The Philippine SUV segment has seen quite a few new players in the past few years. Vehicles from China and South Korea have started to crawl into the local automotive scene, shaking things up with more modern-looking offerings.

However, segment staples keep up with the competition with refreshed models — like the Toyota Fortuner and the Nissan Terra. To find out which among the two facelifted nameplates best suit your needs, we pit both vehicles against each other in a midsize SUV showdown.

First, let’s head on to the tale of the tape.

Exterior

Toyota Fortuner

• Dimension (L x W x H): 4,795mm x 1,855mm x 1,835mm
• Wheelbase: 2,745mm
• Ground Clearance: 193mm

Nissan Terra

• Dimension (L x W x H): 4,900mm x 1,865mm x 1,865mm
• Wheelbase: 2,850mm
• Ground Clearance: 225mm

Even from a distance, the Nissan Terra looks taller and larger than the Toyota Fortuner. Its redesigned exterior also gives it a more menacing look which kind of goes well with its beefy dimensions.

At the front are quad-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling function, automatic light with follow-me-home feature, and daytime running lights (DRLs) with LED signature. The lighting setup — including the LED fog lamps — flanks the Terra’s newly designed chrome grille.

On its side are body-color side-view mirrors with turn signal, auto-hold, and power adjust functions.

In addition, there are silver side step boards and mudguards. From here you can also see its silver roof rail. At the back are LED taillamps and a rear spoiler.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Fortuner brings to the table its own take of what a modern aggressive SUV is. Its split-type LED headlamps perfectly match its small, yet sharp exterior. Along with the headlights are LED DRLs and LED fog lamps that border its mesh-type, blacked-out radiator grille.

Its side profile features blacked-out door garnishes, black and chrome door belt molding, as well as mud guards front and rear. Like the aforementioned Terra, the Toyota Fortuner also has a roof rail.

At the rear you get sequential LED combination lamps with a line guide. There’s also a power outside rear-view mirror with welcome lamp.

With both midsize SUVs bringing class-leading looks and features. This round’s a tie.

Interior

Both Japanese brands prove why they’re ahead of the game as the two midsize SUVs are chockfull of upscale interior amenities.

This time, we start with the Toyota Fortuner. Inside the cabin are leather seats with maroon accents and a front-seat ventilation system. The leather-wrapped steering wheel with Galaxy Black trims has paddle shifters and controls for audio, calls, cruise control, and has lane departure alert.

There’s also an eight-inch audio system display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Smart Device Link. Audio is delivered to a nine-speaker JBL sound system.

The Nissan Terra’s interior, on the other hand, takes things up a notch. Found are zero gravity-type black leather seats that blend well with the abundant burgundy leather interior trim. The center armrest sports the same burgundy leather on the dashboard that houses its nine-inch advanced touchscreen display audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is sent to the eight-speaker Bose Premium sound system.

At the back is an 11-inch flip-down monitor that’ll keep kids — and those young at heart — entertained during long trips.

The Nissan Terra also features a multifunctional leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio, calls, the driver-assist display, and cruise control.

This round goes to the Nissan Terra because of its more modern interior amenities.

Engine

Under the hood of the Toyota Fortuner is 2.8-liter, four-cylinder, DOHC variable nozzle turbo engine with an air-cooled intercooler. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic and delivers 201hp and 500Nm of torque.

Nissan packed the Terra with a 2.5-liter DOHC mill with a variable turbocharger and an intercooler. The diesel powerplant is mated to a seven-speed automatic (with manual mode) and produces 187hp and 450Nm of torque.

Thanks to its more powerful engine, this round goes to the Toyota Fortuner.

Safety

Both midsize SUVs show their customers that safety is the top priority. That’s why Nissan fitted the Terra with a suite of airbags and seatbelts, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), vehicle dynamic control (VDC), eight parking sensors, and an anti-theft system.

It also has the Nissan Intelligent Mobility system which adds an intelligent around-view monitor, intelligent rear-view mirror, intelligent forward collision warning, and intelligent emergency braking, among others.

Not to be outdone, Toyota equipped the Fortuner with a set of airbags and seatbelts, ABS with EBD and BA, vehicle stability control, hill start assist control, downhill assist control, six parking sensors, and a panoramic view monitor.

The Fortuner also has the Toyota Safety Sense which adds a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.

With more safety features to offer, this round goes to the Nissan Terra.

Variant and pricing

Toyota Fortuner

• Toyota Fortuner 2.4 4x2 G MT – P1,633,000
• Toyota Fortuner 2.4 4x2 G AT – P1,723,000
• Toyota Fortuner 2.4 4x4 V AT – P1,842,000
• Toyota Fortuner 2.8 4x2 Q AT – P2,012,000
• Toyota Fortuner 2.8 4x2 LTD AT – P2,254,000
• Toyota Fortuner 2.8 4x4 LTD AT – P2,414,000

Nissan Terra

• Nissan Terra 2.5 EL 4x2 6MT – P1,649,000
• Nissan Terra 2.5 VE 4x2 7AT – P1,829,000
• Nissan Terra 2.5 VL 4x2 7AT – P1,999,000
• Nissan Terra 2.5 VL 4x4 AT – P2,339,000

Verdict

The rightful winner of this showdown is the Nissan Terra. While it may appear that both midsize SUVs are neck and neck, the Nissan Terra takes the win with better interior design and amenities as well as its comprehensive safety features.

Photos from Toyota and Nissan 

Also read: 

Tech a look inside the Nissan Terra

Toyota launches Fortuner GR Sport in Thailand

Which 2021 Nissan Terra color is best for you?