From hatchbacks to crossover SUVs, Nissan's product line is by far one of the most versatile. Though the Japanese carmaker started its SUV lineup with the Pathfinder in 1986, the release of the Nissan Murano completed the product line. This midsize crossover is Nissan's new take on stylish SUVs.
The Nissan FF-L chassis underpinned the Murano GT that Nissan released in 2002, the same platform utilised in building the Nissan Altima. The Murano name derives from the Italian city of the same name.
With the crossover SUV rage that swept most parts of the world, in the United States, the Murano remained as Nissan's only SUV crossover from 2002 until 2007 when the Rogue joined it. It holds its spot against competitors like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-3, Peugeot 2008, Renault Capture, and Suzuki Grand Vitara.
First Generation Z50 (2002-2007)
The Murano got introduced into the SUV landscape in 2002 at the New York International Auto Show. The crossover’s release was pioneering for Nissan, quickly becoming a sensation due to its sleek styling. It was a powerhouse driven by a 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6 4-cylinder engine that pushed out a whopping 183kW. The Murano paired with an automatic continuously variable transmission and was available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options. The Japanese crossover SUV models all came with a 2.5-litre QR25DE inline-four unit.
The first generation did not come to feature in Australia up until 2005, and when it did, it offered these trims:
• ST - 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6 with CVT (172kW, 318Nm)
• Ti - 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6 with CVT (172kW, 318Nm)
The ST was a base trim with anti-lock braking, automatic air and climate control, brake assist, cruise control, engine immobiliser, a trip computer, vehicle stabilizer, electronic brake force distribution, and dual front airbags. The Ti luxury trim came with base features plus a bunch of premium features like rear parking distance control, power sunroof, and heated front seats.
In 2006, the Murano got an additional TI-L trim that had similar drivetrain options to its preceding ST and Ti trims but added a satellite navigation feature.
Second Generation Z51 (2009-2014)
Nissan saw the release of the 2nd generation of the Murano in 2009. This new generations Z51 retained the 5-door crossover SUV of the previous generation although Nissan experimented with a 2-door convertible that did not make it to the Australian market. This Z51 Murano offered a range of three powertrains, but the 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6 engine that came to be most popular with the Murano was the sole engine that the model used for the Australian market. Like in the previous generation, it paired with a CVT.
This new generation also featured a curvier restyled front fascia that ditched the squarish grille for a V-shape design. This also had Nissan's D chassis support, which was a shift from the previously placed load-carrying FF-L chassis.
Performance-wise the Murano got a boost with an improved engine that increased power output to 198kW from 172kW. The iconic 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6 was clamped together with Nissan's continuously variable transmission to make 336Nm of torque. The Z51 came with adaptive shift control linked to the CVT to help in gear shifts and increase fuel economy to 12L/100km.
In 2011, the Murano had a refurbished designed to feature a new pair of headlamps and LED rear lights. This second-generation Murano was produced in two trims, a base ST version and its luxury trim Ti version.
- The ST version was a 3.5-litre QR25DE V6 engine with CVT (198kW, 333Nm)
- The Ti version had a 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6 engine with CVT (198kW, 333Nm)
The Murano Z51 did not feature a lot of upgrades aesthetically except for its facelift.
Nissan designed a convertible Murano named the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet in 2010. It was the first of its kind in the world – an AWD crossover convertible – and took the market by surprise. This Cabriolet featured in Japan, being the primary target market. It featured the same drivetrain as the other Murano releases and was available in the sole LE trim.
Third Generation Z52 (2015-Present)
In April 2014, the third generation of the Nissan Murano Z52 was released. It was unveiled with little change to the previous generation drivetrain as it featured the same 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6 engine that makes a similar output, putting the Murano at a peak power of 191kW and 336Nm of torque. This new Z52 has a new updated design with a broader front V-grille. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with sportier LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, lower front intake and a raised rear tailgate.
Nissan recently released the hybrid version of the Murano in 2016. It features the powerful 2.5-litre QR25DE inline-four engine coupled with a single electric motor, a dual-clutch system, and a powerful lithium-ion battery. The battery sits below the central control console of the Murano taking up as little space as possible.
The Murano has remained true to its form despite appearing in different iterations over the years from a boxy crossover to a groundbreaking crossover cabriolet and finally, a crossover hybrid.
Yet the Murano is still as much susceptible to wear and tear like any other working machine. If you have this workhorse and are in the process of maintaining its functionality and tiptop shape, look no further than Carpart Australia. We are Australia's number one auto website dealing with car auto parts and secondhand vehicles. Check out our site to snatch high-quality car spare parts and great deals!
-Raykaz