The Nissan Terrano II (R20) is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Nissan from 1996 to 2004. While not officially sold in the United States, the Terrano II was a popular model in Europe, South America, and other international markets. It represented Nissan’s second-generation attempt in the compact SUV segment, building upon the success of the original Terrano. The R20 was designed to offer a blend of off-road capability, practicality, and affordability, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle for both daily commuting and weekend adventures. This article details the 2.4 i 12V (5 dr) variant, producing 118 horsepower.
Nissan Terrano II (R20): Overview
The Terrano II was a significant vehicle for Nissan, particularly in Europe, where it competed with models like the Suzuki Vitara and the Ford Maverick. It was often praised for its robust build quality, reliable mechanicals, and relatively spacious interior. The R20 generation marked a shift towards a more modern and refined SUV compared to its predecessor, incorporating improved suspension systems and a more comfortable cabin. The 2.4 i 12V engine option provided a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a popular choice for many buyers.
Engine & Performance
The 2.4 i 12V version of the Nissan Terrano II is powered by the KA24 inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine displaces 2389 cubic centimeters (145.79 cubic inches) and produces 118 horsepower at 4800 rpm. Torque output is rated at 191 Nm (140.87 lb.-ft.) at 3200 rpm. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with 3 valves per cylinder.
Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 14.3 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 13.6 seconds. The Terrano II 2.4 i 12V has a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99.42 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 14.9 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 9.2 kg/Nm. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to the vehicle’s balanced handling characteristics. The 5-speed manual transmission allows for driver control and efficient power delivery.
Design & Features
The Nissan Terrano II (R20) is a five-door SUV with a traditional body-on-frame construction, enhancing its off-road durability. It offers seating for five passengers. The exterior design is characterized by its boxy shape, reflecting the styling trends of the late 1990s and early 2000s. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4665 mm (183.66 in) in length, 1755 mm (69.09 in) in width, and 1850 mm (72.83 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2650 mm (104.33 in).
Key features of the Terrano II included a robust suspension system – double wishbone at the front and coil springs at the rear – designed to handle both on-road and off-road conditions. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear, supplemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for improved safety. Power steering, utilizing a hydraulic system, provides ease of maneuverability. The interior offered a practical layout with a focus on durability rather than luxury. Trunk space is configurable, ranging from a minimum of 115 liters (4.06 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1900 liters (67.1 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Terrano |
| Generation | Terrano II (R20) |
| Type | 2.4 i 12V (5 dr) (118 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1996 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 20.6 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 24.8 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 8.8 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h |
| Maximum speed (mph) | 99.42 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 118 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 49.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 191 Nm @ 3200 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 140.87 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | KA24 |
| Engine displacement | 2389 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 145.79 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 3.5 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 3.78 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 4.54 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 3.78 UK qt |
| Coolant capacity | 6.9 l |
| Coolant capacity (US qt) | 7.29 US qt |
| Coolant capacity (UK qt) | 6.07 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1760 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 3880.14 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 2510 kg |
| Max. weight (lbs.) | 5533.6 lbs. |
| Max load | 750 kg |
| Max load (lbs.) | 1653.47 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 115 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum (cu. ft.) | 4.06 cu. ft. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1900 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum (cu. ft.) | 67.1 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 21.13 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 17.6 UK gal |
| Length | 4665 mm |
| Length (in.) | 183.66 in. |
| Width | 1755 mm |
| Width (in.) | 69.09 in. |
| Height | 1850 mm |
| Height (in.) | 72.83 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 104.33 in. |
| Front track | 1455 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 57.28 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 56.3 in. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Type of gearbox | manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/75 R15 S |
