2022 Nissan Terra vs Toyota Fortuner Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

Nissan Terra vs Toyota Fortuner: Battle of the macho SUVs

The SUV market here in the Philippines is competitive; scratch that, it’s hypercompetitive. These seven-seater midsize SUVs after all, are the go-to car class for many Filipinos. They’re perfect for those with a sizable family, and great for dealing with the occasional rough road and pothole. 

Now, two of the more popular models in this class are of course the Nissan Terra Philippines and the Toyota Fortuner. The former of which, received an update recently in September 2021. The Fortuner in turn, was also updated back in December 2020. 

So, which of them are better on paper? To find out, we’re comparing their respective top-spec variants. That’s the Terra VL 2.5 4x4 AT against the Fortuner LTD 2.8 4x4 AT.  

Let's find out which of these two SUVs are better on paper

Nissan Terra vs Toyota Fortuner: Exterior

To kick off this car comparison, let’s start with their dimensions. For the new Nissan Terra, it is 4,900mm long, 1,865mm wide, and 1,865mm in height. Its wheelbase length clocks in at 2,850mm, and it has a ground clearance of 225mm. 

The Fortuner LTD meanwhile, has a length of 4,795mm, a width of 1,855mm, and a height of 1,835mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,750mm, and a ground clearance of 193mm. 

The Nissan Terra (left) from the front, compared to the Toyota Fortuner's front (right)

To sum it up, the Terra is wider and longer than the Toyota model. The Nissan model also has a longer wheelbase, and significantly more ground clearance. 

As for their exterior equipment, both the top-spec Terra and Fortuner come standard with auto on/off LED headlamps, LED taillights, LED daytime running lamps, and LED front fog lamps. Both also come with roof rails, power-folding side mirrors, and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Which midsize SUV do you think looks better?

The Terra also comes with rain-sensing wipers and an automatic leveling for its LED headlamps. These two features are absent on the Toyota-made SUV.

Nissan Terra vs Toyota Fortuner: Interior

Moving on to interiors, both the Terra VL 4x4 and the Fortuner LTD 4x4 can accommodate up to seven adult-sized occupants. Both are also kitted out with automatic climate control systems with rear vents, wireless phone chargers, USB and 12-volt charging ports, leather seats, 60:40 split-folding second rows, and 50:50 folding third rows. 

For the driver, both models also feature power-adjustable driver’s seats, a push to start button, and a leather-clad multi-function steering wheel. On the Terra, its steering wheel has tilt manual adjustment. The Fortuner meanwhile comes with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, plus it also gets front seat cooling. 

Compare the updated Terra VL's interior (left) with the Fortuner LTD's using the slider

To keep its occupants entertained, the Terra VL has a nine-inch touchscreen headunit with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The Fortuner LTD’s touchscreen meanwhile, is smaller at eight inches. Besides that, it gets the same connectivity options as the Nissan model though its Apple CarPlay is not wireless. Despite being larger, the Terra VL’s has fewer speakers numbering at eight. The Toyota in turn, has nine speakers.  

And lastly, the Fortuner has a power tailgate while the Terra has a manual tailgate. The Terra also has an auxiliary ceiling-mounted monitor, which is not present on the Fortuner. 

>>> Related: Toyota Fortuner 2020 for sale

Nissan Terra vs Toyota Fortuner: Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Nissan Terra VL’s powerplant is a 2.5-liter inline-4 turbodiesel. At most, it can churn out up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. It uses a 4x4 drivetrain that’s paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. 

The Terra's 2.5-liter inline-4 turbodiesel engine

On the other side of the coin, the Toyota Fortuner LTD uses a 2.8-liter inline-4 turbodiesel engine. It can make up to 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to all four of its wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. 

In summary of their powertrains, one can see that the Toyota model produces a bit more horsepower, and significantly more torque. Apart from that though, both of their 4x4 drivetrains are switchable between 4x4 and 4x2. Both also have locking rear differentials. 

The Toyota Fortuner's 2.8-liter inline-4 turbodiesel mill

When it comes to suspensions, both models are similar. The Terra and the Fortuner, both use a double wishbone for the front, and multi-link for the rear. Both also have disc brakes for all of their four wheels.  

As of its update however, the top-spec VL trims have gained an electronic parking brake, which is not available on the Fortuner. 

>>> Related: See the best Toyota Fortuner 2021 price

Nissan Terra vs Toyota Fortuner: Safety

When safety is concerned, both the Terra VL and the Fortuner LTD are the top dogs in their respective variant line-ups. This is because the former has the Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety suite, while the latter comes with the Toyota Safety Sense.  

The Terra's 360-degree around-view monitor in action

What that means is both of these vehicles come standard with adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, a 360-degree view camera, blind-spot detection, and pre-collision warning systems. What the Toyota lacks that is available on the Nissan SUV though, is automatic emergency braking. 

Other than that, both vehicles are also kitted out with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, ISOFIX child-seat tethers, stability control, an engine immobilizer with car alarm, and parking sensors.  

>>> Related: See more old Nissan cars for sale

The around-view monitor on the Toyota Fortuner

Then again, Fortuner LTD lacks a tire pressure monitoring system which is present on the Terra VL. The Nissan in turn has six airbags, while the Fortuner has seven due to having a driver’s knee airbag. 

Nissan Terra vs Toyota Fortuner: Price

Nissan Terra vs Toyota Fortuner: Conclusion

As top-spec models, both the Nissan Terra VL 4x4 and the Toyota Fortuner LTD 4x4 are chock full of on-board tech and safety equipment. So as functioning as family cars, so many won’t have qualms about these two. The Terra though can appease the most paranoid drivers with its automatic emergency braking system. 

Do you like how the updated Terra looks from the rear?

Then again, the Toyota Fortuner LTD offers a whole lot more when it comes to torque. So if you need something that can haul your family and lug along a lot of cargo (maybe even a trailer), then you might want to lean more towards the Toyota.  

Do note however that the Terra VL’s output is still no joke. It can still very much handle heavy loads, plus it is as capable as the Fortuner LTD in off-road situations since it also has a limited-slip differential. 

Or do you like the Toyota Fortuner's rear end better?

>>> Related: Used Fortuner for sale in Philippines

So which is better? Well, we’ll leave that up to you to decide by taking each of them out for a test drive. For more comparison articles, keep it here on Phil kotse.