The Nissan Terrano II (R20) is a compact SUV produced by Nissan from 1996 to 2004. While not officially sold in the United States, the Terrano II was a popular vehicle in Europe, South America, and parts of Asia, serving as a robust and practical option for families and those needing a capable off-road vehicle. It represented Nissan’s second iteration of the Terrano, building upon the success of the original while offering improved refinement and features. The R20 generation, specifically the 2.7 i TDi variant, combined a diesel engine with a four-wheel-drive system, making it a versatile choice for various terrains and driving conditions.
Nissan Terrano II (R20): An Overview
The Terrano II was positioned as a mid-size SUV, competing with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Vitara, and Mitsubishi Pajero. It was designed to offer a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability, appealing to a broad range of buyers. The 2.7 i TDi model, equipped with a 2.7-liter turbocharged diesel engine, was a significant offering in markets where diesel fuel was prevalent and offered better fuel economy than gasoline alternatives. The R20 chassis provided a solid foundation for the vehicle, and its five-door configuration offered ample space for passengers and cargo.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Terrano II 2.7 i TDi is its 2.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the TD27TI. This engine produces 125 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 278 Nm (205.04 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine utilizes a precombustion chamber injection system and is turbocharged, enhancing its power output and efficiency. While acceleration isn’t a strong point – taking 16.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) and 15.9 seconds to 60 mph – the engine’s torque delivery makes it well-suited for towing and navigating challenging terrain. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 15 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 6.7 kg/Nm. Fuel consumption figures are rated at 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg) in urban settings, 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle, and 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) combined. The engine has a displacement of 2663 cm3 (162.51 cu. in.) and a compression ratio of 21.9:1.
Design & Features
The Nissan Terrano II (R20) features a traditional SUV body style with a five-door configuration and seating for five passengers. Its design is functional and robust, prioritizing practicality over flashy aesthetics. The vehicle’s exterior is characterized by its boxy shape, high ground clearance, and durable construction. Inside, the Terrano II offers a relatively spacious cabin with comfortable seating and a straightforward layout. Key features include a hydraulic power steering system and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The rear cargo area is particularly versatile, offering a minimum of 115 liters (4.06 cu. ft.) of space that can be expanded to a substantial 1900 liters (67.1 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s 80-liter (21.13 US gal) fuel tank provides a good driving range. The Terrano II’s suspension consists of a double wishbone setup at the front and coil springs at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and decent off-road capability. It rides on 235/75 R15 S tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Terrano |
| Generation | Terrano II (R20) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 i TDi (5 dr) (125 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1996 year |
| End of production | 2004 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 3600 rpm |
| Torque | 278 Nm @ 2000 rpm (205.04 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | TD27TI |
| Engine displacement | 2663 cm3 (162.51 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 21.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1875 kg (4133.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2580 kg (5687.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 705 kg (1554.26 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 115 l (4.06 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1900 l (67.1 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4665 mm (183.66 in.) |
| Width | 1755 mm (69.09 in.) |
| Height | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/75 R15 S |
The Nissan Terrano II (R20) 2.7 i TDi, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, durability, and off-road capability. Its robust construction and reliable diesel engine made it a popular choice in markets where these qualities were highly valued. Though it never reached US shores, it remains a notable vehicle in Nissan’s history, representing a significant step in the evolution of the Terrano line.
