2022 Isuzu mu-X vs Nissan Terra Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

In recent months, the midsize SUV market in the Philippines has been ramping up. Major marques like Isuzu and Nissan have updated their offerings in that market segment, and most of them now have more tech and more modern-looking designs.

Specifically, Isuzu Philippines has brought in the all-new second-generation mu-X. In turn, Nissan Philippines has updated the Terra for the 2022 model year. So how do these two compare in terms of specs?

To find out, we’re going to pit their top-spec variants against each other. That’s the Isuzu mu-X LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT vs the Nissan Terra VL 2.5 4x4 AT.

Two of the latest versions of well-known SUV nameplates go head to head

To start off, let’s compare their sizes. For the all-new Isuzu mu-X, it has a length of 4,850mm, a width of 1,870mm, and a height of 1,825mm. It then has a wheelbase length of 2,855mm, and a ground clearance of 235mm.

Meanwhile, the Terra comes with a length of 4,900mm, a width of 1,865mm, and a height of 1,865mm. It has a ground clearance of 225mm, and its wheelbase length sits at 2,850mm.

Compare the all-new 2022 Isuzu mu-X (left) against the Nissan Terra (right) using the slider

To sum it up, the Terra is longer and taller than the mu-X. The mu-X in turn is wider and has more in the way of ground clearance. The Nissan model however has a slightly longer wheelbase.

As for exterior equipment, both SUVs come standard with LED headlamps, LED taillights, and front fog lamps. Both also come with roof rails. As for turn signal lights, the mu-X uses LEDs whereas the Terra has halogen bulbs.

For wheels, the Isuzu model rides on a set of 20-inch alloys, while the Nissan Terra comes with an 18-inch set. Both also come standard with power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlamps.

Compare the front of the mu-X (left) against the Terra (right)

Lastly, the mu-X LS-E comes with a power gate, whereas the Terra VL gets a regular manual liftgate.

Being midsize SUVs, both the Isuzu mu-X and the Nissan Terra can seat up to seven occupants. Both have 60:40 split-folding second rows with center armrests, and both have a 50:50 split-folding third row. As top-spec trims, both the mu-X LS-E 4x4 and the Terra VL 4x4 also get leather to cover their seats. Both models also come with dual-zone automatic air-conditioning with rear vents.

For the driver, both the mu-X and the Terra provide a push-to-start button, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a seven-inch driver’s instrument display, and electronically adjustable driver’s seats. Do note that the Terra’s steering column can only be adjusted for tilt, while the mu-X's has tilt and telescopic adjustment.

Inside the all-new 2022 mu-X.

Only the Nissan model gets an auto-dimming rearview mirror, plus it is the only midsize SUV in the market right now with a ceiling-mounted flip-down rear monitor (with HDMI input). Then again, both also come with keyless entry, but only the Isuzu-made SUV is equipped with remote engine starting and walk-away auto locking.

For on-board entertainment, the mu-X is kitted out with a 10.1-inch headunit. The Terra meanwhile comes standard with a nine-inch touchscreen. Both can connect to phones via Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB. The Apple CarPlay on the Nissan model can also connect wirelessly. Both models also have an eight-piece speaker set, though the set on-board the Terra are Bose Premium Speakers.

Inside the updated Nissan Terra VL

Furthermore, both models also come with USB and 12-volt charging ports. The mu-X does have a 220-volt accessory socket, which is not present on the Terra. On the flip side, the Terra VL 4x4 comes with a wireless phone charger while the mu-X does not.

Under the hood of the top-spec mu-X is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine capable of making up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. It is then mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a gear-lever controlled manual mode. Power is then sent to a 4x4 drivetrain.

The Isuzu mu-X LS-E's 3.0-liter inline-4 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine

On the other side of the coin, the Terra is propelled by a 2.5-liter turbodiesel mill. At most, it can produce up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. The top-spec Terra also uses a 4x4 drivetrain, and it uses a seven-speed automatic gearbox that also has a gear-lever controlled manual mode.

While both come with 4x4 drivetrains with multiple modes, only the Terra VL comes with a locking rear differential.

The Nissan Terra's 2.5-liter inline-4 YD25DDTi turbodiesel mill

For suspensions, both of these SUV models use a double-wishbone for the front, and a multi-link type suspension for the rear. These two SUVs also use disc brakes for all four wheels. Moreover, both also come with electronic parking brakes. The one on the Terra though lacks an auto-brake hold function, which is present on the Isuzu mu-X.

Regarding safety, both the top-spec mu-X LS-E and Terra VL are equipped with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX child-seat tethers, stability control, parking sensors, a reverse parking camera, speed-sensing door locks, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, a security alarm, and engine immobilizer.

The Nisan model also gets a tire pressure monitor but it has less airbags numbering at six. The Isuzu meanwhile has seven airbags.

The Terra's 360-degree view camera in action

For driver-assist features, both of these SUV's top-spec trims get autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, and blind-spot detection.

The Terra however does have a driver alertness monitor as well as a 360-degree around-view monitor. All of which are not available on the mu-X. In turn, the said Isuzu model gets adaptive cruise control, while the Nissan has standard cruise control.

In comparing both the Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4 and the Nissan Terra VL 4x4 in terms of power, both are on par with each other. We are also certain that both can handle rough roads and rough patches of terrain with ease.

Do you prefer the new Isuzu mu-X's rear end?

But if you’re looking for something that can go all out off-road, you might want to lean more towards the Terra VL 4x4 as it comes with a diff lock.

As for on-board tech, both are equipped with a decent amount. For those who want to be assisted in parking in tight spots though, only the Nissan model has a 360-degree view camera. In turn, the Isuzu model might do well on long road trips due to having adaptive cruise control.

Or do you like the looks of the Terra's rear end?

And lastly, warming up your mu-X is a bit easier due to having a remote starter. It can also aid people who often forget to lock their cars as it can automatically lock itself as you walk away from it.

Have you settled on buying either of these two SUVs? Then watch out for brand new listings of the all-new Isuzu mu-X and Nissan Terra on our car for sale section.