Terrano has never enjoyed the popularity of the Cherokee or Discovery. It's a competent and reasonably affordable family/leisure 4x4, nonetheless. It lags behind the class leaders on rough terrain, but its habitat and habits are more typically suburbia and towing a horse trailer or caravan - so macho ability is hardly an issue. Terrano meets most needs as family transport, with five-door cars offering the best load flexibility plus potential seven-seater accommodation. Styling is not to everyone's taste, but all models are reliable and increasingly good value.
Three engines have powered Terrano. The 100bhp 2.4-litre petrol unit ran from 1993-2001. It wasn't a sprinter, but was fairly relaxed at motorway speeds. The 2.7-litre diesel has also been around since launch, but was greatly improved in 1996, when it gained an extra 25bhp and an intercooler. But it still remains slow, plodding and noisy. The 3.0Di - from 2002 onwards - is a strong performer, but lacks the refinement of more modern engines. None of the units impress.
A low ratio gearbox and long-travel suspension means that Terrano is a tough off-roader. It's an excellent tow-car, too. But on the road, it falls behind nearly all of its rivals, with lots of bodyroll through corners, vague steering and a notchy gearchange. The soft ride is well suited to towns.
Air Conditioning, ABS, CD/Radio, Alloy Wheels, Tow Bar, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Remote Central Locking, Power Assisted Steering.