The Nissan Terra 2.5i, produced from 2018 to 2021, is a mid-size SUV designed primarily for the Asian and Australian markets. While not officially sold in the United States, it represents Nissan’s offering in the body-on-frame SUV segment, a category popular in regions requiring robust off-road capability and passenger-carrying capacity. The Terra is essentially a rebadged and significantly updated version of the Nissan Navara (known as the Frontier in the US) pickup truck, sharing its chassis and many mechanical components. It aimed to provide a comfortable and practical seven-seat SUV alternative to competitors like the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Nissan Terra 2.5i: Overview and Market Positioning
The Nissan Terra fills a niche often overlooked by American manufacturers – a rugged, body-on-frame SUV with genuine off-road credentials and three-row seating. Its development was largely driven by demand in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, where such vehicles are highly valued for their durability and ability to handle challenging terrain. The Terra was positioned as a family vehicle capable of both daily commuting and adventurous excursions. It offered a blend of practicality, comfort, and off-road capability, making it a popular choice for those needing a versatile SUV. The 2.5i designation refers to the engine displacement and indicates a gasoline-powered powertrain.
Engine & Performance
The Nissan Terra 2.5i is powered by Nissan’s QR25DE 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 193 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 245 Nm (180.7 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a high-output engine by modern standards, it provides adequate power for everyday driving and moderate off-road use. The engine features dual C-VTC (Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control) which optimizes valve timing for improved efficiency and responsiveness. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain employs a part-time four-wheel-drive system, with the rear wheels driven permanently and the front wheels engaged as needed through an electronically controlled clutch. This configuration balances on-road fuel efficiency with off-road traction. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio is 10 kg/Hp, and its weight-to-torque ratio is 7.9 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonable balance between power and weight for its intended purpose. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.6 liters per 100 kilometers (24.5 US mpg), which is typical for a vehicle of this size and type.
Design & Features
The Nissan Terra is a traditional body-on-frame SUV, offering a robust and durable construction. It features a five-door layout with seating for up to seven passengers. The exterior design is rugged and functional, with a prominent grille, squared-off wheel arches, and a relatively high ground clearance of 225 mm (8.86 inches). This ground clearance, combined with approach and departure angles of 32.0° and 27.0° respectively, enhances its off-road capability. Inside, the Terra offers a practical and comfortable cabin. Features include air conditioning, power windows, and a basic infotainment system. Safety features, while not as advanced as those found in modern American SUVs, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and hydraulic power steering. The interior prioritizes durability and functionality over luxury, with hard-wearing materials and a focus on ease of cleaning. The vehicle’s dimensions are substantial, measuring 4882 mm (192.2 inches) in length, 1850 mm (72.83 inches) in width, and 1835 mm (72.24 inches) in height. It rides on a wheelbase of 2850 mm (112.2 inches) and features a track width of 1570 mm (61.81 inches) both front and rear.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Terra |
| Generation | Terra |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5i (193 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 24.5 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 29.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 10.4 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | China VIb |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 193 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 4000 rpm / 180.7 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine Model/Code | QR25 |
| Engine displacement | 2488 cm3 / 151.83 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | dual C-VTC |
| Kerb Weight | 1934 kg / 4263.74 lbs |
| Length | 4882 mm / 192.2 in |
| Width | 1850 mm / 72.83 in |
| Height | 1835 mm / 72.24 in |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm / 112.2 in |
| Front track | 1570 mm / 61.81 in |
| Rear track | 1570 mm / 61.81 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 225 mm / 8.86 in |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m / 37.4 ft |
| Approach angle | 32.0° |
| Departure angle | 27.0° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 255/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
In conclusion, the Nissan Terra 2.5i represents a capable and practical SUV designed for markets prioritizing durability, off-road performance, and passenger space. While not available in the US, it showcases Nissan’s engineering expertise in building robust and versatile vehicles for challenging environments.
