Technical characteristics of Nissan Murano: engines, transmission and key parameters

Nissan Murano is a premium crossover that combines the dynamics of a sedan, the spaciousness of a minivan and the cross-country ability of an SUV. Third generation model (Z52, 2015–2026) became the last in the line before leaving the market, but still remains relevant thanks to a reliable platform Nissan D and proven technical solutions. In this article we will analyze all technical specifications - from engines and gearboxes to suspension features and electronics.

We will pay special attention power plant - atmospheric V6 3.5 with the system VVEL, which remained the only option for the Russian market after 2022. Let's also analyze how Intelligent AWD affects handling, compare fuel consumption in the city and on the highway, and find out which weak points The model has it after 100,000 km.

Nissan Murano engines: power, torque and resource

Since 2015 Murano Z52 equipped exclusively with gasoline V-shaped 6-cylinder engine VQ35DD volume 3.5 liters. This motor belongs to the legendary series VQ, known for its reliability and maintainability. Depending on the market and year of manufacture, the power varied from 249 to 260 hp, and the torque reaches 336 Nm at 4400 rpm - this is enough for confident acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.5–8.2 seconds.

Key engine features:

• 🔧 Variable valve timing system VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) - optimizes fuel consumption and power depending on the load.
• ⚙️ Aluminum cylinder block with cast iron liners - reduces weight and improves heat transfer.
• 🛢️ Direct fuel injection system - increases efficiency and reduces detonation.
• 🔥 Compliance with environmental standards Euro 5/6 (depending on the year of manufacture).

Engine life VQ35DD with proper maintenance is 300,000–350,000 km. However, there are nuances:

⚠️ Attention: After 150,000 km, problems often arise with phase regulators (knock when cold) and maslozhorom (up to 1 liter per 1000 km). The solution is to replace the PCV valves and use an oil with a viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40 (For example, Nissan Strong Save X 5W-40).

For the Russian market after 2022, the engine was derated to 249 hp due to adaptation to AI-92. This affected the dynamics, but not the reliability. The table below compares characteristics for different markets:

Parameter	USA/Europe (2015–2021)	Russia (2022–2026)
Power, hp	260	249
Torque, Nm	336	336
Fuel	AI-95	AI-92
Consumption (mixed), l/100 km	9.8–10.2	10.5–11.0

Transmission: Xtronic CVT and Intelligent AWD

Nissan Murano completed exclusively stepless variator Xtronic with imitation of 7 speeds. This unit was developed in collaboration with JATCO and adapted to high torque V6. The variator is equipped with a system D-Step Logic, which creates a gear shift effect for driver comfort.

Advantages of a CVT Xtronic:

• ⚡ Smooth acceleration without jerking (especially noticeable in traffic jams).
• 🛡️ Overheating protection thanks to an additional radiator.
• 🔄 Mode Manual Mode with steering wheel paddle shifters (available in top trim levels).

However, there is also weak points:

⚠️ Attention: After 120,000 km, the variator belt may slip due to wear on the cones. Symptoms include jerking during acceleration and increased noise. The solution is to change the variator oil every 60,000 km (original NS-3).

All-wheel drive system Intelligent AWD works on the principle "on demand": under normal conditions, 100% of the torque is transmitted to the front axle, and when slipping, the rear axle is engaged (up to 50% of the torque). The system automatically analyzes data from sensors ESP, ABS and steering angle.

How to check AWD functionality?

1. Stop the engine and turn on the ignition.

2. Press the button LOCK (differential lock) on the instrument panel.

3. When driving on a slippery surface (for example, wet asphalt), the indicators should light up AWD And LOCK.

4. If the indicators do not respond, diagnostics of the Haldex coupling or control unit is required.

Suspension and handling: comfort vs. cross-country ability

Murano built on a platform Nissan D, which also underlies Pathfinder And Infiniti QX60. Front mounted independent MacPherson-type suspension with aluminum levers, rear - multi-link design. This combination provides a balance between comfort and controllability.

Suspension Features:

• 🔄 Shock absorbers with adaptive stiffness (in top trim levels) - automatically adjust to road conditions.
• 🛞 Wheel size: from 18" (base) to 20" (version Platinum).
• 📏 Clearance - 180 mm, which is enough for urban conditions and light off-road conditions.

After 80,000–100,000 km, owners often encounter:

• 🔧 Wear of stabilizer bushings (a knock appears on uneven surfaces).
• 🛠️ Leaking shock absorbers (oil on the body).
• 🔩 Steering rack play (especially in models before 2018).

Support bearings for play|Condition of CV joint boots|Integrity of rear beam silent blocks|Fluid level in shock absorbers (if adaptive)|-->

To improve handling Murano equipped with:

• 🎯 Electric power steering with variable force (easier in parking, harder at speed).
• 🚗 By the system Active Trace Control — slows down the wheels when cornering to reduce roll.

Dimensions, volumes and load capacity

Nissan Murano belongs to the class mid-size crossovers, but in terms of internal space it competes with full-size models. Body length - 4,895 mm, wheelbase - 2,825 mm, which provides space for second-row passengers (the distance to the front seats is up to 1,010 mm).

Key dimensions:

Parameter	Meaning
Length × Width × Height	4,895 × 1,915 × 1,715 mm
Wheelbase	2,825 mm
Trunk volume	392 l (1,102 l with seats folded)
Curb weight	1,750–1,850 kg
Permissible gross weight	2,350 kg

trunk Murano not a record in volume, but has practical form:

• 📦 Under the floor there is a niche for storing small items.
• 🪑 Second row seats fold in proportion 60:40 and form an almost flat floor.
• 🚪 The width of the trunk between the wheel arches is 1,050 mm (European pallets fit).

Maximum lifting capacity - up to 600 kg, but taking into account passengers the actual reserve is about 400–450 kg. When overloaded, shock absorbers and wheel bearings suffer.

Fuel consumption: real numbers vs. factory data

Official fuel consumption for Murano with engine VQ35DD and variator Xtronic is:

• 🏙️ City: 12.5 l/100 km.
• 🛣️ Route: 7.8 l/100 km.
• 🔄 Mixed cycle: 9.6 l/100 km.

However real indicators differ:

• 🚦 In the urban cycle with frequent acceleration, consumption reaches 14–16 l/100 km (especially in winter).
• 🌡️ When using Intelligent AWD in mode LOCK (permanent all-wheel drive) consumption increases by 1.5–2 l/100 km.
• ⛽ When refueling AI-92 (instead of the recommended AI-95) power drops by 5–7%, and consumption grows by 0.5–1 l/100 km.

How to reduce consumption:

Use the mode ECO Mode (limit engine output)|Keep tire pressure 2.3–2.5 bar|Avoid prolonged warm-up at idle|Change air filter promptly (every 30,000 km)|-->

For comparison, competitor Toyota Highlander with similar V6 3.5 consumes 10–15% less thanks to the hybrid system. But Murano wins in dynamics and comfort.

Electronics and security systems

Nissan Murano equipped with a complex of active and passive safety systems Safety Shield 360which includes:

• 🚨 Automatic Emergency Braking — automatic braking when an obstacle is detected.
• 👁️ Blind Spot Warning — monitoring of blind spots with indication in the mirrors.
• 🚗 Rear Cross Traffic Alert - Rear traffic warning when reversing.
• 🛣️ Lane Departure Warning — notification about crossing the markings.

Available in top trim levels:

• 🅿️ ProPILOT Assist — semi-autonomous driving system (maintains distance and lane on the highway).
• 🔦 Intelligent Around View Monitor — all-round view with 4 cameras and trajectory projection.

However, there is also problematic points:

⚠️ Attention: After 2019, some models experience camera malfunctions Around View due to overheating of the control unit. The solution is to update the firmware from an official dealer.

Multimedia system NissanConnect (in versions from 2017) supports Apple CarPlay And Android Auto, but has slow interface. Owners often replace it with Android car radios while maintaining standard cameras.

Comparison of configurations: what to choose?

On the Russian market Murano Z52 offered in three main trim levels:

Equipment	SV	SL	Platinum
Engine	V6 3.5 (249 hp)	V6 3.5 (249 hp)	V6 3.5 (249 hp)
Drive	FWD or AWD	AWD	AWD
Wheels	18"	18" or 20"	20"
Leather interior	Option	Standard	Premium leather
ProPILOT Assist	—	Option	Standard

Optimal choice:

• 💰 SV — for those who value reliability and minimalism (but without all-wheel drive and premium options).
• ⚖️ SL — the best price/quality balance (all-wheel drive, leather interior, cameras).
• 👑 Platinum — for lovers of luxury (seat ventilation, premium audio system Bose, 20" wheels).

Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano (FAQ)

❓ What is the real service life of the VQ35DD engine?

With timely maintenance (oil change every 10,000 km, level control, use of original filters), the engine passes 300,000–350,000 km. Critical points:

• 🔧 150,000 km — checking phase regulators and valves PCV.
• 🛢️ 200,000 km — replacement of the timing chain (lifespan ~250,000 km, but risk of stretching).

❓ Is it possible to install 22" wheels on Murano?

No, the maximum permissible diameter is 20". Installing disks 22" will lead to:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if valid).
• 🛞 Accelerated wear of wheel bearings and shock absorbers.
• 📉 Deterioration in controllability due to changes in the rolling shoulder.

Optimal size for tuning - 20" with 235/55 R20 tires.

❓ How often do you need to change the oil in the Xtronic variator?

Official regulations - every 90,000 km, but for Russia it is recommended to reduce the interval to 60,000 km. Use only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Signs of oil wear:

• 🔥 Darkening and burning smell.
• ⚙️ Jerks when changing gears.
• 🚗 Slipping at the start.

❓ What oil analogues are suitable for VQ35DD?

Besides the original Nissan Strong Save X 5W-40 (article KE900-90132), you can use:

• 🛢️ Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 (approved for VVEL).
• 🛢️ Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30.
• 🛢️ Motul 8100 X-cess 5W-40.

Important: the oil must have approvals API SN And ILSAC GF-5.

❓ Why is Murano not sold in Europe after 2021?

Main reasons:

• 🌍 Tightening environmental standards (Euro 6d) - atmospheric V6 did not meet new emissions requirements CO₂.
• 🚗 Shift in demand towards hybrids and electric cars (for example, Nissan Ariya).
• 💰 High production cost compared to Qashqai And X-Trail.

In the USA and Russia, the model lasted longer due to the popularity of large crossovers with gasoline engines.