The 2019 Nissan Terrano remains one of the most discussed representatives of the budget crossover segment in the domestic market. This model, built on the Renault Duster platform, offers owners a time-tested design with adapted design elements and equipment aimed at Russian roads. Many car enthusiasts choose this particular car because of its ability to combine the off-road capability of an SUV with the price of a regular city crossover.
Owners operating Nissan Terrano for several years now, they have been forming a rather contradictory picture: on the one hand, there is high maintainability and availability of spare parts, on the other hand, suspension rigidity and noise in the cabin when driving at high speeds. In this article, we've collected the most relevant opinions from real users to give you an objective idea of what to expect when purchasing a used or new 2019 model. We will pay special attention to technical nuances and service features.
Interior design and ergonomics
The appearance of the crossover attracts with its brutality and massive wheel arches, which visually expand the dimensions of the car. The designers tried to avoid resemblance to Renault Duster, adding a unique radiator grille, a different bumper and distinctive chrome inserts that give Nissan Terrano more premium look. However, upon closer examination, many owners note that the plastic in the arches and on the sills remains the same cheap as that of the French ancestor.
Moving on to the interior, you will notice that the ergonomics here have remained virtually unchanged compared to previous generations. The instrument panel looks simple but functional, and the layout of the main controls is intuitive even for a novice. The main drawback that users often complain about is the build quality of the interior. After 3-4 years of operation, characteristic plastic squeaks begin to appear on the dashboard and door cards, especially when driving over uneven surfaces.
There's enough cabin space to seat five adults comfortably, but the luggage compartment may feel cramped for those who like to travel with a lot of cargo. The rear sofa does not fold into a flat floor, which creates inconvenience when transporting long items. However, the presence of an armrest and a central tunnel with adjustable cup holders adds convenience in everyday use.
- 🚗 Unique front panel with signature radiator grille.
- 🛋️ Spacious interior with high ceilings and good visibility.
- 📉 Hard seating and lack of electric drive in basic versions.
Engines and technical specifications
Under the hood Nissan Terrano In 2019, two main types of power units are installed: a 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine and a more powerful 2.0-liter engine. Both options are time-tested and demonstrate good maintainability, but their characteristics are very different. The 1.6-liter engine (114 hp) is suitable for quiet city driving, but when fully loaded or driving uphill, its power often becomes insufficient.
Owners who chose the 2.0-liter unit (137 hp) note significantly better acceleration dynamics and the ability to confidently overtake on the highway. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. It's worth noting that the automatic transmission, although reliable, has a fairly slow shift speed, which affects fuel consumption and driving experience. In traffic jams, shifts can be noticeable and slightly jerky.
Fuel consumption is one of the hottest topics of discussion. In the urban cycle, the 2.0-liter version with an automatic transmission easily consumes from 11 to 13 liters per 100 kilometers, and in hot weather with the air conditioning running this figure can rise even higher. The 1.6 liter engine is more economical, but its dynamics leave much to be desired. It is important to consider that fuel quality directly affects the life of the engine and fuel system.
- ⛽ Gasoline engines H4M (1.6) and MR20 (2.0) with timing chain drive.
- ⚙️ Reliable gearboxes: JF015E manual and Jatco automatic.
- 🔥 High fuel consumption for version 2.0 AT in city mode.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used car, be sure to check the condition of the timing chain on the 2.0 liter engine, as stretching it can lead to expensive repairs.
Chassis and maneuverability
Suspension Nissan Terrano has earned a reputation as “indestructible”, which is confirmed by thousands of reviews from owners who operate the car in difficult road conditions. The MacPherson-type front independent suspension and rear beam provide high energy consumption and the ability to absorb large bumps. However, this reliability comes at the cost of comfort: at speeds above 80 km/h, the car begins to sway strongly, and small waves of asphalt are perfectly transmitted to the body.
All-wheel drive in this model is implemented through a multi-disc clutch, which engages the rear axle automatically when the front wheels slip. For light off-road use, such a system is sufficient, but the car is not intended for serious off-road testing. There is no clutch lock, which limits options in deep snow or mud. However, the ground clearance of 210 mm allows you to feel confident on forest paths and dirt roads.
The electric power steering is light at low speeds, which is comfortable when parking, but becomes too responsive on the highway. Owners often note the need to constantly adjust the trajectory of movement due to the lack of stability at high speeds. The suspension requires regular inspection of silent blocks and shock absorbers, since during active driving on bad roads they fail faster than on foreign cars of other brands.
- Maximum comfort
- Patency
- Reliability
- Management style
- 🛣️ High ground clearance and excellent suspension energy intensity.
- 🧱 The all-wheel drive clutch is only suitable for light off-road use.
- 🎢 Noticeable body roll in turns and swaying on the highway.
Typical faults and maintenance
Despite the overall reliability, Nissan Terrano 2019 there are a number of characteristic problems that a potential buyer needs to be aware of. One of the most common complaints is the failure of ABS sensors and the ABS system, which is accompanied by the warning lights on the dashboard coming on. Owners also encounter problems with the operation of the air conditioner: the compressor may begin to make noise or completely stop cooling the interior due to a freon leak or a breakdown of the electromagnetic clutch.
The car's electrical system is also not without its shortcomings. The power window control buttons often fail, and in winter the trunk lock or door handles may freeze. Owners with an automatic transmission note the need to regularly change the oil in the automatic transmission, since the manufacturer recommends doing this more often than the stated interval of 60,000 km. Ignoring this recommendation can lead to rapid wear of the clutches and costly repairs.
Body elements, especially plastic linings, are subject to rapid abrasion and scratches. The paint on the hood and roof is not very resistant to gravel impacts, so they will chip over time. It is recommended to install crankcase protection immediately after purchase and check the condition of the anti-corrosion coating, especially in the area of arches and sills. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the body in the rear door area, where moisture and dirt often accumulate, which leads to corrosion.
The table below illustrates the average timing of typical problems depending on mileage:
| Mileage (km) | Typical problem | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| 30 000 - 50 000 | Wear of rear beam silent blocks | Average |
| 60 000 - 80 000 | Damage to the ABS sensor or air conditioning compressor | High |
| 100 000+ | Replacing the timing chain (2.0 engine) | High |
| Any | Interior plastic creaks | Low |
☑️ Scheduled maintenance Terrano 2019
⚠️ Attention: Do not delay changing the oil in the automatic transmission, as this is critically important for preserving the service life of the valve body and clutches.
Comfort and safety
Comfort in Nissan Terrano 2019 can be described as average. The seats have good lateral support, but there is no height adjustment for the driver in the base trim levels, which creates inconvenience for drivers of different heights. The sound insulation of the cabin also leaves much to be desired: at speeds above 90 km/h, tire and wind noise can be heard in the cabin, which is tiring on long trips. The situation can only be improved through additional sound insulation, which will require additional financial investments.
Safety systems in the car are represented by a standard set: airbags (depending on the configuration from 2 to 4), ABS, EBD and ESP. Top versions have a tire pressure monitoring system and a rear view camera, which greatly simplifies maneuvering. However, the lack of adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist makes highway driving more stressful than competitors in this class.
In winter, owners note that the interior quickly warms up thanks to an efficient heating system, but heated seats are only available in more expensive trim levels. The windshield has good clarity, but the headlight washer system is often ineffective, leaving stains on the glass. In general, the level of safety meets the requirements of its price segment, but does not reach the levels of premium crossovers.
- ❄️ Effective stove, but poor sound insulation of the cabin.
- 🛡️ Standard set of security systems without advanced assistants.
- 🔥Heated seats and steering wheel only in rich trim levels.
What owners say about winter use
Owners note that the car starts well in cold weather down to -30°C thanks to reliable starters and a battery. However, winter tires are a must, as standard tires often do not provide adequate traction on snow.
Comfort in the 2019 Nissan Terrano is limited by suspension firmness and noise, but is adequate for everyday city and highway driving at reasonable speeds.
Final summary and recommendations
Nissan Terrano 2019 is the choice of a pragmatic buyer who is looking for a reliable and unpretentious car for a reasonable price. It cannot boast of exquisite design or a high level of comfort, but it offers excellent maneuverability and ease of maintenance. If you need a car for work, trips out of town or family trips on bad roads, this model will be a great helper.
When purchasing a used vehicle, be sure to thoroughly inspect the engine and transmission and check the service history. Avoid cars with signs of serious accidents and body corrosion. Remember that Nissan Terrano requires regular attention, but with proper care it will serve you for many years without serious problems. When comparing it to its competitors, it's worth noting that it offers the best value for money in its class.
Ultimately, your purchasing decision should be based on your personal priorities. If performance and comfort are important to you, you may want to consider other options. But if your goal is a reliable “working tool” with high cross-country ability, then Nissan Terrano 2019 fully meets the expectations of most owners.
⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing, be sure to check that you have all service books and documents confirming timely maintenance.
Which engine is better to choose: 1.6 or 2.0?
If you plan to drive mainly around the city and efficiency is important to you, choose 1.6 liters. For active driving, trips with a full load and off-road, a 2.0 liter is better, despite its higher fuel consumption.
How reliable is an automatic transmission?
The Jatco 4-speed automatic transmission is considered a reliable unit, but requires regular oil changes (every 40-50 thousand km). With proper maintenance, it can travel over 200,000 km without major intervention.
What is the real fuel consumption in the city?
For a 1.6 liter engine, actual consumption is 9-11 liters per 100 km. For a 2.0-liter engine with an automatic transmission, consumption in the urban cycle varies from 11 to 13 liters, depending on driving style.
Is the Terrano suitable for serious off-roading?
No, it's a crossover, not an SUV. It handles dirt, snow and light off-road well thanks to its ground clearance and all-wheel drive, but is not designed for extreme conditions or deep mud.
What are the main problems owners face?
The most common problems: plastic squeaks in the cabin, failure of ABS sensors, wear of the silent blocks of the rear suspension and increased fuel consumption in the version with an automatic transmission.