Nissan Prairie M12 2.0 i 16V (140 Hp) 4X4


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Nissan Prairie:

The Nissan Prairie is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Nissan from 1981 to 2004. Considered a mini MPV or a compact MPV. It was also marketed as the Multi in Canada and the Stanza Wagon in the United States. In Japan, it was exclusive to Nissan Bluebird Store locations, then later at Nissan Blue Stage sales channels. The Prairie had a very flexible seating capability and sliding rear doors on both sides of the vehicle, with a liftgate in the back. The name "prairie" was derived from French which means an extensive area of relatively flat grassland, similar to "steppe" or "savanna"....(Read more on Wikipedia)

M12 Overview:

Nissan Prairie (M12). With 181 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1590 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 160 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Nissan Prairie M12 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Therefore, specific star ratings and occupant scores are unavailable.

2.0 i 16V (140 Hp) 4X4 Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 140 Hp output combined with the added weight and drivetrain losses of the 4X4 system results in slightly less sprightly performance compared to FWD variants.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy data is not provided, but expect higher consumption than FWD models due to the 4X4 system's increased drag and weight, likely around 9-10 l/100km.

Best Use Case: Ideal for drivers in regions with challenging weather conditions or those needing light off-road capability, prioritizing traction over outright economy.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and practical interior with flexible seating
  • • Reliable 2.0-liter SR20DE engine (common in Nissan models)
  • • Comfortable ride quality suitable for families
  • • Good value on the used car market
  • • Optional 4X4 system for enhanced traction

Cons:

  • • Dated exterior and interior styling
  • • Average fuel economy, especially for 4X4 variants
  • • Performance can feel sluggish when fully loaded
  • • Not Euro NCAP tested, safety data is limited
  • • Limited engine choices (only 2.0L petrol)

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(M11: 1992 - 1998).

General:
Brand:Nissan
Model:Prairie
Generation:M12
Modification (Engine):2.0 i 16V (140 Hp) 4X4
Start of production:1998
End of production:2004
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:140 Hp @ 5800 rpm.
Power per litre:70.1 Hp/l
Torque:181 Nm @ 4800 rpm.
Engine displacement:1998
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8 l/100 km
Maximum speed:160 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.4 kg/Hp, 88.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.8 kg/Nm, 113.8 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1590
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4650 mm mm [290mm more]
Width:1695 mm mm [5mm more]
Height:1400 mm mm [260mm less]
Wheelbase:2600 mm mm [5mm more]
Front track:1470 mm
Rear (Back) track:1460 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/65 R15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Your first impression of the Nissan Prairie in one word? Go!