Which is better Duster or Terrano test drive. We compare and determine which is better: Terrano or Duster.

Until recently there was no alternative to Renault Duster, but today you can buy a Nissan Terrano clone of the French crossover. The “Japanese Duster” looks solid and attractive against the backdrop of the Frenchman’s outdated design. What is the same and what is the difference between cars.

What's new?

Nissan designers tried very hard to make the new Terrano look like the flagship Patrol. Modern front and rear Nissan optics, front radiator grille, new bumpers, original rims, plastic trim peeks out from under the arches, the sills and glazing area are painted differently, and the roof rails are different. A standard set for restyling a car, but in this case a new model has been released.

The car looks new, and more expensive than the French one. But no matter how hard you try, when you look at the photo of the Nissan Terrano, you will immediately recognize it as a Renault Duster. This applies to exterior design. What's inside?

The interior of the car remains the same, it is difficult to find any significant differences. What's new: there's a Nissan logo and a steering wheel cushion on the steering wheel, the pockets on the front panel are designed differently, the central air vents are of a different shape, and some more small details which don't matter much. The multimedia system is not MediaNav like in Renault Duster, but is a proprietary Nissan system, and they missed the mark with it. The multimedia interface is less convenient and beautiful, the screen resolution is lower. It has an option that is not available to Duster owners - a rear view camera. This is where we can finish with the differences between cars.

Why Nissan and not Renault

The previous generation Terrano model has established itself as a reliable and durable SUV. Owning a Japanese car has always been more attractive than a French one, but before it was the reliable Terrano SUV, and now it's a budget crossover built on the Logan base. Now it has become a lower class and has turned into a car with a different spirit. With the advent of the Nissan Terrano, Nissan marketers made right choice, having lowered it in class, many will want to buy a proven car for years.

Is there a difference in control?

From a technical point of view, both cars are exactly the same. Test drive Duster 1.6 4x4 (102 hp) and Terrano 2.0 4x4 (135 hp). The type of all-wheel drive transmission and manual transmissions are the same. Both crossovers behaved absolutely identically during the test drive: handling, noise insulation, smoothness. There are no differences between them. Because technical specifications Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano are the same and the difference was only in the engine size.

But let’s remind you how the “Nisannodaster” drives

The 2-liter engine and 6-speed gearbox with its short first gear, which replaces the “lower gear”, are great for off-road use, but not for the city. Do you always have a choice of first or second? And every time you will decide from the start at a traffic light which gear to choose, 1 or 2. The engine pulls well at low and medium speeds, giving the crossover confidence in any conditions.

As for the 1.6 engine with a power of 102 horses, this is installed in the new Renault Logan, which is not enough for the heavy Renault Duster. If you are a fan of fast driving, then you have to turn the engine up to high speed, and it is better for the Duster to overtake with a 1.6 engine when there is a free oncoming traffic.

If we consider the combination of engine and gearbox, the 1.6 wins in terms of smoothness and traction control, but if you need traction and power, then choose a 2 liter engine. As the practice of owning a Duster shows, the car’s suspension is reliable and durable, impenetrable. The steering wheel is tight and clear, the reaction is clear and predictable.

How much does a name cost?

Let's start with the fact that: new bumpers, optics, radiator grille, wheels, multimedia system are not what the future owner will choose a Nissan Terrano for. He will pay for the nameplate and design at first. How much is the name Terrano worth instead of Duster? The price of Renault in the basic configuration starts from 492,000 rubles 1.6 4x2 and manual. And the Nissan Terrano in the same configuration starts from 677,000 thousand rubles. The price is significantly higher!

To find out how much the Nissan brand costs, let’s compare the same configurations: 2.0 4x4 and manual: this is Terrano Elegance for 815 thousand and Duster Privilege for 708 thousand. Add additional airbags to a Frenchman for 15,500 - 738,500 rubles. The bottom line is the Terrano nameplate is 76,500 rubles.

Let's compare the Duster Expression configuration with a 1.6 engine, air conditioning, ESP - 663,000 rubles. Nissan Terrano in a similar configuration 735,000 rubles. And the difference in cost is 70,000 rubles. But we must remind everyone that if you are going to buy a Renault Duster in Moscow, you will have to pay an additional 6 thousand, and if further, up to several tens of thousands, depending on the distance from Moscow. Nissan does not have such tricks, and the amount indicated in the price list is without additional payment for delivery to the dealer.

What's the result?

Photos by Viktor Borisov

For those who see Duster and Terrano for the first time, it is not necessary to explain once again that the cars are “relatives” - this is obvious. What else can be said here - a typical example of high-quality badge engineering. However, there is also a slight difference between the cars, so in today’s article we will compare Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano to discover the main differences.

Exterior

The developers' attempt to isolate cars from each other in terms of external design was crowned with success. The main reason for this is that initially the Terrano was supposed to be a completely independent model, and after the merger of the two companies and the “bundle” of models, the main authentic features remained in the exterior of the “Japanese”. But, if you look at the situation as a whole, Terrano is a so-called Duster clone.

In order to understand which of the cars we are looking at - Nissan Terrano or Renault Duster, you should carefully study the following points:

Front bumper shape;
Optics;
The structure of the false radiator grille;
Wheel design.

In all other respects, the cars are very similar, but it is the above-mentioned differences that emphasize the “zest” of the design of each of the models.

After extreme restyling, the French car received a more representative appearance, and powerful wheel arches and a high body give the car a stylish and premium look. The only serious competitor to the Duster in terms of appearance is the Hyundai Creta, but, if you believe the statistics, it is the “Frenchman” who enjoys in great demand on the market.

The Japanese car boasts moderate aggressiveness, which is emphasized by the signature radiator grille and angular LED lights.

However, if you look at the cars from the side, you can immediately forget about all the differences, since in profile the Duster and Terrano are almost identical. This is mainly expressed in:

Common body panels.
Almost identical dimensions;
Roof rails installed.

Vehicle platform features

Both the French and Japanese cars are assembled on the basis of one modular platform - B0, also used in Logan and Sandero. The front part of its design includes reinforced MacPherson struts equipped with telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. The design of the rear part of the platform directly depends on the type of drive: the front one is a torsion beam, the full one is an independent multi-link element.

Due to the high ground clearance - 210 mm, both cars in terms of cross-country ability are close to full-fledged SUVs. Duster and Terrano have short overhangs and large angles, due to which crossovers can overcome even the most difficult sections of the road without strain. It is worth noting that traction torque is transmitted to the rear axle of both models via electromagnetic coupling GKN, which is also equipped with Murano.

Interior

It is difficult to notice any differences upon a superficial inspection of the car's interior. And only if you look carefully dashboards cars, you can find the following authentic moments:

The Japanese car's air deflectors are rectangular, while its French counterpart's are round.
The Duster multimedia system boasts a 7-inch touch screen, while the Terrano has only a 5-inch display, and the image quality leaves much to be desired.

Those who have not yet decided which is better - Duster or Terrano, need to take into account several interesting nuances. None of the cars are equipped with a multifunction steering wheel, and the proprietary steering wheel can only be adjusted in height. Also, experts and real owners of these models were dissatisfied with the following points:

The signal button has an unfortunate location - it is located on the steering switch.
The side mirror control unit is located under the parking brake handle.
The factory versions of Duster and Terrano do not have armrests.

In basic versions of the car, fabric trim is used, and leather interior can only be counted on in top versions. There are also complaints about the rear row of seats, which can be cramped for passengers with a large build. Some drivers are not happy with the center headrest of the rear row of seats, as, in their opinion, it blocks the view.

The Terrano's initial trunk volume is 475 liters, but if the rear seats are folded down, this figure increases to 1636 liters. The front-wheel drive “French” has approximately the same capacity, but the all-wheel drive version, due to the location of the spare wheel, has a slightly smaller luggage compartment volume - 408/1570 liters, respectively.

Specifications

Of course, the exterior and interior are very important aspects when choosing a car, but the main criterion is still the technical characteristics. Let us immediately note that The line of Duster and Terrano power units includes only two gasoline engines:

A 4-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 114 horsepower, equipped with a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission, and with an average consumption of 7.5 liters.
A four-cylinder, two-liter unit producing 143 horsepower. Works in tandem with 4 automatic transmissions or 6 manual transmissions. Average fuel consumption is 8.2 liters.

By the way, Renault Duster can also be equipped with a 1.5-liter diesel engine by 109 horsepower. The developers managed to achieve phenomenal dynamism, with minimal fuel consumption - an average of 5 liters.

The two-liter gasoline engine is designed taking into account all Euro-5 standards, and is also installed on the Megan and Laguna models. The unit has an economy mode, the activation of which allows you to save up to 5% of fuel.

Ride quality

In terms of technical equipment, as we have already found out, the cars are very similar. The same type of all-wheel drive system and transmission indicate that the main differences between the models lie only in the layout of the power units. As for the quality of noise insulation and maneuverability, in this regard the cars are also as identical as possible. And if you change from Duster to Terrano and continue driving, you most likely will not notice any difference.

So what should you choose? This can be explained by the fact that some functions are cheaper in the Japanese crossover. For example, optional all-wheel drive for Terrano will cost 58 thousand rubles, and for Duster – 66 thousand rubles. Also, all versions of Terrano are equipped with a stabilization system, while in Duster this function is available only in the most expensive trim level.

As a recent test drive showed, both cars feel great off-road, but sometimes you may feel that the suspension is too stiff. Also, unclear steering wheel settings lead to the fact that at low speeds the steering wheel is very difficult, and at high speeds it is easy, which negatively affects controllability.

Price

So we come to the car evaluation criterion that most motorists focus on - this, of course, is the price. So, the initial version of the front-wheel drive Terrano 2017 will cost buyers 895 thousand rubles, and a similar version – 630 thousand rubles. Oddly enough, the Japanese is noticeably more expensive than his today's counterpart. But what about the top modifications of crossovers? The all-wheel drive version of the Terrano costs 1,170 thousand rubles, and the Duster costs approximately 1,000 thousand rubles.

According to many experts and analysts, this difference in cost is due to the somewhat brazen pricing policy of the Japanese company, and the French, with the correct organization of the sales process, can take advantage of this and turn it into their advantage.

Children's magazines often publish attentiveness tests - two pictures that are absolutely identical at first glance, between which you need to find ten differences. Here the window is open, but there it is not. Here the girl has a polka dot skirt, and there she has a plain skirt. To notice all this sometimes you have to spend a good ten minutes. The same situation is with compact crossovers and. Both cars are built on the same platform and are equipped with the same power units and transmissions. So in technical terms, Duster and Terrano are like those two pictures - you still have to look for ten differences.

They tried to distribute these cars to different corners of the market using design. Renault Duster, updated just a month ago, began to look a little more aggressive than the pre-restyling version. The car has a fine-mesh radiator grille, on which there is a large company logo, and quite aggressive front optics. Renault designers also worked on the rear of the car. New S-shaped lights made the appearance of the French crossover a little more stylish. But in general, even after the update, Renault Duster remained itself - a nice little car, which, thanks to its high body and developed wheel arches, looks much more expensive than its real cost. And this is precisely what attracts many buyers.

The co-platform appeared on the market later than the Renault Duster. So he still has a long way to go. In the meantime, we have to state the fact that the Terrano, even without the update, looks angrier and more aggressive than the French crossover. Thank you for this is the signature “Nissan” radiator grille, which can be found on other SUVs and crossovers of the Japanese company, and the angular optics. In the first minutes of meeting the Nissan Terrano, you may get the impression that it has nothing in common with the Renault Duster. But once you look at the car from the side, everything will fall into place. Common body panels, already familiar developed wheel arches, almost identical dimensions, differing by a few millimeters due to different bumpers, absolutely the same profile. General features much more than differences.

Inside, the two crossovers have even more in common. Only a blind person could fail to notice that their front panel has exactly the same shape. Although the designers still tried to add at least a bit of individuality to the interiors of the Duster and Terrano. If in the “French” version the ventilation system deflectors have round shape, then in Terrano they are already rectangular. Otherwise everything is very similar.
Even after the update, Renault Duster did not differ radically from Nissan. Although, it should be noted, the modernization carried out was beneficial for the French crossover. He got rid of the archaic instrument cluster, which was installed on the first generation Renault Logan, and received in return new, quite nice scales in the “wells”. Buyers of the French crossover should also be pleased that the horn button has finally moved from the end of the steering column lever to its usual place. The glossy finish of the center console also deserves praise. Thanks to her, the latter no longer seems so dull. But all this will appear in the updated Terrano.

There is no excess space on the second row of seats in both cars. So, we are not talking about full-size crossovers, but about compact crossovers. They can easily be forgiven for the lack of free space between the knees of tall passengers and the backs of the front seats. You shouldn’t criticize the luggage racks that are not too voluminous either. They in Duster and Terrano have the same volume - 475 liters. If the need arises to transport something really bulky, you can always fold down the rear seat backs. Then the owner of the crossover, in this case no matter what brand, will already have 1570 liters of free space at his disposal.

Before the Renault Duster update, the base for both crossovers was exactly the same - front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. All this is combined with a naturally aspirated gasoline engine, which, with a volume of 1.6 liters, develops 102 horsepower. However, during the restyling, the engine installed on the French crossover underwent a slight modernization, which increased its power to 114 horsepower. But the Nissan Terrano still remains with a 102-horsepower power unit. Another thing is that this state of affairs will not last long. There is no doubt that Terrano will soon undergo a slight modernization. At the same time, and perhaps even earlier, it will acquire the same version of the engine that is currently installed on the Duster.

Video: Renault Duster

But even now, comparing the dynamic characteristics of the two crossovers is almost pointless. If they differ, it will be by some tenths of a second, which is simply impossible to feel in real conditions. In terms of numbers, it looks like this: a Renault Duster with front-wheel drive and a manual transmission, with the most intense acceleration, will reach the first hundred kilometers per hour in 11.8 seconds, and the Terrano during the same time, in the worst case, will lag behind it by half a body. The same gap will remain if we compare versions with all-wheel drive. Although acceleration to hundreds will not be so intense - 12.8 seconds. The situation is similar with fuel consumption. A front-wheel drive Renault Duster with a 1.6-liter engine will consume an average of 9.6 l/100 km in the city. Nissan Terrano will burn 9.8 liters of gasoline over the same distance.

When updating the Renault Duster, the two-liter gasoline engine was also modified. If on Nissan it produces 135 horsepower, then on Renault its power is already 143 “horses”. The difference of eight horsepower seems noticeable on paper, but in reality it is very problematic to feel it. The two-liter Nissan Terrano with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission reaches the first hundred kilometers per hour 11.2 seconds after the start, and the Renault Duster does this exercise even a little slower - in 11.5 seconds. And the fuel consumption of the two-liter Terrano is supposedly less - 11 l/100 km versus 11.2 l/100 km for the Renault Duster. But is this the difference that can tip the scales in favor of one of the cars? Hardly. And so it is in everything. Whatever the indicator, the difference between Duster and Terrano tends to zero.

Video: Why Terrano is better than Duster

Although there is still one difference, and a very serious one, between these cars. The thing is that another engine is offered for the Renault Duster, which is not available for the Nissan Terrano in principle. We are talking about a 1.5-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 109 horsepower. To pair with it, the French only offer manual box gear shift. And for those who do not have a dislike for diesel cars, the Duster with this power unit can be recommended without any doubt. Acceleration to one hundred kilometers per hour, which with a diesel engine under the hood takes an infinitely long 14.9 seconds, is of course not impressive, but in urban conditions diesel engine It will outperform many gasoline power units due to its amazing traction. If you don’t set yourself the goal of always moving with the accelerator pedal fully depressed, then the dynamics of the diesel Renault Duster are enough for the eyes. And in terms of fuel consumption, the diesel Renault Duster is quite a pleasant shock - only 5.8 l/100 km in the urban cycle.

If we talk about the Renault model range, many people notice that the Duster crossovers from generation II are very similar to Nissan SUVs. We are talking about the Terrano model, officially presented in the spring of 2014 and updated in 2016. There is probably no point in comparing the two crossovers - few people are interested in the external differences. The question is why the Nissan Terrano is better than the Renault Duster and whether it is possible to name at least one difference that would justify the higher price characteristic of the Nissan brand.

The author of the video gives a test drive and comparison of two different cars.

Practicality or saving on trifles?

The Nissan crossover has enamel-painted bumpers. Renault uses the same solution. The rear tow hook on the Duster is covered by a hatch, but on the Terrano this hatch is located on the bumper, and does not separate the bumper and the body (see photo).

"Duster" - on the right

The shape of the bumpers is slightly different for two different cars. The overhang angles are also different, and the comparison will not be in Terrano's favor. But the ground clearance remains the same.

Rear overhang of Renault Duster (editorial car photo)

The basic configuration may lack many interesting options. For example, such as the ESP system. The statement applies to two brands at once - just don’t buy the “base”.

It seems that all that distinguishes the Nissan Terrano from the Renault Duster is the richer equipment. Terrano has two power windows in its base, as well as two airbag modules, while Duster has only one airbag. This is where the differences in price come from. The engines are no different.

We are studying the transmission, are there any differences?

Let us remind the reader that the Nissan crossover was constantly updated after its official premiere. Gasoline engines within two years they became more powerful, “catching up” with the characteristics of Renault engines. And now, after the update, it is difficult to understand how the Nissan Terrano differs from the Renault Duster and whether there are any differences at all.

Previously, one could come across publications where they stated that the gear ratios in the gearboxes of different crossovers were selected differently. Now this difference has disappeared - check out the official data.

So, here are two different screenshots. They are provided by Nissan and Renault dealers.

What is the difference between the design of Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano?

Nissan Terrano (left) and Renault Duster (right) - can you find the differences?

Nissan and Renault crossovers differ in design. Nissan products traditionally occupy a higher niche, and the appearance of a Japanese SUV should inspire respect. That's why the elements that immediately catch your eye have been complicated to the extreme. These include: front and rear optics, etc.

Course optics "Terrano"

By the way, the appearance of the Nissan SUV has not changed since May 2014. During the restyling, which followed a couple of years later, only the interior changed.

If we talk about conquering off-road terrain, the differences between the Renault Duster and the Nissan Terrano can be considered insignificant: the shape of the headlights or taillights matters only in the city. This is not so much about practical use as it is about the status of the car.

Car comparison from behind. In the photo Terrano is on top and Duster is below

If you need high status, pay a little more. The buyer of a Terrano crossover knows that his car will go faster than any Renault SUV. True, the superiority is 1-2%. And in version 4x4 (6 manual gearbox + 2.0 l) there is no superiority.

Speed comparison

Firstly, let’s discard the automatic transmission package – the cars drive the same in it. The same can be said about the “4x4+6 manual transmission” version (2.0 l), where the Duster accelerates faster, and its maximum speed is 5% lower than that of the Terrano. In versions with a “basic” engine, the differences will be minimal. The only thing that catches your eye is the different efficiency characteristic of the 4x4 (1.6 l) configuration: the Duster’s fuel consumption in it will be 8.2 liters “per hundred”. The figures exceed the “competitor” figure of 7.6 liters.

Serious test drive of the Duster crossover on video

I didn’t immediately receive a similar version - but there were objective reasons for this: it was necessary to “make friends” with a two-liter engine, a four-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive transmission, since such a configuration was needed only in Russia. However, the French started selling the automated Duster three years ago! And Terrano has been in production for two years now...

Once upon a time, Terrano evoked quite clear “correct off-road associations” - it was a serious frame car with a rear continuous axle. Many people are still happy to buy these cars at secondary market and happily modify them, turning them into real off-road monsters. With the current model, such a number will not work, because its pedigree is not pure, but is the result of insidious inbreeding in order to extract maximum benefits at minimum costs. But this does not mean that the result is bad. Vice versa - !

Now, after three years of painful waiting, Nissan lovers can safely march in friendly rows to dealer showrooms. And we, journalists, took a ride on the “new car” around Serpukhov and Tarusa. We were given just one day to do everything, which is completely logical: apart from the combination of an automatic transmission with all-wheel drive and a modified instrument panel, there is nothing new in the car.

The organizers placed the main emphasis on off-roading - and rightly so. Despite the fact that the car is budget, and has a monocoque body, and for many other reasons it is completely harmless, but it can surprise even a sophisticated driver. True, this surprise is not always pleasant: for example, the horn button on the Terrano is in French at the end of the left steering column switch. And it's infuriating! A considerable number of alternatively “gifted” drivers found on our roads are constantly forced to use the signal - and the Terrano driver helplessly hits the dumb steering wheel hub. Personally, I still haven’t gotten used to this “ergonomists’ joke” after a full day.

It has already been written more than once about the fact that very modest materials were used in interior decoration, and the range of options is meager. Yes, it looks cheap. But you can live, especially if you understand what it is. As brand representatives say, “entrance ticket to the SUV family.” The seat height is adjustable - and thanks for that.

No matter how happy the Nissan people are with the new modification and praise it, the two-liter Terrano drives boringly on the highway. For a brooding old four-speed torque converter, 143 hp. and 195 Nm - catastrophically low. To overtake you have to switch to manual mode and swing the long lever - in automatic mode, the box does not like downshifting and holds a gear until the last, while the engine squeals from overvoltage.

But Terrano knows how to pleasantly surprise: handling in all modes is excellent! In addition, you will have to look for a car with an equally energy-intensive suspension. No potholes are scary for her. At speed, the Nissan seems to float above the road, while maintaining quite distinct responsiveness to steering deviations.

Broken clearings, fields, sandbanks - the Terrano passes them effortlessly, and the suspension praised above does not allow a single breakdown. More than once we faced roads that most of the much more prestigious crossovers would never drive through - but our car, although it gallops, stubbornly moves forward. The owner of such a vehicle will always have a trump card in reserve: even if it is not the fastest on asphalt, but on a country road it can be driven like a rally car. The main rule is that where serious people drive at a low speed, the Terrano will fly at full speed.

With all the wonderful qualities of the car, one question still remains: why did you have to wait for the Terrano, if it’s already been there for a long time? For example, I would definitely choose Nissan for its appearance: in my opinion, Japanese designers “processed” the workpiece better than French (or Romanian, if you remember that in Europe Duster is sold under the Dacia brand). Yes, this is a matter of taste, but it very often decides everything.

Besides this, there are other, less obvious reasons for this choice. At one time, Renault relied on Logan and Sandero - they account for the lion's share of the company's Russian sales. There are no words, the cars are not bad, but the French have firmly established the image of a manufacturer of reliable and inexpensive “people’s” cars. Nissan, in the eyes of many Russians, looks more prestigious, especially if we remember the rich off-road heritage of previous Terranos. That is, people choose not just a car, but a legend. And, knowing this very well, they expect that the new version will account for 40% of the model’s sales.