Crossover Nissan Murano is one of the most recognizable cars of the Japanese brand, combining comfort, space and dynamics. But when it comes to technical characteristics, many owners and potential buyers wonder: how much horsepower does this or that version have under the hood? The answer depends on the generation, market and engine type - parameters that are often overlooked when studying the model superficially.
In this article we will look at all generations of Murano (Z50, Z51, Z52), their engines are naturally aspirated VQ35DE to hybrid 2.5 Hybrid, - as well as nuances that affect real power. You will find out why engines of the same volume can produce different hp depending on the year of manufacture, and how this affects the dynamics and fuel consumption. We will pay special attention differences between versions for the USA, Europe and Russia - this moment often comes as a surprise to importers.
Z50 generation (2003–2007): debut with 245 and 234 hp
First generation Nissan Murano (index Z50) appeared in 2002 as a concept, and mass production started in 2003. The car was immediately positioned as a premium crossover with an emphasis on comfort and power. Under the hood of all versions there was petrol V6 VQ35DE with a volume of 3.5 liters, but its output varied depending on the market:
- 🇺🇸 USA/Canada: 245 hp at 6000 rpm - standard version with optimized exhaust system.
- 🇪🇺 Europe: 234 hp at 5800 rpm - reduction in power due to more stringent environmental standards.
- 🇯🇵 Japan: 275 hp - thanks to less stringent exhaust requirements and different ECU settings.
The difference is 11–40 hp. may seem insignificant, but in practice it affected acceleration to 100 km/h: European versions spent 8.5–9.0 seconds, while American - 7.9–8.3 seconds. The torque in all cases was 330–336 Nm, which ensured confident pickup at low revs.
⚠️ Attention: When importing Murano Z50 from Japan, check the documentation for correct power. Some dealers underestimate figures to simplify customs clearance, which can lead to problems with the traffic police.
- Z50 (2003–2007)
- Z51 (2008–2014)
- Z52 (2015–2026)
- Everyone is good in their own way
Z51 generation (2008–2014): evolution of the V6 and the emergence of a hybrid
Second generation (Z51) debuted in 2007 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The design has become more aggressive, and the technical content has undergone major changes. Remained basic VQ35DE, but now it outputs:
- 🌍 World market (except Japan): 265 hp at 6000 rpm - thanks to a modified intake and exhaust system with variable geometry.
- 🇯🇵 Japan: 272 hp - due to less stringent eco-standards and different ECU firmware.
- 🔋 Hybrid version (2011–2014): 245 hp (system Nissan Hybrid System with an electric motor).
Torque increased to 336 Nm (for gasoline versions), and the hybrid offered 330 Nm due to electric boost. I wonder what Murano Hybrid was sold only in the USA and Japan - it was not offered in Europe due to the high price and low demand for hybrids in those years.
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murano Z51 (2008–2010) | VQ35DE 3.5 | 265 | 336 | 7.5 |
| Murano Z51 (2011–2014) | VQ35DE 3.5 | 260 | 330 | 7.8 |
| Murano Hybrid (2011–2014) | VQ35DE + electric motor | 245 (combined) | 330 | 8.1 |
The reduction in power in 2011 is due to stricter environmental standards EURO 5. However, engineers Nissan compensated for this with an improved transmission: instead of a 5-speed automatic transmission, a stepless variator Xtronic CVT, which better revealed the potential of the motor.
When purchasing a used Murano Z51, pay attention to the condition of the CVT. Its service life is ~150–200 thousand km, and repairs cost 150–250 thousand rubles.
Z52 generation (2015–2026): transition to 3.5 V6 and goodbye to the hybrid
Third generation (Z52) was the last one to date. Having debuted in 2014, it has maintained VQ35DE, but now the motor complied with the standard EURO 6 and issued:
- 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 North America: 260 hp at 6000 rpm.
- 🇪🇺 Europe/Russia: 249 hp at 6000 rpm - due to catalysts and other firmware.
- 🇨🇳 China: 260 hp (similar to the USA, but with adaptation for local fuel).
Torque remained at the same level 330 Nm, but thanks to the modified variator and lightweight platform, acceleration to 100 km/h took 7.5–8.0 seconds. Hybrid version Murano Hybrid in this generation no longer released — its place was taken by an all-electric crossover Nissan Ariya.
⚠️ Attention: In Russia, only versions with 249 hp were officially sold, but “gray” cars from the USA with 260 hp are often found on the secondary market. Such cars require re-registration of the title indicating the actual power, otherwise problems may occur during maintenance.
Why is the Murano Z52 weaker in Europe than in the US?
The reason is different environmental standards. European versions were equipped with additional catalysts and particulate filters that “choked” the engine. In addition, the EU used lower octane fuel (95 versus 91 in the US), which forced engineers to lower the compression ratio.
Comparison of power by generation: table and conclusions
To clearly show the evolution horsepower in Nissan Murano, let's summarize the data in one table. Notice the trend: despite the development of technology, power over time decreased due to stricter environmental regulations.
| Generation | Years | Engine | Power (hp) | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z50 | 2003–2007 | VQ35DE 3.5 | 234–275 | Europe/Japan/USA | Maximum in Japan (275 hp) |
| Z51 | 2008–2014 | VQ35DE 3.5 | 260–272 | World market | Hybrid: 245 hp (US/Japan only) |
| Z52 | 2015–2026 | VQ35DE 3.5 | 249–260 | Europe/USA/China | Power reduction due to EURO 6 |
Key observations:
- The maximum power was Murano Z50 for the Japanese market - 275 hp
- Hybrid versions have always been inferior in power to gasoline ones (by 10–20 hp), but have gained in efficiency.
- European versions have always been 5–15 hp weaker than American ones. due to environmental regulations.
Since 2010, the Murano's power has steadily declined, but thanks to the CVT and lightweight platform, the dynamics have remained at the same level.
How to find out the exact power of your Murano?
If you are the owner Nissan Murano and want to know exactly how much horsepower is under the hood of your car, use one of the methods:
- 📄 Technical data sheet: The power is indicated in the “Engine” section (pay attention to the units of measurement - sometimes kW is indicated).
- 🔧 VIN decoder: Free services like
vin-decoder.zr.ruorvindecoder.netwill show factory specifications by body number. - 🛠️ Diagnostic scanner: Connect ELM327 or Launch X431 to the connector
OBD-II- in the blockECUthere will be information about power. - 🏁 Dynamometric stand: The most accurate method will show the real power at the wheels (usually 10–15% lower than the nameplate).
Important: if you imported a car from abroad, the data in the title may not match the real ones. In this case you will need examination to make changes to documents.
☑️ Checking Murano power
Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano power
Let's look at the most popular questions that owners and buyers have Murano when studying technical characteristics.
Why is the Murano more powerful in the US than in Europe?
The main reason is different environmental standards. Valid in the USA EPA, in Europe - EURO 6/7, which require cleaner exhaust. To do this, engineers Nissan install additional catalysts and particulate filters that “choke” the engine. In addition, in Europe, fuel with a lower octane rating is used (95 versus 87–91 in the USA), which forces the compression ratio to be lower.
Is it possible to increase the Murano's power with chip tuning?
Yes, but with reservations. For VQ35DE There are firmwares that increase power by 15–30 hp (up to 280–290 hp for Z52). However this requires:
- Sports exhaust installations (e.g. Injen or Borla).
- Replacing the air filter with a zero filter (for example, K&N).
- Use fuel with an octane rating of at least 98.
Without these modifications, chip tuning can lead to detonation and engine damage.
Which Murano is the most powerful?
Absolute record holder - Nissan Murano Z50 for the Japanese market (2003–2007) with motor VQ35DE, who issued 275 hp Second place Murano Z51 for Japan (2008–2010) with 272 hp.
How much horsepower is lost with age?
Natural engine wear VQ35DE leads to loss of power 5–10% for 150–200 thousand km. Main reasons:
- Wear of piston rings and valves (reduced compression).
- Contamination of catalysts and lambda probes.
- Metal fatigue in the exhaust system.
Regular maintenance and use of quality oil (e.g. Mobil 1 5W-30) help to minimize losses.
Conclusion: which Murano to choose based on power?
Generation choice Nissan Murano depends on your priorities:
- 🏆 Maximum power: Murano Z50 (2003–2007) for the Japanese market - 275 hp. But be prepared for high fuel consumption (
12–14 l/100 km) and outdated electronics. - ⚡ Optimal ratio of power and comfort: Murano Z51 (2008–2014) with 265 hp — the best balance of dynamics and reliability.
- 🌿 Economical: Murano Hybrid (2011–2014) - 245 hp and consumption
8–9 l/100 km, but only for USA/Japan. - 💰 Modern technologies: Murano Z52 (2015–2026) - 249–260 hp, CVT, advanced multimedia, but more expensive to maintain.
If you care dynamics, pay attention to the early versions with maximum power. Better suited for everyday use Z51 or Z52 - they are more economical and comfortable. And if you are looking Murano with a hybrid installation, you will have to look for copies from the USA or Japan (2011–2014).
When choosing a used Murano, be sure to check the power according to the VIN - this will save you from problems with documentation and unexpected expenses for re-registration.