The Nissan Terrano II (R20) was a compact SUV produced by Nissan from 2001 to 2004. While not officially sold in the United States, the Terrano II was a significant model in the European market, positioned as a robust and practical vehicle for both on-road and light off-road use. It represented Nissan’s second attempt at a dedicated SUV in the European segment, building upon the success of the original Terrano. The R20 generation, specifically the 3.0 TDi 16V (3-door) variant with an automatic transmission, offered a blend of diesel efficiency, reasonable performance, and a utilitarian design appealing to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle.
Nissan Terrano II (R20): Overview
The Terrano II was designed to compete with other compact SUVs popular in Europe, such as the Suzuki Vitara and the Toyota RAV4. It was based on a ladder-frame chassis, providing durability and off-road capability. The 3-door configuration, combined with the automatic transmission and 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, was a relatively uncommon configuration, aimed at buyers prioritizing ease of use and fuel economy over outright performance. The vehicle’s design emphasized practicality and functionality, rather than luxurious appointments.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Terrano II 3.0 TDi was Nissan’s ZD30Ti 3.0-liter inline-four cylinder turbodiesel engine. This engine produced 154 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 304 Nm (224.22 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1600 rpm. The engine featured a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing both power and efficiency. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributed to a balanced weight distribution. Paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, the Terrano II achieved a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 13.6 seconds, and a top speed of 166 km/h (103.15 mph). While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provided sufficient power for everyday driving and moderate off-road excursions. Fuel economy figures were respectable for the time, with combined consumption rated at 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg). The weight-to-power ratio of 11.4 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 5.8 kg/Nm indicated a reasonable balance between engine output and vehicle mass.
Design & Features
The Nissan Terrano II R20 3.0 TDi 16V (3 dr) is a three-door SUV designed with a focus on practicality and durability. Its body-on-frame construction provided a robust platform for both on-road and off-road driving. The vehicle offered seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space in the three-door model was somewhat limited. Key features included all-wheel drive (4×4) for enhanced traction, hydraulic power steering for ease of maneuverability, and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for improved safety. The interior was functional and utilitarian, with durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Trunk space was configurable, offering a minimum of 335 liters (11.83 cu. ft.) and expanding to 1650 liters (58.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4217 mm (166.02 in) in length, 1755 mm (69.09 in) in width, and 1830 mm (72.05 in) in height – positioned it within the compact SUV segment. The 17-inch wheels were fitted with 235/70 R17 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Terrano |
| Generation | Terrano II (R20) |
| Type | 3.0 TDi 16V (3 dr) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.7 l/100 km (18.5 US mpg, 22.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 12.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 166 km/h (103.15 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 154 Hp @ 3600 rpm |
| Torque | 304 Nm @ 1600 rpm (224.22 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | ZD30Ti |
| Engine displacement | 2953 cm3 (180.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 102 mm (4.02 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10.6 l (11.2 US qt | 9.33 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1760 kg (3880.14 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2510 kg (5533.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (min) | 335 l (11.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (max) | 1650 l (58.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 72 l (19.02 US gal | 15.84 UK gal) |
| Length | 4217 mm (166.02 in.) |
| Width | 1755 mm (69.09 in.) |
| Height | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Rear track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic 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 | 235/70 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
The Nissan Terrano II R20 3.0 TDi, while not a mainstream vehicle in the US market, represented a capable and practical SUV option for European buyers. Its combination of diesel efficiency, all-wheel drive capability, and a robust construction made it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle for both on-road and off-road adventures.
