The Terrano name was previously used in Europe for the Pathfinder and other small off-roaders.This concept features a boxy design and a new generation of plug-in hybrid powertrain.The production version of the Terrano should be launched in China within the year.
At Auto China 2026 in Shanghai, Nissan unveiled two new concepts this morning that include the Terrano, a rugged plug-in hybrid SUV that should see a production version within the coming year.
Resurrecting a name from the automaker’s past in Europe, the Terrano concept honours its predecessors with a boxy design and significant off-roading capabilities.
Indeed, Nissan previously used the Terrano name on the first- and second-generation Pathfinder for the European market, before naming a smaller SUV shared with Ford the Terrano II. Since 2013, Nissan has also sold a version of the Dacia Duster as the Terrano in Russia and India.
Nissan Terrano PHEV Concept | Photo: Nissan
The new concept looks much more robust than even its distant predecessors, with a high ground clearance, meaty all-terrain tires, underbody protection plates, orange recovery hooks, and an exposed spare tire on the rear gate.
The concept also features a large roof platform with ladders on each rear quarter panels that recall models like the Land Rover Defender.
Of course, the production version might be watered down to appeal to a wider market, but unlike many concepts, the Terrano appears pretty much ready for commercialisation, at least in terms of design.
Nissan Terrano PHEV Concept | Photo: Nissan
Up front, the Terrano shares a family resemblance with Nissan’s current “rugged” models like the Rogue Rock Creek and the Frontier Pro-4x, featuring three rectangular air vents between the headlamps. This design feature is a call back to the first Pathfinder from the 1980s.
On the concept, these air vents are surrounded by lighted elements that tie in with the rectangular daytime running lights and the other air vents cut into the hood.
The front bumper also features an arc-like structure that recalls a bull bar, and the hood is home to two auxiliary projectors.
Nissan Terrano PHEV Concept | Photo: Nissan
Another nod to the first pathfinder is the three spoke alloy wheels, which were a defining feature of this SUV.
Nothing has been said about the powertrain, apart that it will be a plug-in hybrid. Since this model is intended for China, it is likely to share its powertrain with the Frontier Pro PHEV pickup recently launched in that market.
This means we can expect the production version of the Terrano to be powered by a 1.5L Turbocharged four-cylinder engine sourced from Dongfeng Motor Corporation and an electric motor that is fed by a 32.85 kWh battery.
Nissan Terrano PHEV Concept | Photo: Nissan
This combination reportedly delivers 429 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, along with an all-electric range of up to 135 km according to the optimistic CLTC testing cycle.
We are unlikely to see the Terrano in North America, but the upcoming X-Terra should fill in a similar spot in the market.