NISSAN MURANOTiming chain or Belt?

The Nissan Murano is an SUV (E-segment in Europe) manufactured by the Japanese marque Nissan. It was launched in 2002 internationally. There are 3 generations of this vehicle to date.

The Murano was born in 2002 as a crossover designed for those looking for a modern and functional car. This model could be considered as the spark that helped this Japanese brand hit the key with the Qashqai or Rogue years later.

The first-generation Nissan Murano debuted at the 2002 New York International Auto Show and went on sale that summer. It had a front- or all-wheel-drive configuration with a 3.5-liter, 245 hp V6 engine. It was one of the first cars to use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In 2006, the model was updated by improving safety and adding aesthetic enhancements.

The second-generation Nissan Murano was introduced in 2007, although it arrived to the market a couple of years later. It was redesigned in both appearance and interior, and was initially available in three trim levels: S, SL and LE. The most luxurious version (SE) was discontinued. This model was based on the same D platform as the Altima and Maxima. It used a revamped 3.5-liter V6 engine that generated 265 hp, and was available with front or all-wheel drive. Nissan launched a renewed model with a diesel engine option for the European market in 2010. A year later, the brand began to withdraw the vehicle from some markets due to low sales.

The third-generation Nissan Murano was introduced in 2014 at the New York International Auto Show. This model reached a much smaller market. Shortly thereafter, in 2016, Nissan launched the first hybrid model of the Murano. This vehicle features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It is offered in two trim levels, SL and Platinum. As a curious fact, this version has a system called VSP that warns pedestrians when the car is moving in electric mode to avoid being run over.

Among the alternatives to the Nissan Murano are other SUVs in its segment such as the Ford Explorer, the Dodge Durango, the Toyota 4Runner, the Toyota Highlander or the Honda Pilot, among many other options.