Crossover Nissan Murano For more than 20 years, it has remained one of the most recognizable representatives of the Japanese brand in the premium SUV segment. Since its debut in 2002, the model has gone through four generations, each time surprising customers with a combination of futuristic design, comfort and advanced technology. Today Murano is not just a vehicle, but a statement of status: it is bought by those who value individuality, but are not ready to overpay for European brands.
In 2026 Nissan Murano continues to maintain its position in the market, despite growing competition from Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe And Kia Sorento. What makes this model so special? Why is it chosen despite the lack of diesel versions and all-wheel drive in some markets? And is it worth overpaying for the top-end equipment? The answers to these questions are in our detailed review.
2026 Nissan Murano Specifications: What's Under the Hood?
Heart of the modern Murano - this is time-tested 3.5 liter V6 engine VQ35DD, which produces 260 hp at 6000 rpm and 336 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission Xtronic CVT, which, despite criticism from purists, provides smooth acceleration and economical fuel consumption. Official data on combined cycle consumption - 9.8 l/100 km, but real owners note figures closer to 11-12 l/100 km in city mode.
Feature Murano - this is front wheel drive as standard. All-wheel drive version (Intelligent AWD) is only available in top versions and adds approx. 200,000–250,000 rubles. The system automatically distributes torque between the axles, but is not intended for serious off-road use - it is more of an “asphalt” crossover. The suspension is tuned for comfort: soft shock absorbers and a long-stroke spring perfectly smooth out unevenness, but at high speeds a noticeable swing appears.
- 🔧 Engine: V6 3.5 l (VQ35DD), 260 hp, gasoline
- ⚙️ Gearbox: variator Xtronic CVT with manual mode
- 🛣️ Drive: front or full (Intelligent AWD)
- ⚡ Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 7.5 sec (for all-wheel drive version)
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: 9.8 l/100 km (declared), 11–12 l/100 km (real)
⚠️ Attention: CVT Xtronic CVT requires regular oil changes every60,000 km. Neglecting this rule can lead to expensive repairs (replacing a variator belt costs150,000–200,000 rubles).
Design and Interior: Why does the Murano stand out from the competition?
Exterior Nissan Murano is a bold experiment with forms. The model is easily recognized by its “floating” roof and aggressive radiator grille V-Motion and futuristic headlights with LED optics. In 2020, the crossover received a restyling, which included new bumpers, updated rims (from 18" to 20") and an expanded color palette, including an exclusive shade Sunset Drift ChromaFlair (with chameleon effect).
Inside Murano The car is greeted with a premium finish: soft plastic, leather seats with stitching and aluminum-look inserts. Ergonomics are excellent - all controls are intuitive, and the heated and electric steering wheel is widely adjustable. However, some owners complain about inconvenient location of climate control buttons — they are hidden under the touch screen, which distracts from the road.
| Characteristics | Nissan Murano | Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, mm | 4 898 | 4 966 | 4 785 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2 825 | 2 850 | 2 765 |
| Trunk volume, l | 1 101 | 840 | 571 |
| Max. power, hp | 260 | 249 (hybrid) | 230 |
The system deserves special attention NissanConnect with 8-inch touch screen, support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto, as well as a premium audio system Bose with 11 speakers. An optional head-up display is available (HUD) that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield.
- Pre-styling version (2015–2019)
- Restyling 2020
- New version 2026 (if released)
- I don't like the design
Options and prices for 2026: what is included in the base?
In Russia Nissan Murano officially presented in three trim levels: Elegance, Elegance+ And Tekna. Basic version Elegance starts from 3,899,000 rubles (as of June 2026) and includes:
- 🔑 Keyless entry and engine start
- 🪑 Electric seats for driver and front passenger
- 🌡️Dual zone climate control
- 📱 8-inch touch screen with NissanConnect
- 🚗 Rear view camera with dynamic markings
Top Tekna will cost 4,599,000 rubles and adds:
- 🎵 Audio system Bose with 11 speakers
- 👁️ All-round viewing system Around View Monitor
- 🛡️ Adaptive cruise control ProPILOT Assist
- 💺Ventilated front seats
- 🔦 LED optics with automatic high beam switching
⚠️ Attention: Standard Murano comes without all-wheel drive. If you need a version Intelligent AWD, you will have to pay a minimum 200,000 rubles or choose a package Tekna, where it is enabled by default.
☑️ What to check when buying a used Murano
Pros and cons of Nissan Murano: an honest analysis
Like any model, Murano has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them without embellishment.
✅ Pros:
- 🚀 Dynamics: The V6 engine provides excellent acceleration, especially on the highway.
- 🛋️ Comfort: one of the softest suspensions in the class - ideal for long trips.
- 🎨 Design: The crossover stands out against the background of “gray” competitors.
- 📦 Trunk: 1101 liters - more than Toyota Highlander And Hyundai Santa Fe.
- 🛡️ Security: maximum 5 stars in crash tests IIHS (2021).
❌ Cons:
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: the actual figures are noticeably higher than those stated, especially in the city.
- 💰 Service price: original spare parts (for example, a CVT or headlights) are expensive.
- 🔄 CVT: requires careful handling and regular maintenance.
- 🚗 Lack of diesel: on the European market this is a minus, but in Russia it is not critical.
- 📉 Secondary market: used prices Murano fall slowly - it will not be possible to resell profitably.
If you often drive on the highway, pay attention to the configuration with the system ProPILOT Assist. It not only keeps the distance, but also helps keep the car in the lane, reducing driver fatigue.
Comparison with competitors: Murano vs Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Santa Fe
To understand whether it is worth overpaying for Nissan Murano, let's compare it with two main competitors: Toyota Highlander (hybrid) and Hyundai Santa Fe (turbo).
| Parameter | Nissan Murano | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price, rub | from 3,899,000 | from 4,299,000 | from 3,799,000 |
| Engine | V6 3.5 l, 260 hp | Hybrid 2.5 l, 249 hp | Turbo 2.5 l, 230 hp |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | 11–12 | 6.5–7.5 | 9–10 |
| Drive | Front/Full | Full (AWD) | Front/Full |
| Warranty, years | 3 | 3 (7 years for hybrid) | 5 |
Murano wins competitors in dynamics and design, but loses in efficiency (Highlander Hybrid consumes almost half as much fuel) and warranty obligations (Hyundai gives 5 years). If reliability is critical for you, the choice is obvious: Toyota. If comfort and individuality are important - Murano.
Nissan Murano is the best choice for those who value design and dynamics, but are not ready to put up with high fuel consumption and high maintenance costs.
Owner reviews: real operating experience
To form an objective opinion about Nissan Murano, we analyzed reviews from owners on the forums Drive2, Drom.ru And Auto.ru. Here are the key observations:
- ❤️ Pros according to reviews:
- 😊 “The suspension is like a limousine - you don’t feel the holes” (Alexey, Moscow).
- 🎶 "Sound Bose at the concert hall level" (Igor, St. Petersburg).
- 🚀 “Overtakes everything on the highway, even with a full load” (Dmitry, Yekaterinburg).
- 😠 Cons according to reviews:
- 💸 “Changing the oil in the variator every 60,000 km is no joke” (Sergey, Novosibirsk).
- ⛽ “In the city it eats 13–14 liters - I didn’t expect it” (Anton, Kazan).
- 🔧 “Electronics sometimes glitch: either sensors or cameras” (Oleg, Krasnodar).
Interestingly, most owners Murano do not regret the purchase, despite the high costs. Main reasons - comfort And appearance. However, those who bought a car for taxis or daily trips in traffic jams are often disappointed with fuel consumption.
The most common breakdown in Murano
Most often, system sensors break down ProPILOT Assist (especially in the cold season) and wheel bearings (with a mileage of 80,000+ km). The variator fails less often, but its repair is very expensive.
Should you buy a Nissan Murano in 2026?
The answer depends on your priorities. Nissan Murano is a crossover for those who:
- 💺 Appreciates comfort higher efficiency.
- 🎨 Wants to stand out on the road.
- 🛣️ Often drives on the highway (where fuel consumption is closer to the declared one).
- 💼 Ready to pay for premium service.
If you need practical family car with low costs, it is better to take a closer look at Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Hyundai Santa Fe. And if the budget is limited, but you want Nissan, pay attention to X-Trail — it is cheaper, but built on the same platform.
On the secondary market Murano 2018–2020 can be found for 2.5–3 million rubles, but be prepared for additional investment in maintenance. New cars are bought mainly under a warranty - this way there are fewer risks.
⚠️ Attention: When buying used Murano Be sure to check the service history of the CVT. If the previous owner did not change the oil every60,000 km, refuse the deal - repairs will cost200,000+ rubles.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano
❓ What is the real fuel consumption of Murano in the city?
In the urban cycle Nissan Murano spends 12–14 l/100 km (in winter until 15 l/100 km). On the highway at a speed of 90–110 km/h, consumption drops to 8–9 l/100 km.
❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Murano?
Yes, the maximum towed trailer weight is 900 kg (without brakes) or 1,500 kg (with brakes). However, towing increases the load on the variator, so it is not recommended to abuse it.
❓ What kind of oil should I put in the Murano variator?
The manufacturer recommends original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Analogs (for example, Idemitsu CVTF) can be used, but only if they are certified for Xtronic CVT.
❓ How long does the VQ35DD engine last?
With proper maintenance (oil change every 10,000 km, original filters) the engine passes easily 300,000–400,000 km. The main problems begin after 200,000 km — wear of the timing chain and oil supply.
❓ Does Murano have a hybrid version?
No, Nissan Murano never produced in a hybrid version. If you need a hybrid crossover from Nissan, pay attention to Pathfinder Hybrid (but he is not officially in Russia).