Nissan murano z50 vs z51: the ultimate face-off for suv dominance!
What To Know
- The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle.
- The Nissan Murano Z51, introduced in 2009 and lasting until 2014, underwent a significant redesign that resulted in a more streamlined and modern look.
- The Z50 offers a more rugged and traditional SUV design, while the Z51 boasts a more modern and aerodynamic look.
The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle. Since its debut in 2002, the Murano has undergone several significant redesigns, with the Z50 and Z51 generations representing two distinct eras in its evolution. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between the Nissan Murano Z50 and Z51, exploring their key differences and similarities to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The Nissan Murano Z50, produced from 2003 to 2007, features a boxy and angular design with sharp lines and a prominent grille. Its overall shape resembles a traditional SUV, with a high ride height and a rugged appearance.
The Nissan Murano Z51, introduced in 2009 and lasting until 2014, underwent a significant redesign that resulted in a more streamlined and modern look. The Z51’s exterior is characterized by its sleek curves, sloping roofline, and a more aerodynamic profile.
Interior Comfort and Features
The Nissan Murano Z50 offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The interior features a mix of soft-touch materials and hard plastics, with a dashboard design that is functional and easy to use. The Z50 comes with a range of standard features, including a power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and a six-speaker audio system.
The Nissan Murano Z51 boasts a more upscale and refined interior than the Z50. The cabin is roomier, with additional legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard has been redesigned with a more modern and intuitive layout, featuring a large touchscreen display for the infotainment system.
Engine and Performance
The Nissan Murano Z50 was available with two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 245 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Nissan Murano Z51 received a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The Z51 also offered a hybrid powertrain that combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 250 horsepower.
Fuel Economy
The Nissan Murano Z50’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The 3.5-liter V6 with all-wheel drive has slightly lower fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The Nissan Murano Z51’s fuel economy has improved over the Z50. The 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The hybrid powertrain offers even better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
The Nissan Murano Z50 received a “Good” overall rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests. It comes with a range of standard safety features, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control.
The Nissan Murano Z51 received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.
Price and Availability
The Nissan Murano Z50 is no longer in production, so its availability is limited to the used car market. Prices for a used Murano Z50 can vary depending on its condition, mileage, and trim level.
The Nissan Murano Z51 is still in production, so it is available at Nissan dealerships nationwide. Prices for a new Murano Z51 start at around $32,000 for the base trim level.
Which Generation is Right for You?
The Nissan Murano Z50 and Z51 are both excellent choices for families and individuals seeking a spacious and versatile SUV. The Z50 offers a more rugged and traditional SUV design, while the Z51 boasts a more modern and aerodynamic look. The Z51 also offers a more upscale interior, more powerful engine, and better fuel economy than the Z50.
If you are looking for a used SUV with a rugged appearance and a spacious cabin, the Nissan Murano Z50 is a great option. If you are looking for a newer SUV with a more modern design, a more powerful engine, and better fuel economy, the Nissan Murano Z51 is a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key differences between the Nissan Murano Z50 and Z51?
A: The main differences between the Nissan Murano Z50 and Z51 include their exterior design, interior comfort and features, engine and performance, fuel economy, safety features, and price.
Q: Which generation of the Nissan Murano is more reliable?
A: Both the Nissan Murano Z50 and Z51 have a good reputation for reliability. However, the Z51 has received slightly higher ratings in consumer surveys.
Q: What is the towing capacity of the Nissan Murano Z50 and Z51?
A: The Nissan Murano Z50 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Nissan Murano Z51 has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
