Nissan Terrano — one of the most controversial crossovers on the Russian market. On the one hand, it is an affordable and practical car with all-wheel drive, but on the other, the interior of the model is often criticized for its outdated design and inexpensive materials. But is it really that bad? In this material we will analyze the salon Terrano down to the smallest detail: from the quality of plastic to the ergonomics of the seats, we will compare it with competitors and give recommendations for improving comfort.
The article will be useful to those who are planning to buy a used one. Terrano (especially restyled versions 2017–2023), as well as owners who want to modernize the interior. We collected reviews from real drivers, tested the handling of the elements, and even compiled a checklist for inspecting the interior before purchasing. Don't miss it comparison table with Renault Duster And Kia Sportage - it will help you make an objective choice!
Nissan Terrano interior design: pros and cons of the interior
Interior Nissan Terrano - This is a classic example of “budget minimalism”. The interior design has remained virtually unchanged since 2014, and the 2017 restyling was limited only to new plastic colors and an updated multimedia system. Main features:
- 🔹 Strict straight lines — panels without frills, but also without pretentiousness. This appeals to those who value functionality.
- 🔹 Color schemes: black, gray or two-color (black + beige). The last option visually “refreshes” the interior, but is easily soiled.
- 🔹 Lack of "premium" accents — no lighting, chrome inserts or soft pads on the dashboard.
Chief design jamb - this is disproportionate center console. The climate control buttons are located too low, and the multimedia screen (even in top versions) looks like it is “glued” on top. Owners complain that when driving off-road, the sun's glare reflects off the glossy plastic of the console, creating discomfort.
However, there are also advantages: for example, convenient location of cup holders (there are 4 of them!) and a spacious glove compartment with lighting. But some people call the gearshift lever in manual versions “uncomfortably long” - this is especially noticeable when changing gears in city traffic.
- Black
- Gray
- Two-tone (black + beige)
- I don't care
Finishing materials: what creaks and what lasts forever?
If you expect from Terrano salon level Qashqai or X-Trail, you will be disappointed. Everything here is subject to the logic of “cheap and cheerful”. Let's figure out what materials are used and where their weak points are:
- 🧱 Dashboard and door cards — hard plastic with a leather-like texture. Doesn't feel premium, but doesn't creak even after 100,000 km.
- 🪑 Seats — fabric upholstery (in basic versions) or “eco-leather” (in top versions). The latter quickly becomes covered with microcracks if covers are not used.
- 🔧 Steering wheel — plastic with rubberized inserts. In versions before 2019, the rubber hardens in the cold.
- 📻 Control buttons — made of the same plastic as the dashboard. Over time, the inscriptions wear off (especially on the seat heating buttons).
The most problematic area is armrest. In the first batches Terrano (2014–2016) it often broke due to flimsy fastening. After 2017, the problem was fixed, but now the armrest can sag over time. The owners also note that plastic door card clips break during dismantling (for example, to install speakers).
⚠️ Attention: If you are buying used Terrano with mileage over 80,000 km, be sure to check steering column play. It may appear due to wear of the plastic bushings - this is not critical for safety, but it is annoying when driving.
| Material | Service life (years) | Typical problems | Replacement cost (RUB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric seat upholstery | 5–7 | Abrasion, stains, scuff marks on side bolsters | 15,000–25,000 (waisting) |
| Eco-leather seats | 3–5 | Cracks, peeling, sunburn | 20,000–35,000 (replacement covers) |
| Plastic dashboard | 10+ | Scuffs, burnout (especially on air deflectors) | 8,000–12,000 (painting) |
| Steering wheel | 4–6 | The rubberized coating wears off, the plastic of the spokes cracks | 5,000–10,000 (used original) |
Ergonomics and comfort: how does the driver feel?
Salon Nissan Terrano designed to accommodate driver heights from 165 to 190 cm. However, there are several ergonomic traps, which are worth knowing:
- 🚗 Getting behind the wheel — a little high, like a SUV. Short drivers (up to 170 cm) may not have enough reach adjustment for the steering wheel.
- 🪑 Lateral seat support - weak. When turning, the body “slides” out of the chair.
- 🔍 Visibility — good thanks to large windows, but rear pillars wide and create dead zones.
- 🎛️ Climate control — the buttons are small and inconveniently located. You have to take your eyes off the road.
It is especially inconvenient for those who are accustomed to the “European” landing (for example, after Volkswagen Tiguan or Skoda Karoq). B Terrano The steering wheel is too “vertical” and the pedals are located closer to the center of the cabin. This may cause discomfort on long trips.
But legroom even the rear passengers have a decent amount of 26 cm (by class standards this is a lot). But ceiling a little low: passengers taller than 185 cm will have to tilt their heads. The trunk, with a volume of 475 liters (1,636 liters with the seats folded down), is one of the most spacious in the class.
If you are a tall driver (185+ cm), before purchasing Terrano Be sure to check that your knees are not resting on the plastic trim under the steering wheel. In some instances it interferes when the clutch is fully depressed.
Multimedia and electronics: what works and what doesn't?
Multimedia system in Nissan Terrano - that's a different story. The basic versions (until 2017) had a radio with a monochrome screen and terrible interface. After restyling, a 7-inch system with a sensor appeared, but it is far from ideal:
- 📱 Android Auto / Apple CarPlay — supported only in versions 2020+. Older models can be modified in software (but this will void the warranty).
- 🔊 Sound — standard acoustics (4 speakers) wheeze at high frequencies. Many owners install additional speakers in their doors.
- 📡 Navigation — the built-in map becomes outdated quickly, and updates cost 3,000–5,000 rubles. It's better to use a smartphone.
- 🔋 USB port — one for everyone, located inconveniently (in the glove compartment). Often fails due to poor contact.
One more sore point - this is parking sensors. They often break due to dirt (especially the rear ones) and start squeaking for no reason. But the rear view camera (optional) works stably, but the picture is grainy.
Pros: climate control (in top versions) maintains the temperature accurately, and the heated seats and steering wheel warm up quickly. But here heated windshield rather weak - at −20°C you have to wait 10–15 minutes for the ice to melt.
How to update multimedia firmware in Terrano?
To update the multimedia system firmware in Nissan Terrano (2017–2023) you need:
1. Download the official firmware from the Nissan website (section "Support").
2. Copy files to a flash drive (FAT32, no more than 32 GB).
3. Insert the flash drive into the USB port and reboot the system (holding the power button for 10 seconds).
⚠️ Do not remove the flash drive during the update - this may “brick” the system!
Comparison of Nissan Terrano interior with competitors
Main rivals Terrano on the market is Renault Duster, Kia Sportage (old generation) and Hyundai Creta. Let's compare their salons according to key parameters:
| Parameter | Nissan Terrano | Renault Duster | Kia Sportage (2016–2022) | Hyundai Creta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic quality | Tough, but doesn't creak | Soft on the dashboard, but creaks | Soft plastic + metal-look inserts | Soft plastic but thin |
| Chair ergonomics | Weak lateral support | Good but short landing | Excellent (sports profile) | Moderate but comfortable |
| Multimedia | Outdated, without CarPlay in the database | Simple, but with CarPlay (2020+) | Modern, with a large screen | Intuitive, voice controlled |
| Cabin noise | Medium (you can hear the engine) | Weak (lots of extraneous sounds) | Good (quieter than Terrano) | Excellent (best in class) |
| Ownership price (interior repair) | Low (cheap parts) | Low | Average (expensive original cases) | High (especially electronics) |
Conclusion: in terms of price/quality ratio salon Terrano loses Kia Sportage And Hyundai Creta, but outperforms Duster on the reliability of materials. If you care practicality and low cost of repairs, then Terrano - a good choice. If you want comfort and modern technology, it’s better to take a closer look at the Koreans.
The main advantage of the salon Nissan Terrano before competitors is simplicity and low cost of repairs. Spare parts are cheap, and the design makes it easy to upgrade the interior (for example, install a different steering wheel or seats).
Nissan Terrano interior tuning: top 5 improvements
Many owners Terrano decide to tune the interior to make it more comfortable. Here 5 most popular improvementsthat do not require large investments:
-
Replacing the steering wheel — original steering wheel Terrano can be changed to sports from Nissan Juke or Qashqai (suitable for mounting). Cost: 10,000–20,000 rub.
Buy a steering wheel with an airbag (compatible with your version)|Disconnect the battery terminal for 10 minutes|Remove the old steering wheel (you will need a T30 Torx)|Connect a new steering wheel and check the operation of the buttons-->
-
Noise and vibration insulation - styling
SPLENorBitoplaston doors and floors reduces noise by 30%. Cost: 5,000–8,000 rubles. (on one's own). - Replacing seats - chairs from Renault Koleos or Nissan X-Trail become “stock” and provide better support. Cost: 25,000–40,000 rubles. for a couple.
- LED backlight — LED strips under the dashboard and at the feet of passengers (color to choose from). Cost: 1,500–3,000 rub.
- Media update - replacing the standard radio with Android car radio (For example, Pumpkin or Joying). Cost: 15,000–30,000 rub.
If you want radically transform the salon, can be considered full reupholstery (leather + alcantara) or installation dashboard from Nissan Rogue (fits the connectors, but requires some modification to the wiring).
⚠️ Attention: When replacing seats or steering wheel Be sure to check airbag compatibility. Some models of steering wheels from Qashqai do not work with the system SRS in Terrano, which can lead to the airbag not working in an accident.
Owner reviews: honest opinions about the salon
We analyzed more than 200 reviews about the salon Nissan Terrano on the forums (Drive2, Drom.ru) and highlighted the most frequent complaints and praises:
Pros (according to owners):
- ✅ "Spacious interior for its class" - especially liked by tall passengers.
- ✅ "Non-staining seat fabric" (in basic versions).
- ✅ "Simple and reliable electronics" - rarely breaks.
- ✅ "Convenient cup holders and glove box" — there is enough space for small things.
Cons (common complaints):
- ❌ "Plastic creaks on bumps" (especially in cold weather).
- ❌ "Inconvenient location of climate control buttons" - you have to bend over.
- ❌ "Weak windshield heating" - It takes a long time to thaw in winter.
- ❌ "The head unit is buggy" (especially when connecting a phone).
Interesting fact: female drivers praise more often Terrano for convenience of parking (good review) and ease of control, and men scold for unsportsmanlike landing And poor sound insulation.
FAQ: answers to popular questions about the Nissan Terrano interior
Is it possible to install a heated steering wheel in a Nissan Terrano?
Yes, but only in versions 2018 and newer (Comfort option). In older models, you will have to modify the wiring and install a separate control unit. The cost of such modification: 8,000–12,000 rubles.
Why does Terrano's plastic squeak in the cold?
Creaks occur due to differences in temperature expansion plastic panels. The problem is solved in two ways:
- Treatment with silicone grease (for example,
WD-40 Specialist). - Installing additional clips or foam pads between the panels.
Which covers are best for Terrano seats?
Optimal options:
- 🔹 Fabric covers Covercraft - breathable, non-slip (price: 6,000–9,000 rubles).
- 🔹 Leatherette CarStyle - protect from abrasion, but it’s hot in summer (price: 4,000–7,000 rubles).
- 🔹 Neoprene covers — suitable for outdoor activities (easy to clean).
⚠️ Avoid cheap cases from China - they often tear at the seams after 2-3 months.
How to remove the dashboard in a Nissan Terrano for repairs?
Procedure:
- Disconnect the battery terminal.
- Remove the trim around the radio (snap off the clips with a screwdriver).
- Unscrew the 4 bolts under the dashboard (T20 Torx).
- Disconnect the wiring connectors (take a photo of the location!).
- Gently pull the panel towards you (an assistant is needed).
⚠️ Don't pull too hard — you can break the plastic latches of the air deflectors!
Is it worth buying a Nissan Terrano with eco-leather interior?
Only if you are ready for additional expenses:
- 🔹 In 2–3 years they will appear cracks (especially in the driver's seat).
- 🔹 In summer heats up and sticks to the body.
- 🔹 In winter tanns and may crack when exposed to sudden heat (for example, from heated seats).
If you take good care of it (use covers, avoid direct sun), it will last longer. But fabric seats in basic versions in practice they turn out to be more reliable.