Crossover Nissan Murano third generation (index Z53) became a real revolution in the line of the Japanese brand. Debuting in 2014, the model radically changed the approach to design, offering buyers a futuristic exterior with aggressive lines and premium finishes. Today, almost a decade later, Murano Z53 remains one of the most recognizable SUVs on the road thanks to its unique combination of dynamic bodywork and luxurious details.

This article will bring together everything you need to know about appearance Nissan Murano Z53: From official promotional photos to actual owner shots, analysis of key design decisions and tips for choosing the best angles to photograph. We will also compare Z53 with predecessor Z52, we will highlight the “weak points” of the exterior and tell you what to look for when buying a used model. If you are planning to purchase this crossover or just love car photography, you will find a lot of useful information here.

Official photos of the Nissan Murano Z53: how the design changed from 2014 to 2026

Debut version Murano Z53 2014 made a splash thanks to the concept «Resonance» — Nissan's design philosophy, combining emotion and technology. Key features of the first restyling (2017) included:

  • 🔹 Front bumper with more aggressive air intakes and chrome inserts
  • 🔹 Radiator grille in the “V-motion” style, which has become the model’s calling card
  • 🔹 Tail lights with 3D effect and LED backlight
  • 🔹 Wheels up to 20 inches in diameter with a unique pattern

The second facelift for 2021 brought more subdued changes: updated front and rear bumpers, new paint options (including two-tone schemes) and LED headlights Full LED in top trim levels. The version that stands out in particular is Murano Midnight Edition with black accents on the grille, wheels and mirrors.

Official photos from Nissan emphasize the premium quality of the model, but often hide some nuances. For example, promotional photos rarely show what the plastic arch protection looks like in trim levels without all-wheel drive - and this is an important point when choosing a used car.

📊 Which design element of the Murano Z53 do you like best?
  • Front optics
  • Radiator grille
  • Body profile
  • Tail lights
  • Interior

Real photos of Nissan Murano Z53: what the official pictures hide

Unlike studio photographs, real photographs of owners reveal Murano Z53 from unexpected sides. Here's what to consider:

⚠️ Attention: In photos from car dealerships, models with the option are often used Premium Package, which includes chrome door sills and two-tone paint. In the basic versions these elements are absent, which significantly changes the perception of the car.

Among the most discussed details:

  • 📸 Plastic lining on arches — in basic configurations they are gray, and not in body color
  • 📸 Rear pillars - create the effect of a “floating roof”, but impair visibility
  • 📸 Chrome elements — may fade over time, especially in regions with salt on the roads
  • 📸 Clearance — 180 mm in reality looks smaller due to long overhangs

The best angles for photography Murano Z53:

  1. Profile with an emphasis on the roof line - emphasizes the dynamics of the body
  2. Frontal view from the bottom - highlights the grille V-motion
  3. Shot of the rear at dusk - shows the 3D effect of the lights
How to photograph Murano Z53 at night?

Use a tripod and a shutter speed of 2-3 seconds to capture the LED headlights and parking lights. It is best to shoot from a distance of 5-7 meters at an angle of 45 degrees, avoiding direct light sources that create glare on the paintwork.

Photo comparison of Murano Z53 and Z52: design evolution

Transition from Murano Z52 (2007–2014) to Z53 became the most radical in the history of the model. If the second generation was distinguished by smooth shapes and “soft” design, then the third generation received:

Characteristics Nissan Murano Z52 Nissan Murano Z53
Body shape Classic SUV with straight lines Futuristic “crossover coupe” with a sloping rear
Front optics Round headlights with halogen lamps Slim LED headlights with daytime running lights
Radiator grille Traditional horizontal with chrome strips V-shaped V-motion with 3D effect
Tail lights Simple shape, incandescent lamps LED with volumetric design
Wheel arches Clear edges, minimalistic plastic Pronounced overlays integrated into the design

Unique fact: Nissan Murano Z53 became the first production crossover of the brand, the design of which used “aerodynamic rounding” technology (Aero Blade), reducing the drag coefficient to 0.31.

In the photo of both models side by side, the difference is striking: Z53 looks lower and wider, although in terms of dimensions they are almost identical (length 4898 mm vs 4885 mm). The main visual difference is the roof line: Z53 it flows smoothly towards the stern, creating a “coupe” effect, while Z52 has a classic “square” silhouette.

The best angles to photograph the Nissan Murano Z53

If you are planning to sell a car or just want to take high-quality photos for social networks, pay attention to these recommendations:

Profile with emphasis on the roof line (30 degree angle)

Frontal view from below (highlights the V-motion grille)

Shot of the rear at dusk (for LED effect)

Detailed shot of rims (shows premium quality)

Photo of the salon through the open door (shows the space) -->

Professional photographers advise:

  • 📌 Use polarizing filter for shooting black and dark blue copies - it removes glare on the varnish
  • 📌 Shoot on golden hour (first hour after sunrise or before sunset) for soft lighting
  • 📌 To demonstrate ground clearance, take a side shot against the background of a curb or stairs

Errors that spoil photos:

⚠️ Attention: Avoid shooting in direct sunlight - on dark body colors (for example, Deep Blue Pearl) all microcracks in the varnish appear. Also, do not take pictures of the car in a dirty parking lot: low ground clearance Murano Z53 makes even small dirt on thresholds visible.

Photo of the Nissan Murano Z53 interior: what is hidden from view in official photographs

Appearance Murano Z53 often overshadowed by its interior, which is no less worthy of attention. Official photos of the salon usually show:

  • 🪑 Front seats with ventilation and massage function (optional Premium Package)
  • 🪑 Center console with 8-inch display and analog clock
  • 🪑 Two-tone finish leather and Alcantara in top versions
  • 🪑 Panoramic roof with electric drive and curtain

However, in reality, owners are faced with nuances:

  • 🔍 The plastic on the door cards in the basic versions is hard and creaky
  • 🔍 The rear seats are not heated even in top versions (unlike Infiniti QX60built on the same platform)
  • 🔍 Multimedia system NissanConnect in earlier versions it slows down when connecting a smartphone

The best angles for shooting the interior:

  1. Photo from the driver's seat at arm's length - shows ergonomics
  2. Shot of the rear row with the door open - shows legroom
  3. Detailed shot of the dashboard with backlight (especially in the dark)
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To emphasize the premium quality of the interior, photograph trim details (such as stitching on the steering wheel or wood trim) with a macro lens. This will visually raise the perception of the car to a higher level.

Photo of Nissan Murano Z53 in different colors: which one to choose?

Body color significantly affects perception Murano Z53. The official palette includes 12 shades, but the most popular are:

Color Code Features Suitable for
Deep Blue Pearl KAD Deep blue with mother of pearl, looks expensive Lovers of classics and premium
Pearl White QAB Bright white with a pearl tint, emphasizes the lines of the body Youth style and contrasting photos
Gun Metallic KH3 Dark gray metallic, practical and discreet Business image
Burgundy Sunset AH8 Burgundy with a golden tint, rare and memorable Exclusivity
Super Black KH3 Deep black, requires frequent varnish maintenance Aggressive looking

Tips for choosing colors:

  • 🎨 For reseller better to choose Pearl White or Gun Metallic - they are in demand
  • 🎨 For personal use will do Deep Blue Pearl or Burgundy Sunset — they highlight the car
  • 🎨 For regions with dirt roads avoid Super Black - every scratch is visible on it

Some colors look different in the photo than in real life. For example, Burgundy Sunset In official photographs it appears bright red, but in reality it is a deep burgundy with a golden tint in sunlight.

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Color Pearl White visually enlarges the car and makes it more modern, but requires more frequent washing - dust and road dirt are noticeable on it.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z53

Where can I find official high resolution photos of the Nissan Murano Z53?

Official promotional photos in maximum quality are available on the website Nissan Global in section Media Center. You can also find high-quality images on resources for designers, such as Behance, where car photographers post their work. To search for a specific color, use color code filters (for example, KAD for Deep Blue Pearl).

How to distinguish pre-restyling Murano Z53 from restyling from a photo?

Main visual differences:

  • 🔍 Front bumper: pre-restyling (2014–2017) has more rounded air intakes, restyling (2018+) has sharp edges
  • 🔍 Tail lights: in restyling, the LED strip is thinner and longer
  • 🔍 Wheels: new wheel designs appeared only after 2018
  • 🔍 Emblem: on restyled models the Nissan logo on the trunk lid is larger

Also, after 2021, two-tone color options appeared (for example, black roof + gray body).

What angles should I avoid when photographing the Murano Z53?

Poor shooting angles:

  • 📵 Directly in front at headlight level - visually “flats” the car
  • 📵 From above (bird's eye view) - emphasizes the narrow wheelbase
  • 📵 From behind at an acute angle — emphasizes the massive rear bumper

Also avoid shooting against tall buildings - low ground clearance Murano Z53 Looks even smaller in these photos.

Which color of the Murano Z53 endures Russian winters the worst?

According to owners' reviews, the following perform worst in Russian winter conditions:

  1. Super Black (KH3) — all the chips from sand and reagents are visible on it
  2. Pearl White (QAB) — gets dirty quickly and requires frequent washing
  3. Brilliant Silver (K23) - fades due to chemical reagents

The most practical colors for winter: Gun Metallic (KH3) And Deep Blue Pearl (KAD) - they show less dirt and scratches.

Is it possible to determine the equipment of the Murano Z53 from the photo?

Yes, for a number of details:

  • 🔍 Discs: 18" - basic configuration, 20" - SL or Platinum
  • 🔍 Headlights: halogen - basic, Full LED - top versions
  • 🔍 Radiator grille: chrome plated - SV and above, black - Midnight Edition
  • 🔍 Two-tone paint - only in Platinum or special series
  • 🔍 360° camera — visible from sensors on the bumpers (only in SL/Platinum)

Also in the top trim levels, the photo will show chrome trim on the sills and door handles.