Nissan Murano with engine VQ35DE 3.5 l is one of the most popular crossovers in its class, combining power, comfort and reliability. However, owners and potential buyers are often concerned with the question: what real fuel consumption this car? Passport data and driver reviews can vary greatly - especially when it comes to the urban cycle, where the engine’s appetite is fully demonstrated.
In this article we will analyze the official consumption figures for different generations Murano 3.5, compare them with real indicators according to the owners, identify the reasons for increased fuel consumption and give practical recommendations on how to reduce consumption without losing dynamics. You will also find a comparison table with competitors and answers to frequently asked questions about saving gasoline.
Official fuel consumption data by generation
The manufacturer declares fuel consumption for Nissan Murano 3.5 in three modes: urban cycle, suburban (highway) and mixed. However, these figures are often obtained under ideal laboratory conditions, which are difficult to reproduce in real-world use. Let's look at the data for the key generations of the crossover:
- 📌 First generation (Z50, 2003–2007): 13.8 l/100 km (city) | 9.0 l/100 km (highway) | 11.2 l/100 km (combined). Engine
VQ35DEwith a 5-speed automatic transmission. - 📌 Second generation (Z51, 2008–2014): 13.1 l/100 km (city) | 8.7 l/100 km (highway) | 10.5 l/100 km (mixed). A system has appeared CVT, which theoretically should have reduced consumption.
- 📌 Third generation (Z52, 2015–present): 12.5 l/100 km (city) | 8.4 l/100 km (highway) | 10.0 l/100 km (combined). Optimized transmission and aerodynamics.
It is important to consider that official tests are carried out at temperatures of +20...+30°C, without load and with minimal use of electronics. In Russian conditions in winter, consumption can increase by 15–25% due to warm-up, heating and slippery roads. In the summer, real numbers are often close to the passport numbers - with a quiet ride.
- Up to 12 l/100 km
- 12–14 l/100 km
- 14–16 l/100 km
- More than 16 l/100 km
Real consumption according to owner reviews: city vs highway
According to polls on forums (Drive2, Nissan-Club) and service data like Fuelly, real consumption Murano 3.5 often exceeds official figures. Here's what the statistics and reviews show:
| Generation | City (l/100 km) | Route (l/100 km) | Mixed (l/100 km) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z50 (2003–2007) | 14.5–16.0 | 9.5–11.0 | 12.0–13.5 | Frequent complaints about overruns due to old ECU firmware. |
| Z51 (2008–2014) | 13.5–15.0 | 8.5–10.0 | 11.0–12.5 | The best performance is for cars with CVT after 2011. |
| Z52 (2015–present) | 12.5–14.0 | 8.0–9.5 | 10.0–11.5 | The most economical generation, but sensitive to the quality of gasoline. |
Fun fact: the owners Murano with all-wheel drive note the expenses for 0.5–1.0 l/100 km abovethan front-wheel drive versions. This is due to the additional load on the transmission. Driving style also affects consumption: with aggressive acceleration to 100 km/h in 8–9 seconds, the engine’s appetite can reach 18–20 l/100 km in the city.
⚠️ Attention! If your Murano 3.5 consumes more 17 l/100 km combined cycle, this is a reason to check the oxygen sensors, spark plugs and catalyst. Often the cause is an air leak or a malfunction MAF sensor.
Causes of increased fuel consumption: diagnosis and solutions
If your consumption Nissan Murano 3.5 suddenly increased, do not rush to blame the engine. Here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:
- 🔧 Clogged injectors or throttle body: results in a rich mixture. The solution is cleaning with ultrasound or special additives (Liqui Moly, Wynns).
- 🔥 Faulty spark plugs: misfires increase consumption by 10–15%. Change every 30–40 thousand km (original -
NGK IFR6G11). - 🌡️ Thermostat or temperature sensor: If the engine does not warm up to operating temperature (90–95°C), the ECU commands a rich mixture.
- 🛞 Low tire pressure: a decrease of 0.5 atm increases consumption by 2–3%. Optimal pressure for Murano — 2.3–2.5 bar.
- 🚗 Overload or trailer: each additional quintal increases consumption by 0.5–1.0 l/100 km.
Particular attention should be paid fuel quality. Engine VQ35DE sensitive to octane number: when refueling AI-92 instead of recommended AI-95/98 consumption may increase by 10–12% due to detonation and ignition timing correction.
Check tire pressure|Check spark plugs|Diagnose oxygen sensors|Clean throttle body|Reset ECU adaptations (via Consult-III or scanner)-->
How to reduce fuel consumption: practical tips
Even without deep tuning you can reduce your appetite Murano 3.5 by 10–15%. Here are proven methods:
- Smooth acceleration and braking: Avoid abrupt starts from a standing start. The optimal speed range for economy is 2000–2500 rpm.
- Use cruise control on the highway: Maintains a constant speed, eliminating unnecessary acceleration. On Murano with CVT this gives savings up to 0.7–1.0 l/100 km.
- Disable all-wheel drive in the city: if your model supports the mode
2WD, use it on dry asphalt. - Keep an eye on aerodynamics: a roof rack increases consumption by 5–7%, open windows at speeds above 80 km/h by 3–4%.
- Change your air filter regularly: a clogged filter impairs the filling of the cylinders, which leads to an over-rich mixture.
For owners Murano with CVT good to know: this type of transmission “does not like” prolonged slipping and sudden pressure on the gas. The optimal driving style is smooth acceleration with a gradual increase in speed. It is also recommended once every 60 thousand km update the oil in the variator (original - NS-3).
If you are often stuck in traffic jams, turn off the air conditioning for 5-10 minutes every 30 minutes. This will reduce the load on the engine and reduce consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km.
Comparison with competitors: who is more economical?
To estimate consumption Nissan Murano 3.5 Objectively, let’s compare it with similar crossovers with engines of similar sizes:
| Model | Engine | City (l/100 km) | Route (l/100 km) | Mixed (l/100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander 3.5 | 2GR-FKS 3.5 V6 | 13.0–14.5 | 8.5–9.5 | 10.5–11.5 |
| Honda Pilot 3.5 | J35Y6 3.5 V6 | 14.0–15.5 | 9.0–10.0 | 11.0–12.0 |
| Ford Edge 3.5 | Duratec 3.5 V6 | 13.5–15.0 | 8.8–9.8 | 11.0–12.5 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5 | Lambda II 3.5 V6 | 13.8–15.2 | 9.2–10.2 | 11.2–12.2 |
As can be seen from the table, Murano 3.5 is in the average range in terms of efficiency. Toyota Highlander benefits from a more modern injection system, and Honda Pilot loses due to greater mass. However, the difference in actual consumption between competitors rarely exceeds 1–1.5 l/100 km, so the choice should be made based on reliability and comfort.
Why does Murano 3.5 consume more gas?
Installing HBO on VQ35DE often results in a 10–20% increase in consumption compared to gasoline. Reasons:
1. Lower calorific value of gas (10–15% less than AI-95).
2 Unoptimized ECU firmware for operation on gas (often the mixture remains enriched).
3. Increased wear of valves due to lack of lubrication (gasoline partially performs this function).
Recommendation: if you decide to install HBO, choose 4th generation systems with OBD correction and regularly (every 10 thousand km) check the valve clearances.
Fuel consumption on gas (GBO): is it worth switching?
Many owners Nissan Murano 3.5 consider the installation of gas cylinder equipment (LPG) as a way to save money. However, there are nuances here:
- ⚡ Saving on fuel: gas is 30–50% cheaper than gasoline, but consumption increases by 10–20%. As a result, the savings amount to 20–30%.
- 🔧 Installation cost: high-quality 4th generation HBO will cost 50–80 thousand rubles. Payback - from 30 to 50 thousand kilometers.
- ⚠️ Engine risks:
VQ35DEnot adapted for gas, so accelerated wear of valves and seats is possible. The solution is to adjust the gaps every 20 thousand km. - 📉 Power Loss: on gas, the engine loses 5–10% of power due to the lower calorie content of the fuel.
According to owner reviews, consumption Murano 3.5 on gas is:
- 🏙️ City: 16–18 l/100 km (in terms of gasoline equivalent).
- 🛣️ Route: 10–12 l/100 km.
⚠️ Attention! If, after installing the HBO, the engine began to “trouble” or appeared cotton in the intake manifold, immediately check the calibration of the gas equipment. This is a sign of backfire, which can damage the throttle body.
HBO on Nissan Murano 3.5 beneficial only with a mileage of 30 thousand km per year. For urban use, the savings are minimal, but the risks for the engine increase.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about fuel consumption
Why is consumption 2–3 liters higher in winter?
Main reasons:
- 🔥 Long engine warm-up (optimally - no more than 3-5 minutes).
- ❄️ Use winter tires (increases rolling resistance).
- 🚗 Operation of the stove and heated seats/windows (additional load on the generator).
- ⛽ Denser cold air requires an enriched mixture.
Tip: use autostart with timer (For example, StarLine) to warm up the car 10-15 minutes before the trip, and not while idling.
What kind of gasoline should I use: AI-92, 95 or 98?
Manufacturer recommends AI-95. However:
- 🛢️ AI-92: allowed for a short time, but consumption will increase by 5–10%, detonation is possible.
- ⛽ AI-95: the best option in terms of price/quality ratio.
- ⚡ AI-98: may give a 2-3% increase in power, but will not save fuel. Suitable for aggressive riding.
Important: if after refueling AI-92 appeared loud knock when overclocking, immediately switch to AI-95 and check the ignition timing.
Is it worth installing a lambda probe blende to save money?
No! Replacing or removing the catalyst without flashing the ECU will lead to:
- 🚨 Engine check on the dashboard.
- 📉 Increased consumption (up to 20 l/100 km), since the ECU will operate in emergency mode.
- 🌍 Exceeding toxicity standards (you will not pass inspection).
Alternative: if the catalyst is clogged, replace it with flame arrester + flashing for EURO-2.
How does cylinder deactivation (VDC system) affect fuel consumption?
Nissan Murano 3.5 is not equipped with a cylinder shut-off system (unlike, for example, Honda VCM). However, in models with CVT there is a function eco mode (ECO Mode), which:
- 🔄 Switches gear ratios more smoothly.
- 🛑 Previously turns off the air conditioning when stopping.
- 📊 Optimizes fuel supply at partial loads.
Enabling ECO Mode can reduce costs 0.5–1.0 l/100 km in the city, but the acceleration dynamics will become less sharp.
Which oil reduces fuel consumption?
Use oils with low viscosity and energy-saving additives:
- 🛢️ 0W-20 or 5W-30 with permission Nissan (For example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30).
- 🔧 Synthetics with molybdenum (for example, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200) reduces friction by 3–5%.
Important: after changing oil from mineral water to synthetic, consumption may temporarily increase by 0.2–0.3 l/100 km due to washing out deposits.