Nissan Terrano and Urban concepts tipped for 2027 Australia launch

Key takeaways

• Nissan Terrano PHEV tipped as Australia's next Pathfinder from 2027
• Urban SUV PHEV concept shapes Nissan's future SUV design direction
• Production versions of both concepts due within the next 12 months

Nissan has unveiled two plug-in hybrid SUV concepts at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, signalling a major product push built around its Chinese operations. The rugged Terrano PHEV revives an iconic off-road nameplate while the sleeker Urban SUV PHEV targets younger city buyers. Production versions of both are scheduled within 12 months.

For Australian buyers, the Terrano is the headline act. A senior Nissan global executive has indicated the three-row plug-in hybrid off-roader is a strong candidate for a local launch, positioning it as a likely replacement for the recently axed Pathfinder.

Nissan Terrano PHEV could fill the Pathfinder gap

The Terrano nameplate carries weight here. The Terrano II was last sold in Australia back in 1999, making this a significant revival. If it clears local homologation, the new model would launch in right-hand drive with genuine off-road hardware, two prerequisites Nissan Oceania has publicly flagged for any future China-sourced product.

An Australian launch is unlikely before 2027 and pricing is yet to be set. Expect it to line up against the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and the GWM Tank 500 PHEV, both of which dominate the large family off-roader segment locally.

The red-sand Terrano show car leans hard into rugged territory. Highlights include flared wheel arches wrapped around all-terrain tyres, an integrated nudge bar, bonnet vents, an illuminated grille and Nissan badge, auxiliary lights across the bonnet and roof, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel and a roof rack reached by a built-in ladder. Styling cues echo Nissan's new Y63 Patrol with boxy proportions and short overhangs.

Nissan Urban SUV PHEV targets younger buyers

The purple Urban SUV PHEV concept flips the script entirely. Its curvaceous, city-focused design takes cues from the Nissan NX8 and will shape the look of upcoming Nissan SUVs, the brand says. It is aimed squarely at young Chinese buyers who prioritise urban daily driving over off-road ability.

Nissan has not commented on the Urban PHEV's prospects beyond China, and interior details and powertrain specs remain under wraps. Unlike the Terrano, there is no clear Australian pathway at this stage.

What this means for Australia

Both concepts form part of a broader push that will see Nissan introduce three more NEV models in China by fiscal year 2027 with the country now positioned as a global export hub for the brand.

If the Terrano lands here, Nissan will finally have a genuine three-row PHEV off-roader to sell against the Prado and Tank 500.

Frequently asked questions

Will the Nissan Terrano PHEV come to Australia?

A senior Nissan executive has flagged the Terrano as a strong candidate for Australia, though it has not been officially confirmed. Local launch timing would likely be 2027 at the earliest.

What will the Nissan Terrano PHEV replace?

If launched in Australia, the Terrano PHEV would replace the discontinued Pathfinder as Nissan's three-row family SUV, while adding serious off-road capability the previous model lacked.

Will the Nissan Urban SUV PHEV be sold in Australia?

Nissan has not confirmed any plans to sell the Urban SUV PHEV outside China. For now, it is positioned as a China-market concept targeting younger buyers.