During the 2026 edition of Auto China -the world’s largest auto show- in Beijing, Nissan sprung a surprise and revealed the Terrano PHEV Concept. This signals the return of one of Nissan’s most respected nameplates in 4x4 that is really second only to the Patrol/Armada. 

The vehicle has been spotted undergoing testing in China (since it is being developed in China) and in Australia with rivals as benchmarks, and will likely be undergoing testing in the Middle East as well given that it is a key market for Nissan’s 4x4 lineup. The thing about spyshots is that the information is unofficial and often speculative. This time, we went straight to the source: the chief product specialist.

Earlier this week, Nissan’s CPS for their big SUVs and trucks Antonio Lopez, visited Manila for a meeting with regional importers (Vietnam, Brunei, just to name a few) regarding the upcoming introduction of Patrol into their markets. He gave us as much information as he can (without getting into trouble with the higher ups) on the upcoming model.

What we know already is that the Terrano will have 4x4, a PHEV, and will be 5-seater only. It will not be a 7-seater like the Terra, so it won’t be the case that Terrano will be a successor to Terra, at least until Nissan feels there will be significant demand for a three-row derivative later on.

What Anto Lopez told us is that Nissan is building Terrano to be a very capable machine for off-road enthusiasts. The philosophy, according to him, is that the Terrano can do everything the Patrol can. It will have high ground clearance and a mechanical 4x4 system that is derived from the Frontier Pro/Navara Pro. 

What that means is it will have a shaft-driven system and not a dual-motor AWD system like you would see in the BYD Shark 6. Such a system gives the Terrano the ability to keep going in difficult terrain even if somehow the EV motor stops for whatever reason. Lopez told us that the underlying philosophy for Nissan’s 4x4 line will be about mechanical reliability and dependability. He says we won’t see Nissan use their BEV and series hybrid technology (E-Power) on vehicles like Patrol or Terrano because they believe off-road should be for mechanical 4x4 only. 

Nissan, however, won’t stop at PHEV for the Terrano. AutoIndustriya was told there will be 3 powertrain options for the next generation Terrano. Lopez wouldn’t comment further, but he did say there will be internal combustion engine (ICE) options for Terrano. Whether that would mean the 2.3L turbo gasoline or possibly 2.3L turbodiesel options, it remains to be seen. 

What we do know for sure is that the production or near-production version of the all-new Terrano will be unveiled at the 2027 edition of Auto China that will take place in Shanghai in April. Looks like we will all be rushing to the Nissan pavilion once they do.

 And yes, Nissan Philippines wants to bring it to showrooms. It’s just a matter of time. And cost.