Nissan Murano

Importing a used Nissan Murano from the USA

The Murano is one of the most American of Nissans: styled boldly, powered by a V6, and built for years in Canton, Mississippi. It is a two-row mid-size crossover that prioritises comfort, a lounge-like cabin and smooth cruising over sportiness or off-road pretension. Because so many Muranos were assembled in the United States, this model is a genuinely interesting import candidate under the current customs rules, where provable US origin can open the door to a zero-percent EU duty rate. USCar Trader operates as an independent broker for used vehicles only, with no dealer margin and no manufacturer partnership.

Production years and key changes

Three generations are relevant. The first (Z50, 2003-2007) introduced the concept: a curvaceous crossover on the FF-L platform with the 3.5-litre VQ35 V6. The second (Z51, 2009-2014) refined the formula with more equipment and a stiffer body. The third (Z52, 2015-2024) brought the dramatic "floating roof" design, the VQ35DE V6 carried over, and a plush, well-isolated interior that reviewers regularly praised. A CrossCabriolet convertible existed briefly in the Z51 era and is a curiosity rather than a mainstream import. The Z52 is the sweet spot for most buyers today.

What is under the hood

Almost every US Murano uses the 3.5-litre VQ35 V6, producing roughly 260 hp depending on year, paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (Xtronic CVT). Drive goes to the front wheels as standard, with an on-demand all-wheel-drive system optional across the range. There is no four-cylinder or diesel in the US Murano, and no manual gearbox. This V6-plus-CVT combination defines the car's relaxed, torque-rich character, and it is the drivetrain you should evaluate most carefully on any used example.

Trims and body styles

The US range typically runs S, SV, SL and the Platinum flagship, all as a single five-door, five-seat crossover. Higher trims are lavishly equipped by class standards: quilted leather, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic roof, Bose audio, around-view cameras and the full suite of driver aids. A well-optioned SL or Platinum from the US carries features that make it feel a class above, which is a large part of the model's import appeal.

What the US market offers

Murano supply in the States is strong, especially Z52 cars from 2015 onward. Many come from private owners who used them as comfortable family haulers, so clean histories and moderate mileage are common. Rust-free bodies come readily from southern and western states. Typical import targets are 2015-2022 AWD Platinum or SL cars with full service records; condition is generally good, but the CVT's service history is the detail that separates a strong car from a risky one.

Who this import is for

A used Murano suits the buyer who values ride comfort, a quiet, richly trimmed cabin and effortless V6 cruising over sharp handling or towing muscle. It is ideal for long-distance driving and families who want a two-row crossover with genuine luxury feel. Given the US-build history, it is also one of the more compelling imports from a customs standpoint, provided the VIN confirms American assembly.

Technical data and figures

Reliability: trouble spots to check

The VQ35 V6 is a proven, long-lived engine, but the Xtronic CVT is the Murano's defining reliability question. Earlier CVTs, particularly around the Z51 era and into early Z52 cars, could overheat or wear if fluid was neglected, leading to shudder, whine or juddering under load. Prefer cars with documented CVT fluid changes and a clean drive with no hesitation or flaring. Other points to check: the panoramic roof drains and seals, occasional electrical gremlins in the infotainment, and front suspension bushings on higher-mileage cars. The V6 itself may seep oil from the timing cover or valve covers with age. A car with a healthy CVT and full service history is a durable long-term proposition; one with an unknown transmission history is a gamble.

US vs. Europe differences

US Muranos use MPH clusters, US emissions calibration and North American lighting. The equipment is often richer than European rivals at the same age, but connected services (NissanConnect, built-in navigation) can be US-region-locked. For German roads, expect to convert the headlights for the correct beam pattern, add a rear fog lamp and confirm daytime running light behaviour. The V6's emissions setup will be assessed during individual approval.

How the import works

The path runs: select and inspect the Murano in the US, run a VIN and origin check to confirm Canton, Mississippi assembly, pay securely through escrow, book ocean freight by container or RoRo, clear customs at a European port, complete the TUV individual approval (Einzelabnahme), and register the car in Germany. USCar Trader coordinates each stage and assembles the documentation that supports the origin claim for customs.

Import duty, VAT and fees

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Two separate charges apply. Import duty depends on the country of manufacture proven by the VIN and plant code. Under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026, direct transport, valid until 31 December 2029), a genuinely US-built vehicle can qualify for a zero-percent EU import duty. Most US-market Muranos are assembled in Canton, Mississippi, so American origin is often provable, which frequently enables the zero rate, subject to the VIN confirming the plant and to direct-transport conditions being met. We never guarantee this outcome in advance. Separately and in every case, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) applies, calculated on the customs value plus any duty and freight. Both are passed through with no margin.

From modifications to registration

Typical work covers headlight adjustment or replacement for the European beam pattern, fitting a rear fog lamp, sometimes side indicators, and verifying the odometer, which reads in miles and may require conversion or documentation. A km/h speedometer is expected. After the individual assessment passes, the Murano receives German papers and can be registered.

Pre-buy inspection points

Confirm the VIN against the title and check the plant code for US assembly, which supports the origin claim. Pull a full Carfax or AutoCheck history for accidents, title brands and odometer records. Insist on documented CVT fluid service and test drive for any shudder or whine. Inspect the panoramic roof for leaks and the body for rust. Verify the title is clean, not salvage or rebuilt. Check AWD engagement on relevant cars. Confirm all recalls are closed.

What buyers ask most

Is the Nissan Murano a good SUV to import from the USA?

Yes, especially the Z52 generation. It offers a luxurious, quiet cabin and smooth V6 cruising, and its US-build history makes it attractive under the current customs rules.

Can a used Murano qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Often, yes, because most US-market Muranos are built in Canton, Mississippi. The VIN must prove US origin and direct-transport conditions must be met; we never guarantee the rate in advance.

Is the 19% German import VAT always due?

Yes. The Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies to every import regardless of duty, calculated on the customs value plus any duty and freight.

Is the Murano's CVT reliable?

The V6 is very durable; the CVT is the item to scrutinise. Prefer cars with documented fluid changes and a smooth test drive free of shudder or whine.

Does the Murano come with all-wheel drive?

AWD is optional across the range as an on-demand system. Many US cars are front-wheel drive, so confirm the drivetrain before buying.

Can a US Murano pass German TUV?

Yes, after headlight and rear fog lamp conversion and an odometer check. The individual approval is routine for this model.

What years are best to import?

2015-2022 Z52 cars in SL or Platinum trim with AWD and full history offer the best blend of equipment, comfort and reliability.

Does USCar Trader sell me the car?

No. We are an independent broker arranging purchase and import of used vehicles, with customs and VAT passed through at cost.

Begin here: explore Nissan in the Carhub, compare the family-focused Pathfinder, the compact Rogue or the full-size Armada, and view current Murano listings.