Nissan Philippines recently announced some slight updates for the Terra this year. It’s still not the big-time refresh we’re waiting for, but it now makes the PH-spec Terra a new model that can go head-to-head against other fresher midsize SUVs in its segment... or can it?
To find out, we decided to pit it against arguably the most popular arrival of 2020: the new Toyota Fortuner. For this comparo, we picked the top-spec variants of each vehicle. We’re talking about the Nissan Terra 2.5 VL 4x4 AT and the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 LTD 4x4. Let’s take a look.
On the one hand, we have the Terra with its 2.5-liter turbodiesel that generates 187hp at 3,600rpm and 450Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. This powerplant is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. This range-topping variant is also the only 4x4 Terra in the stable.
On the other, we have the Fortuner and its 2.8-liter turbodiesel that’s capable of 201hp at 3,400rpm and 500Nm of torque at 1,600-2,800rpm, and is mated to a six-speed automatic. This new and improved powertrain produces significantly more power and torque than that of the Terra’s.
In terms of added safety features, it’s an even tighter bout. Both vehicles have lane departure warning as well as hill-start and hill-descent controls. The Fortuner, however, has adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision system that the Terra doesn’t. But at the same time, the Terra also has a blind-spot warning feature that’s not available on the Fortuner.
As for extra conveniences, both vehicles have eight-inch touchscreen displays that offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other similarities include the eight-way power-adjust driver seats, the smart keyless entry systems, and the push-to-start ignitions.
Price-wise, however, the difference is again significant. The top-spec Terra is priced at only P2,211,000, while the top-of-the-line Fortuner comes with a P2,414,000 price tag. Frankly, that’s quite a margin. We suspect the more advanced safety features nudged the price up.
What do you think, though, readers? Which of the two popular midsize SUVs would you get if you had to choose? Check out more details of the two below, then tell us your pick afterwards.
Head-to-head specs of the Nissan Terra and the Toyota Fortuner
2021 Nissan Terra 2.5 VL 4x4 AT |
2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.8L LTD 4x4 AT |
|
| Price (Philippine Peso) | 2,211,000 | 2,414,000 |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Seating capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Engine setup | 2.5-liter turbodiesel | 2.8-liter turbodiesel |
| Power (hp) | 187 | 201 |
| Torque (Nm) | 450 | 500 |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 80 | 80 |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Ventilated discs/drum | Ventilated discs |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloys | 18-inch alloys |
| Tires | 255/60 R18 | 265/60 R18 |
| Front suspension | Independent double-wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer bar | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Seat material | Leather | Leather |
| Power-adjustable seats | 8-way power-adjust front seats | 8-way power-adjust front seats |
| Seat ventilation system | No | Front seats |
| Tilt/Telescopic steering wheel adjustment | Tilt only | Yes |
| Paddle shifters | No | Yes |
| Infotainment system | 8-inch touchscreen | 8-inch touchscreen, 9-speaker JBL setup |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes |
| Wireless smartphone charger | No | Yes |
| Smart keyless entry | Yes | Yes |
| Push-start ignition | Yes | Yes |
| Remote start | No | No |
| Parking brake | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Automatic climate control | Yes | Yes. front and rear |
| Ambient Lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Power-folding side mirrors | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | No | No |
| Power liftgate | No | Yes |
| Tire pressure monitoring system | Yes | No |
| ABS w/ electronic brakeforce distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Hill-start assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill-descent control | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Yes | Adaptive |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | No |
| Lane-keep/lane-change assist | Yes/No | Yes/No |
| Forward-collision alert | No | Yes |
| Rear cross-traffic alert | No | No |
| Parking assist | 360-degree view monitor with parking sensors | 360-degree view monitor with parking sensors |
| Airbags | 6 | 7 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4,885 x 1,865 x 1,835 | 4,795 x 1,855 x 1,835 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,850 | 2,745 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 225 | 225 |
