Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Mid-size SUV threesome comparison!

Updated Nov 11, 2022

Here's a three-way spec-sheet comparison of the three hottest mid-size SUVs available in the Philippines today: Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport.

In this article...

  1. 1. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Introduction
  2. 2. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Exterior Features
  3. 3. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Interior Features
  4. 4. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Engine and Performance
  5. 5. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Safety Features
  6. 6. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport Philippines: Price
  7. 7. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Verdict

1. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Introduction

Without a shadow of a doubt, Filipinos really love SUVs. Particularly, seven-seater, mid-size SUVs. And who can blame us? These vehicles are large enough to fit your entire family comfortably, whilst having the capability to tackle less than savory terrain which is unfortunately still common in the country.

But which is the better mid-size SUV? The hyper futuristic-looking Mitsubishi Montero Sport? The large and in-charge Nissan Terra? Or the sleek but macho Toyota Fortuner?

Let’s find out once and for all with this three-way spec sheet battle of Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero!

Before we proceed though, note that we’ll be comparing the top of the line variants for each model. This way we can keep this article simpler. Let's get started with Philkotse.com

Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero

Which will rule the mid-size SUV segment?

2. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Exterior Features

Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero: Interior Features

 
Toyota Fortuner
Nissan Terra
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Length (mm)
4,795
4,885
4,785
Width (mm)
1,855
1,865
1,815
Height (mm)
1,835
1,835
1,805
Wheelbase (mm)
2,745
2,850
2,800
Ground Clearance (mm)
193
225
218
Front Suspension
Double wishbone with Coil Springs and Stabilizer
Independent double-wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer
Double wishbone with Coil Springs and Stabilizer
Rear Suspension
4-link with coil springs, stabilizer, and lateral rod
5-link with stabilizer bar
3-link w/ coil springs with stabilizer bar
Brakes Front/rear
Ventilated disc/ventilated disc
Ventilated disc/drum
Ventilated Disc/Disc
Rear Differential
Rear Differential Lock
4WD-DIFF lock system
NA

In terms of size, the longest vehicle in terms of body length is the Nissan Terra, next comes the Toyota Fortuner for sale, then the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Weirdly enough, the Terra has the tightest third-row seating among these three. The Fortuner’s third-row folds sideways and will hamper cargo space.

A picture of the Nissan Terra on a road.

Nissan Terra is brusque and muscular

When it comes to width, the Fortuner is the widest by far, the terra coming in second, and the narrowest is the Montero Sport. All vehicles though have decent elbow rooms.

As you can see from the table above, the Nissan Terra’s wheelbase is the longest and that’s reflected with its stability at high speeds. The Montero Sport, however, has been known for the longest time to have the best handling among mid-size sedans here in the country. Essentially, the Mitsubishi made SUV handles like a car. While still competent, the Fortuner has a bit of body roll going on. Or rather, it tends to squat and dip when accelerating or decelerating.

A picture of the Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner is a more conservative yet elegant...

In terms of off-road capability, the Fortuner despite its short ground clearance can do the job. The same goes for the Terra. Both have 4x4 and both have locking differentials.

As of now, the Montero Sport’s latest version still doesn’t have a 4WD version.

A picture of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport exudes a youthful modern look...

>>> Full-scale review of these three SUVs can be found at: 

3. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Interior Features

Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero: Interior Features
Feature
Toyota Fortuner
Nissan Terra
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
With
With
With
Front Parking Sensors
No
With
No
Rear Parking Sensors
With
With
With
With
With
With
Air Conditioning System
Automatic Climate control with rear vents
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Entertainment System
6.5-inch capacity screen, DVD, CD, Tuner, Call Function, Audio Streaming, Six speakers
7-inch capacitive touchscreen, Video playback, Flip-down monitor, Six speakers, Audio Streaming, Call Function
8-inch Smart display LCD touchscreen, Tuner, Six speakers
Connectivity
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, AUX, USB, iPod, Bluetooth
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, AUX, USB, iPod, Bluetooth
 
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, Bluetooth, HDMI
Navigation Ready
With
No
With
Power Steering
With
With
With
Power Windows
With
With
With
Power Outlet
With
With
With
Steering Wheel Audio Control
With
With
With
Keyless Entry
With
With
With
Push Start
With
With
With

From the table above, these three SUVs are just as capable as each other when it comes to keeping their passengers comfortable. There are however some minor differences.

The GT Line of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport for sale doesn’t appear to have an AUX jack. While some say that’s an archaic feature, it is nonetheless still found aboard the Terra and Fortuner. Why? Well, it’s still the easiest, most hassle-free way to play your phone’s music.

A picture of the Nissan Terra's dashboard and steeringwheel.

The Nissan Terra's cockpit looks very much like the one aboard the Navara's

A picture of the Montero Sport's interior.

Like its exterior, the Montero Sport's interior has a lot of modern touches and features

A picture of the Fortuner's interior

The Fortuner's interior like the other two is modern, comfortable, and well built

>>> Related: Which 2020 Nissan Terra should you buy? [Philkotse Guide]

4. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Engine and Performance

Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero: Engine & Performance
 
Toyota Fortuner
Nissan Terra
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Displacement
2,765
2,488
2,442
Number of Cylinders
4
4
4
Number of Valves
16
16
16
Transmission Type
6-speed automatic w/ Sequential Control
7-speed automatic with manual mode
8-speed automatic with sports mode
Drivetrain
4WD
4WD
RWD
Max Output (HP)
174
190
176
Max Torque (Nm)
450
450
430
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Fuel Capacity
80
80
68

In terms of horsepower, the most powerful by far is the Nissan Terra for sale, next is the Montero Sport, and then the Fortuner. Note though that the Terra and the Fortuner make the same amount of torque which is 20 more than the Montero Sport. The rev range where peak torque comes into play is just the same with the Nissan and the Toyota at about 2000 RPM. The Mitsubishi’s comes at a later 2,500 RPM.

The Terra and the Fortuner notably has a fuel tank that can carry 12 liters more than the Montero Sport. This might be that they need it because activating 4WD uses more fuel but regardless, a larger fuel tank is definitely more useful on long road trips. Note however that the Montero Sport has longer legs in the form of an eight-speed automatic and that potentially means better fuel mileage on highway runs.

A picture of the Montero Sport's rear end.

The Montero Sports rear end

A picture of the Toyota Fortuner's rear end.

The Toyota Fortuner's rear end

A picture of the Nissan Terra's rear.

And the Terra's. Note that the Terra has the tightest third-row seats among the three

>>> More car comparison for your further reference: 

5. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Safety Features

Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero: Safety Features
Safety Feature
Toyota Fortuner
Nissan Terra
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Driver’s Airbag
With
With
With
Front Passenger Airbag
With
With
With
Side Airbag
With
With
With
Curtain Airbag
With
With
With
Knee Airbag
With
No
No
Electronic Brake Distribution
With
With
With
ABS
With
With
With
Immobilizer
With
With
No
Security Alarm
With
With
With
Stability Control
With
With
With
Speed Sensing Door Locks
With
No
With
ISOFIX
With
With
With
Cruise Control
With
With
With
Rear Parking Sensors
With
With
With
Hill Start Assist
With
With
With
Trailer Sway Control
With
X
With
Brake Assist
With
With
With
Traction Control
With
With
With
Hill Descent Control
With
With
NA

All three SUVs in this comparison come with their own proprietary driver-assist features. Toyota does have one more airbag for the knees.

Also, the Terra doesn’t have trailer sway control.

All in all, these three vehicles have been highly rated for passenger safety by a lot of vehicle safety organizations. So, rest assured, all are very competent in keeping your loved ones safe in the event of an accident.

>>> Another decent mid-size SUV is the Hummer H3 2017, check it out!

6. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport Philippines: Price

Nissan Terra price in the Philippines
Variant
Price
Nissan Terra 2.5 4x2 EL MT
Php 1,504,000
Nissan Terra 2.5 4x2 EL AT
Php 1,620,000
Nissan Terra 2.5 4x2 VE AT
Php 1,717,000
Nissan Terra 2.5 4x2 VL AT
Php 1,919,000
Nissan Terra 2.5 4x4 VL AT
Php 2,146,000

>>> View full Nissan Terra price list with the estimated monthly payment

Toyota Fortuner price in the Philippines
Variant
Price
Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G Diesel 4x2 MT
Php 1,607,000
Toyota Fortuner 2.7 G Gas 4x2 AT
Php 1,612,000
Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G Diesel 4x2 AT
Php 1,697,000
Toyota Fortuner 2.4 TRD 4x2 AT
Php 1,791,000
Toyota Fortuner 2.4 V Diesel 4x2 AT
Php 1,921,000
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 V Diesel 4x4 AT
Php 2,260,000

>>> Get Toyota Fortuner downpayment and installment price

Mitsubishi Montero Sport price in the Philippines
Variant
Price
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLX 2.4 4x2 MT
Php 1,565,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x2 AT
Php 1,769,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT 2.4 4x2 AT
Php 1,998,000

>>> Check out full Mitsubishi Montero Sport price list

If you’re surprised that the Mitsubishi Montero’s top of the line GT has become the cheapest top of the line model, then remember that it doesn’t actually have a 4x4 version.

Note though that the Terra and especially the Toyota Fortuner has a better spread to accommodate a wider array of budgets. Both of them, however, have a more expensive base model compared to the Montero Sport.

7. Nissan Terra vs Fortuner vs Montero Sport: Verdict

Let’s look at it this way. Each of these three mid-sizes, seven-seater SUVs has each of their own strengths and weaknesses but all of them are good vehicles.

A picture of the Fortuner off road.

The Fortuner can get up to speed well but its noticeable body roll can be a bother at times

The Fortuner has a decent interior but the way its third row folds to the sides which of course doesn’t maximize its trunk. It does have decent power though and the interior is comfortable. It does suffer however with its still present squat and dip and slight body roll when doing some quick driving maneuvers. In terms of looks, it’s the sleeker example present in the market today.

 Then there’s the Terra which of course is notorious for its rather tight third-row seats. However, its horsepower rating is the highest among the SUVs for sale available in the market which is great if you’re after top speed. And with its long wheelbase, the Terra is expected to be stable. It’s relatively new as a model though, so if you’re looking to modify it, you might now get as much compatible aftermarket parts as the Fortuner and the Montero Sport.

A picture of the Nissan Terra.

The Nissan Terra is the most powerful of the three

And lastly, the Montero Sport is a marvel of automotive design. It’s really modern looking and the interior is really roomy. Note however that Mitsubishi Philippines is yet to release a 4WD variant of the Montero Sport so for now, it’s actually a soft-roader. Well yeah, sure you can take it on unpaved roads but don’t expect it to pull itself out of the mud.

A picture of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

The Montero's lack of a 4WD variant is a huge minus so we hope Mitsubishi Philippines will work on that soon

So, in the end, …it’s all up to you, the buyer. We hesitate to provide a clear winner in this three-way but from this article, we trust that you can identify what mid-size SUV is best for you.

For more comparison articles like this one keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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