Nissan Terrano 2013: interior under a microscope - pros, cons and secrets

Nissan Terrano 2013 is one of the most controversial crossovers on the Russian market. Based on Renault Duster first generation, it inherited not only the technical platform, but also most of the interior. However, Japanese engineers have made a number of changes that are worth considering in detail. In this article we will look at the salon Terrano 2013 model year: from the quality of plastic to hidden “chips” that are not written about in official brochures.

If you are planning to buy a used one Nissan Terrano or you already own it, this information will help you evaluate the real pros and cons of the interior. We analyzed owner reviews, technical data, and even the nuances of repairs - so that you get the full picture, and not just beautiful photos from the dealer’s showroom.

Construction and finishing materials: what does plastic hide?

Salon Nissan Terrano 2013 is a typical example of a “budget premium”. On the one hand, the design is made in a corporate style Nissan with characteristic rounded shapes and silver inserts. On the other hand, most of the plastic is borrowed from Renault Dusterwhat is felt to the touch. Basic materials:

• 🔹 Front panel: hard plastic with a soft top layer (only in top trim levels). The basic versions have completely hard, creaky material.
• 🔹 Door cards: medium hard plastic with fabric inserts (in versions with leather interior - artificial leather).
• 🔹 Steering wheel: in basic configurations - plastic with rubber linings, in the top - leather with stitching.
• 🔹 Seats: fabric in base, combined fabric/leather or full leather in versions TEKNA And LE.

Important nuance: in the cabin Terrano 2013 uses the same plastic as in Duster, but with a different embossing pattern. This means that many parts (for example, ventilation deflectors or climate control buttons) are interchangeable with the French crossover. However, the build quality is Nissan traditionally higher - less backlash and squeaks even after 100+ thousand kilometers.

According to owner reviews, the most problematic areas are:

• 🚨 Central tunnel: the plastic around the gearshift lever quickly gets scratched and loses its presentable appearance.
• 🚨 Armrest: absent in basic versions, in top versions the mount often breaks.
• 🚨 Ceiling: The fabric cover may sag over time, especially if the machine is used in high humidity conditions.

Ergonomics and convenience: how adapted is the interior to Russian realities?

One of the key advantages Terrano 2013 is high driving position - this is typical for crossovers, but here it is implemented especially well. The steering column is adjustable only for tilt (in top versions, also for reach), and the seat has a wide range of height and length settings. However, there are also disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Headrests: in basic configurations they are unadjustable and often cause discomfort for tall drivers.
• ⚠️ Rear seats: The narrow opening between the front seats makes it difficult to get into the second row, especially for passengers taller than 180 cm.
• ⚠️ trunk: The 475-litre capacity seems impressive, but practicality suffers due to the high load threshold and lack of storage in the basic versions.

Interesting fact: despite the external resemblance to Duster, Terrano has different steering wheel shape (flatter at the bottom) and a different organization of buttons on it. This makes the audio system and cruise control easier to operate, but takes some getting used to.

Parameter	Nissan Terrano 2013	Renault Duster 2013
Driver seat height	620 mm	610 mm
Adjusting the steering wheel for reach	Only in top trim levels	Missing
Trunk volume	475 l	475 l
Rear sofa width	1380 mm	1380 mm
Heated steering wheel	Yes (in TEKNA versions)	No

⚠️ Attention: In versions with all-wheel drive, the transfer case control lever is located inconveniently - it is easy to touch it when changing gears. This is a common cause of breakage of the plastic cover on the lever.

Multimedia system and electronics: what breaks most often?

Basic equipment Terrano 2013 was equipped with a simple audio system with CD/MP3-player and Aux-entrance. In top versions the system was installed Nissan Connect with navigation and 7-inch touch screen. However, it was the electronics that became one of the weakest points of the cabin:

• 🔌 Display problems: in systems Nissan Connect The backlight or sensor often fails after 3-5 years of operation.
• 🔌 Climate control glitches: in versions with an automatic system, the temperature sensors fail, causing the stove to blow only cold air.
• 🔌 Malfunctions of parking sensors: This is especially true for cars operated in winter - salt and reagents corrode the contacts.

On the other hand, analog elements (for example, speedometer and tachometer) are highly reliable. The arrows do not “float”, the backlight does not dim even after 200 thousand km. But on-board computer in basic versions it shows limited information - only instantaneous fuel consumption and mileage until the next maintenance.

Comparison with Renault Duster: where does Nissan win and where does it lose?

Despite the common platform, salons Terrano And Duster have key differences. Where is the best Japanese crossover?

• ✅ Build quality: less creaks and backlashes, tighter fit of parts.
• ✅ Design: More modern front panel with silver accents and different air duct shapes.
• ✅ Options: the top versions have options that are not available on Duster (for example, a heated steering wheel or leather door trim).

Where does it lose?

• ❌ Spare parts price: original interior parts (for example, seat covers or plastic panels) are 20-30% more expensive.
• ❌ Rear row ergonomics: Due to the different shape of the front seat backs, rear passengers have less legroom.
• ❌ Noise and vibration insulation: despite higher quality plastic, the noise level in the cabin is higher than that of Duster, due to less effective sound insulation of the doors.

Why is Terrano more expensive than Duster with the same platform?

The main reason is the Nissan brand. The Japanese manufacturer positions the Terrano as a more premium product, although in essence it is a rebranded Duster with a modified design. In addition, Nissan offered richer equipment (for example, with leather upholstery and advanced multimedia), which were only available from Renault in Europe.

Interior tuning: what can be improved without high costs?

Owners Terrano 2013s often complain about the boring interior and cheap materials. Fortunately, the interior lends itself well to tuning even without major investments. Here are the top 5 budget improvements:

1. Replacing plastic linings for carbon or wood (cost from 3,000 rubles). Parts from Duster, but require adjustment.
2. Installing LED lighting at the feet of the driver and passenger (from RUB 1,500). Wires can be pulled through standard holes.
3. Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever (from 5,000 rub.). Workshops often offer ready-made covers for Nissan.
4. Replacing the original radio on Android Auto-system with a rear view camera (from RUB 15,000). Suitable for 2DIN devices Duster.
5. Installing additional organizers in the glove compartment and door pockets (from RUB 1,000). Helps solve the problem of lack of storage space for small items.

Select materials that are compatible with the original interior colors|Check electrical wiring before installing LEDs|Remove battery terminals before working with electronics|Use removable fasteners for easy removal-->

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the standard radio with Android Auto- the device may lose display of data from the on-board computer (for example, fuel level or engine temperature). It can be solved by installing an additional CAN bus adapter (cost from RUB 4,000).

Typical interior malfunctions and how to avoid them

Salon Nissan Terrano 2013 has several “childhood diseases” that you should know about in advance:

Malfunction	Reason	How to prevent
Creaking plastic on the center console	Plastic latches are falling apart	Treat with silicone grease once a year
Seat heating failure	Heating elements burn out	Do not turn on maximum power for more than 15 minutes
Mold smell from air ducts	Accumulation of condensate in the ventilation system	Clean the air conditioner evaporator every 2 years
Skin peeling off on steering wheel	Low quality stitching in basic versions	Use a cover or gloves in hot weather

One of the most common problems is electric mirror failure. This occurs due to moisture entering the mechanism through the door seals. Solution: Regularly treat seals with silicone lubricant and avoid high-pressure washing.

Photo of the Nissan Terrano 2013 interior: what is hidden from view in the pictures?

Official photos show the salon Terrano It looks presentable, but in reality many details are disappointing. For example:

• 📸 Dashboard lighting: in the photo it seems bright, but in reality it fades after 50 thousand km.
• 📸 Door trim: in basic versions the plastic is bare, without any inserts - this is not visible in advertising photographs.
• 📸 Rear seats: in the photo they look spacious, but in reality the backrest has an uncomfortable curve for passengers taller than 175 cm.

If you are looking for a photo of the interior to assess the condition of a used car, pay attention to:

• Condition plastic around the gearshift lever (often worn or scratched).
• Integrity stitching on the steering wheel (in top versions the leather cracks at the seams).
• Cleanliness air ducts (if they are dirty, most likely the air conditioner evaporator was not cleaned).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the 2013 Nissan Terrano interior

Is it possible to install seats from Renault Duster in Terrano 2013?

Yes, but with reservations. The fastenings are identical, but the shape of the backrests is different - this may affect the ergonomics of the back row. In addition, in Duster There is no option for heated seats in the basic versions, so when replacing you will have to purchase additional heating elements separately.

Which interior is better: fabric or leather?

Depends on operating conditions. The fabric is more practical in hot weather (does not heat up), but is more difficult to care for - it absorbs odors and dirt. The leather looks more premium and is easier to clean, but it is cold in winter and can stick to the body in summer. The best option is a combined finish (fabric + leather), which was offered in the package ACENTA.

Why is the Terrano cabin so noisy?

The main sources of noise: thin glass, poor sound insulation of doors and lack of seals in the wheel arches. The problem is partially solved by installing additional sound insulation (for example, StP or Bimast) on the doors and floor. Complete treatment of the interior will cost 15,000–20,000 rubles.

Which Terrano 2013 trim levels had leather interior?

Full leather was only offered in the top versions: TEKNA And LE. Included ACENTA there was a combined finish (leather + fabric), and in the basic VISIA - only fabric. Please note that even in leather interiors Nissan I used artificial leathereco-leather), which is less durable than natural.

Is it possible to change the interior plastic to a softer one?

Technically yes, but it is a labor-intensive process. You will need to disassemble the front panel, remove old parts and install new ones with a soft coating (for example, from Nissan Qashqai first generation). The cost of service work is from 10,000 rubles, plus the price of the parts themselves. An alternative is covering the existing plastic with leather or Alcantara (from RUB 5,000).