On the non US Terranos, where they drive from the right side, it makes sense that they move the tire behind the driver, it gives you a better view out the back window... I prefer to be able to see more on the passenger side of my truck...
For the american, my guess - they moved it center, as opposed to moving the entire swing arm... so it doesnt block that passenger side view as much.
When we built mine, I actually would have preferred my tire closer to the drivers side, so I could use more of the back window for checking in traffic.