Nissan Murano is a stylish crossover with powerful engines and a comfortable interior, but its appetite for fuel often becomes a headache for owners. The topic of consumption is especially relevant for Russian conditions, where gasoline prices are rising and the quality of roads leaves much to be desired. In this article we will analyze the real figures of fuel consumption for different generations. Murano, we will identify the reasons for deviations from factory standards and give practical advice on cost optimization.
Official manufacturer data rarely coincides with reality: laboratory tests are carried out under ideal conditions, and in a city with traffic jams and aggressive driving style, consumption can increase by 30-50%. We've analyzed owner reviews, specifications and independent tests to provide the latest information. We will pay special attention three key generations: Z50 (2003–2007), Z51 (2008–2014) and Z52 (2015–present).
Official fuel consumption standards by generation
The manufacturer declares fuel consumption for Nissan Murano in the mixed cycle, but these figures are often far from reality. Let's look at the factory data for the main modifications:
| Generation | Engine | City (l/100 km) | Route (l/100 km) | Combined cycle (l/100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z50 (2003–2007) | 3.5 V6 (245 hp) | 13.8 | 9.4 | 11.2 |
| Z51 (2008–2014) | 3.5 V6 (265 hp) | 13.5 | 8.7 | 10.6 |
| Z52 (2015–present) | 3.5 V6 (249 hp) | 12.8 | 8.1 | 9.9 |
| Z52 (hybrid, 2016–present) | 2.5 + electric motor (250 hp) | 8.7 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
Please note: Hybrid version Murano demonstrates 30-40% less consumption thanks to the system e-Power, but it was not officially sold in Russia. For gasoline versions, the difference between generations is insignificant - improved efficiency was achieved through optimization of the transmission and aerodynamics, rather than radical changes to the engine.
⚠️ Attention: Factory data obtained in laboratory conditions (cycle NEDC). Actual consumption in the city may exceed the declared consumption by 2–4 liters due to traffic jams, short trips and low temperatures.
Real fuel consumption according to owner reviews
Forum analysis (Drive2, Drom.ru) and groups on social networks shows that real fuel consumption figures for Nissan Murano differ significantly from the official ones. Here's the summary:
- 🏙️ City cycle: 15–18 l/100 km (in winter up to 20 l) for Z50/Z51, 14–17 l for Z52.
- 🛣️ Route (90–110 km/h): 9–11 l/100 km for all generations.
- 🔄 Mixed cycle: 11–13 l/100 km in summer, 13–15 l in winter.
- ❄️ Winter mode: consumption increases by 15–25% due to warm-up, heating and slippery roads.
For example, the owner Murano Z51 2010 with a mileage of 120 thousand km notes: “In the summer in a combined cycle I use 12.5 liters, in the winter - 15–16 liters. If I’m stuck in traffic jams for more than an hour, it can reach up to 18 liters. After cleaning the throttle valve and replacing the spark plugs, the consumption dropped by 0.8 liters.”. Reviews like these confirm that the technical condition of the car directly affects appetite.
- Up to 14 l/100 km
- 14–16 l/100 km
- 16–18 l/100 km
- More than 18 l/100 km
Interestingly, owners of hybrid versions (imported from the USA or Japan) report consumption of 9–11 l/100 km in the city - this is 30% more economical than their gasoline counterparts. However, the hybrid system is more expensive to repair and maintain, negating the fuel savings.
Reasons for increased fuel consumption
If your Nissan Murano started to “eat” gasoline beyond the norm, first of all check the following points. Often the problem lies not in the engine, but in the little things:
- 🔧 Clogged injectors or throttle valve: leads to unstable engine operation and an increase in consumption by 10–15%.
- 🔥 Faulty spark plugs: Misfires cause the ECU to flood the cylinders with fuel.
- 🛞 Low tire pressure: an increase in rolling resistance adds 2–3% to consumption.
- 💨 Clogged air filter: the engine “chokes”, compensating for this by increasing the fuel supply.
- 🛢️ Poor quality fuel: low octane number leads to detonation and excessive consumption.
More serious reasons include:
- 🔩 Wear of the cylinder-piston group: a drop in compression by 1–2 bar increases flow rate by 5–7%.
- 🤖 ECU malfunctions: incorrect data from sensors (for example,
MAF-sensor) lead to a rich mixture. - 🔗 Transmission problems: towing a CVT or automatic transmission increases the load on the engine by 3–5%.
How to check compression yourself?
To check the compression you will need a compression gauge and an assistant. Unscrew all the spark plugs, insert the device into the cylinder and crank the starter for 5-7 seconds. Normal values for VQ35DE: 12–14 bar in each cylinder. The difference between the cylinders should not exceed 1 bar.
⚠️ Attention: If the flow rate increases sharply (by 20% or more) and is accompanied by black smoke from the exhaust pipe, this may indicate a malfunction catalyst or lambda probe. In this case, diagnostics with a scanner is required (for example, Launch X431).
How to reduce fuel consumption: practical tips
Reduce appetite Nissan Murano possible without major investments. Let's start with simple and free methods:
- Smooth driving style: Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Accelerate gradually using
Eco Mode(if any). - Optimal speed on the highway: keep 90–100 km/h - at this speed the aerodynamic drag is minimal.
- Warming up the engine: In winter, 1-2 minutes at idle is enough, then start driving at low speeds.
- Tire pressure: check once a month. Norm for Murano: 2.2–2.4 bar front, 2.3–2.5 rear.
More costly but effective measures:
- 🔧 Injector cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaning of nozzles reduces consumption by 5–10%. Cost: 3–5 thousand rubles.
- 🛢️ Switching to synthetic oil: for example, Mobil 1 5W-30 reduces friction and reduces consumption by 2–3%.
- 🔋 Replacing spark plugs with iridium ones: NGK IFR6T11 or Denso IK20 improve combustion of the mixture.
Check tire pressure|Replace the air filter|Use fuel with an octane rating of at least 95|Turn off unnecessary consumers (heated seats, air conditioning)|Drive in gear (manual mode) at a speed of 60–80 km/h-->
For owners Murano Z52 with variator Jatco JF011E good to know: regular CVT oil changes (every 60 thousand km) not only extends the life of the transmission, but also reduces fuel consumption by 3–5%. Use original liquid NS-3 or equivalent Idemitsu CVTF.
If your Murano equipped with a system 4WD Auto, disable all-wheel drive on dry asphalt with the button 2WD. This will reduce the load on the transmission and reduce consumption by 0.5–1 l/100 km.
The influence of technical fluids on fuel consumption
The quality of oils and fluids directly affects efficiency Nissan Murano. For example, using cheap mineral oil instead of synthetic oil increases friction in the engine, which leads to excessive fuel consumption by 3-7%. Let's look at the key fluids:
| Liquid | Recommended Product | Impact on consumption | Replacement frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor oil | Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30 or Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 | 2–3% reduction | Every 10–15 thousand km |
| CVT fluid | Nissan NS-3 or Idemitsu CVTF | 3–5% reduction | Every 60 thousand km |
| Transmission oil (for automatic transmission) | Nissan Matic S | 1–2% reduction | Every 80–100 thousand km |
| Coolant | Nissan L255N (green) | Indirect (maintaining optimal temperature) | Every 5 years or 100 thousand km |
Pay special attention oil in the variator. Many owners Murano They save on replacing it, but this leads to belt slipping and increased load on the engine. Signs of "tired" CVT fluid: jerking during acceleration, increased noise and increase in fuel consumption by 10–15%.
No less important is fuel system. The use of additives (for example, Liqui Moly JetClean) every 5 thousand km helps keep the injectors clean. However, you should not overuse chemicals - aggressive cleaners can damage the seals.
Comparison with competitors: who is more economical?
For objectivity, let's compare Nissan Murano with the main competitors in the mid-size crossover class. Let's take models with similar engines (V6, 3.5 l) and automatic transmissions:
| Model | Engine | City (l/100 km) | Route (l/100 km) | Combined cycle (l/100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano Z52 | 3.5 V6 (249 hp) | 12.8 | 8.1 | 9.9 |
| Toyota Highlander | 3.5 V6 (295 hp) | 13.2 | 8.7 | 10.4 |
| Honda Pilot | 3.5 V6 (280 hp) | 13.0 | 8.5 | 10.2 |
| Ford Edge | 3.5 V6 (280 hp) | 14.0 | 8.9 | 10.8 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 3.5 V6 (290 hp) | 13.5 | 8.6 | 10.5 |
As can be seen from the table, Murano demonstrates one of the best efficiency indicators in the class, second only to Honda Pilot (but it has less power). However, real reviews from owners show that in the urban cycle the difference between competitors is leveled out - all crossovers with V6 consume 14–16 l/100 km.
Main advantage Murano — engine reliability VQ35DE, which, with proper maintenance, covers 300+ thousand km without major repairs. For comparison, Toyota 2GR-FE (installed on Highlander) is prone to oil burning after 200 thousand km, which also increases fuel consumption.
The Nissan Murano is a leader in fuel economy among V6 crossovers, but only with regular maintenance. A running transmission or ignition system negates all benefits.
Frequently asked questions about fuel consumption on Nissan Murano
Why is fuel consumption higher in winter than in summer?
In winter, consumption is affected by several factors:
- Long engine warm-up (idling consumes 1–1.5 l/hour).
- Increased rolling resistance of winter tires.
- Operation of the stove and heaters (seats, windows, steering wheel).
- Thicker engine oil when cold.
- Deterioration of aerodynamics due to snow on the roof.
In total, this gives an increase of 15–25% to summer consumption.
Which gasoline is better to fill: 92 or 95?
Manufacturer recommends gasoline with an octane rating of at least 95 for engine VQ35DE. Using 92 results in:
- Detonation (especially at high loads).
- An increase in consumption by 3–5% due to correction of the ignition timing.
- Faster carbon formation on valves.
If you fill it with 98, there will be no increase in power or savings - the ECU is not adapted for such fuel.
Is it worth installing HBO on Murano?
Installation of gas equipment (for example, Lovato or BRC) on Murano has pros and cons:
Pros:
- Saving on fuel (gas is 30–50% cheaper than gasoline).
- Less wear on the cylinder-piston group (gas octane number is higher).
Cons:
- Power reduction by 5–10%.
- Additional weight of the cylinder (impairs dynamics).
- Risk of damage to valves due to incorrect settings.
- Difficulties with undergoing maintenance (registration of gas equipment with the traffic police is required).
Payback of gas equipment for Murano — 80–120 thousand kilometers. This is beneficial for city use, but not for highway use.
How does a CVT affect fuel consumption?
CVT Jatco JF011E in Murano Z52 theoretically, it should be more economical than a classic “automatic” due to a smooth change in the gear ratio. However, in practice:
- In the city, the CVT revs high (2000-2500 rpm) for quick response, which increases fuel consumption.
- On the highway, on the contrary, the speed drops to 1500–1800, which saves fuel.
- A worn-out variator (mileage 150+ thousand km) can slip, adding 10–15% to consumption.
To save money, use manual mode (M) on the highway, fixing the gear at 6–7 speeds.
What additives help reduce consumption?
Effective additives for Nissan Murano:
- Liqui Moly JetClean — cleaning of injectors (reduction of consumption by 3–5%).
- Wynns Injector Cleaner — removing carbon deposits from valves.
- Ceratec (Liqui Moly) — restoration of compression (effect after 2–3 thousand km).
- Suprotec Active Plus — for worn-out engines (mileage 200+ thousand km).
Important: additives provide a temporary effect (1–3 months). For consistent results, comprehensive maintenance is required.