Z52. One of the most significant is the technical condition of the car. Engine wear, clogged fuel injectors or faulty oxygen sensors can lead to excessive fuel consumption.
Tire pressure plays a huge role. If the wheels are underinflated, rolling resistance increases and the motor has to put more effort into moving. Regularly checking pressure and using manufacturer-recommended tires help maintain optimal fuel consumption.
The quality of the fuel also matters. Using low-octane gasoline or fuel containing water may cause detonation and reduce engine efficiency. The electronic control unit (ECU) can adjust the ignition timing, which negatively affects dynamics and efficiency.
| Factor | Impact on consumption | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Tire pressure | Reduced (+1-2 l/100 km) | Check every two weeks |
| Fuel quality | Low (+10-15%) | Refuel at trusted gas stations |
| Air temperature | Frost (+2-3 l/100 km) | Use winter fuel |
| Cargo and passengers | Full load (+10%) | Avoid excess weight in the trunk |
Don't forget about your driving style. An aggressive driving style with sudden starts and braking is the main enemy of economy. Smooth pedal movements and advance prediction of the situation on the road can significantly reduce gasoline costs.
☑️ Technical condition monitoring
Ways to reduce refueling costs
Reduce fuel consumption Nissan Murano Z52 is possible by following simple recommendations. First of all, it is necessary to monitor the technical condition of the car. Regular maintenance and replacement of filters and spark plugs help your engine run as efficiently as possible.
The second important aspect is driving style. Try to avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Use Eco mode if available on your model. This mode limits throttle power and makes the CVT operate smoother, which helps save money.
- 🌱 Use the mode Eco for smooth movement in the city
- 🚫 Do not warm up the engine for too long - 2-3 minutes is enough
- 🎒 Remove excess cargo from the trunk and interior
It is also worth paying attention to aerodynamics. Remove the roof rails and roof rack when not in use. Opening windows at high speeds also increases air resistance, so it's best to use air conditioning as long as it doesn't put undue stress on the engine.
For long trips, use cruise control. It maintains a constant speed and helps avoid unnecessary acceleration, which saves up to 5-7% of fuel on the highway.
You shouldn't drive too slowly to save a couple of liters if this creates an emergency situation on the road. The balance between safety and efficiency is the key to successful vehicle operation.
Comparison with competitors and conclusions
Comparing Nissan Murano Compared to competitors in the Z52 class, it can be noted that its fuel consumption is at an average level. Many European crossovers with diesel engines consume less, but they often lose in dynamics and comfort. American counterparts with large engines can be even more voracious.
In the segment of all-wheel drive crossovers with gasoline engines Nissan Murano shows decent results. Its fuel consumption is comparable to other representatives of the class, such as Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, but may be higher than models with a smaller engine or hybrid powertrain.
In the end, if you choose Nissan Murano Z52, you need to be prepared for certain fuel costs. This is a car that offers comfort, power and style, but is not a leader in fuel economy. Real consumption in the city rarely drops below 15 liters per 100 km, and this must be taken into account when planning the operating budget.
⚠️ Attention: If low fuel consumption is critical to you, consider alternative options with hybrid powertrains or diesel engines, but be aware of the compromises in terms of comfort and dynamics.
The right approach to operation and regular maintenance will help you minimize costs and enjoy driving this wonderful crossover. Remember that every driver can affect their fuel consumption with their driving style.
What to do if fuel consumption suddenly increases?
If you notice a sharp increase in fuel consumption, check the oxygen sensors, air filter condition and tire pressure. It is also worth contacting specialists to diagnose the fuel system and check the operation of the variator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum fuel consumption of the Nissan Murano Z52 on the highway?
When driving at a speed of 90 km/h with cruise control turned on and without excess cargo, fuel consumption can be about 8-9 liters per 100 kilometers.
Does all-wheel drive affect fuel consumption?
Yes, the all-wheel drive system adds weight and mechanical losses, which increases fuel consumption by 0.5-1 liter compared to the front-wheel drive version in similar conditions.
How does Eco mode affect performance?
Eco mode limits throttle response and softens the CVT's shifts, which reduces fuel consumption but can feel like sluggish acceleration to the driver.
Is it possible to use 92 gasoline?
It is strongly recommended not to use gasoline with an octane rating lower than 95 as this may cause detonation and damage to the VQ35DE engine.
How often should you check your tire pressure?
It is recommended to check your tire pressure at least once every two weeks and before long trips to maintain optimal fuel efficiency.