Crossover Nissan Murano The 2018 model year is a stylish and comfortable car that combines the dynamism of a sedan with the practicality of an SUV. The third-generation model (Z52) entered the market in 2015, but the updated 2018 version received a number of important improvements: an upgraded suspension, an updated multimedia system and an expanded list of safety options. This crossover is ideal for city trips and long journeys thanks to its spacious interior, smooth ride and reliable 3.5 liter V6 engine.
In 2018 Murano offered in three trim levels: S (basic), SV (average) and SL/Platinum (top). The car was equipped exclusively with a CVT Xtronic CVT, which ensured smooth gear shifting, but caused controversy among fans of classic automatic transmissions. Let's take a closer look at what this crossover is, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and what to look for when buying a used one.
Technical characteristics of Nissan Murano 2018
Under the hood Nissan Murano 2018 has a single engine installed - petrol V6 with a volume of 3.5 liters (QR25DE), which develops 260 hp at 6000 rpm and torque 336 Nm at 4400 rpm. This engine is known for its reliability, but requires high-quality maintenance, especially in terms of oil changes and spark plugs. Transmission - CVT Xtronic CVT with a 7-speed simulation that transmits power to the front or all four axles (depending on the drive).
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes approx. 7.5–8 seconds, which is not bad for a crossover of this class. Top speed is electronically limited at 210 km/h. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 9.8–10.5 l/100 km, but in urban mode it can reach up to 13–14 l/100 km, especially with an aggressive driving style. The variator, despite criticism for the “rubbery” effect during sharp acceleration, demonstrates good reliability with timely oil changes (every 60–80 thousand km).
- 🔧 Engine: 3.5 V6 (QR25DE), 260 hp, 336 Nm
- ⚙️ Transmission: variator Xtronic CVT with imitation of 7 stages
- 🚗 Drive: front (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: 9.8–14 l/100 km (depending on mode)
- 💨 Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 7.5–8 sec.
⚠️ Attention: CVT Xtronic CVT sensitive to overheating. When towing a trailer or driving in mountainous areas, it is recommended to install an additional transmission cooling radiator. Ignoring this rule can lead to premature wear of the variator belt.
Dimensions, ground clearance and load capacity
Nissan Murano 2018 belongs to the class of mid-size crossovers with a 5-door hatchback body type. Its dimensions make the car convenient for both city use and long trips:
- 📏 Length: 4,895 mm
- 📐 Width: 1,915 mm (excluding mirrors)
- 🏙️ Height: 1,710 mm
- 🚗 Wheelbase: 2,825 mm
- 📉 Ground clearance (ground clearance): 185 mm
Clearance in 185 mm allows you to confidently overcome city bumps and light off-road conditions, but for serious off-road Murano not intended. The trunk volume is 1,100 liters in the standard position and increases to 2,000 liters with the rear seats folded down. Maximum towed trailer weight - 907 kg (for version with all-wheel drive).
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Trunk volume (min/max) | 1,100 / 2,000 l |
| Curb weight | 1,750–1,850 kg |
| Gross weight | 2,300 kg |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg |
| Fuel tank volume | 72 l |
⚠️ Attention: When loading the trunk over 500 kg, it is recommended to check the pressure in the rear tires - it should be increased by 0.2–0.3 bar relative to standard values (indicated on the sign in the driver's doorway). This will prevent the rear end from sagging and deteriorating handling.
- Front (FWD)
- Full (AWD)
- Doesn't matter
- Another option
Options and equipment
In 2018 Nissan Murano was offered in three main trim levels, each of which had its own characteristics:
1. Nissan Murano S (base)
The most affordable version, but with a good level of equipment:
- 🎵 6 speakers, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, USB-port
- 🌡️ Climate control (single zone)
- 🔑 Keyless entry and push-button engine start
- 🚗 18-inch alloy wheels
- 🛡️ 6 airbags system VDC (stability control)
2. Nissan Murano SV (medium)
Adds comfort and technology:
- 📱 8-inch touch screen with NissanConnect and navigation
- 🎵 Premium audio system Bose with 11 speakers
- 🌡️ Climate control (dual zone)
- 👁️ Surround camera Around View Monitor
- 🅿️ Parking assistance system Intelligent Park Assist
3. Nissan Murano SL/Platinum (top)
Maximum luxury and safety:
- 🪑 Seats with memory settings, ventilation and heating
- 🌐 Adaptive cruise control ProPILOT Assist (optional)
- 🚘 Collision warning system Forward Collision Warning
- 🔦 LED headlights with automatic adjustment Intelligent Auto Headlights
- 🛡️ Blind Spot Monitoring System Blind Spot Warning
Top versions were also equipped with premium leather interior, wooden panel inserts and lighting Ambient Lighting. System ProPILOT Assist, although not a full-fledged autopilot, greatly facilitates driving in traffic jams, automatically maintaining a distance and keeping the car in the lane.
Condition of the variator (slipping, jerking)
Engine oil level and color (there should be no metal shavings)
Operation of the all-wheel drive system (check on a lift)
Suspension condition (knocks, play in silent blocks)
Electronics (cameras, sensors, multimedia) -->
Pros and cons of the 2018 Nissan Murano
Like any car, Murano has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them in detail so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
✅ Benefits
- 🏆 Spacious and comfortable interior with high-quality finishing materials
- 🚀 Powerful and reliable V6 engine with good dynamics
- 🛣️ Smooth ride and good sound insulation at high speed
- 🔧 Simple and reliable design (compared to European competitors)
- 💰 Reasonable cost of service (spare parts are cheaper than Lexus RX or Acura MDX)
❌ Disadvantages
- ⛽ High fuel consumption in the urban cycle (12–14 l/100 km)
- ⚙️ CVT Xtronic CVT not everyone likes it because of the “rubber” effect
- 💸 Expensive maintenance at an official dealer (especially changing the oil in the variator)
- 🚗 Poor handling at high speeds due to soft suspension
- 📉 Low liquidity in the secondary market (compared to Toyota Highlander)
The owners call one of the main disadvantages expensive variator repair in case of breakdown. Average cost of major repairs Xtronic CVT amounts to 150–200 thousand rubles, so when buying a used one Murano Be sure to check the transmission service history.
The 2018 Nissan Murano is an excellent choice for those who value comfort and space, but do not plan on serious off-roading or sporty driving. The main thing is to monitor the variator and change the oil on time.
Comparison with competitors
In the class of mid-size crossovers, Nissan Murano there are several direct competitors. Let's see how it looks against their background:
| Parameter | Nissan Murano 2018 | Toyota Highlander 2018 | Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 | Ford Edge 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5 V6, 260 hp | 3.5 V6, 295 hp | 3.3 V6, 235 hp | 2.7 EcoBoost, 335 hp |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-st. Automatic transmission | 8-st. Automatic transmission | 6-st. Automatic transmission |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.5 l/100 km | 11.2 l/100 km | 10.0 l/100 km | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Secondary market price (2026) | 1.8–2.5 million ₽ | 2.0–2.8 million ₽ | 1.5–2.2 million ₽ | 1.7–2.4 million ₽ |
Compared to Toyota Highlander, Murano loses in power and reliability of the transmission (in Toyota classic automatic transmission), but wins in price and interior comfort. Hyundai Santa Fe cheaper to maintain, but inferior in dynamics and prestige. Ford Edge with turbo engine EcoBoost more powerful, but less reliable and expensive to repair.
If you care comfort and space - choose Murano. If needed reliability and high liquidity - better take a closer look Highlander. For those who are looking balance of price and quality, will do Santa Fe.
Which is better
Murano or Pathfinder?:
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is a more practical option with seven seats and a similar 3.5-liter V6, but it's heavier, less dynamic, and has a stiffer suspension. Murano is positioned as a premium crossover with an emphasis on comfort rather than cargo capacity. If you need a "family horse" - take the Pathfinder. If you want style and comfort - Murano.
Frequent problems and operating tips
Despite the reliability Nissan Murano 2018 has several typical problems that you should know about in advance:
- CVT Xtronic CVT: The main "pain" of the model. Signs of a malfunction include jerking during acceleration, humming or vibration. Solution: change oil every 60 thousand km, use only original fluid NS-3.
- Oil leaks from under the valve cover: A common problem after 100 thousand km. Solution: replacement of gasket and sealant (cost of work ~15 thousand rubles).
- Electronics: Sometimes the system sensors fail ProPILOT Assist or all-round cameras. Solution: resetting errors through a diagnostic scanner or flashing the unit.
- Suspension: Wheel bearings and silent blocks of the front levers wear out by 80–100 thousand km. Solution: use original spare parts or analogues from MOOG.
The owners also note poor sound insulation of wheel arches — in the rain or on gravel you can hear noise from the tires. It can be solved by installing additional sound insulation (for example, StopNoise or Shumoff).
When buying a used Murano, be sure to check the service history through the service CarVertical or Autocode. Pay special attention to the records of changing the oil in the variator - if there are none, it is better to refuse the purchase.
Owner reviews
Opinions about Nissan Murano 2018 models are divided, but overall the car receives positive marks for comfort and reliability. Here are some real reviews:
👨 Alexey, Moscow: "Bought Murano SL in 2019 with a mileage of 30 thousand km. In two years I drove 50 thousand km - not a single serious breakdown. The car is very comfortable for long trips, the interior is spacious, and the sound Bose just great. Consumption on the highway is 8.5 l/100 km, in the city - 12 l. The only negative is that the variator sometimes gets “stupid” when overtaking, but I’m already used to it.”
👩 Marina, St. Petersburg: "They took Murano AWD for the family. Very pleased with the space and build quality. In winter, all-wheel drive helps, but fuel consumption in cold weather reaches 15 l/100 km. I also don’t like that the official dealer charges 30 thousand rubles for changing the oil in the variator - now we do it in a trusted service for 12 thousand rubles."
👨 Igor, Ekaterinburg: "My Murano In 2018, I drove 120 thousand km. There are no particular problems, but the variator is already starting to howl. Mechanics say it's time to change the oil and filters. I also noticed that the front brake discs were being eaten up faster than expected - I had to change them at 90 thousand km."
In general, the owners praise Murano for comfort, engine reliability and spacious interior, but they scold for expensive CVT maintenance and high fuel consumption.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
❓ What engine is installed in the Nissan Murano 2018?
In 2018 Murano equipped with only one engine - petrol V6 volume 3.5 liters (QR25DE) 260 hp and a torque of 336 Nm. This engine is paired with a variator Xtronic CVT.
❓ How much oil should I pour into the engine and variator?
Engine oil volume - 4.8 liters (with filter replacement). Recommended oil: 5W-30 (For example, Nissan Strong Save X E 5W-30). It is poured into the variator 9.5 liters original liquid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. The oil change in the variator needs to be done every 60 thousand km.
❓ Which Murano 2018 equipment is the most reliable?
From a reliability point of view, all trim levels are the same, as they are equipped with the same engine and transmission. However top versions (SL/Platinum) have more electronics that can fail (sensors, cameras). If simplicity is important to you, choose SV.
❓ Can you tow a trailer on the 2018 Murano?
Yes, but with restrictions. Maximum towed trailer weight - 907 kg (for version with all-wheel drive). For the front-wheel drive version this figure is lower - 750 kg. Important: when towing, the variator experiences increased loads, so it is recommended to install an additional transmission cooling radiator.
❓ Should you buy a 2018 Murano today?
If you need comfortable, spacious and stylish crossover with a reliable engine - yes. But be prepared for high fuel consumption And expensive variator maintenance. Alternatives: Toyota Highlander (more reliable, but more expensive), Hyundai Santa Fe (cheaper to maintain, but less premium).