The 2016 Nissan Murano is the second generation of the crossover, which received a radically new design and changed its platform. This car has become a real challenge to competitors in the middle class, offering not just a vehicle, but an object of art on wheels. The stylish exterior with distinctive lines and panoramic glass instantly attracts attention on the road.
Owners often note that Nissan Murano The 2016 feels more like a premium sedan than an SUV. The interior of the cabin is made using soft materials, and the ergonomics are thought out to the smallest detail. However, behind the external beauty lies a complex engineering filling that requires careful attention during operation and maintenance.
Design and Exterior Aesthetics of the Z52
The signature feature of the 2016 model is the unique V-motion grille and panoramic roof, which visually lightens the massive body. The body lines are smooth, without sharp corners, which gives the car dynamics even when static. The front optics are made in the shape of wings, and the rear lights have a complex structure with LED elements.The salon amazes with its spaciousness and light that penetrates through the huge glass. Rear passenger space provides ample legroom even for tall people. The build quality is excellent, but some owners complain about plastic squeaks during long-term use on rough roads.
Powertrains and transmission
The range of engines for the Russian and CIS markets was dominated by a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine. This unit develops a power of 249 horsepower, which is enough to confidently accelerate a heavy crossover. Engine VQ35DE known for its reliability, but requires high-quality fuel and timely oil changes.
Transmission - continuously variable variator CVT Jatco JF016E, which is a key element in the design. It provides smooth running and efficiency, but has its own resource limitations. When driving aggressively or overloaded, the variator belt can slip, which leads to expensive repairs.
- ✅ Power: 249 hp at 6400 rpm
- ✅ Torque: 324 Nm at 4400 rpm
- ✅ Acceleration to 100 km/h: about 8.9 seconds
- ✅ Fuel consumption: 11.5 l in the city, 7.5 l on the highway
Chassis and handling
The suspension is tuned for comfort, which makes Nissan Murano An ideal choice for urban environments and highways. The front part has McPherson struts, and the rear has a multi-link design. The shock absorbers are soft, they absorb small bumps well, but at high speeds in corners you can notice significant body roll.
The steering is electric, with variable gear ratio. This makes it easy to park in tight yards and provides sufficient accuracy in high-speed areas. However, feedback from the road is minimal, making the driver feel more like a spaceship pilot than a racer.
- 3.5L V6 (AT)
- 3.5L V6 (CVT)
- Diesel (for other markets)
- Hybrid (rare)
Features of CVT operation
The Jatco variator requires special attention to maintenance. Many owners are faced with the fact that the resource of the unit is reduced to 100-120 thousand kilometers due to improper operation. Changing the CVT oil should be carried out every 40-50 thousand kilometers, and not once every 100, as the manufacturer claims.
The problem is that the oil in the variator loses its properties faster than in classic automatic transmissions. Overheating of the box during long traffic jams or towing can lead to scuffing on the shaft. It is necessary to monitor the temperature of the transmission and prevent overheating.
- 🔧 Use only original NS-3 oil or certified analogues.
- 🔧 Avoid sudden starts from a place (“kick-down” kills the belt).
- 🔧 During long traffic jams, switch the box to mode
Nfor cooling.
⚠️ Attention: Ignoring an oil change in the variator can lead to its complete failure by 120,000 km. This is the most common problem with the 2016 model.
☑️Checklist for checking the variator
Safety and driver assistance systems
In 2016 Nissan Murano received a high level of equipment with security systems. The base includes airbags for all rows, a stabilization system and an anti-lock braking system. More expensive trim levels are equipped with an all-round camera and parking sensors.
System Intelligent AWD allows you to automatically redistribute torque between axles. This is not a full-fledged off-road drive, but it allows you to feel confident in snow, mud or wet asphalt. The driver can manually lock the clutch for better traction.
What is Intelligent AWD?
The system uses wheel speed, steering angle and throttle position sensors to predict loss of traction. It redistributes the torque before the wheels start to slip, which increases the car's stability when cornering.
Maintenance costs and typical breakdowns
The VQ35DE engine is reliable, but has weaknesses: oil loss after a mileage of over 150 thousand km and timing chain stretching. Owners also encounter problems in the cooling system, where the thermostat can jam. Thermostat It is better to change it preventively when changing the oil.
In the electrical part, parking sensors and climate control modules often fail. The multimedia system may freeze or lose connection with navigation. Electronics repair requires professional equipment and diagnostic scanners.
| Unit | Typical problem | Occurrence mileage | Average repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVT | Belt/cones wear | 100-140 thousand km | from 120,000 rub. |
| V6 engine | Maslozhor | 150+ thousand km | from 45,000 rub. |
| Suspension | Stabilizer links | 60-80 thousand km | from 5,000 rub. |
| Electrics | Parking sensors | Any | from 3,000 rub. |
When purchasing a used 2016 Nissan Murano, be sure to check the CVT service history. Missing oil change records is a red flag.
Conclusion and final recommendations
The 2016 Nissan Murano is a car for those who value design and comfort over off-road capability. It's great for family trips and city traffic, but doesn't suffer from neglect of maintenance. Gearbox is the most vulnerable place that requires regular attention.
If you are willing to devote time to diagnostics and maintenance, this crossover will give you a lot of driving pleasure and interior comfort. However, if you want an unpretentious SUV, it is better to consider other options. The choice is yours, but remember the specifics of the model.
The main conclusion: the 2016 Nissan Murano is a stylish and comfortable crossover, whose reliability directly depends on the quality of service of the CVT and engine.
What is the real resource of the Jatco CVT on the 2016 Murano?
Subject to regular oil changes every 40-50 thousand kilometers and careful driving, the service life can be 180-200 thousand km. Without maintenance, it often dies by 100-120 thousand km.
Is it worth buying a 2016 Murano with 150,000 km on it?
This is a risky purchase. This mileage often requires expensive investments in the engine (oil burner) and gearbox. It is better to look for a copy with lower mileage or a full package of replaced consumables.
What is the fuel consumption of the 2016 Nissan Murano in the city?
In the urban cycle, consumption is 11.5–13.5 liters per 100 km, depending on driving style and traffic jams. In winter, with warming up, consumption can reach 15 liters.
Do I need to warm up the variator before driving?
Yes, especially in the cold season. It is recommended to let the engine run for 2-3 minutes and drive the first kilometers in a gentle mode without sudden acceleration, so that the oil warms up and becomes liquid.