Nissan Terra 2019

Nissan announced the Terra early in 2018, then proceeded to release the new nameplate in the Chinese market. The SUV was launched in the Philippines towards the end of May in the year 2018. An infant nameplate, Nissan released this model in an arena with stiff competition that comprised of many well-known brands. 

The launch price of the Terra was set at P2,096,000 (VL Premium 4x4 AT), P1,899,000 (VL Premium 4x2 AT), P1,697,000 (VE High 4x2 AT), P1,615,000 (EL Mid 4x2 AT), and P1,499,000 (EL Mid 4x2 MT). Pre-orders were available on June 1, 2018, while customer deliveries commenced  on August 2018.

Based on the D23 platform which the Terra shares with its midsize pickup sibling, one can expect the ride of this SUV to be smooth. Thanks to its rear multilink suspension that has a total of five links and a stabilizer bar. The front of the Terra has a independent double-wishbone setup with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Brakes are discs up front and drums at the back.

This platform is coupled with the YD25 inline four-cylinder engine, with a variable turbocharger (VGS), that is tuned to the same specification as the top of the line Navara. This engine produces 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque coursed through a seven-speed automatic transmission. The top model will come with a 4x4 system that features part-time 4WD, with 2H/4L/4H transfer select switch. 

With fully independent suspension all around, a punchy diesel engine, ample road feedback from the wheel, the Terra makes a good case for driving dynamics in the world of midsize SUVs. The vehicle can come equipped with a 4x4 system that allows it to go offroad with ease if need be. Heavy steering is the tradeoff for more feel, and body roll is expected. Hard acceleration and braking were handled well by the Terra, and the surge in power that most diesel engines are known for is less perceptible, allowing for a smoother speedup. 

While Nissan is known for having some of the best air conditioning systems in the industry, but the Terra comes with just more than this one cool system. At the center of it all lies the Terra’s infotainment which is updated from its launch model. Coming in at eight-inches in diagonal length, this screen will be where the around-view monitor and backup camera outputs to. Other features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. 

The middle row of passengers get amenities as well. With high variants receiving a HDMI port to interface with the monitor placed in the ceiling of the car behind the driver and front passenger. Also for the upper variants are the blind-spot monitoring, audible lane departure warning, along with automatic headlights and parking sensors. Thanks to Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility suite, all of these features make commandeering this vehicle more effortless. 

The exterior of the Terra is easy to like thanks to its very robust body structure. In the middle to high-end trims, the headlamps are an LED with a set of DRLS, while the rear has the signature LED fishhook design – a shape that is shared with the DRLS in the front end. The general look of the Terra is striking without appearing overly styled. Simple lines and creases dominate the design, which can be epitomized by the V-Motion front grille on the fascia. 

The wheels come in either 17- or 18-inch sizes and from the VE variant up, the SUV gets a rear spoiler that extends the already-stylish rear profile. New for all 2020 year models is the combination black and chrome grilles that are a departure from the silver and chrome as found in the launch models. 

The Nissan Terra is available in six colors, which are: Brilliant Silver, Galaxy Black, Fiery Red, Earth Brown, Lunar Metallic Gray, as well as Aspen Pearl White. 

The interior of this SUV isn’t the most embellished out there. It features simplicity as a key trait that it comes with. Couple that with the many tech features that Nissan places, the highlight are the features rather than the actual interior wow-factor. Durability and longevity are undoubtedly highlights in this regard. Higher trim levels will be able to come with leather upholstery on both the steering wheel and the seats. This is executed in a chocolate brown color that adds a little life to an otherwise plain interior. 

Cabin space for the Terra is adequate. Front and middle-row passengers can enjoy enough space. Third-row seating, while present, is enough for small kids and smaller adults. 

The good mostly outweighs the bad with regard to the Nissan Terra. Thanks to its sizeable specifications, it enjoys torque on tap and is responsive and takes orders well. Thanks to its suspension setup, and the fact that it is based on the Navara, the Terra enjoys a refined ride for its class. It’ll glide easier over bumps and uneven patches of road better than other midsize offerings in the market without a rear-multilink suspension. To top it all off, it’s well packaged, surrounded with style and muscularity that is appropriate for its segment. 

A few gripes that the Terra is with regard to the interior being made of plastic elements. There are soft touches scattered throughout the cabin, however, but it’s opulent. Its simple lines and dark color palette would elude to the longevity-driven interior since it shares many similarities with the Navara as well.