The all-new Terra is a midsize SUV by Japanese auto giant Nissan that promises to take you anywhere. Flaunting a sculpted physique and packed with exciting innovations, this versatile vehicle is meant to compete with other 7-seater midsize SUVs such as Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X, and Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Nissan offers four variants available in the Philippines today namely, the base 2.5 EL MT 4x2, 2.5 VE AT 4x2, 2.5 VL AT 4x2, and top-of-the-line 2.5 VL AT 4x4. Available color options includes Nebular Metallic Red, Lunar Metallic Grey, Galaxy Black, Brillant Silver, and Aspen Pearl White.
Launch
Globally, the Nissan Terra was unveiled in April 2018 at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, Terra being a Latin term for Earth. It was introduced as a replacement for the Nissan Pathfinder, which was available from 2005 to 2012, and sits in between the X-Trail and Patrol in terms of size and dimensions.
Locally, the Nissan SUV was launched in May 2018. In some markets such as the Middle East, the midsize SUV is offered with a 2.5-liter gasoline powertrain, while Nissan Philippines only offers a diesel powertrain.
In 2021, the Terra then recieved an updated model for the Philippine market. This update provides the Terra with a new front fascia, a redesigned rear end, and more on-board tech.
Exterior
As of 2021, Nissan Philippines released the all-new Terra. It comes with a good deal of exterior design enhancements. For the front, it gets a new Nissan V-Motion grille pattern, a pair of new quad-LEDs with auto-leveling function, new LED taillamps, and a set of new 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
The latest version of the Nissan Terra’s spacious cabin features a spcaious interior that can seat up to seven adult occupants. It's higher-spec variants are equipped with leather upholstery on Zero-gravity seats. Likewise, the new steering wheel is also clad in leather. Other surfaces on the top-spec Terra, like it's dashboard, also has loads of soft-touch surfaces.
As for the second-row seats, they slide and are split into 60:40. It also offers a tip-up entry which means passengers can easily access the seats on the last row. The reclinable third row can be split into 50:50, providing more space for cargo storage at the back.
Technology & Safety Features
Providing entertainment is a new nine-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also a new feature is wireless charging. Moreover, the 2022 Nissan Terra also comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility which offers intelligent around-view monitors and an off-road information display.
Of course, the one-touch remote for tumbling and folding of seats and a roof mounted monitor with HDMI port located at the ceiling are also retained. Higher variants are equipped with audible lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and automatic headlights. Safety is further expanded with the presence of six airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, among others.
Platform & Chassis
As an updated version of the current generation model, this robust SUV still uses the Nissan F-Alpha platform. It guarantees a pleasant ride in the city, whilst providing the strength and flexibility for off-roads use. That said, the suspension system for the new Terra retains the independent double wishbone with coil springs and a stabilizer bar for the front. The rear end meanwhile, is equipped with a multi-link suspension and a stabilizer bar. Braking is supported by discs at the front and drums at the rear. The parking brake for the VL trims however is now electronic.
Engine & drivetrain
Like the previous iteration of the Nissan Terra, all of its variants are powered by the 2.5-liter YD25 DDTi inline-4 turbodiesel engine. At most, it is capable of generating 187 hp at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission for the entry-level EL variant, and 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode for the rest of the variants.
Likewise with the outgoing Terra, only the top-ranging VL variant gets a 4WD system that comes with a transfer select switch for seamlessly changing drivetrain configurations. It comes with a 2WD rear wheel drive mode, a 4WD high gear for high-speed off-roading, and 4WD low gear for driving through steep and rough roads smoothly.
