📅 Category: Car Spotlights | By: Clyde Motors KE | ⏱ 5 min read
In a market where RAV4s and X-Trails are everywhere, the Nissan Murano occupies a rare position — a premium crossover with a genuinely distinctive design, a luxurious interior, and a presence that immediately communicates its driver has made a deliberate choice away from the mainstream. It is larger than the X-Trail, positioned as a premium product above it, and offers a driving and ownership experience that is meaningfully different from the practical family crossovers that dominate Kenya’s used import market.
What is the Nissan Murano?
The Nissan Murano is a mid-size premium crossover produced since 2002 and now in its third generation (Z52, 2014–present). It is positioned as Nissan’s flagship crossover — above the X-Trail in size and specification — and competes in a premium crossover segment that includes the Toyota Harrier, Lexus RX, and Mazda CX-9.
In Kenya’s used import market, second-generation (Z51, 2008–2014) and third-generation examples are both available, with the third generation commanding a significant premium for its substantially improved design and specification.
The Exterior — Nissan’s Most Dramatic Design
The Nissan Murano’s exterior design is genuinely polarising — which, in a market full of conservatively styled crossovers, is part of its appeal to buyers who find it attractive. The V-motion front grille, the floating roof treatment, the dramatic character line along the body, and the bold rear treatment create a vehicle that is immediately recognisable and completely distinct from every other vehicle in the segment.
The third-generation Murano’s design has aged remarkably well — it still looks contemporary and confident a decade after its 2014 introduction. In Kenya’s market, the Murano’s visual impact on the road is significant — it draws attention in a way that the Harrier and even the Lexus RX do not match.
Powertrain — The 3.5L V6 and CVT
The Nissan Murano uses a single powertrain across all variants in Kenya’s market — the 3.5L VQ35DE V6 petrol engine producing approximately 260 horsepower and 336Nm of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT.
The V6 engine: Nissan’s VQ35 is one of the most celebrated naturally aspirated V6 engines in automotive history — a unit that appeared on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for multiple consecutive years. It produces power smoothly across the entire rev range, delivers impressive performance when required, and has a soundtrack that is more characterful than most crossover engines. In the Murano’s weight class, 260 horsepower provides genuinely comfortable performance rather than mere adequacy.
Fuel consumption: The honest trade-off for the V6’s performance is fuel consumption — typically 9–12km/L in Nairobi’s mixed conditions. For buyers who cover high urban mileage, this is a real monthly cost consideration. For buyers who cover more modest mileage and prioritise the driving experience, it is an acceptable price of the V6’s character.
The CVT: The Murano’s Xtronic CVT is one of the more refined examples of this transmission type — smooth in urban driving and less prone to the rev-hang that characterises less sophisticated CVT implementations. Confirm CVT fluid service history on any used example.
Interior — Where the Murano Justifies its Premium
The third-generation Murano’s interior is one of the most impressive in any crossover available in Kenya’s used market. Nissan’s interior designers departed from the utilitarian approach typical of mainstream crossovers and created a cabin that feels genuinely premium.
The panoramic glass roof — standard on most Murano variants — transforms the cabin’s sense of space and light dramatically. In Kenya’s typically sunny environment, the visual openness created by the panoramic roof makes the Murano’s interior feel genuinely special rather than enclosed.
Leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a Bose audio system, a large central display, and a floating console design create an interior environment that competes favourably with vehicles from dedicated luxury brands. The quality of materials used is consistently impressive — surfaces feel premium and substantial rather than dressed-up plastic.
All-Wheel Drive System
The Murano’s AWD system — Nissan’s intelligent AWD — automatically distributes torque between front and rear axles based on driving conditions. In normal road conditions it operates primarily in front-wheel drive for efficiency, seamlessly engaging the rear axle when additional traction is needed. This system is designed for improved traction on varied road surfaces rather than serious off-road capability — the Murano is a premium road-focused crossover, not an off-road vehicle.
Murano vs Toyota Harrier — The Most Direct Competition
The Murano wins on: V6 engine power and character. Interior luxury — particularly the panoramic roof and Bose audio. Visual distinctiveness. The VQ35 engine’s recognised quality and character.
The Harrier wins on: Toyota hybrid efficiency option. Toyota parts availability and service network. Better fuel consumption on hybrid variants. Stronger resale value in Kenya’s market.
For buyers who prioritise the driving and interior experience over running cost efficiency, the Murano makes a compelling case. For buyers who prioritise total cost of ownership and resale value, the Harrier remains the more financially rational choice.
What to Watch When Buying a Used Murano
CVT service history: As with all Nissan CVT vehicles — non-negotiable confirmation of correct fluid service.
VQ35 engine oil consumption: Some VQ35 engines consume modest amounts of oil between services. Monitor oil level carefully after purchase and ask about consumption history.
Panoramic roof seal condition: Inspect the panoramic roof seals carefully for cracking or gaps that could allow water ingress.
Parts availability: Nissan Murano-specific parts are available in Nairobi but less commonly stocked than mainstream Nissan or Toyota parts. Confirm your workshop’s sourcing capability.
The Bottom Line
The Nissan Murano is a genuinely distinctive, luxuriously specified premium crossover that offers a V6 engine, panoramic roof, premium interior, and striking design at used market prices that represent genuine value for the specification delivered. For buyers who want to stand completely apart from the RAV4 and Harrier mainstream and are prepared for the V6’s fuel consumption, the Murano is one of the most rewarding crossover choices available.
👉 Ask about Nissan Murano availability at clydemotors.co.ke or WhatsApp us on 0740635621. Financing available.