Nissan Terrano in photos: all generations (1986-2026) with a detailed design overview

Crossover Nissan Terrano - a legend of the domestic car market, which over 30+ years has managed to change several generations, go through rebrandings and regain its former name. This car is known as a reliable off-road “hard worker” and as a stylish urban SUV. But how has its appearance changed since 1986? What design details make Terrano recognizable among hundreds of competitors?

In this article we have collected more than 100 unique photos all versions Nissan Terrano - from the first generation WD21 to modern modifications for Russia and India. You will see not only official promotional photos, but also real photos from the owners: rare body colors, non-standard tuning projects and even prototypes that never went into production. We’ll also figure out how to distinguish by external signs Terrano I from Terrano II and why the third generation became the most controversial in the history of the model.

1. Nissan Terrano first generation (WD21, 1986-1996): photos of rare modifications

Debut Nissan Terrano (index WD21) appeared in 1986 as the Japanese brand's response to the growing popularity of compact SUVs. The car was built on the basis Nissan Mistral (European version Pathfinder) and immediately gained a reputation as an “indestructible” all-terrain vehicle. The photo below shows the original advertising shoot from 1987 with emphatically angular body shapes:

What does first generation unique?

• 🔹 Body: 3-door only (5-door version appeared later as Terrano II)
• 🔹 Engines: petrol 2.4L Z24i (101 hp) and diesel 2.7L LD28 (92 hp)
• 🔹 Transmission: four-wheel drive Part-Time with transfer case
• 🔹 Design: vertical headlights, massive bumper with guardrail, chrome radiator grille

Photos are especially appreciated today Terrano WD21 in original configuration «Paris-Dakar» - a special limited edition rally version. These cars featured reinforced suspension, crankcase protection, and a unique orange and white paint job. Below is a rare photo of such an example with a mileage of less than 50 thousand km:

⚠️ Attention: Often found on the secondary market Terrano WD21 with “interrupted” body numbers. Before purchasing, check the history by VIN code - original cars from 1986-1990. editions had a license plate on the windshield on the right, and not on the left, as on later models.

2. Second generation (R20, 1993-2006): evolution of design in the photo

In 1993 Nissan introduced the second generation Terrano (index R20), which became revolutionary for the model. The car received a completely new body, independent front suspension and even an option with a 7-seater cabin. The photo below shows a comparison of the front Terrano I And Terrano II:

Main changes in appearance:

• 🔹 Headlights: instead of vertical blocks - horizontal ones with integrated turn signals
• 🔹 Radiator grille: trapezoidal shape with chrome inserts
• 🔹 Wheel arches: more rounded, without sharp edges
• 🔹 Rear: vertical lights (instead of the horizontal ones of the predecessor)

Photos are especially interesting Terrano R20 included «Sport» - with two-tone paint, alloy wheels and roof spoiler. These vehicles were supplied to Russia in limited quantities in 1998-2000. are still considered collectible today. Below is an example of such a car in its original condition:

Modification	Years of production	Engine	Design Features
Terrano R20 (basic)	1993-1997	2.4L KA24E (134 hp)	Gray plastic bumper trim, steel wheels
Terrano R20 Sport	1998-2000	2.7L TD27Ti (125 hp)	Two-tone paint, alloy wheels, chrome moldings
Terrano R20 Long	1995-2006	3.0L VG30E (150 hp)	Long wheelbase, 7 seats, rear door with separate glass

3. Terrano 3rd generation (2014-2026): photos of Russian and Indian versions

Third generation Nissan Terrano (index H62) became the most controversial in the history of the model. The point is that it was Renault Duster rebranding — the cars differed only in the front bumper, radiator grille and some interior elements. The photo below shows a comparison. Terrano And Duster 2015:

How is it different? Terrano III from Duster externally?

• 🔹 Front: different shape of headlights, radiator grille with chrome trim, different bumper
• 🔹 Tail lights: y Terrano LED inserts, Duster - ordinary lamps
• 🔹 Wheels: original alloy wheels Terrano had 5 spokes (they Duster — 6)
• 🔹 Exterior colors: exclusive shades "Bronze metallic" And "Dark blue mother of pearl"

In India Nissan Terrano was produced until 2020 and had several unique modifications, for example, version with turbodiesel 1.5L K9K (110 hp) and automatic transmission. The photo below is Indian Terrano in top configuration XL Plus:

Why did Terrano III stop being sold in Russia?

In 2022, Nissan suspended deliveries of Terrano to the Russian Federation due to sanctions. The last batch of cars was sold at the beginning of 2023, and production at the Renault Russia plant (Moscow) completely stopped. Today, new Terranos are not officially available, but 2021-2022 cars can still be found on the secondary market. release.

4. Rare and tuned Terrano: photos of unique specimens

Over the years of production Nissan Terrano became a favorite of tuners. Projects based on WD21 And R20 - they are turned into full-fledged off-road vehicles with lifted suspension, wide tires and underbody protection. Below is a photo of one of the most famous tuning projects in Russia:

What is most often modified in Terrano?

• 🔧 Suspension: 2-3 inch lift, shock absorbers Old Man Emu or Ironman
• 🔧 Body: widened wheel arches, roof guards ARB, winches Warn
• 🔧 Engine: diesel chip tuning LD28 up to 120+ hp, turbochargers
• 🔧 Interior: leather seats, multimedia systems with Android Auto

One of the most unusual transformations - Terrano WD21 in style «Mad Max», created by enthusiasts from Yekaterinburg. The vehicle received armored doors, external fuel tanks and even a machine gun turret (decorative). Photo of this monster below:

5. How to distinguish an original Terrano from a replica from a photo

Often found on the secondary market fake Terrano — repainted Pathfinder, Mistral or even Suzuki Vitara with stickers. How to avoid running into a fake? Pay attention to these details:

Signs of the original Nissan Terrano:

• 🔍 On WD21: inscription «TERRANO» on the back door is made in raised letters (not a sticker!)
• 🔍 On R20: emblem Nissan the radiator grille has a silver edging (at Pathfinder - black)
• 🔍 On Terrano III: There should be a sign under the hood saying «Made for Nissan by Renault»
• 🔍 In all generations: VIN code begins with JN1 (Japan) or VF1 (France, for Terrano III)

The photo below is an example fake Terrano WD21, assembled from two wrecked cars. Note the discrepancy between the paint colors on the front fender and the door:

⚠️ Attention: If in the photo Terrano R20 you see plastic door sills - this is 100% not original. Factory cars had metal sills with anti-gravel coating. The overlays appeared only in the restyled version of 2000.

6. Where to find high-quality photos of Terrano for purchase or restoration

If you are looking original photos Nissan Terrano For comparison before purchasing or restoring, here are the best sources:

Platforms with high-quality images:

• 📷 Official archives: website Nissan Global (section Heritage)
• 📷 Photo stocks: Shutterstock, Getty Images (search by tag #NissanTerranoWD21)
• 📷 Owners clubs: group «Nissan Terrano Club» on VKontakte (more than 50 thousand photos)
• 📷 Auctions: eBay, Copart (photos of lots with detailed angles)

Especially valuable for restorers photos of disassembled cars - they help to understand how the hidden elements of the body are arranged. For example, on the site Terrano-Offroad there is a gallery of pictures of the frame, suspension and engine compartment WD21 after sandblasting.

💡

The most detailed photos of the Terrano R20 interior can be found in Japanese auction listings (for example, on Goo-net). There, sellers post pictures of every switch and even labels under the hood!

7. The future of Terrano: photos of concepts and rumors about the new generation

In 2023, rumors of a return appeared online. Nissan Terrano how electric crossover on the platform Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. It is assumed that the new model will be built on the basis Renault Duster Electric, but with a unique design. Below is a photo of the supposed prototype (render from Kolesa.ru):

What is known about the possible Terrano IV?

• 🔋 Platform: CMF-B (same as Renault Arkana)
• 🔋 Engine: 200+ hp electric motor, 60 kWh battery
• 🔋 Design: aggressive body lines, LED optics, minimalist interior
• 🔋 Sales markets: primarily India and Russia (start of sales no earlier than 2026)

However, official confirmations from Nissan not yet. The company's latest statements boil down to the fact that the brand is focusing on electrification its model range, but specific plans for Terrano are not disclosed.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about photos and appearance of the Nissan Terrano

🔍 What was the rarest body color of the Terrano WD21?

The rarest shade is considered «Midnight Purple» (metallic purple, code KH3). It was produced only in 1990-1991. for the Japanese market. Today, such machines are valued at 2-3 times more expensive than standard versions.

🔍 Is it possible to determine from the photo what engine is in the Terrano R20?

Yes, indirectly. Cars with petrol VG30E (3.0L) had a more massive hood with a ridge in the middle. Diesel versions (LD28, TD27) usually came with a flat hood and an additional air intake on the bumper.

🔍 Where can I find a photo of the Terrano III interior in the maximum configuration?

It's best to search on Drive2 — there owners post detailed reviews with photos of the dashboard, seats and multimedia system. Pay attention to the machines included Tekna (European version) - They had a digital dashboard.

🔍 Why is there no rear windshield wiper in the photo of some Terrano WD21?

This is a feature of earlier versions (1986-1988) intended for markets with warm climates (for example, the Middle East). In European and Japanese cars, a windshield wiper was mandatory.

🔍 How to distinguish the restyled Terrano R20 (2000-2006) from the pre-restyled one from the photo?

The restyled version (2000+) had: 1) different taillights (with a white stripe instead of orange), 2) a new radiator grille with three horizontal slats, 3) plastic door sills. Before the restyling, the lights were completely red, and the grille had vertical inserts.