Crossover owners and potential buyers often wonder how exactly power feels on the road. When it comes to a Japanese SUV with the 3.5 index, the horsepower figure becomes a key factor in the choice. Engine VQ35DE and its modifications have long established themselves as the standard of reliability and dynamics in the classroom.
For model Nissan Murano This power unit is the mainstay of the line, providing confident acceleration and the ability to overcome difficult road conditions. However, simply naming the number of “horses” is not enough, because the characteristics varied depending on the year of manufacture and the market region. In this article we will analyze in detail how many horses the engine develops in each generation of the crossover.
First generation Murano and the legendary VQ35DE
The history of the crossover began in 2002, when the company Nissan presented its first attempt at creating a stylish mid-size car. Under the hood Nissan Murano The first generation (Z51) had a 3.5 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. It was the same famous unit VQ35DE, which has received numerous awards for its engineering excellence.
The power of this engine was exactly 245 horsepower. This figure was more than sufficient for a car weighing about 1.8 tons. The torque reached 324 Nm, which allowed the car to reach the first hundred in 9.5–10 seconds, depending on the type of transmission. It is important to note that this indicator did Murano one of the fastest in its class at the time of release.
A design feature was the use of an aluminum cylinder block and two camshafts (DOHC). The CVTCS variable valve timing system worked on the intake shaft, optimizing engine performance at different speeds. This ensured not only high peak power, but also responsiveness of the gas pedal.
Evolution of characteristics in the second generation
With the advent of the second generation (Z52), which began production in 2014, engineers decided not only to update the appearance, but also to refine the power plant. The engine received an index VQ35DE (upgraded) or VQ35DE REV-UP in some specifications. Power has increased, which is good news for fans of dynamic driving.
Now Nissan Murano The 3.5 developed 249 horsepower, and in some markets, such as the USA, the figure reached 260 hp. thanks to optimization of the intake system and tuning of the electronic control unit. Torque also increased, reaching 336 Nm. This made it possible to improve acceleration dynamics and make the ride smoother at high speeds.
In addition, the cooling system has been improved and friction losses inside the engine have been reduced. All these measures allowed not only to increase efficiency, but also to slightly reduce fuel consumption, despite the increased power. For many owners, it was the second generation that became the standard for the balance between comfort and driving performance.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used second-generation car, pay attention to the service history. Engines with increased power require the use of high-quality oils and timely replacement of filters to avoid problems with hydraulic compensators.
Third generation and modern VQ35DD
In 2020, the previous model was replaced by the third generation of the crossover (Z53). The engineers are here Nissan made radical changes by introducing a direct fuel injection system. The new motor received an index VQ35DD, which means Direct Injection. This made it possible to further increase the combustion efficiency of the mixture.
Engine power remained at a level close to the previous generation, amounting to about 249–260 horsepower, depending on the market. However, the torque curve has changed: peak thrust is available at lower revs. This makes city driving more comfortable, since the car does not need to spin the engine to high speeds for confident acceleration.
An important aspect was the use of Variable Compression Ratio technology in some modifications, although it is used less frequently on the 3.5-liter engine. The main goal of the changes was to improve environmental performance without losing power. The engine has become quieter and more economical, while maintaining its sporty character.
- Maximum speed
- Acceleration dynamics
- Economical
- Torque
Comparison of characteristics by year of manufacture
To clearly see the difference in power characteristics, it is necessary to consider the data in tabular form. This will help you understand how the vehicle's potential has changed over its life cycle. Below are basic data by generation Nissan Murano.
| Generation | Years of manufacture | Engine size | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First (Z51) | 2002–2007 | 3.5 l | 245 | 324 |
| Second (Z52) | 2014–2020 | 3.5 l | 249–260 | 336 |
| Third (Z53) | 2020–present | 3.5 l | 249–260 | 340 |
| Hybrid (Z52) | 2014–2020 | 2.5 l + electric motor | 265 (total) | 330 |
As can be seen from the table, even a slight increase in power of 5-15 horsepower gives a noticeable increase in dynamics. This is especially noticeable when overtaking on the highway, where traction is critical. It is also worth noting the presence of a hybrid version, where the total power can exceed that of a conventional gasoline engine, although that is a different story.
Impact of transmission on power delivery
Engine power is only half the battle. To fully realize your potential 3.5 liter engine a suitable gearbox is required. On all generations Nissan Murano a Jatco model CVT is used. This type of transmission allows the engine to always operate in the optimal power zone.
The variator does not have fixed gears, which allows the engine to instantly gain speed and maintain it at peak traction during acceleration. This creates a rubber band effect that drivers get used to. However, it is the variator that requires special treatment: it must be regularly maintained and the oil changed, otherwise the resource of the unit will sharply decrease.
The All-Wheel Drive system also plays a role in power distribution. In standard mode, most of the torque is transmitted to the front wheels, but if necessary, the system redistributes up to 50% of the traction to the rear axle. This provides excellent maneuverability and stability on slippery surfaces.
☑️ Checking the condition of the variator
Real dynamics and fuel consumption
Numbers on paper are one thing, but how it feels on the road is another. With engine Nissan Murano 3.5 the car accelerates to 100 km/h in approximately 8.5–9.5 seconds. This is a decent indicator for a heavy crossover. At the same time, acceleration at high speeds (from 100 to 140 km/h) occurs confidently, without “failures”.
Fuel consumption directly depends on driving style and operating conditions. In the urban cycle with dense traffic, consumption can reach 13–15 liters per 100 km. On the highway during quiet driving, this figure drops to 9–10 liters. However, an aggressive driving style with constant acceleration will return consumption to a high level.
It is worth considering that the presence of a start-stop system helps to save a little fuel in traffic jams. It automatically turns off the engine when stopped and starts it when you press the gas. This is a useful feature for many, although it may be less effective in harsh winter conditions.
⚠️ Warning: Using low-quality gasoline with an octane rating below 95 can lead to detonation and reduced engine power. Electronics Nissan adapts to the quality of the fuel, but this does not happen instantly.
What affects actual fuel consumption?
Actual consumption is affected not only by engine characteristics, but also by vehicle weight, tire pressure, use of air conditioning and aerodynamics. In winter, consumption is always higher due to engine warming up and the use of winter tires with increased rolling resistance.
Maintenance features and engine life
The VQ35 engine is known for its durability when properly maintained. The engine life can exceed 300,000 kilometers. However, for this it is necessary to comply with the maintenance regulations. Particular attention should be paid to the timing system, which here is made in the form of a chain, but it also has its own resource.
The critical point is the condition of the valve stem seals and piston rings. At high mileage, increased oil consumption may be observed. It's also worth keeping an eye on chain tensioners, which can stretch and cause noise during cold starts. If these signs are ignored, the chain may jump, causing serious damage.
Regular oil changes every 7–10 thousand kilometers are a must. Use only approved oils Nissan and viscosity recommended by the manufacturer for your climate region. Clean oil is the key to a long life of hydraulic compensators and the oil pump.
When changing the oil, be sure to also change the oil filter. Cheap analogues may not provide adequate filtration, which will lead to rapid wear of engine parts.
Frequently asked questions from owners about power
Many drivers are interested in whether it is possible to increase engine power on their own. Chip tuning for naturally aspirated engines VQ35 gives an increase of only 5–10%, which is almost imperceptible. But the risk of losing the factory settings and losing the warranty is very high.
Another popular question concerns the effect of all-wheel drive on dynamics. Yes, the all-wheel drive system adds weight and drag, which reduces acceleration performance slightly compared to its front-wheel drive counterparts. But you get confidence on the road in any weather.
Also worth mentioning is engine noise. At high speeds the engine sounds pleasant and sporty, but the noise level in the cabin remains comfortable thanks to high-quality sound insulation. This is one of the reasons for its popularity Nissan Murano among lovers of long trips.
Power 249-260 hp For a crossover, Murano strikes the optimal balance between dynamics and reliability, providing confident driving without straining the transmission.
How much horsepower does the first generation Nissan Murano 3.5 have?
The first generation (Z51) had a VQ35DE engine with 245 horsepower. This engine was distinguished by its high reliability and excellent traction at low speeds.
Has the power changed in the second generation?
Yes, in the second generation (Z52) power was increased to 249–260 horsepower by upgrading the intake system and tuning the electronic control unit.
How does a CVT affect acceleration?
The variator (CVT) allows the engine to constantly operate in the maximum power zone, providing a smooth and continuous increase in speed without jerks typical of classic automatic transmissions.
Do I need to use AI-98 gasoline?
The manufacturer recommends using gasoline with an octane rating of at least 95. The use of AI-98 can slightly improve dynamics, but is not a prerequisite for normal engine operation.
How to check the actual engine power?
To accurately check the power, you can use a stand at a service station, where the power at the wheels is measured. However, transmission losses should be taken into account, so the figure on the wheels will always be 15-20% lower than the rated value.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that Nissan Murano with a 3.5 liter engine remains one of the most balanced crossovers on the market. Its power is sufficient for comfortable driving around the city and confident trips on the highway. With proper maintenance, this car will delight the owner with its dynamics and reliability for many years.
By choosing this model, you get not just a set of technical characteristics, but complete driving pleasure. The correct approach to operation and timely maintenance will help maintain all the indicators declared by the factory throughout the entire service life of the vehicle.