Crossover Nissan Murano 2020 - one of the most stylish and comfortable representatives of the mid-size segment. But before buying, many people ask the question: how economical is this car in real conditions? Official fuel consumption figures from the manufacturer often differ from practice, and factors such as driving style, quality of gasoline or traffic congestion can radically change the picture.

In this article we will look at real fuel consumption Nissan Murano 2020 based on owner data, tests and technical specifications. You will learn how the type of transmission, engine size and even weather conditions affect the appetite of a crossover. And also - you will receive practical checklist to reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort.

Spoiler: if you drive mainly around the city, be prepared for figures 20-30% higher than the passport ones. But there is good news: a few simple tricks can save up to 1–1.5 liters per hundred. Let's find out!

Official data vs reality: what Nissan promises

According to the technical documentation, Nissan Murano 2020 with 3.5-liter gasoline engine VQ35DE and variator Xtronic has the following fuel consumption:

  • 🏙️ Urban cycle: 10.7 l/100 km
  • 🛣️ Country cycle: 7.1 l/100 km
  • 🔄 Mixed cycle: 8.5 l/100 km

These figures were obtained in laboratory conditions according to the standard WLTP, which is closer to reality than outdated NEDC. However, even they do not take into account Russian realities: fuel quality, traffic jams, sub-zero temperatures and aggressive driving style. According to reviews from owners, real indicators often exceed those stated on the 15–40% - especially in winter.

Interesting fact: in the USA, where Murano sold with the same engine, official consumption according to standard EPA amounts to 9.8 l/100 km in a mixed cycle. The difference with European data is explained by different testing methods and fuel with a different octane number.

📊 What is the fuel economy of your 2020 Nissan Murano?
  • Up to 10 l/100 km
  • 10–12 l/100 km
  • 12–14 l/100 km
  • More than 14 l/100 km

Real reviews from owners: numbers and paradoxes

Forum analysis (Drive2, Drom.ru, foreign resources) shows that fuel consumption Nissan Murano 2020 varies greatly. Here are typical examples:

Driving conditions Average consumption (l/100 km) Notes
City (Moscow, traffic jams) 13.5–15.0 Winter, warm-up 10–15 minutes, short trips
Highway (100–120 km/h) 7.8–8.5 Summer, air conditioning is off
Mixed cycle 10.0–11.5 No sudden acceleration, AI-95
City (St. Petersburg) 12.0–13.0 Summer, moderate driving style
Off-road (gravel, snow) 16.0+ Four-wheel drive 4WD Auto, low gears

Paradox: some owners complain about consumption 18–20 l/100 km in the city while others are packing up 11–12 l. The difference lies in:

  • 🔥 Fuel quality: AI-92 instead of AI-95 increases consumption by 5–10%.
  • ❄️ Air temperature: at −20°C consumption grows by 15–20% due to thick oil and long heating time.
  • 🚦 Riding style: sharp starts from a standstill and braking “eat up” up to 3 liters per hundred.
  • 🔧 Vehicle condition: a dirty air filter or faulty spark plugs will add 1–1.5 l/100 km.
⚠️ Attention: If your Murano consumes more 16 l/100 km in a mixed cycle at above-zero temperatures, this is a reason to check oxygen sensor or catalyst. Often the problem lies in air leaks in the intake manifold.

Xtronic CVT: friend or foe of economy?

Transmission Xtronic CVT in Nissan Murano 2020 is one of the most technologically advanced in the class. It is equipped auxiliary torque converter for a smooth start and adaptive switching logic, which learns to suit the driver's style. But how does this affect consumption?

On the one hand, the variator allows the engine to operate in the optimal speed range (usually 1,500–2,500 rpm), which theoretically should reduce fuel consumption. On the other hand, during aggressive driving or towing Xtronic forced to simulate "ladder" logic, which increases the load on the engine.

Here's what the experts say:

  • 📉 When smooth acceleration (the gas pedal is pressed no more than 50%), the variator saves up to 0.5–0.8 l/100 km compared to the classic "automatic".
  • 📈 When sharp accelerations (kickdown) consumption increases by 20–25% due to delayed response and belt slippage.
  • ⚙️ In mode Sport The transmission later "shifts" up, keeping the revs at 3,000–4,000 rpmwhich adds 1–1.5 l/100 km.

Tip: for the CVT to work as efficiently as possible, avoid holding the gas pedal in one position for a long time (for example, when going uphill). It is better to slightly release the gas and let the system find the optimal mode.

Use only original transmission fluid NS-3

Change the oil in the variator every 60,000 km (regardless of the regulations)

Avoid towing trailers weighing more than 900 kg

Do not overheat the transmission (monitor the temperature on the dashboard)

Start and brake smoothly-->

Fuel: what kind of gasoline should you put in the 2020 Murano?

The manufacturer recommends refilling Nissan Murano octane gasoline not lower than 95. However, in practice, many owners experiment with AI-92 or AI-98. Let's see what each option does:

  • ⛽ AI-92: Cheaper, but consumption increases by 3–5%, and the engine runs less stable at high speeds. Risk of detonation at full load.
  • ⛽ AI-95: Optimal balance of price and efficiency. Consumption corresponds to passport data (other things being equal).
  • ⛽ AI-98: Theoretically, it can reduce consumption by 1–2%, but the difference is often offset by the higher price. Useful under extreme loads (for example, in mountainous areas).

Important: if you refuel at unknown gas stations, the risk of running into low-quality fuel increases. Signs of bad gasoline:

  • 🔥 The engine idles.
  • 📉 A sharp drop in power during acceleration.
  • 🚨 Lights up Check Engine with errors in oxygen sensors (P0130–P0167).
⚠️ Attention: If after refueling the fuel consumption increases by 15% or more, and a sign appeared on the dashboard fuel pump, immediately drain the gasoline and flush the system. In 2020, there were cases when low-quality fuel disabled injectors Murano already after 500 km.
What to do if you fill up with bad gasoline?

1. Do not accelerate above 3,000 rpm - this will increase carbon deposits on the valves.

2. Add fuel system cleaner (such as Liqui Moly Fuel System Cleaner).

3. After running out of fuel, fill a full tank of high-quality AI-95 and drive 100–150 km along the highway at a speed of 90–110 km/h to self-clean the system.

4. If the errors persist, go for diagnostics - you may need to clean the injectors with ultrasound.

5 unobvious factors that increase consumption

Even if you fill up with the best gasoline and drive smoothly, fuel consumption can increase due to little things that not everyone thinks about. Here are the top 5 “invisible” reasons:

  1. Tire pressure. Wheels lowered by 0.3 atm increase rolling resistance, adding 0.5–0.7 l/100 km. For Murano optimal pressure: 2.3 bar front and 2.5 bar behind.
  2. Cabin occupancy. Every 50 kg cargo is added 0.2–0.3 l/100 km. A roof rack impairs aerodynamics, increasing fuel consumption by 10–15% at speeds above 100 km/h.
  3. Air conditioning and heating. The turned on air conditioner "eats" up to 1 l/100 km in the city. Heated seats and steering wheel add even more 0.3–0.5 l.
  4. Dirty air filter. A clogged filter reduces engine power, causing it to work harder. Consumption grows on 0.5–1 l/100 km.
  5. Faulty brakes. A stuck caliper or worn pads create parasitic resistance, increasing fuel consumption by 0.3–0.8 l/100 km.

You can check some of these factors yourself. For example, tire pressure is measured with a pressure gauge (costs from 300 rubles), and the condition of the air filter is visible to the naked eye - if it is gray or black, it’s time to change it.

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To quickly check whether your brakes are jamming, drive 5–10 km without braking, then touch the rims. If one of them is noticeably hotter than the others, the problem is in the caliper.

How to reduce fuel consumption: a checklist for every day

Reduce appetite Nissan Murano 2020 is possible without expensive modifications. Here practical checklistwhich will help you save 1–2 liters per 100 km:

Warm up the engine for no more than 2–3 minutes (even in winter)

Drive smoothly, without wheel slipping

Keep your speed on the highway in the range of 80–100 km/h

Turn off the engine when stopping for more than 30 seconds

Use cruise control on level roads

Close the windows at speeds above 80 km/h (aerodynamics!)

Monitor your tire pressure (check every 2 weeks) -->

Additional measures for long-term savings:

  • 🔧 Oil change: Use synthetics 5W-30 with permission Nissan. Thick oil increases consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km.
  • 🔥 Spark plugs: Change every 60,000 km. Worn spark plugs add 0.5–1 l/100 km.
  • 📱 Diagnostics: Once a year, check for errors via OBD-II scanner. Even unlit Check Engine may hide problems with sensors.

If you're ready for a bigger investment, consider chip tuning. Correct ECU firmware can reduce fuel consumption 5–7% without loss of power. However, this is risky: unqualified intervention leads to engine overheating or CVT breakdown.

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The most effective way to save money is a combination of a smooth ride, high-quality fuel and regular maintenance. Even without tuning, this reduces consumption by 10–15%.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about fuel consumption

❓ Why is fuel consumption higher in winter than in summer?

In winter, consumption is affected by several factors:

  • Long engine warm-up (up to 10–15 minutes in cold weather).
  • Thick motor oil that increases resistance.
  • Use of heaters (windows, seats, steering wheel).
  • Deterioration of aerodynamics due to snow on the roof or bumper.
  • Lower tire pressure (for every −10°C the pressure drops by 0.1 bar).

In total this adds 15–30% to summer consumption.

❓ Is it possible to drive a Nissan Murano 2020 on gas?

Technically install HBO on Murano it's possible, but it's not recommended for several reasons:

  • Engine VQ35DE not adapted for gas operation - high risk valve burnout.
  • CVT Xtronic sensitive to torque changes that occur when switching from gasoline to gas.
  • Warranty Nissan will be cancelled.
  • The savings will be minimal: gas consumption will be 12–14 l/100 km (in terms of gasoline - about 10–11 liters).

If you still decide, choose HBO 4th generation with separate nozzles and adjustable phase shifters.

❓ What is the fuel consumption of the 2020 Murano with all-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive version (4WD Auto) consumes on average 0.5–1 l/100 km more than a single-drive one. The difference is especially noticeable:

  • In the city with frequent acceleration (the system connects the rear axle).
  • On off-road or snow (permanent all-wheel drive).
  • When towing a trailer.

On the track the difference is minimal, since most of the torque is transferred to the front axle.

❓ Does ECU firmware affect fuel consumption?

Yes, but the effect depends on the type of firmware:

  • 📉 Economical firmware: can reduce consumption by 5–10%, but often at the expense of loss of dynamics.
  • 📈 Sports firmware: increases power, but consumption increases by 10–15%.
  • ⚠️ Poor quality firmware: leads to detonation, overheating and increased consumption.

It is better to trust the firmware only to official dealers or certified tuning studios (for example, ChipTuningPro or RaceChip).

❓ How much fuel does it take to warm up the engine?

Fuel consumption during warm-up depends on temperature:

  • 🌡️ 0°C: ~0.5 l/hour (5-7 minutes warm-up = 0.04-0.06 l).
  • ❄️ −10°C: ~0.7 l/hour (10 minutes = 0.12 l).
  • ❄️❄️ −20°C: ~1 l/hour (15 minutes = 0.25 l).

Tip: use autostart with timer (if available) to warm up the car 5-10 minutes before driving. This will save fuel and reduce engine wear.