Nissan Murano through the lens: 150+ photos of all generations (2003-2026) with expert analysis

Nissan Murano is one of the most recognizable crossovers on the road, combining bold design, premium comfort and proven reliability. Since its debut in 2003, the model has gone through four generations, each with unique features captured in thousands of photographs around the world. But where can you find high-quality pictures of a specific modification? How to distinguish restyled versions by external details? And why are some photos Murano look "wrong"?

In this article we have collected** and** more than 150 unique images - from official promotional materials to real user shots, including rare configurations and concept cars. You will learn how the design of the model has changed over the years, where to look for photos in maximum resolution, and what technical nuances can be identified by its appearance. And for collectors - a selection of exclusive photographs of limited editions that are not publicly available.

1. Evolution of Nissan Murano design in photographs: from Z50 to Z52 (2003-2026)

First generation Murano (body Z50, 2003-2007) was a revolution in the class - its futuristic appearance with curved body lines and “floating” headlights contrasted sharply with the angular SUVs of that time. The photo from those years catches your eye:

• 🔹 Chrome grille with vertical slots - a trademark of early versions
• 🔹 Two-tone body paint (often black bottom + silver top), which was an option on top trims
• 🔹 18-inch alloy wheels with 5 spokes - their design did not change until restyling in 2005
• 🔹 Tail lights with vertical lamp arrangement - a unique feature that disappeared in subsequent generations

Second generation (Z51, 2008-2014) received a more aggressive look with a massive front bumper and LED optics. In the photo from this period, pay attention to:

⚠️ Attention: Photo Murano Z51 before 2010 are often confused with restyled versions (2011-2014). The main difference is the shape of the fog lights: before restyling they were round, after - rectangular with chrome trim.

Third (Z52, 2015-2021) and the fourth generation (from 2022) brought back the elegance of the model, but with modern accents: thin LED headlights, dynamic body lines and a minimalist interior. The pictures of the latest versions show:

Generation	Years of production	Key visual changes	Where to look for photos
Z50	2003-2007	Futuristic design, two-tone paint, vertical tail lights	Archives Nissan Global, forums MuranoClub.ru
Z51	2008-2014	Massive bumper, LED optics, round PTF (until 2010)	Flickr (search by tag #MuranoZ51)
Z52	2015-2021	Slim headlights, chrome "V-motion" grille, digital instrument panel	Official Instagram @Nissan, Auto.ru
Z53	from 2022	Minimalistic interior, 20-inch wheels, two-tone body options	Dealer catalogs, YouTube (reviews of new products)

2. Where can I download photos of Nissan Murano in high resolution (4K/8K)?

If you need photos for printed materials, 3D modeling, or just to see details, regular photos from search engines will not work. Here 5 verified sources to download images in maximum quality:

• 📌 Official Nissan Press Archive (nissan-global.com) - promotional photos of all generations are posted here in resolution up to 5000×3000 px. Search in the section Media → Image Library → Murano.
• 📌 Flickr — use filter by license Creative Commons and sorting by size. Try search terms:

  Nissan Murano Z52 "front view" 4K
  Nissan Murano 2023 "interior" 8K

• 📌 AutoData24 (autodata24.com) - a platform for dealers with technical photos (including body and interior diagrams). Registration required.

For rare modifications (for example, Murano CrossCabriolet or hybrid versions) try:

• 🔍 Japanese auctions (goo-net-exchange.com) - here they post photos of used cars in original condition.
• 🔍 Owner forums - on MuranoClub.ru And NissanClub.com users share real pictures of their cars with non-standard modifications.

⚠️ Attention: Be careful with photos from social networks (especially VK And Facebook) - they are often treated with filters that distort the real body colors. To accurately select a shade, use only official sources or photos with RAW format.

3. How to spot a fake: 7 signs of “wrong” Murano photos

The network is full of edited or even AI-generated images Nissan Murano, which can be misleading when choosing a car. Here key markers, which can be used to identify a fake:

1. Unrealistic shadows - if the shadow from the car falls in one direction, and from the trees in the other, the photo has been edited.
2. Disk mismatch - on Murano Z50 Never installed 20-inch wheels from the factory (maximum 18").
3. No logos — the inscription is always visible on the original photos Murano on the rear door and emblem Nissan on the grill.
4. Wrong optics - for example, LED headlights on models before 2015 (they were not included in the basic configuration).

Critical sign of a fake: photo of an interior with a digital dashboard on a Murano before 2015 - this did not exist! All cars before restyling Z52 had analog instruments.

To check the authenticity of a photo, use services like FotoForensics or TinEye. The latter will show where else this image was found and whether it has been changed.

An example of exposing a fake

This “photo” of the 2020 Murano shows an error: the steering wheel is located on the right (as in Japanese versions), but the dashboard is in English - such a combination does not exist in nature. Original Japanese cars have all the inscriptions in Japanese.

4. Rare photos: limited editions and concept cars

In addition to production models, Nissan Murano had several unique versions, photos of which are difficult to find:

• 🚗 Murano CrossCabriolet (2011-2014) - the world's only convertible crossover. A total of 3,500 copies were produced, most of which went to the USA. Search for photos of original cars using the hashtag #MuranoConvertible.
• 🚗 Murano Hybrid (2015-2016) - hybrid version for the European market. Distinguished by the emblem Hybrid on the rear doors and unique 19-inch wheels.
• 🚗 Murano Midnight Edition (2018) — limited edition with black wheels, grille and mirrors. Photos of these cars are often confused with tuned versions.
• 🚗 Murano Cabriolet Concept (2004) - prototype presented at the Detroit Auto Show. There are only 2 copies, photos can be found in the archives Motor1.com.

Photos are especially valuable for collectors pre-production prototypes — cars without emblems, with camouflage film or test stickers. Such images are sometimes leaked from Nissan's closed test sites in Japan and the United States.

5. Photo of the salon: what can you tell from the interior?

Salon Murano is a separate story, where each generation had unique features. From the photo of the interior you can determine:

• 🛋️ Year of manufacture — for example, before 2010 the steering wheel was 3-spoke, after that it was 4-spoke with chrome inserts.
• 🛋️ Complete set — the presence of leather trim, wooden inserts or a system Bose talking about the top version.
• 🛋️ Sales market — Japanese versions have heated steering wheels and seats even in basic trim levels, while American ones have large cup holders.

Please note small details:

• 🔍 In the photo of the salon Murano Z50 look for aluminum pedals — they were only in the sports package.
• 🔍 B Z51 (2011-2014) appeared on the center console engine start button — before that there was an ignition key.
• 🔍 B Z52 (2015+) pay attention to multimedia display — in the basic version it is 7 inches, in the top version it is 8 inches with navigation.

If you come across a photo of a salon with white instrument lighting - this is 100% fake. All Murano have orange or blue backlight (depending on the market).

6. Photos for tuning: what parts are most often modified?

Owners Nissan Murano They often share photos of their projects, and from them you can identify the most popular improvements:

• 🔧 Front bumper - most often replaced with a sports one with large air intakes (for example, from Stillen or Nismo).
• 🔧 Optics — LED lamps in PTF and xenon headlights (on Z50 this requires reflashing the control unit).
• 🔧 Discs — standard 18" are changed to 20" or 22" (but this requires rolling out the arches).
• 🔧 Exhaust - double system with chrome-plated tips (for example, Borla or MagnaFlow).

In the photo of the tuned ones Murano often come across unsuccessful modificationsthat spoil the appearance:

• ❌ Landing too low (clearance less than 15 cm) - this leads to damage to bumpers on bumps.
• ❌ Bright vinyl stickers - on Murano they look vulgar due to the premium status of the model.
• ❌ Discs that do not match the style - for example, "stars" from BMW or Mercedes.

If you are planning tuning, look for inspiration on specialized resources:

• 📸 MuranoNation.com — a gallery of real projects with a description of improvements.
• 📸 Instagram #MuranoModified — accounts of tuning studios from the USA and Japan.
• 📸 Drive2.ru — logbooks of Russian owners with step-by-step photo reports.

7. Photos for buying a used Murano: what to look for?

When choosing a used one Nissan Murano photos can reveal hidden problems. Here checklist for image analysis:

Please note details that are often hidden:

• 🔍 Photo below - if they are not there, there is a high risk of corrosion or damage to the crankcase protection.
• 🔍 Trunk pictures - check for signs of rust or leaks (especially Z50 with a rear window that often leaks).
• 🔍 Engine photo - look for oil smudges (a typical problem for VQ35DE after 150,000 km).

Critical moment: if the photo shows that the front bumper is painted, but the rest of the body is not, the car was damaged in an accident. Even a small impact can damage the frame Murano, which will lead to geometry problems.

To check the originality of the parts, use the photo from VIN code (it is usually visible through the windshield). Using it you can find out the history of the car on services like CarVertical or AutoCheck.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano photos

📸 Where can I find photos of Nissan Murano in original colors (without filters)?

To display colors accurately, use:

1. Official configurator Nissan USA (nissanusa.com) - the colors there correspond to real shades.
2. Photos with RAW format on Flickr (search by tag #MuranoRAW).
3. Dealer archives - e.g. Courtesy Nissan Posts unedited pictures.

Avoid photos from Instagram — 90% of the pictures are processed with filters VSCO or Lightroom.

🔍 How to determine from a photo which engine is in a Murano?

Motors can be visually distinguished by:

• VQ35DE (3.5 l) — there is an inscription on the engine cover VQ35DE and a red air filter housing.
• VQ25DE (2.5 l) - found only in Z50 for the Japanese market; silver engine cover.
• Hybrid (2.5 l + electric motor) — the photo will show the battery under the trunk and the emblem Hybrid on the body.

Also note exhaust system:

• U VQ35DE — double exhaust with chrome tips.
• The hybrid has a single pipe with a black tip.

🚘 Is it possible to find out from the photo what drive the Murano has?

Yes, there are several visual signs:

• All-wheel drive (AWD):
• In the photo of the interior there will be a differential lock lever or button (in Z51 And Z52).
• An additional reservoir for the rear differential is visible under the hood.
• Front wheel drive (FWD):
• The driveshaft is missing (visible in the photo below).
• There is no hatch in the trunk for access to the rear gearbox.

In the photo Murano Z50 with all-wheel drive the plate will also be visible 4WD on the back door.

📱 How to take high-quality photos of your Murano for sale?

Follow these rules:

1. Lighting: Shoot in cloudy weather or in the shade - this way there will be no glare on the body.
2. Angles:
   • Frontal view (with front wing overlap).
   • Side profile (so that the body line is visible).
   • Photo of the interior with the doors open (to demonstrate the space).
   • Shot of the engine (buyers check for cleanliness).
3. Details: Take close-up pictures:
   • Condition of tires and wheels.
   • Interior seats (scuffs on the steering wheel and gearshift lever).
   • Paintwork (chips on the hood).

Background: Avoid busy parking lots - a neutral background (for example, an empty street) is better.

Use the mode HDR on a smartphone to balance shadows and light. Suitable for processing Snapseed (increase sharpness and reduce shadows).

🔎 Why is there no emblem on the grille in some Murano photos?

There are three possible reasons:

1. Sales market: on cars for the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) emblem Nissan often removed at customer request.
2. Tuning: Some owners remove the emblem for a "clean" look (especially on Murano Z52 with black grille).
3. Prototype: Pre-production test cars often drive without logos for camouflage.

If both the emblem and the inscription are missing in the photo Murano on the back door - this is either a deep restyling or a fake.