You may not be aware of it if you’re not an avid car shopper, but Nissan actually has a midsize SUV offering, and it’s called the Nissan Terra. Mildly refreshed for the 2020 model year, the seven-seater is actually a respectable seller for the Japanese marque, with sales figures taking up around 20 percent of the brand’s total number of units sold in a month.
Measuring 4885mm x 1865mm x 1835mm, the 2020 Nissan Terra offers a large body that translates to larger cabin space—all of its occupants get to enjoy more room, making it a more comfortable vehicle to ride in. Combine that with the ultra-cool air conditioning system that Nissan is known for, and you’re always in for a truly relaxing ride inside this SUV offering.
Under the hood, the 2020 Nissan Terra offers a little more power and torque despite its 2.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine, which has a relatively smaller displacement compared to its biggest rivals. This small but powerful engine is mated to either a 7-speed automatic (with manual mode) or 6-speed manual gearbox, and delivers 187hp along with 450Nm of torque.
Inside, the 2020 Nissan Terra boasts a contemporary-looking interior. Even the knit-type fabric upholstering in the base model looks and feels more than your average seating material. Meanwhile, the 2020 Nissan Terra’s infotainment system offers USB, Bluetooth, and Aux connectivity, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility reserved for the top units.
Safety-wise, the 2020 Nissan Terra excels, thanks to its Nissan Intelligent Mobility Suite available in the higher trim levels. The option to have a slew of advanced safety features, including Intelligent Rearview Mirror, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Departure Warning, makes this SUV an ideal option for someone who considers safety as a top priority.
The Nissan Terra has a price range of PHP1.52 to 2.18 million. For those looking for other midsize SUVs to buy, here are your best alternative options.
Toyota Motor Philippines just launched the refreshed version of the Toyota Fortuner last October. Providing power to the LTD and Q grades is Toyota’s trusty 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV, dishing out 201hp and 500Nm. The V and G variants on the other hand, are propelled by a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV engine which gives 147hp and 400Nm. The 2GD engine in particular, has been improved to provide a “five percent improvement in fuel efficiency versus the previous-generation Fortuner.”
The seven-seater surprises with a lot of elegance interior-wise, especially when compared to the ruggedness of the sheetmetal. Gone are the faux wood trimmings of old, dropped in favor of a more modern design approach. Nevertheless, soft, leather surfaces abound, giving occupants a homey, secure feeling while in the Fortuner cabin. The 60:40 split folding bench seats can be slid forward or backward for more space. What's more, the seat backs can even be reclined to some degree. Third row seats are easy to be tuck away, thereby elevating storage flexibility.
Said to be “more confident, prestigious, safe” than the model it replaces, the latest Fortuner now hosts a number of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) driver assistance features including a lane departure alert, pre-collision system, and adaptive cruise control, among other new additions.
The two available variants of the Santa Fe are powered by a 2.2-liter CRDi diesel engine the delivers 197hp and 442Nm of torque. This engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional—although the latter doesn’t appear to be available locally.
The fascia of the Santa Fe is striking, starting from the slim LED headlights with dynamic bending function, to the wide grille, large bumper, and on to the LED fog lamps. Turning to the side, the vehicle is characterized by sharp lines, which gives it an overall crisp look; and who would miss those prominent wheel arches and stylish two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels? As for the rear, it comes enhanced by a stylish spoiler, wrap-around LED taillights, and a muscular bumper finished off with dual exhaust pipes.
Inside, the Santa Fe looks every bit as premium as its counterparts, which may convince many folks that its two-million-plus price tag is reasonable. Onlookers will enjoy the three-spoke steering wheel with audio/phone controls, power/electronic front seats, and leather surfaces among others. The star of this SUV's interior is the tablet-like seven-inch infotainment system (with Apple Carplay or Android Auto) that dresses up the middle of the dashboard. The vehicle also has a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster and an electronic parking brake.
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport now carries the Three-Diamond’s Dynamic Shield design theme, putting it in line with the rest of Mitsubishi’s current lineup. Inside the engine bay of the Montero Sport is Mitsubishi’s old reliable 2.4L MIVEC Turbo Clean Diesel engine that pushes its flagship SUV to 179hp and 430Nm of torque. Shifting is managed either an 8-speed Automatic with Sports Mode for the upper trims and a 6-speed manual for the base GLX 2WD. An Active Stability and Traction Control system allows manage engine output, power distribution, and braking force for improved road grip on different types of terrain.
For its interiors, the new Montero Sport’s cabin welcomes a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system called ‘Smart Audio Display’ complete with Bluetooth and USB as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity while also allowing for use as AM/FM radio and navigation tool. Interior comfort is enhanced by 8-way power-adjustable seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and an electrical outlet plus two USB charging ports for rear passengers. A full leather interior, six-speaker audio system, hands-free access tailgate, and ergonomic steering wheel controls round out the cabin’s plush furnishings.
Standard safety features come plenty for the 2020 Montero Sport, which include: airbags (six for the GT and two for the GLS), anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), ISOFIX tether anchors, side impact beams 3-pt. ELR seatbelts all around help make the cabin safer for occupants of any age in case of collision. Advanced safety comes by way of hill start assist, hill descent control, trailer stability, forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning with lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, and Mitsubishi’s signature Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC) system.
In addition, to dissipate any fears connected to the sudden unintended acceleration brouhaha that Mitsubishi got embroiled in in the past, the Montero Sport now comes with an Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMMS) takes care of any trepidations you may have about your SUVs’s brakes going awry.
The latest Isuzu mu-X is available with two engine options: the 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC that’s good for 148hp and 350Nm, and the more powerful 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TCX that gives off 175hp and 380Nm. Transmission options come in a pair as well: 6-speed manual with Gear Shift Indicator and a 6-Speed auto with Sequential Shift. Wheelbase is 2845mm, and ground clearance is a tall 230mm, but wading depth is a surprisingly low 600mm.
The latest Isuzu mu-X boasts a plush interior made up mostly of soft-touch surfaces, with blue ambient light thrown in for added style. The dash has multiple USB charging ports with 12-volt accessory socket. An 8-inch touchscreen handles infotainment functions and navigation. The unit is Wi-Fi and USB link compatible, and links to a 10-inch roof mounted DVD monitor so you can keep the young ‘uns preoccupied with their kiddie movies during travel. An automatic climate control system ensures temperatures are always comfortable in-cabin.
Safety features abound in the mu-X, starting with the basics: dual SRS airbags, ELR seatbelts, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, and a nifty brake override system. The top two LS-A trims get additional goodies with driver assistance features such as hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic stability, and traction control,. The top trims also come with engine immobilizer, reverse sensing system, reverse camera, and anti-theft alarm.
Variety is one of the Isuzu mu-X’s strongest suits, and its six different trim options prove it. The lineup includes two 4x2 manuals (RZ4E LS 4x2 MT and RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT), three 4x2 automatics (RZ4E LS 4x2 AT, RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT, and 3.0L 4x2 LS-A AT), and a lone 4x4 with automatic transmission (3.0L LS-A 4x4 AT).
The Kia Sorento has entered its fourth generation in the global markets, but we don’t have that model yet. Instead, meaning we still have the last of the third generation. Even if it’s an “old stock,” the 2019 Sorento model is a real looker, so buyers probably won’t mind that it’s not the latest model.
A lone 2.2 CRDi Diesel engine that delivers 197hp and 441Nm of torque powers the two variants in the Seltos lineup, which includes a 4x2 and 4x4 unit. This engine—the same one installed in the Hyundai Santa Fe—is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic feature.
The Sorento interior reveals a spacious interior that can fit seven adults comfortably. Driver controls take on an intuitive and ergonomic design, with folding seats that provide ease of entry and exit for rear passengers, not to mention boost cargo storage immensely. Exuding an “elegant and comfortable functionality,” the roomy interior is made more welcome with comfortable seats and tasteful appointments such as a 7-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, automatic climate control, rear cabin ventilation and cargo storage compartment for better organization. Safety systems include hill start assist, electronic stability, advanced braking, and an advanced high strength steel body.
Photos from Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Isuzu
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