CARVERSAL

Nissan to re-launch the 2025 Terrano SUV to end Creta, Curvv and Seltos

April 14th, 2025


Nissan is about to enter the Compact SUV segment again, after almost 4 years of discontinuing its last Compact SUV in 2020. Well, if you think that it is an all-new SUV catering to the Indian needs with the modern Nissan traits, unlike the recently launched X-Trail. Then, somewhat yes! Because it is an all-new SUV, but not technically; it is absolutely suited for the Indian needs, and hell yes, it is unlike the X-Trail! We are speaking of a legendary comeback of the Nissan Terrano in its new 2025 avatar. 


About the Nissan Terrano

Nissan Terrano


The Nissan Terrano first entered the Indian market in October 2013, launched as a more Premium and Stylish sibling of the popular Renault Duster. It featured a slightly different Front Fascia, tweaked Tail lamps, and Minor changes to the interiors, giving it a more 'Nissan' appeal. 

Initially, the Terrano gained significant attention, securing over 6,000 bookings shortly after its debut, before its launch. By March 2014, it became Nissan India's best-selling product, contributing up to 39% of the company’s total sales volume for the FY 2013-2014, with approximately 15,000 units sold.

However, its sales trajectory began to decline in the following years. Gradually, Nissan started doing “the typical Nissan stuff”, as it used to do earlier— Lack of timely updates while the rivals evolved heavily with features, a Higher price point compared to the Renault Duster despite being based on the same, and increasing competition in the compact SUV space. 

These factors gradually eroded its market share. Eventually, the Terrano was discontinued in early 2020, and it was quietly removed from Nissan’s official website. The discontinuation also coincided with the implementation of BS6 emission norms, and the Terrano was running on both Petrol and Diesel mills, which were not updated to comply with the norms.

With the 2025 Terrano, Nissan will do the same— make the 2025 Terrano on the 2025 Duster’s platform. As the Duster has already proved to be a great deal with its versatility and capable CMF-B platform, which will also be capable of housing multiple powertrains, but which ones will enter India? We have talked about it in this blog.


2025 Nissan Terrano Exteriors

Renault Duster's Design for reference


As of now, all we have are the teased images of the upcoming 2025 Nissan Terrano with another car, which is an MPV. So, we really are unaware of what the design would look like. But we assume that this time around, Nissan might want to change the design significantly from the 2025 Duster, even after making it on the Duster's platform. 


Image source


Like the Korean siblings from Hyundai and Kia— Creta-Seltos, Renault and Nissan would also want to have the hardware the same, but with distinctive designs. So, overall, the body structure of the 2025 Terrano would be the same, but it could have massive design tweaks to differentiate the SUVs. 


Renault Duster's Design reference


Most probably, the grille design will be the same, with typical Nissan-like chrome used on it. It could be inspired more by the 2025 Nissan Kicks front fascia. There is not much scope for changing anything on the Side profile, except for the Alloy wheel design. The alloy wheels will be 18’ and will have a diamond-cut design feature. The Rear profile could have the same convex-like or hatchback-like design with a lot of boxiness poured in.  

Overall, the design might resemble a lot to the 2025 Duster, but we still believe that Nissan might want to differentiate this time. 


Renault Duster's Design reference


2025 Nissan Terrano Interiors

The same goes for the interiors of the 2025 Nissan Terrano— they have not been showcased yet. But based on what the 2025 Duster gets, we believe the 2025 Terrano will have the same hardware; it is just the design that might be changed.

 

Renault Duster's Interior reference


So, here are the features the 2025 Terrano will have—  a 10’ Infotainment screen with Wireless Android Auto & Wireless Apple CarPlay, a 7’ Instrument cluster, Wireless phone charging pad, Arkamys 3D surround sound system with 6 speakers, Automatic Climate control, Physical rotary dials for HVAC controls, Ambient lighting, Fabric or Leatherette Seat upholstery depending on variant, Rear AC vents, USB-C charging ports front and rear, Height-adjustable driver seat, Keyless entry with push-button start/stop, Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, Adjustable headrests for all passengers, Steering-mounted controls, Tilt-adjustable steering wheel, Sunglass holder, Cup holders in front and rear (rear Armrest), Large door pockets with bottle holders, and improved cabin insulation. (All of these features are available on the 2025 Duster sold globally, and are most likely to appear on the 20225 Terrano as well)


Boot space, too, is expected to be generous enough to swallow a lot of luggage. This time around, based on what the 2025 Duster has proved to be, Nissan wil make sure that the new Terrano isn’t just all show and no substance— it’s practical, easy to live with, and packs in everything you would need on a daily basis.


2025 Nissan Terrano Engine Options

Now this is where things get even more interesting. While the old Terrano had limited engine choices (but with both Petrol and Diesel powerhouses), the new one is expected to be offered with multiple engine options, as the Duster, upon which it is based, has a slew of powertrains. This is something that will make it easier for buyers to pick according to their usage and budget.


Globally, the 2025 Renault Duster (which the Terrano will be based on) is offered with the following powertrains—


A 1.0 L Turbo Petrol engine producing 120 hp and 190 Nm torque. Perfect for those who want a balance between performance and mileage. It’s expected to be paired with both manual and CVT options.

A 1.2 L Petrol hybrid powertrain making 140 hp and 205 Nm torque. This setup is best to go after the only Hybrids in the segment— Maruti and Toyota, and it will also appeal to buyers looking for efficiency without sacrificing too much on power.

A 1.3 L Turbo Petrol motor (the same one seen in the Kicks and Duster earlier) producing 155 hp and 270 Nm torque. This one’s the enthusiast’s choice. You can expect excellent performance, especially if Nissan tunes it for a more responsive throttle.

A 1.5 L diesel engine that puts out 115 hp and 260 Nm torque. Now, this might not make it to India immediately due to BS6 Phase-2 norms and the upcoming BS7 norms, but there’s still a sizeable chunk of buyers who would appreciate a torquey diesel.


The Transmission options will be limited to two— a 6-speed Manual and a CVT. 


Now, if we talk realistically, Nissan might bring just one engine option initially to India to keep the lineup simple and the costs in check. This engine could be either the 1.0 L Turbo Petrol or the 1.2 L Hybrid engine. Nissan might also bring in the Diesel mill, as customers in India still prefer buying Diesel today. 


2025 Nissan Terrano Rivals


Let’s be honest, the mid-size SUV segment isn’t what it used to be. We’ve got the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, Tata Curvv, Citroen Basalt, Citroen Aircross, etc— the list just keeps growing. And now, with the new Renault Duster on the horizon and the Terrano tagging along, competition is only going to heat up.

So, how does the Terrano stack up? For starters, it’ll likely be one of the most rugged-looking SUVs in the lot. While rivals are going for sleek and urban designs, the Terrano (or Duster) will continue to maintain a muscular stance, squared wheel arches, high ground clearance, and upright proportions. This might make it the best buy for those who want an urbanized Thar. 


Renault Duster off-roading


Where it might lag a bit is in terms of the typical Nissan-Renault quality standards— the interiors, while fully loaded, might not be as polished as a Seltos or Creta. But the tradeoff is practicality and space. Then there’s Nissan’s limited sales and service network, which could be a hurdle unless they seriously scale up support before the launch.

But hey, if they get the pricing right, offer a good petrol and hybrid combo, and position it as a rugged, spacious alternative, the Terrano might just win back some hearts.


2025 Nissan Terrano Expected Price and Launch 

The 2025 Nissan Terrano is expected to make its Indian debut by late 2025, most likely after the Renault Duster’s relaunch. Nissan might take a couple of months extra for local tweaks and badge engineering.


In terms of pricing, expect the Terrano to undercut the Creta and Seltos slightly. It’s expected to be priced between ₹11 lakh to ₹17.5 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and engine. If Nissan also brings in a CNG variant down the line, the range might extend a bit further. This will also help catch good attention initially. 

Now it’s all down to how Nissan handles the launch — if they can market it right, offer decent variant spread, and most importantly, keep the pricing aggressive, then the 2025 Terrano could be a proper comeback story for the Japanese brand in India that failed in its first try.