The car market is full of offers, but Nissan Terrano occupies a special niche among compact SUVs. Many buyers confuse it with crossovers, but this car is created on the basis of a platform inherited from the legendary Nissan X-Trail first generation. This means that this is not just a city SUV, but a full-fledged frame SUV with a reduction gear, which makes it unique in its class.
When choosing a used car, it is important to understand that reliability and maintainability come first. The owners note that Nissan Terrano It has a simple design, but at the same time requires attention to certain components. If you plan to use the car for trips outside the city or light off-road, this review will help you evaluate all the risks and benefits.
History of creation and concept of the car
History Nissan Terrano began not in factories in Russia or Romania, but in Japan, where engineers created a prototype based on the platform Nissan X-Trail T30. The car went into production in 2014 with the goal of creating an affordable yet true SUV. Marketers positioned it as an ideal solution for those who want to drive through mud, but are not ready to pay for a huge Nissan Patrol.
The car's exterior design is controversial. On the one hand, it looks brutal thanks to its massive arches and high seating position. On the other hand, some exterior elements seem rustic and utilitarian. However, it is precisely this simplicity that makes it easy to restore the body after minor accidents. Body has high-quality galvanization, which protects it from corrosion even in harsh climatic conditions.
The interior of the cabin is designed in a simple style. There are no fancy materials here, but there are comfortable seats and an ergonomic instrument panel. The driver's seat provides good lateral support, which is important when driving over rough terrain. It's important to note that Nissan Terrano offers a spacious trunk, the volume of which can be increased by folding the rear row of seats.
Technical stuffing: engines and transmission
Under the hood Nissan Terrano There are several variants of power units hidden, each of which has its own characteristics. The most popular is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a power of 135 hp. This engine is characterized by high maintainability and the ability to run on low-quality fuel, which is critical for regions with poor roads.
For those looking for efficiency, a 1.5 liter diesel variant is available. It offers excellent torque, which allows the car to feel confident when overtaking and climbing hills. However, diesel requires more careful maintenance of the high pressure fuel pump and particulate filter system. Turbine on this engine may require replacement after a mileage of 150-180 thousand kilometers.
Two transmissions work in tandem with the engines: a manual transmission and a CVT. The mechanics are reliable and simple, but require off-road driving skills. The Jatco variator, installed on many models, requires regular oil changes every 60 thousand kilometers. Ignoring this rule can lead to costly repairs to the unit.
- 🔧 2.0 l petrol engine: reliable, but consumes a lot of fuel in the city
- ⛽ 1.5 l diesel: economical, but sensitive to the quality of diesel fuel
- ⚙️ Jatco CVT: requires frequent oil changes for long service life
Suspension and off-road capabilities
Main pride Nissan Terrano - this is his pendant. It is designed to absorb any unevenness. The front independent suspension and rear dependent beam provide excellent ride comfort on bad roads. At the same time ground clearance 210 mm allows you to overcome deep ruts and snow drifts without fear of the bottom.
The Real Time 4WD all-wheel drive system with rear axle coupling is a key element. Unlike permanent systems, this clutch engages automatically when the front wheels slip. For severe driving conditions, there is a clutch lock mode that can be activated by a button on the instrument panel. This allows you to distribute torque 50/50 and get out of difficult situations.
However, it is worth remembering that Nissan Terrano is not an SUV class Land Cruiser. It does not have a reduction gear in the classic sense with a transfer case. Instead, traction control and electronic stability control systems are used to help the car maintain its course when driving on slippery surfaces.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to use Nissan Terrano for overcoming deep fords without installing an additional snorkel. The intake manifold is low and water entering the engine can cause water hammer.
When driving off-road, it is important to use the driving modes correctly. Turn on the mode 4WD Lock only at speeds up to 40 km/h and on slippery surfaces. On dry asphalt, this blocking can lead to overheating of the coupling and its failure.
- Front
- Full (permanent)
- Full (plug-in)
- Rear
Operation and Maintenance: What to Pay Attention to
Owners Nissan Terrano often face certain problems that you need to know before purchasing. One of the common malfunctions is a knocking sound in the front suspension, which occurs due to wear on the stabilizer bushings. It is also worth checking the condition of the silent blocks of the front levers, as they can crack under heavy loads.
The cooling system requires attention. Debris often accumulates in the radiator, which can overheat the engine. Regularly clean the radiator honeycombs from fluff and dirt. Thermostat This car may seize, which will lead to engine overheating in hot weather or a long warm-up in winter.
The car's electrical system is generally reliable, but problems may arise with the ABS sensors and stability control system. Errors in the operation of these systems are often associated with dirty sensors or damaged wiring. If warning icons appear on your dashboard, do not delay diagnosis.
☑️ Check the suspension before purchasing
To keep your car in good condition, you must follow the maintenance schedule. It is recommended to change the engine oil every 10 thousand kilometers, even if the mileage is short. This is due to the characteristics of the engine in urban use with frequent stops.
Secrets of caring for a variator
It is important to know that the Jatco variator is afraid of overheating. When driving in traffic jams or off-road, try to stop to cool down. Also use only original NS-3 oil, as analogues can quickly destroy clutches.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
Analysis of owner reviews allows us to highlight a number of undeniable advantages Nissan Terrano. Firstly, it has high cross-country ability for its class. Secondly, the availability of spare parts and simplicity of design. Thirdly, a comfortable suspension that doesn’t hurt your back on rough roads. Fourthly, a spacious interior that allows you to transport large cargo.
However, there are also significant disadvantages. The main one is sound insulation. At high speeds, noise from the tires and arches is heard in the cabin. It is also worth noting the modest acceleration dynamics, especially for versions with a manual transmission. Fuel consumption for gasoline versions in the city it can reach 12-14 liters, which is quite a lot for a car of this size.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 210 mm |
| Trunk volume | 678 l (up to 1895 l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Load capacity | 500 kg |
| Drive type | Pluggable full |
Another drawback is the lack of some modern security systems in basic trim levels. For example, earlier versions may not have a tire pressure monitoring system or rear view cameras. This should be taken into account when choosing a configuration.
If you plan to frequently drive off-road, install an engine guard made of steel or aluminum. The plastic protection that comes from the factory breaks easily on rocks.
Comparison with competitors
On the market Nissan Terrano competes with models such as Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Unlike Duster, which is also built on the same platform, Terrano offers a more modern design and slightly better interior ergonomics. However Duster often wins in price and ease of maintenance.
Comparing with Hyundai Creta, it is worth noting that Terrano has a more serious suspension and better cross-country ability. Crossovers from Korean manufacturers are focused more on urban use, while Nissan ready for light off-roading. Suspension Koreans are tougher and less suitable for bad roads.
It is important to understand that Nissan Terrano is not just another crossover, but a car with character. It requires a certain approach to operation, but in return it offers freedom of movement. If you need a car for active recreation and trips to the country, this option will be ideal.
The Nissan Terrano 2 is the perfect balance between the comfort of a city crossover and the capabilities of a true SUV at an affordable price.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used car, be sure to check the condition of the all-wheel drive clutch. Take a quick test drive to make sure the locking system is working correctly.
Conclusion and final recommendations
To summarize, we can say that Nissan Terrano is a reliable and practical car for those who value cross-country ability and simplicity. It does not claim to be a premium crossover, but it performs its functions perfectly. Maintainability and availability of spare parts make it an excellent choice for regions with harsh climatic conditions.
When choosing a car, pay attention to the service history. Cars with documented repairs and regular oil changes will last much longer. Avoid examples that show signs of extensive suspension or engine repairs, as this may indicate rough use.
If you are looking for a car that can take you anywhere without requiring huge investments in repairs, Nissan Terrano - an excellent candidate. It combines proven technology and a reasonable price, making it one of the leaders in its class.
Real assessment of cross-country ability
The owners note that Nissan Terrano confidently overcomes virgin snow up to 40 cm deep and mud bogs with good tires. However, you cannot do without a differential lock on a diagonal ride without outside help.
Which engine is better to choose for Nissan Terrano 2?
For city use and moderate loads, a 2.0 liter petrol engine is better suited. It is reliable and less sensitive to fuel quality. If you plan frequent trips on the highway with a full load, a 1.5 liter diesel engine will be more economical and more dynamic.
Is crankcase protection necessary for Nissan Terrano 2?
Yes, installing a metal skid plate is highly recommended, especially if you plan to drive off-road. The plastic protection installed by the factory does not withstand impacts from rocks and can be easily damaged.
How often do you need to change the oil in the variator?
The manufacturer recommends changing the oil in the variator every 60,000 kilometers. However, in difficult operating conditions (frequent traffic jams, off-road driving), it is better to reduce the interval to 40,000 kilometers to extend the life of the unit.
What is the difference between Nissan Terrano and Renault Duster?
Both cars are built on the same platform and use many of the same components. The main differences lie in the exterior and interior design, as well as the suspension settings. Nissan Terrano has a more modern appearance and a slightly more comfortable suspension setup for Russian roads.