What class does Nissan Murano belong to: analysis of characteristics and features

Nissan Murano is one of the most recognizable crossovers of the Japanese brand, which has occupied its niche in the market for more than 20 years. Many car enthusiasts are wondering: what class does this model belong to? The answer is not as clear-cut as it might seem. Depending on the generation and market, Murano It is positioned either as a mid-size crossover or as a representative of the premium segment with a unique design.

In this article we will look in detail why Nissan Murano it is difficult to classify it into one class, what technical features affect its classification, and how it compares with competitors like Toyota Venza or Ford Edge. You will also find out which generations of the model were the most successful, and what real owners think about it.

Classification of Nissan Murano: why does the controversy persist?

Formally Nissan Murano belongs to the class mid-size crossovers (D/SUV segment), but there are nuances here. It is positioned differently in different countries:

• 🇺🇸 In the USA and Canada - how mid-size crossover, competing with Honda Passport And Hyundai Santa Fe.
• 🇯🇵 In Japan - like premium crossover with a focus on comfort and design.
• 🇷🇺 In Russia - often perceived as "SUV" with SUV elements, although its actual off-road capabilities are modest.

The main reason for the confusion is unique platform and design solutions that set Murano apart from its classmates. For example, the third generation (Z52, 2015–2023) is built on the platform Nissan D, common with Altima And Maxima, but at the same time has increased ground clearance (180 mm) and all-wheel drive Intelligent AWD. This makes it a hybrid between a sedan and an SUV.

⚠️ Attention: In official documents, Nissan Murano is often referred to as "Sport Utility Vehicle" (SUV), but in terms of size and handling it is closer to crossovers than to full-fledged SUVs. You shouldn’t expect it to perform at the level Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner.

Technical characteristics: what determines the class of a car?

To understand why Murano difficult to unambiguously classify, let’s consider its key technical parameters. They often become the basis for disputes among auto experts.

Parameter	Nissan Murano (3rd generation, 2015–2023)	Comparison with classmates
Length/width/height, mm	4 898 / 1 940 / 1 715	In short Toyota Highlander (4,950 mm), but wider Honda Passport (1,905 mm)
Ground clearance, mm	180	More than Ford Edge (175 mm), but less than Kia Sorento (182 mm)
Trunk volume, l	1,100 (with seats folded)	Less than Hyundai Santa Fe (1,615 l), but more than Mazda CX-9 (810 l)
Drive type	Front or Intelligent AWD	Likewise Subaru Outback, but without differential lock

Feature Murano - him mono-volume body with smooth lines, which visually makes the car lower and longer than it actually is. This affects perception: many mistakenly attribute it to a class "coupe-crossovers" (like BMW X6), although in essence it is an ordinary 5-door crossover.

Another key point - engines. The last generation offered only one option: V6 3.5 l (260 hp) with variator Xtronic CVT. It does Murano more “premium” compared to 4-cylinder competitors, but less versatile in terms of choice of trim levels.

Evolution of generations: how has the Murano class changed?

For its history Nissan Murano passed through three generations, and each time its positioning shifted. Let's look at the key milestones:

1. 1st generation (Z50, 2002–2007) - debut as "sports crossover" on the platform Nissan FF-L. Competed with Toyota RAV4 And Honda CR-V, but was larger and more powerful (V6 3.5 l).
2. 2nd generation (Z51, 2007–2014) — transition to the platform Nissan D, an increase in size and the appearance of a hybrid version (Japan only). Got closer to family crossovers.
3. 3rd generation (Z52, 2015–2023) — radical redesign with an emphasis on premium quality. Technologies have appeared ProPILOT Assist And Around View Monitor, which brought the model closer to business class.

It's interesting that in North America Murano has always been seen as alternative to sedans (For example, Nissan Maxima), whereas in Europe he was perceived as a competitor Volkswagen Touareg or BMW X5 (although it was cheaper in price).

Why isn't the Nissan Murano sold in Europe as of 2020?

The main reason is low demand due to high taxes on cars with a large engine capacity (3.5 liters) and the lack of diesel or hybrid versions. Nissan's strategy of focusing on electric vehicles also played a role (e.g. Ariya) and compact crossovers (Qashqai, Juke).

Comparison with competitors: who are Murano's real rivals?

To finally determine the class Nissan Murano, compare it with the main competitors in the market. It is important to consider that the list of opponents may differ in different regions.

• 🚗 Toyota Venza — the closest analogue to the “crossover-sedan” concept, but with a hybrid power plant and lower ground clearance (157 mm).
• 🚗 Ford Edge — similar dimensions and power (2.0 EcoBoost or 2.7 V6), but a more “off-road” image.
• 🚗 Hyundai Santa Fe - cheaper and more practical, but loses in premium finishing.
• 🚗 Subaru Outback - a station wagon with increased cross-country ability, but less comfortable on asphalt.

Main difference Murano from competitors - unique design, which has not changed dramatically since 2015. This played a cruel joke: by 2023, the model looked outdated compared to the updated Honda Passport or Kia Sorento. However, inside the cabin remained one of the most spacious and quiet in the class.

Pros and cons of Nissan Murano: what affects the perception of class?

To objectively assess which class it belongs to Murano, let's look at its strengths and weaknesses. They directly form an opinion about the positioning of the model.

Benefits:

• ✅ Design — memorable exterior with a “floating” roof and an aggressive front end.
• ✅ Comfort - one of the quietest cabins in its class thanks to sound insulation Acoustic Windshield.
• ✅ Reliability - engine VQ35DE known for its service life (300,000+ km with proper maintenance).
• ✅ Technologies - system ProPILOT Assist (adaptive cruise control + lane keeping) was ahead of many competitors.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Service price — variator Xtronic CVT requires regular oil changes (every 60,000 km), which is expensive.
• ❌ Fuel consumption - 10–12 l/100 km in the city (higher than turbocharged 4-cylinder competitors).
• ❌ Outdated media - not even in top versions Apple CarPlay before restyling in 2019.
• ❌ Low liquidity - on the secondary market Murano sold longer than Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

⚠️ Attention: If you are considering Nissan Murano with mileage, be sure to check the service history of the variator. If routine maintenance is ignored (oil change, filters) CVT may fail after 100,000 km, and repairs will cost 150,000–200,000 rubles.

Owner reviews: how do real drivers perceive the Murano class?

To understand which class it belongs to in practice Nissan Murano, we analyzed reviews from owners on forums (including Drive2, Auto.ru and foreign resources). Here are the key observations:

• 👨🚗 "It's not an SUV, it's a big hatchback" — many note that despite the ground clearance of 180 mm, the car should not be taken off-road.
• 👩🚗 "Premium for reasonable money" — interior trim and noise level are comparable to Audi Q5, but the price is 30–40% lower.
• 👴🚗 "Ideal for families, but not for young people" — smooth suspension and soft settings make it comfortable, but not sporty.
• 👨💼 "Business class in Japanese" - some use Murano as an alternative Toyota Camry or Nissan Teana.

It's interesting that in USA owners often compare Murano with Lexus RX, emphasizing a similar level of comfort at a lower price. B Russia but it is more often perceived as "expensive SUV" — a car for the city and the highway, but not for trips to the country on dirt roads.

The future of the model: why did Nissan stop producing the Murano?

In 2023 Nissan officially stopped production Murano after 21 years on the assembly line. Reasons for this decision:

1. Sales decline — in 2022, only ~20,000 copies were sold in the USA (versus 50,000+ in 2015).
2. Changing priorities — the company focused on electric vehicles (Ariya) and compact crossovers (Rogue, Qashqai).
3. Outdated platform — Murano was built on the basis Nissan D, while new models move to modular architecture CMF-C/D.
4. Environmental standards — V6 3.5 l did not meet increasingly stringent requirements Euro 6d And CAFE in the USA.

However, this does not mean that the model will disappear completely. B China production Murano continues under the title Nissan Terranaut (for local market). There were also rumors about the return of the name Murano for an electric crossover, but there is no official confirmation yet.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano class

🔹 Is Nissan Murano an SUV or a crossover?

Formally Murano refers to crossovers (SUV), but with caveats: it does not have a body-on-frame design, differential locks or low-range gearing. His Intelligent AWD designed for snow and wet asphalt, but not for serious off-road use. Essentially this is "asphalt" crossover with increased ground clearance.

🔹 Why is Murano more expensive than Nissan X-Trail?

Main reasons:

1. More powerful engine (V6 3.5 l vs 2.5 l at X-Trail).
2. Premium interior trim (leather, sound insulation, technologies like Bose Audio).
3. Smaller production volumes (niche model vs mass production) X-Trail).

However X-Trail more practical: it has a larger trunk, a 7-seater version and a diesel engine (in some countries).

🔹 What class of car is indicated in the PTS for Nissan Murano?

In the Russian PTS Nissan Murano listed as "a passenger car with an all-terrain station wagon body" (body code - 55). It fits the class "crossover", but not an SUV. In the USA, documents indicate as Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

🔹 Can Murano be considered a premium car?

In terms of finishing and comfort - yes, but in terms of brand - no. Nissan does not apply to premium brands (like Lexus, Audi or Volvo), however Murano offers:

• Leather interior with stitching and heated/ventilated seats.
• system ProPILOT Assist (semi-autonomous driving).
• Adaptive suspension DSSC (in top versions).

Essentially this is "almost premium" - a car with luxury elements, but without the corresponding pricing policy and brand status.

🔹 What Murano alternatives should you consider in 2026?

If you liked Murano, please note:

• 🚘 Toyota Venza - a hybrid crossover with a similar sedan-SUV concept.
• 🚘 Honda Passport - more practical, with a large trunk.
• 🚘 Ford Edge ST - sports version with engine 2.7 EcoBoost (335 hp).
• 🚘 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy - premium version with improved finishing.
• 🚘 Nissan Ariya — an electric crossover from the same brand (if you are ready to switch to EV).