Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano at a glance

The Murano is a monocoque crossover with a transverse engine and independent suspension at both ends (MacPherson front, multi-link rear). More Nissan models are listed in our Nissan catalogue, and the smaller Nissan X-Trail sits below it in the range.

Nissan Murano generations

First generation: Z50 (2002–2008)

The first Murano's distinctive, flowing "bio-design" divided opinion, but gave the car a style of its own. Small headlights, a neat grille, round fog lamps and unusual vertical tail lights beside a large tailgate set it apart, and it rode on 18-inch wheels with 180 mm of ground clearance. Inside, a three-spoke multifunction wheel faced three separate instrument cowls, and a screen sat between slim vertical vents. The boot is very large, and the rear seats fold to a flat floor.

The Z50 was built on the Nissan FF-L platform, shared with the third-generation Altima. Its 3.5-litre V6 produced 172 or 182 kW (234 or 248 PS), paired with a CVT and automatic all-wheel drive; 0–100 km/h took 8.9 seconds and top speed was 200 km/h.

Second generation: Z51 (2008–2014)

The Z51 became more comfortable, more composed and more advanced. Its styling is more muscular while keeping the original lines; horizontal triangular tail lights replaced the bulky vertical ones, and the front end matched the Nissan Rogue. Ground clearance is 178 mm. Inside there was black or beige leather with double stitching, aluminium inserts, a revised console and instruments with buttons on the dial housings, soft adjustable lighting, electric front seats, a power tailgate and power-folding second-row backrests. The car was updated in 2010.

The upgraded 3.5 V6 produced 183 kW (249 PS) with a CVT; 0–100 km/h took 8 seconds and top speed was 210 km/h. Japan also had a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 125 kW (170 PS) and a CVT, and Europe a 2.5 dCi turbodiesel with 140 kW (190 PS) and a six-speed automatic.

Third generation: Z52 (2014–2024)

The Z52 was revealed in New York in April 2014 and has been updated several times; the latest facelift was shown in Los Angeles. It gained new headlights with prominent LED running lights and Nissan's split "eyelash" graphic on a black background, a black V-shaped grille surround with chrome, new LED fog lamps in triangular black trim and more pronounced bonnet creases. The windscreen has partial heating as standard and full heating optionally. Keyless entry and power-folding mirrors with LED indicators are standard. Wheels are 18 or 20 inches, and the roof is solid, with a sunroof or panoramic. Ground clearance is 184 mm.

The cabin uses several types of quality leather, fabric and metal, with a metal panel on the leather dashboard housing a touchscreen and controls. A compact leather steering wheel carries many buttons, and a configurable digital display can show navigation, media or classic instruments. "Zero Gravity" front seats offer good support and a wide range of adjustment; depending on version, seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated. Rear passengers get their own armrest, climate control, heated reclining backrests and optional screens in the front headrests. The boot holds 454 litres, rising to 1,603 litres with a flat floor, with a full-size spare and, on higher trims, a Bose subwoofer.

Engines and transmissions (Z52)

The V6 reaches 100 km/h in 7.9–8.2 seconds and 210 km/h, using 9.9–10.2 l/100 km. The hybrid uses a 0.6 kWh traction battery. Base versions are front-wheel drive; others have All Mode 4x4-i with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch and active torque distribution.

The Z52 rides on the Nissan D platform with a high-strength steel body, MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear with coil springs and anti-roll bars. Brakes are discs all round (larger ventilated front discs with twin-piston calipers) with ABS, EBD and brake assist, and the steering has variable hydraulic assistance.

Safety and equipment

The Z52 has ten airbags, including rear side airbags and a front passenger knee airbag. Available systems include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear obstacle monitoring, lane departure and lane-change warning, hill-start assist, an electric parking brake, navigation, parking sensors, keyless entry and rain and light sensors. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a rear camera, power front seats, a power tailgate and front and rear parking sensors.

Key specifications by generation

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners like the Murano's looks, performance, equipment, safety, comfortable seats, spacious cabin, practical boot, Bose audio and value for money, and the all-wheel drive helps on rough tracks. On the other hand, it is thirsty, sound insulation could be better, repairs are expensive, paint quality is average and the low-hanging exhaust can suffer because of the modest ground clearance. Rivals include the Ford Edge, Toyota Venza (Harrier), Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-7.