2022 Nissan Terra 2.5 VL 4x2 | The Best PPV in the Market Today

I’ve probably mentioned this several times already but the start of AutoPH’s growth as a motoring media outlet could not have started without the Nissan Terra so of course, we were very excited when Nissan Philippines announced that they will be launching the facelifted model.

Initially introduced in 2018, the Nissan Terra nameplate quickly found itself as one of the more popular models in the very competitive midsize pick-up based SUV segment. While it did well pretty much all-around, of course it wasn’t perfect. We’ve already tried the refreshed VL 4×4 variant back in August 2021, just before the launch. This time, we have the 4×2 version.

So did Nissan tick all the right boxes with facelifted Terra, and did they improve on all that it needed to?

Design Impressions

Unlike most mid-cycle refreshes, Nissan went big with the Terra. The whole front fascia has been changed with a more upscale appearance that looks to be inspired by the latest Patrol, the brand’s flagship SUV. The V-Motion grille has been made more angular and larger while the headlights have been upgraded to quad-beam LEDs similar to its Navara sibling. On the side, it rides on a very nice looking set of 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels which make it appear like the vehicle is constantly moving.

The rear on the other hand also received noticeable updates such as the new taillights which now look sharper. I must say though that they look too much like those of the Toyota Fortuner especially at night, while the chrome piece that was added connecting them looks a bit out of place.

Perhaps the biggest change with the updated Terra is the interior. The dashboard has been completely revised with a new overall design, new steering wheel, more premium surfaces, as well as improved technology which we’ll dig deeper into later. As this is the VL 4×2, it gets a large padded leather portion on the dashboard, finished in Burgundy Red. The seats on the other hand, while they are the same Zero Gravity seats, have been enhanced further with a more plush leather material with a star pattern which adds a luxurious touch to the cabin.

Overall, while Nissan did a good job with the exterior revisions, they definitely outdid themselves when it came to redesigning the interior. It’s very easy to conclude that they fixed one of the biggest complaints with the pre-refresh version.

Practicality and Comfort

In terms of practicality, the refreshed Terra does not disappoint. There are enough storage spaces around the cabin for your personal items such as your smartphone, wallet, keys, personal drinking bottles, and others you would have on you. It did however lose the cupholders next to the climate vents on the dashboard which some people might actually be looking for. I personally don’t mind as I rarely use them.

Space and comfort for passengers is also not a problem, specifically on the second row as the Terra is known for its theater-style seating. This means the 2nd row seats are positioned slightly higher than the front seats and this also means that passengers sit higher. Some people do not like this set-up as it robs headroom but being 5’7” in height, it’s not a problem to me. In fact, I find the Terra’s rear seats to be among the most comfortable and spacious in the segment.

For cargo storage, the Terra is right in the leagues of its competition such as the Ford Everest. It offers a decent amount of space with the 3rd row seats up while folding them down increases by more than double.

Technology and Safety

Nissan has always been on the forefront of technology, much more so in recent years and the Terra spares no expense. For starters, the VL 4×2 comes with a 9-inch NissanConnect infotainment system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. This system is surely one of the best in the segment with its easy to use and responsive screen, and good graphics. Apple CarPlay does have some connectivity issues at times which is why I would still prefer a wired connection. Rear passengers also get a flip-down monitor on the ceiling for watching movies.

Meanwhile, this Terra also gets a rear-view monitor. Basically, a camera at the rear windshield projects an image to the rear-view mirror, allowing for a better view especially at night. This still takes getting used to but I didn’t mind using it at all as it is a very helpful system.

Since its introduction in 2018, the Nissan Terra was known for being loaded with safety tech on its higher variants. That is still true to this day with its full suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility. This means the Terra is still equipped with functions such as Intelligent Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and an Around View Monitor. It is lacking Adaptive Cruise Control which is already a standard feature among its competitors with all the aforementioned safety tech.

Engine

Unlike in other markets which get a 2.3L twin turbo diesel engine, the local-spec Terra keeps the same engine under the hood. The 2022 Nissan Terra is still powered by a 2.5-liter Inline 4-Cylinder YD25 Turbo Diesel Engine that produces 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Despite it being an older powertrain, it is actually among the most powerful among 4×2 models in the segment.

Driving and Comfort

I’ve driven the pre-facelift version of the Terra a handful times and I have to say that it was one of the better performing models in its segment. That remains the same until now but with further improvements to make the overall experience a bit more premium.

As no improvements have been done to the powertrain, driving the refreshed Terra feels pretty much the same as before. It still offers really good power and torque once you put your foot on the accelerator, not once did I feel the need for any more. There is a noticeable delay in shifting at times with its 7-speed automatic transmission but it’s definitely not bothersome and does not negatively affect the driving experience by a large margin. Steering response is also pretty decent and if I’m not mistaken, Nissan has done some tuning here to make it a bit more responsive and lighter, nevertheless, I hope they can still improve it a bit.

When it comes to comfort, the Terra is hands-down the best in the segment in my opinion. The suspension has been tuned to offer a good balance of softness for a smooth ride and enough stiffness to make it less bouncy. Road and wind noise insulation is pretty good as well with only a little bit of both getting inside the cabin at highway speeds. The only problem we really have is the engine noise which tends to get loud at city speeds, especially if you compare it to the Isuzu mu-X and Mitsubishi Montero Sport which are both a lot quieter.

For fuel economy, the Nissan Terra 2.5 VL 4×2 does not disappoint. Being a bit lighter than the top-spec VL 4×4, we were able to get an average of 11 km/l in mixed city and highway conditions where we brought it around Metro Manila, and to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. For comparison, with similar conditions, we would usually achieve 14 km/l in our Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.4 GT 2WD, and 11 km/l in our Ford Everest Sport 2.0 4×2.

Conclusion

The Nissan Terra, despite some of its previous shortcomings, was already a great package as it was before it was given the major refresh. This new one definitely fixed the problems of the old one, and even improved in aspects it was already good in. If you’re looking for a 7-seater midsize SUV that offers everything you want and need, then this is definitely for you.

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Vehicle Summary

Make: Nissan
Model: Terra 2.5 VL 4×2 A/T
Engine: 2.5-liter YD25DDTi Inline 4-Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Maximum Power and Torque: 190 hp @ 3,600 RPM, 450 Nm of Torque @ 2,000 RPM
Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Estimated Fuel Economy: 11 km/l Mixed City and Highway
SRP: Php 2,014,000