The 2018 Nissan Terra impressed me in my general review, achieving a solid 4 out of 5 in our overall rating scale. We liked that it drove and handled noticeably better than most of its peers, and it definitely stands out as one of the most attractive looking midsize SUVs on the market today. There were some shortcomings, however, and we’ll talk about them here, but the Terra’s overall package is a good one.
We’ll be tackling technology and safety in the Nissan Terra, putting it through its paces and seeing if there are any points for improvement.
Technology for all Roads
The Terra’s seven-inch Android-based infotainment screen has a good response, but the resolution could be improved. It’s easy to connect a phone via Bluetooth, and plugging it in can activate either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay instantly, so you can run apps like Spotify and Waze in a cinch.
The second row gets a retractable monitor which is essentially a mirror of the infotainment system up front. Unfortunately, it seems sorta tacked on and the resolution is much lower than expected. In any case, you can use it to keep an eye on your music tracks and help with directions from Waze – talk about backseat drivers.
You can cycle the various cameras around the Nissan Terra by activating the smart rearview mirror, then a button press lets you switch from different corners and even a top view with your surroundings; very helpful in parking and off-road situations. Unfortunately, the video feed might be a little too low resolution for some people’s tastes, but it works as intended and the cameras are definitely a unique feature when compared to the Terra’s rivals.
The Nissan Terra has a rotary knob to select 4x4 low or high when the roads end and the mud and ruts begin. Hill start assist, hill descent control, a limited slip differential, and aids like a tire pressure monitoring system and off-road display for angles and power distribution, all add to the already capable powertrain of the Nissan Terra. Speed sensing door locks, automatic headlights with daytime running lights, and cruise control are also standard.
Safety with a Plus
The whole idea of Nissan Intelligent Mobility is a great one, creating layers of safety to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. It’s fantastic to see things like around-view monitors and blind spot indicators entering more segments in the local car industry, and the midsize SUV category has always tried to flaunt the latest safety tech from manufacturers.
The Nissan Terra features blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control, and six airbags. Additionally, you get ISOFIX mounting points for child seats and rear parking sensors.
We just found that activating the around-view monitor was fiddly, having to take an extra step to flip the dimmer on the mirror to get the feed going, then pressing small buttons underneath the mirror’s housing to toggle views. It would have been nice if the system activated automatically when switching to reverse, and if the feed could also be displayed on the larger infotainment screen. In any case, the smart rear view mirror helps if you’re fully loaded with passengers or cargo, since it offers an unobstructed view of what’s behind the vehicle. This, in conjunction with several cameras, make the Nissan Terra the only vehicle in its class that offers exceptional driving and maneuvering visibility.
Hopefully, the next iteration of the Nissan Terra could have adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, putting it higher up the totem pole of midsize SUVs. But then again, that would affect the price, so there’s that.
Specifications
Engine
2.5 LFuel Type
DieselPerformance
190 hp @ 3,600 rpmTransmission
Automatic-
Summary
-
Name Nissan Terra 2.5 VL AT 4x4 Body Type SUV Price ₱2,211,000 Transmission Category Automatic -
Engine
-
Engine Size 2.5 L Displacement 2,488 cc Number of Cylinders 4 Number of Valves 16 Transmission Type 7-speed Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode -
Performance
-
Drivetrain Four-Wheel Drive Max Output (hp) 190 hp @ 3,600 rpm Max Torque (nm) 450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm *estimated -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Diesel Emissions Standard n/a Fuel Capacity 80.0 L Combined Fuel Consumption 9.3 km/L *estimated -
Dimensions
-
Length 4,885 mm Width 1,865 mm Height 1,835 mm Wheelbase 2,850 mm Turning Circle 11 m Ground Clearance 225 mm Trunk Capacity n/a Number of Doors 5 Number of Seats 7 -
Safety & Security
-
Driver's Airbag Front Passenger's Airbag Side Airbags Curtain Airbags Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
-
Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size 18 in Wheels Metal Type 2-tone Alloy Airconditioning System Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control Entertainment System 7-inch Capacitive Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay Connectivity, WiFi, Tuner, USB, AUX, iPod, Bluetooth Connectivity and Video Playback Functions (6 speakers and Rear Flip-Down Monitor) Connectivity Aux-in, Bluetooth, iPod, and USB Navigation Ready Warranty 3 Years (100,000 km) Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
-
Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes n/a Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
Colors
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