Crossover Nissan Murano Z52 - one of the most controversial cars in the line of the Japanese brand. On the one hand, this is a stylish and comfortable SUV with a premium finish, and on the other hand, it is a car with a not very reliable reputation and a specific character. We conducted a full test drive Murano Z52 2022–2026 to figure out whether this crossover is worth buying today - new, used, or on the secondary market.
In this review you will find not only dry technical characteristics, but also real impressions of control, comparison with competitors (Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento), and also hidden problems, which dealers are silent about. We will pay special attention A unique feature of the Murano Z52 is the all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring, which radically changes the behavior of the car on the road.
If you are planning a purchase or are simply interested in premium crossovers, this test drive will help you make an informed decision. We will not praise or scold the car for no reason - only facts, figures and personal experience behind the wheel.
Technical specifications of the Nissan Murano Z52: what's under the hood?
Under the hood Nissan Murano Z52 only one engine installed 3.5 liter V6 VQ35DD with direct fuel injection. This motor develops 260 hp at 6000 rpm And 336 Nm torque. Works with him Xtronic continuously variable transmission, which many owners call the weak point of the car.
The transmission sends power to all four wheels through the system Intelligent AWD with vector torque distribution. In normal mode, 100% of the power goes to the front axle, but if necessary, up to 50% can be transferred to the back. This is not a classic all-wheel drive, but rather an electronically controlled “plug-in” one.
- 🔹 Engine: 3.5 V6 VQ35DD (260 hp, 336 Nm)
- 🔹 Transmission: variator Xtronic with manual mode
- 🔹 Drive: Intelligent AWD (plug-in full)
- 🔹 Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 8.2 seconds (manufacturer declared)
- 🔹 Maximum speed: 210 km/h (electronically limited)
Official fuel consumption per cycle WLTP amounts to 10.5 l/100 km in mixed mode. However, in real conditions in winter this figure easily exceeds 14–15 l/100 km, especially in city traffic. In summer, with a quiet ride, you can meet 11–12 l/100 km.
⚠️ Attention: CVT Xtronic paired with a motor VQ35DD requires strict adherence to oil change regulations - every 60,000 km. Skipping this interval can result in costly repairs!
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Engine size | 3.5 l | V6 direct injection |
| Power | 260 hp | At 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 336 Nm | At 4400 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT Xtronic | With manual mode and 7 virtual gears |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 8.2 s | According to the manufacturer |
Design and interior: premium or imitation?
Exterior Nissan Murano Z52 stands out from the competition thanks to its aggressive front end with a massive grille "V-Motion", narrow headlights and smooth body lines. Designers call this style "emotional futurism", but in practice not everyone likes it - many find the car too pretentious.
The interior trim is made using soft plastics, leather upholstery (in top versions - genuine leather with stitching) and wood or aluminum inserts. However, the build quality leaves much to be desired: already after 20–30 thousand km Plastic squeaks may appear, and the leather on the steering wheel sometimes begins to peel off.
- 🚗 Exterior: aggressive design with grille V-Motion, LED headlights, 20-inch wheels
- 🪑 Interior: leather trim, electric seats, dual-zone climate control
- 🎛️ Multimedia: 8" screen with NissanConnect, support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
- 🔊 Audio system: Bose with 11 speakers (in top versions)
The interior is spacious: the front seats are comfortable with good lateral support, and the rear row offers ample legroom even for tall passengers. However, the trunk volume 394 l (expands to 1690 l with the seats folded) loses to competitors like Toyota Highlander (580 l).
- Exterior
- Interior
- Both options
- None of the options
Handling and behavior on the road: pros and cons
Behind the wheel Nissan Murano Z52 The soft suspension immediately catches your eye, which perfectly smooths out road unevenness, but does not make the car roll. The steering is informative, although a little “empty” in the zero zone. All-wheel drive system Intelligent AWD It works quietly but effectively—on slippery roads the crossover behaves predictably.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- CVT When accelerating sharply, it “stubs” and emits a characteristic howl, especially when it’s cold.
- Brakes require getting used to - the pedal is too soft, and the braking distance is longer than that of competitors.
- Shumka At high speeds it leaves much to be desired - wind and tire noise can be heard in the cabin.
In mode Sport the engine becomes more responsive, and the variator imitates gear changes, but this does not prevent the feeling of “rubbery” acceleration. But in mode Eco The crossover turns into a quiet family car with minimal fuel consumption.
When overtaking on the highway, use the manual mode of the variator (paddle shifters under the steering wheel) - this will help avoid “failures” when accelerating.
Reliability and typical problems of Nissan Murano Z52
Nissan Murano Z52 cannot boast of impeccable reliability. The main complaints of the owners are related to: CVT, VQ35DD engine And electronics. Let's look at the most common problems:
- ⚠️ Xtronic CVT: when running for
100,000 kmoften requires oil and belt changes. Symptoms of a malfunction - jerks during acceleration, hum, check lightP17F0(transmission fluid overheating). - ⚠️ Engine VQ35DD: known for problems with timing chains (stretches towards
150,000 km) and oil leaks through the valve cover gasket. - ⚠️ Electronics: multimedia system is glitchy NissanConnect, sometimes the parking sensors fail.
- ⚠️ Suspension: knocking in the front struts and rapid wear of the stabilizer bushings.
On the other hand, the body Murano Z52 is well protected from corrosion, and interior plastics do not creak even after 100,000 km. The main thing is to follow routine maintenance and not skimp on consumables.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Murano Z52 with mileage, be sure to check the oil change history of the variator! If the previous owner ignored the regulations, get ready for transmission repairs costing from 200 000 ₽.
☑️ What to check when buying a used Murano Z52
Comparison with competitors: who is better?
Nissan Murano Z52 competes with models such as Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento And Mazda CX-9. Let's compare the key parameters:
| Parameter | Nissan Murano Z52 | Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5 V6 (260 hp) | 3.5 V6 (299 hp) | 2.5 Turbo (281 hp) |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-automatic | 8-automatic |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.5–12 l/100 km | 9.8–11 l/100 km | 9.5–11 l/100 km |
| Price (new, 2026) | from 3.8 million ₽ | from 4.2 million ₽ | from 3.5 million ₽ |
| Warranty | 3 years / 100,000 km | 3 years / 100,000 km | 5 years / 150,000 km |
Advantages of the Murano Z52 over its competitors:
- 🔥 More stylish and memorable design
- 🔥 Soft and comfortable suspension
- 🔥 Spacious interior with premium finishes
Disadvantages compared to competitors:
- 🚫 CVT is less reliable than classic automatic transmissions
- 🚫 Smaller trunk
- 🚫Higher fuel consumption
The Nissan Murano Z52 outperforms its competitors in design and comfort, but loses in powertrain reliability and efficiency.
Prices and configurations: what does the market offer?
On the Russian market Nissan Murano Z52 presented in three trim levels: Comfort, Elegance And Premium. The difference between them lies in the level of equipment:
- 💰 Comfort (from 3.8 million ₽): basic version with fabric trim, 18-inch wheels, climate control and multimedia with an 8-inch screen.
- 💎 Elegance (from 4.1 million ₽): leather interior, electric seats, sunroof, 360° camera, system ProPILOT (adaptive cruise control).
- 👑 Premium (from 4.5 million ₽): ventilated front seats, audio system Bose, head-up display, heated steering wheel and rear seats.
On the secondary market prices for Murano Z52 2019–2021 starts from 2.2–2.5 million ₽ for used versions 50–80 thousand km. However, you should only buy used copies with a full service history - it is especially important to check the variator and timing chain.
Options to consider when purchasing include:
- 🔥 Panoramic sunroof — makes the interior brighter, but can sweat in winter.
- 🔥 System ProPILOT - semi-autonomous driving in traffic jams (works up to
60 km/h). - 🔥 Audio system Bose - Great sound, but the bass can shake the plastic.
Conclusion: Is the Nissan Murano Z52 worth buying in 2026?
Nissan Murano Z52 — a car for those who appreciate style, comfort and originality, but ready to put up with increased fuel consumption And potential problems with the variator. This crossover is not for pragmatists who are looking for a reliable workhorse, but for aesthetes who are willing to pay for design and premium trim.
Who is the Murano Z52 suitable for:
- 👍 Families who drive mostly around the city and sometimes into nature (without serious off-road conditions).
- 👍 For those who want to stand out on the road, the Murano design is memorable.
- 👍 For those who like a comfortable ride - the suspension is soft, the interior is quiet at medium speeds.
Who is not suitable for:
- 👎 For those who plan to drive off-road - ground clearance
180 mmand the lack of downshifting prevent the Murano from being considered a true SUV. - 👎 For drivers who love dynamic driving, the CVT and heavy body do not favor sporty handling.
- 👎 For those who are not ready for high fuel and maintenance costs.
If you decide to purchase, we recommend:
- Buy a new car with an official warranty or a used one with a full service history.
- Immediately after purchase, change the oil in the variator (even if the seller claims that it is fresh).
- Install additional crankcase protection - the engine sump is located low.
Alternatives to Nissan Murano Z52
If the Murano isn't right for you, consider:
- Toyota Highlander - more reliable, but more expensive and more boring to manage.
- Hyundai Santa Fe - cheaper, with a better warranty, but less premium interior.
- Mazda CX-9 — more dynamic and stylish, but cramped in the second row.
- Kia Sorento — more practical (7 seats), but the design is not so bright.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z52
❓ What is the real fuel consumption of the Murano Z52?
In the city in winter, consumption can reach 14–15 l/100 km, in summer - 11–12 l/100 km. On the highway at speed 90–110 km/h manages to fit in 8.5–9.5 l/100 km.
❓ How reliable is the Xtronic variator?
If you follow the oil change schedule (every 60,000 km) the variator runs 150,000–200,000 km. However, many owners complain of jerking and humming after 80,000 km. The main thing is not to overheat the transmission (avoid towing, aggressive driving in the heat).
❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Murano Z52?
The official maximum trailer weight is 900 kg (with brakes). However, due to the CVT and weak cooling system, it is better not to exceed 700 kg. When towing, be sure to use the optional CVT oil cooler.
❓ What oil to pour into the VQ35DD engine?
Manufacturer recommends 5W-30 or 5W-40 according to standard API SN or ILSAC GF-5. Optimal options:
- Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30 (original)
- Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30
- Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30
Refill volume - 4.8 l.
❓ How often do you need to change the timing chain on a Murano Z52?
Official regulations - 150,000 km, but in practice the chain begins to stretch after 100,000–120,000 km. Symptoms: noise during cold start, unstable idle speed. Replacing a chain with rollers and tensioners costs 40 000–60 000 ₽.