Nissan Murano is a crossover that has remained one of the most stylish and technologically advanced in the Japanese brand’s lineup for more than 20 years. But official video reviews often show only the “glamorous” side: a luxurious interior, a powerful engine and adaptive headlights. What about reliability, real fuel consumption and operating nuances in Russian conditions? In this article we will look at what to pay attention to when viewing Nissan Murano review video, what points dealers are silent about and how to distinguish an honest test drive from a custom-made advertising video.

Since 2002, the model has gone through four generations, and each of them had its own “chips” - from the revolutionary design of the first Murano Z50 to hybrid version Z52 for the American market. However, only petrol versions were officially sold in Russia, and their behavior on our roads often differs from what is shown in foreign reviews. We have collected key points to help you don't fall for marketing gimmicks and make an informed choice.

1. Which video reviews of Nissan Murano are worth watching first?

Not all videos are equally useful. Official videos from Nissan or dealers usually focus on design, multimedia system and safety - but are silent about real problemsproblems that owners face. Here are the types of reviews you should pay attention to:

  • 🔧 Test drives from independent bloggers (for example, channels AutoReview, Garage 54 or CarThrottle Russia). They often test the car off-road, test acceleration dynamics and speak honestly about its shortcomings.
  • 🛠️ Reviews after 100,000 km. Videos like these show how he behaves Murano in the long term: is the roof leaking, is the suspension creaking, is the electronics “buggy”.
  • 💰 Comparative reviews with competitors (Toyota Venza, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe). This will help you understand whether you are overpaying for the brand or getting real benefits.
  • 🚗 Videos from car shows and presentations (but only to get acquainted with new products). Concepts that will not go into mass production are often shown here.

Pay special attention to reviews where Murano tested in winter conditions. Many owners complain about poor performance AWD on ice, although in advertising it is positioned as “off-road”. Also useful are videos where they disassemble hidden functions multimedia system - for example, how to activate 360° camera or customize ProPILOT Assist (if it is included in the package).

📊 What type of video reviews do you watch before buying a car?
  • Independent test drives
  • Reviews from dealers
  • Owner reviews after 100,000 km
  • Comparisons with competitors
  • I don't watch videos, I read articles

2. What is not shown in official video reviews

Marketing videos Nissan several critical points are carefully avoided. Here's what they usually hide:

⚠️ Attention: In official reviews Murano never mention the problem with threshold corrosion on cars manufactured before 2018. This is due to poor-quality galvanization of the body, and many owners encounter rust after only 3-4 years of operation.
  • 🔋 Real fuel consumption. The advertisement talks about “10–12 l/100 km”, but according to the owners’ reviews, in the city Murano with engine VQ35DE consumes 14–16 l, and in traffic jams - up to 18 l.
  • 🛣️ Suspension problems. Shock absorbers and stabilizer struts on Murano wear out faster than competitors due to soft suspension tuning.
  • 💻 Electronics glitches. Multimedia system NissanConnect often freezes, and parking sensors trigger false alarms on wet roads.
  • 🔑 Expensive service. Spare parts for Murano 30–50% more expensive than for Nissan X-Trail, although many nodes are unified.

Another “pitfall” - Shumka interior. Official reviews praise it, but at speeds above 100 km/h many owners complain about door seal whistling and loud noise from the wheel arches. If silence is important to you, look for reviews where they test the car on the track with the cruise control.

Why don't the reviews show the trunk?

In most commercials, the trunk Murano shown empty, although its actual volume (395 l) is much less than that of its competitors. With the seats folded down, you get 1,600 liters, but the shape of the trunk is inconvenient - the high threshold and narrow opening make loading difficult.

3. Comparison of generations of Nissan Murano based on video reviews

Over the years of production Murano has changed a lot. To understand which generation is right for you, check out the key differences:

Generation Years of manufacture Engine Pros Cons
Z50 (1st) 2002–2007 VQ35DE 3.5 l (245 hp) Unique design, reliable motor, low secondary price Poor corrosion resistance, outdated automatic transmission
Z51 (2nd) 2007–2014 VQ35DE 3.5 l (265 hp) More spacious interior, improved suspension Problems with the variator JF011E, expensive repairs
Z52 (3rd) 2014–2020 VQ35DD 3.5 l (249 hp) Stylish design, AWD with vector torque distribution High fuel consumption, electronic glitches
Z53 (4th, restyling) 2021–present VQ35DD 3.5 l (260 hp) ProPILOT Assist, improved sound insulation Expensive maintenance, low ground clearance (180 mm)

If you choose between Z51 And Z52, pay attention to reviews where they compare variators. Installed in the third generation JF017E, which is more reliable, but still requires frequent oil changes (every 60,000 km). Second Murano with JF011E often suffer from jerks during acceleration, especially after 150,000 km.

💡

Generation Z50 (2002-2007) - the best choice for those looking for an inexpensive Murano with a simple design. But be prepared to deal with rust and find parts.

4. How to recognize a fair test drive of Nissan Murano

Many video reviews Murano made to order from dealers or yourself Nissan, so they don’t show real flaws. Here are the signs by which you can distinguish an honest test drive:

  • 🎥 Show the car on the move, not static shots. Honest reviews must include filming with on-board camera, where you can see how the crossover behaves on uneven surfaces.
  • 🗣️ The presenter talks about the disadvantages. If the video contains only praise, this is custom content. Pay attention to phrases like “the suspension is too soft for our roads” or “the CVT requires delicate handling.”
  • 📊 Give specific numbers. Honest bloggers always measure acceleration to 100 km/h, braking distance And fuel consumption in real conditions.
  • 🔍 Shows the "underhood". Commercials never show the condition of the engine, gearbox or suspension after 100,000 km.

One of the most honest reviews Murano Z52 made a channel AutoReview, where the car was tested for country roads and showed how it “sags” when fully loaded. Reviews from Garage 54where they disassemble typical breakdowns and show you how to fix them.

💡

If the review says that Murano “not afraid of off-road”, check if the video contains footage of fording or deep snow. Most often, such statements are a marketing ploy, since the ground clearance is only 180 mm.

5. Hidden features of Nissan Murano that are not mentioned in the video

Even in detailed reviews they rarely mention hidden possibilitiesthat make exploitation Murano more convenient. Here's what to look for in the settings:

  • 🔑 Sport mode with manual gear shift. In the variator JF017E There is 7-speed emulation, which can be activated by switches under the steering wheel. This is useful when overtaking.
  • 🎵 Adjusting the engine sound. B Murano Z52/Z53 can be turned on Active Sound Enhancement, which artificially improves the exhaust sound through the speakers.
  • 🚗 Easy Fill Tire Alert feature. When inflating the wheels, the machine beeps when the pressure has reached normal.
  • 📱 Hidden diagnostic menu. Press and hold the button Trip for 10 seconds to see sensor errors and battery status.

Another little-known feature - Snow mode in all-wheel drive versions. It automatically brakes wheel slip, but only turns on at temperatures below +4°C. Official reviews do not talk about this, although the function is very useful in winter.

Is the work shown? seat ventilation (in Z53 it breaks often)|

Is there a test 360° cameras in real conditions (not on level ground)|

Do they check heated steering wheel (in cold weather it warms poorly) |

Do they demonstrate all-wheel drive modes off-road -->

6. Typical mistakes when choosing a Nissan Murano based on video

Many buyers focus only on beautiful shots from reviews, without paying attention to the details. Here are the most common mistakes:

⚠️ Attention: If the review shows Murano with 18-inch wheels, remember: the basic package includes 17-inch, which look less visually impressive. Don't fall for the trick of the "top" versions in the videos.
  • 💸 Focus on price without taking into account maintenance costs. Murano with a variator requires expensive oil (NS-3), and repair AWD costs 100,000+ rubles.
  • 🔄 Purchase without test drive. Reviews often do not show how the car behaves when hard braking (y Murano long braking distance due to the heavy body).
  • 🛠️ Ignoring service history. The videos don't say it's a CVT JF011E (in Z51) requires an oil change every 60,000 km, and not 100,000, as they say in the manual.
  • 🌡️ Untested climate control. Reviews show how quickly the stove heats, but don’t say that air conditioner does not cool well at temperatures above +30°C.

In 80% of video reviews Nissan Murano Z52 don't mention the problem with overheating of the variator when towing a trailer. If you plan to use a crossover to transport cargo, look for videos where they test the car with a load.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano

🔹 Which Nissan Murano engine is the most reliable?

Considered the most reliable VQ35DE (3.5 l) in the first generation (Z50). It is easier to maintain and less picky about fuel than VQ35DD in Z52/Z53. However, VQ35DE there is a problem with oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1,000 km) after 200,000 km.

🔹 Is it possible to install tires larger than 18 inches on Murano?

Technically yes, but it will affect suspension performance And fuel consumption. Reviews often show Murano on 20-inch wheels, but in reality this reduces the life of shock absorbers by 30–40%. Optimal size - 17 or 18 inches.

🔹 Why don’t the reviews show the Murano trunk?

Because its volume (395 l) is inferior to competitors (Toyota Venza — 550 l, Hyundai Santa Fe - 571 l). In addition, the high threshold and narrow shape make it difficult to load large items. In commercials, the trunk is always shown empty or with small bags.

🔹 Which variator is more reliable: JF011E (Z51) or JF017E (Z52)?

JF017E considered more modern and less problematic, but only when timely oil changes (every 60,000 km). JF011E suffers more often from jerks and requires belt replacement after 120,000 km.

🔹 Is it worth buying a Murano with a mileage of more than 150,000 km?

Only if the car has full service history and the variator has already been repaired. After 150,000 km replacement is usually required timing chains (cost: 50,000–70,000 rubles) and suspension repair. Without this, operation will be very expensive.