Nissan Terrano: how much horsepower in different generations (1986–2023)

Crossover Nissan Terrano - a legendary model, which over the 30+ years of its existence has managed to change several generations, platforms and even sales markets. If you are planning to buy a used copy or are simply interested in technical nuances, the question engine power becomes key. Dynamics, fuel consumption, taxes and even the cost of insurance depend on it.

In this article we will look at all Terrano versions - from the first generation (WD21, 1986) to the latest restyled models (R520, 2023), released for Russia and the CIS countries. You will learn not only numbers in horsepower (hp), but also how they relate to torque, transmission type and actual performance on the road. And also - why a Terrano with the same engine size can have different power depending on the year of manufacture.

1. First generation Nissan Terrano (WD21, 1986–2005): from 87 to 116 hp.

Debut version Terrano (also known as Nissan Pathfinder in the USA) was built on a platform Nissan Hardbody Truck and offered a choice of three petrol and one diesel engines. Power varied depending on the market: more “stifled” versions were available for Japan and Europe due to environmental regulations, while forced engines were offered for the Middle East and Australia.

The weakest engine is 2.4 liter petrol KA24E (87 hp) - installed on early models with a carburetor. After 1990 it was replaced by injection KA24DE (135 hp), which has become one of the most reliable in the line. Diesel TD27 (95 hp) was valued for its efficiency, but suffered from problems with the turbine after 200 thousand km.

• 🔧 KA24E (2.4, carburetor) - 87 hp at 4800 rpm, torque 180 Nm. Installed before 1990.
• ⚡ KA24DE (2.4, injector) - 135 hp at 5600 rpm, torque 200 Nm. The most popular first generation motor.
• ☁️ VG30E (3.0 V6) - 150 hp at 4800 rpm, torque 237 Nm. A rarity for the Russian market.
• ⛽ TD27 (2.7 diesel) - 95 hp at 4000 rpm, torque 225 Nm. Economical, but capricious.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Terrano WD21 with engine KA24E (87 hp) check the condition of the carburetor - its repair is more expensive than replacing it with an injection one KA24DE from a donor car.

2. Second generation (R50, 1995–2004): transition to an injector and increased power

The generation change has brought Terrano a new platform, a more modern design and the abandonment of carburetor engines. The base engine became 2.4 liter KA24DE (150 hp), which was already familiar from the first generation, but received electronic throttle control. For markets with strict economic standards it was proposed QD32ETi — 3.2-liter turbodiesel with 160 hp, which became a hit in Europe.

Interesting fact: in some Asian countries Terrano R50 sold with motor SR20DE (2.0 l, 140 hp) - the same as that installed on Nissan Primera And Silvia. However, such versions were not officially supplied to Russia.

Engine	Volume	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Transmission
KA24DE	2.4 l	150	200	5MT/4AT
QD32ETi	3.2 l	160	350	5MT
VG33E	3.3 L V6	170	260	4AT

Turbodiesel QD32ETi deserves special attention: when 160 hp he gave out 350 Nm torque already from 2000 rpm, which made it ideal for off-road use. However, repairs to the turbine and fuel injection pump cost 30–50% of the cost of the engine itself.

3. Third generation (R51, 2005–2015): return to roots

After a failed experiment with Terrano II (which was refaced Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin), Nissan decided to return the model to its previous concept. Terrano R51 became a full-fledged frame SUV built on the basis Nissan Pathfinder R51. In Russia, versions with two engines were officially sold:

• 🔥 QR25DE (2.5 l) - 169 hp at 6000 rpm, torque 233 Nm. The most common option.
• ⚡ VQ40DE (4.0L V6) - 261 hp at 5600 rpm, torque 385 Nm. A rarity, but a dream for drive lovers.

Motor QR25DE criticized for the “rubbery” nature of traction and high fuel consumption (12–14 l/100 km in the city), but it was easier to maintain than VQ40. The latter, despite the impressive 261 hp, suffered from overheating and high cost of spare parts.

⚠️ Attention: In Terrano R51 with motor VQ40DE Every 100 thousand km the timing chain needs to be replaced. Skipping this procedure results in the chain stretching and the pistons colliding with the valves.

Why is the Terrano R51 with VQ40DE engine so rare?

This engine was officially supplied to Russia only in 2005–2007, and its high cost (from 1.8 million rubles in the showroom) and high taxes made the model unpopular. Most of the copies were resold to the CIS countries or scrapped due to engine problems.

4. Modern generation (R520, 2014–2023): Terrano like a restyled Dacia Duster

In 2014 Nissan Terrano underwent a radical transformation: instead of a frame SUV, buyers received refaced Renault Dacia Duster with plastic overlays and a different interior. This generation (code R520) was assembled in Russia at the Avtoframos plant and offered a choice of three engines:

Basic 1.6 liter H4M (114 hp) was borrowed from Renault and was criticized for its weak dynamics, especially with the automatic transmission. More powerful F4R (2.0 l, 143 hp) became the golden mean, and diesel K9K (1.5 l, 110 hp) - the choice of economical drivers.

Engine	Volume	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Consumption (city)
H4M	1.6 l	114	156	9.5–11 l/100 km
F4R	2.0 l	143	195	10–12 l/100 km
K9K	1.5 l diesel	110	240	5.5–6.5 l/100 km

Interesting nuance: Terrano R520 with diesel K9K (110 hp) on paper weaker than gasoline F4R (143 hp), but thanks 240 Nm torque from 1750 rpm it behaves more confidently off-road and when overtaking. However, in winter, owners encountered starting problems due to fuel freezing.

Mileage before replacing the timing belt (every 120 thousand km)|

Condition of the fuel filter (replacement every 30 thousand km)|

Performance of glow plugs|

No errors on the fuel pressure sensor (P0087)|-->

5. Comparison of Terrano power by generation: what to choose?

If you need real SUV with frame structure and reduction gear, please note WD21 (1986–2005) or R51 (2005–2015). Suitable for the city and light off-road R520 (2014–2023), but be prepared for compromises in terms of reliability and comfort.

Here's a quick comparison based on key criteria:

• 🏆 Maximum power: Terrano R51 with VQ40DE (261 hp).
• 💰 The most economical: Terrano R520 with K9K (5.5 l/100 km).
• 🔧 The most reliable motor: KA24DE (135–150 hp) from WD21/R50.
• 🚗 Best for the city: Terrano R520 with F4R (143 hp) and automatic.

When choosing, also consider transmission type: A manual transmission is more reliable, but an automatic transmission is more convenient in traffic jams. In older generations (WD21/R50) there are transfer cases with manual connection, whereas in R520 all-wheel drive is connected electronically.

6. How to increase the power of a Nissan Terrano: chip tuning and more

If the standard power is not enough for you, there are several ways to increase it. However, each of them has its own risks and limitations:

1. Chip tuning (ECU flashing): for Terrano R520 with F4R (143 hp) you can get +15–20 hp. without mechanical modifications. Cost: 15–25 thousand rubles.
2. Turbocharger installation: relevant for naturally aspirated engines KA24DE or QR25DE. The increase is up to 30–50 hp, but requires strengthening the piston group.
3. Exhaust system replacement for forward flow: gives +5–10 hp. by reducing exhaust gas resistance.
4. Cold intake installation: effective for turbo engines (e.g. QD32ETi), but is useless for naturally aspirated engines.

⚠️ Attention: After engine chip tuning F4R in Terrano R520 Be sure to check the condition of the clutch - increased torque can lead to its slipping.

For owners Terrano WD21/R50 with diesel TD27/QD32ETi It is important to replace the turbine with a more efficient one (for example, Garrett GT2056). This allows you to increase power up to 180–200 hp, but requires modification of the fuel system.

7. Frequently asked questions about Nissan Terrano power

❓ How much horsepower does the 2015 Nissan Terrano have with the 2.0 engine?

Officially sold in 2015 Terrano R520 with motor F4R (2.0 L), which developed 143 hp at 5750 rpm. This engine is inherited from Renault Duster and is equipped with a system of phase shifters at the inlet.

❓Which Terrano is the most powerful?

The most powerful version is Terrano R51 (2005–2015) with engine VQ40DE (4.0 l V6, 261 hp). However, there are less than 500 such copies left in Russia, and their cost on the secondary market starts from 1.2 million rubles.

❓ Is it possible to install a Pathfinder engine on a Terrano?

Yes, but with reservations:

• For Terrano WD21/R50 will do VQ35DE (3.5 l, 240–280 hp) from Pathfinder R51, but the ECU, wiring and gearbox will need to be replaced.
• B Terrano R520 theoretically it is possible to establish F4RT (1.6 l, 165 hp) from Renault Arkana, but this will require serious modifications to the fastenings and cooling.

❓ Why does Terrano with the same engine have different power?

The reasons may be as follows:

• Various environmental standards (For example, KA24DE for Japan it produced 135 hp, and for Europe - 150 hp).
• Using different ECU firmware (in Russia, engines were often “strangled” to reduce taxes).
• Engine wear (after 200 thousand km, power may drop by 10–15% due to wear of the piston group).

❓Which Terrano is better for off-roading: with a gasoline or diesel engine?

For off-road use, diesel versions are preferable:

• Terrano WD21 with TD27 (95 hp) - simple and repairable, but weak.
• Terrano R50 with QD32ETi (160 hp) is the best option due to its high torque (350 Nm).
• Terrano R520 with K9K (110 hp) - economical, but sensitive to fuel quality.

Gasoline engines (for example, VQ40DE) are more powerful, but consume more fuel and overheat under prolonged loads.