1987 Nissan Terrano I (WD21) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Nissan Terrano I (WD21) weighs between 1540 kg to 1835 kg (about 3395 to 4047 lbs) depending on the configuration and trim. Its maximum weight capacity, which includes the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and fuel, ranges from 2250 kg to 2300 kg (approximately 4960 to 5071 lbs). This weight range reflects its robust build for handling both on- and off-road conditions.

The Nissan Terrano I comes with a luggage capacity of 425 liters (15 cubic feet) when the rear seats are in place. When the rear seats are folded down, this space expands significantly to 1550 liters (about 54.7 cubic feet). This makes the vehicle quite versatile for carrying from daily groceries to bulky cargo for trips.

This generation of the Nissan Terrano is equipped with 15-inch rims, which complement off-road and general driving needs. The tires typically come in two size options: 215/65 R15 and 215/75 R15. These tire sizes contribute to the vehicle's rugged versatility and ground clearance suitable for SUV driving.

With its length of 4365 mm (about 171.9 inches or roughly 14.3 feet), width of 1690 mm (66.5 inches or 5.5 feet), and height of 1680 mm (66.1 inches or 5.5 feet), the Nissan Terrano I generally fits into a standard residential garage. Typical single-car garages are around 6 meters (approximately 20 feet) deep and 3 meters (around 10 feet) wide, so the Terrano's dimensions fall comfortably within these limits, leaving enough room for opening doors and storing additional items.

The Nissan Terrano I (WD21) was essentially Nissan's first generation Terrano SUV model introduced in 1987, so it has no direct predecessor under the Terrano name. However, if compared to similar Nissan off-road vehicles of the time, such as the Nissan Patrol, the Terrano I was smaller, more compact, and urban-friendly, focusing on a lighter SUV experience rather than the larger, more rugged Patrol. The WD21’s dimensions and weight emphasized a balance between manageable city driving and off-road capability, unlike the bulkier prior large off-road models.

The Nissan Terrano I (WD21) falls into the compact SUV segment of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Compared to competitors like the Toyota 4Runner or Ford Bronco II, the Terrano is quite similar in size—slightly smaller than the larger full-size SUVs but offering comparable length and height to these compact off-road vehicles. Its length of 4365 mm and width of 1690 mm makes it more maneuverable in urban environments while still being capable off-road. Its ground clearance combined with its tire width also gives it a competitive stance in this class.

Although exact official ground clearance figures for the Terrano I vary slightly by trim and market, it typically offers around 205 mm (8.1 inches) of ground clearance. This substantial clearance allows it to handle typical off-road terrain effectively, including rocks and uneven surfaces, without risking underbody damage. This feature is a key part of the vehicle’s SUV identity, making it suitable for adventurous driving conditions.

The Nissan Terrano I (WD21) generally seats five passengers with a standard 2-row seating arrangement. While exact interior width and height specifications are not always detailed, its exterior dimensions support a comfortable cabin with ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers. The relatively compact width of 1690 mm is moderate, providing a cozy yet functional passenger cabin for family and utility use.

Yes, the Nissan Terrano I (WD21) came in several body styles including a three-door and a five-door SUV version. The three-door typically offered a slightly sportier, shorter usable cabin space but retained the same footprint length and height. The five-door version was more practical for families and cargo space, enhancing usability without significant changes to external dimensions. These variants allowed buyers to select based on their need for passenger capacity or cargo flexibility.