Crossover Nissan Murano The 2020 model year remains one of the most controversial offerings in its class. On the one hand, this is a stylish and comfortable car with an advanced multimedia system and soft suspension. On the other hand, owners often complain about high cost of maintenance, problems with the variator and unreasonably high fuel consumption. In this article, we have collected real reviews from forums, expert assessments and technical nuances that will help you make an informed decision before purchasing.
The 2020 model was the last in the third generation Murano (body code Z52), which was produced from 2015 to 2021. The car was offered in Russia with a gasoline engine VQ35DD (3.5 l, 249 hp) and continuously variable transmission Xtronic. Despite the lack of all-wheel drive, the crossover was positioned as a premium family car with an emphasis on comfort. But is it really that good in practice? Let's figure it out.
Real reviews from owners: what they say after 1–3 years of operation
Analysis of reviews on Drive2, Drom.ru and thematic forums shows that opinions about Murano 2020 polarized. Some praise for quiet salon, smooth ride and rich equipment, others criticize for problems with the variator after 60–80 thousand km and the high cost of spare parts. Here are the key topics that owners raise:
- 👍 Comfort and handling: "The car is like a sofa - soft, quiet, ideal for long trips. The suspension absorbs potholes that you don't notice." (Alexey, Moscow, mileage 45 thousand km)
- 👎 CVT: “After 70 thousand km, jerks appeared during acceleration. The dealer said that the belt and oil needed to be changed - it cost 120 thousand rubles.” (Igor, St. Petersburg)
- 💰 Fuel consumption: “In the city, 14–16 l/100 km is not a crossover, but an SUV! On the highway, 9–10 l, but still a lot for a 3.5-liter engine.” (Olga, Yekaterinburg)
- 🛠️ Service: “Changing the oil in the variator every 60 thousand km is mandatory! Otherwise, you risk having to undergo a major overhaul.” (Anton, Novosibirsk)
Interestingly, most claims are not related to design defects, but to insufficient adaptation to Russian conditions. For example, weak underbody protection leads to corrosion after only 2-3 winters, and electronics sometimes “fail” in severe frosts. At the same time, the owners note that in warm climates (for example, in Sochi or Krasnodar) problems appear less frequently.
- Very reliable
- Reliable but expensive to maintain
- Average reliability, there are some nuances
- Unreliable, many problems
- I find it difficult to answer
Technical characteristics and weaknesses: what to look for
Under the hood Murano 2020 the time-tested engine runs VQ35DD — naturally aspirated V6 with a volume of 3.5 liters, developing 249 hp. and 336 Nm of torque. It is paired with a variator Xtronic, which, despite criticism, with proper maintenance can last 150–200 thousand km. However there are several critical moments:
| Component | Service life (thousand km) | Typical problems | Repair cost (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVT Xtronic | 100–150 | Jerking, slipping, belt wear | 80 000–150 000 |
Engine VQ35DD |
200+ | Oil leaks (valve cover gasket), knocking hydraulic lifters | 20 000–50 000 |
| Suspension | 60–100 | Wear of stabilizer struts, wheel bearings | 30 000–70 000 |
| Electronics | 50–120 | Multimedia failures, parking sensors, 360° camera | 10 000–40 000 |
Particular attention should be paid CVT. According to service centers, its service life directly depends on driving style and regularity of oil changes. During aggressive driving (sharp starts, towing), the belt and cones wear out 2-3 times faster. Owners also note that replacement may be required after 100 thousand km. solenoids and updating the control unit firmware.
⚠️ Attention: If shocks or vibrations occur during acceleration, immediately check the oil level in the variator! Low level operation results in irreversible damage to the belt and cones.
Service history (especially oil changes in the variator)
Condition of the variator belt (mileage >80 thousand km - risk)
Operation of electronics (camera, sensors, multimedia)
Body for corrosion (sills, arches, underbody)
Oil leaks under the engine and variator -->
Comparison with competitors: which is better to choose?
In the premium crossover class Nissan Murano 2020 competes with Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento And Mazda CX-9. Let's compare the key parameters:
- 💪 Engine: Murano loses Highlander (3.5 l, 299 hp) and CX-9 (2.5T, 250 hp) in terms of power, but wins in smoothness.
- 🛣️ Suspension: The softest and most comfortable among competitors, but Sorento And Santa Fe better adapted to bad roads.
- 💰 Cost of ownership: Murano more expensive to maintain than Koreans, but cheaper Highlander (especially after warranty).
- 🎛️ Electronics: Multimedia NissanConnect inferior Hyundai/Kia in terms of speed and functionality, but the 360° camera is implemented better.
If the priority is reliability and low consumption, it's worth taking a closer look at Toyota Highlander with a hybrid installation. If needed spacious interior and rich equipment for less money - Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe. Murano those who value it choose design, comfort and premium atmosphere, preparing for higher maintenance costs.
Why is Murano cheaper than competitors aftermarket?
Prices for used Murano 2020 are lower due to two factors: 1) Insufficient demand due to problems with the CVT; 2) Nissan officially left Russia, which complicated the service. However, this does not mean that the car is bad - it just requires a more careful approach to selection and maintenance.
Pros and cons of Nissan Murano 2020: objective analysis
In order to systematically evaluate the car, we will collect all the advantages and disadvantages in one section. Let's start with advantages, which even critics of the model note:
- ✨ Design: The futuristic exterior with a floating roof and LED optics stands out from its competitors.
- 🛋️ Comfort: Some of the best seats in the class with memory settings, quiet interior (noise level 58 dB at a speed of 100 km/h).
- 📱 Multimedia: 8" screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, premium audio system Bose (11 speakers).
- 🚗 Handling: Light steering wheel, good visibility, small turning radius (5.6 m).
Now about cons, which may become critical for some buyers:
- 🔧 CVT: Requires an oil change every 60 thousand km (cost ~15 thousand rubles), after 100 thousand km serious breakdowns are possible.
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: In the city, 14–16 l/100 km is one of the most voracious in the class.
- 💸 Spare parts price: For example, an original variator belt costs ~40 thousand rubles, stabilizer struts cost 8 thousand rubles apiece.
- ❄️ Winter operation: The battery drains quickly in the cold, and electronics can “slow down” at −20°C.
The 2020 Nissan Murano is a car for those who are willing to sacrifice practical reliability for style and comfort. If you need a workhorse for every day, it's better to consider alternatives.
Should you buy the 2020 Nissan Murano today?
The answer depends on your priorities and budget. If you:
- 👌 Are you looking for a stylish crossover with a premium interior and soft suspension;
- 💼 Are you ready to spend 100-150 thousand rubles per year on maintenance;
- 🚗 Drive mostly on good roads and do not plan to tow;
- 🔧 You have a proven service with experience working with CVTs Nissan;
- then Murano 2020 could be a great choice. Otherwise, the risk of facing costly breakdowns is too high.
On the secondary market prices for Murano 2020 start from 2.2–2.5 million ₽ (mileage 50–80 thousand km) and reach 3.5 million rubles for copies with minimal mileage. When purchasing, be sure to:
- Check the history by
VIN(for example, via Autocode or CarVertical); - Make sure that the oil in the variator is changed every 60 thousand km;
- Test the electronics (especially the 360° camera and system ProPILOT Assist);
- Inspect the body for corrosion (pay attention to the sills and arches).
⚠️ Attention: After leaving Nissan Official dealers from Russia are not required to provide a warranty on used cars. Find out if there are independent services in your city that specialize in Murano.
If you are planning to buy a Murano 2020, budget 50-70 thousand rubles to replace all technical fluids (engine oil, variator oil, power steering, brake fluid) immediately after purchase - this will extend the life of key components.
Modifications and configurations: what to choose?
In 2020 Nissan Murano in Russia it was offered in three trim levels: SE, SV And SL. Let's look at their key differences:
| Equipment | Engine | Key options | New price (2020), ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 3.5 V6 (249 hp) | 18" wheels, leather interior, rear view camera, climate control | 2 990 000 |
| SV | 3.5 V6 (249 hp) | 19" wheels, system ProPILOT Assist, sunroof, heated steering wheel | 3 250 000 |
| SL | 3.5 V6 (249 hp) | 20" wheels, audio system Bose, ventilated seats, adaptive cruise | 3 580 000 |
The most common configuration on the secondary market is SV — it offers an optimal balance of price and equipment. SL It's worth taking only if ventilated seats and a premium audio system are critical to you. Equipment SE poor in options, but cheaper to maintain (less electronics = fewer potential problems).
It is worth mentioning the system ProPILOT Assist is a semi-autonomous assistant that keeps the car in its lane and maintains a distance from the car in front. According to reviews, it works well, but does not replace driver attentiveness — on Russian roads with markings “a la candy wrapper” it may fail.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2020 Nissan Murano
Can you tow a trailer with the 2020 Murano?
Officially Murano 2020 not intended for towing - the instructions indicate that the maximum weight of the trailer should not exceed 750 kg (no brakes). However, owners note that when towing even a light trailer (for example, an ATV), the variator overheats, and fuel consumption increases to 18–20 l/100 km. If you need a car for regular towing, it's best to consider Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota Highlander.
What kind of oil should I put in the Murano 2020 CVT?
The manufacturer recommends using original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (art. KLE52-00004). Analogues: Idemitsu CVTF or Ravenol CVT. Important: oil must meet specification NS-3 - use of other types (for example, NS-2) will lead to damage to the variator. The volume for a complete replacement is 9.5 liters.
How to reset CVT error on Murano?
If the icon on the dashboard lights up Check CVT, try to reset the error as follows:
- Turn off the engine, turn on the ignition (do not start the car).
- Press and hold the button
TRIP(on the dashboard) for 10 seconds. - If the error is temporary (for example, due to overheating), it will be reset. If not, diagnostics is required.
⚠️ Attention: If an error appears regularly, do not ignore it! This may indicate critical wear of the belt or variator solenoids.
How long does the VQ35DD engine last in a Murano?
With proper maintenance (oil change every 10 thousand km, original filters) the engine VQ35DD passes easily 300–400 thousand km. The main problems begin after 200 thousand km:
- Oil leaks through the valve cover gasket;
- Wear of hydraulic compensators (knocking appears when cold);
- Throttle valve contamination (leads to floating speed).
The resource can be extended by using oil with approval API SN and viscosity 5W-30 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 or Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200).
What tires are best for the 2020 Murano?
Factory tire sizes:
- 18": 235/65 R18;
- 19": 235/55 R19;
- 20": 235/45 R20.
For winter, owners recommend:
- 🏔️ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (soft, quiet, good for the city);
- ❄️ Michelin X-Ice North 4 (universal, suitable for mixed roads);
- 🚗 Continental IceContact 3 (good grip on ice).
Popular in summer Pirelli P Zero (for 20" disks) or Michelin Primacy 4 (for a comfortable ride).