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2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 Review

Sophomore year for Nissan's midsize SUV. Can it still shake up its seniors?

Earl Lee
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 Review
Contents

Whenever a relatively new model comes up with a slight refresh, we often write a feature for it to showcase what's new, not a full-blown review. However, given that the Nissan Terra that we reviewed before still had hype surrounding it, had tech features great for its time such as the Around-View Monitor, and staggered other competing nameplates even as a newcomer meant that we had to take a close look at a 2020 model to see whether the improvements were done to it still makes other pickup platform vehicles (PPVs) cry. 

Aptly enough, this 2020 Nissan Terra VL 4x2 variant we got was our top pick in our Terra Variant Comparison Guide for the 2019 model year, so let's see if our recommendation holds any water. 

4.2 / 5
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 Review
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.5/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.0/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.0/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.0/5
What You Will Like
  • Refined ride for an SUV
  • Handsome Looks
  • Nissan Connect System is more seamless that prior iterations
What You Won't Like
  • 360-Degree camera lacking in quality
  • Interior is uninspiring
  • No speed sensing door locks
How We Do Our Reviews
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Rear Quarter
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Side
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Front +1

The Terra remains one of our favorite-looking midsize SUVs. It looks quite good at almost every angle, and all of the lines are very intentional. There are no curves and swoops that smooth out and form waves of pleasantries. No, these are hard and direct lines that say, "excuse me," in a very assertive but civilized manner. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Grille
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Spoiler
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Taillight

Nissan knew it had a good thing going on with the Terra and decided to add some well-deserved updates and standardizations. The front now features a black and chrome V-motion grille along with a spoiler that is standard for VE models and up. I feel that the additions made to this model make it an even better-looking SUV in our opinion. 

Other than that though, the 18-inch wheels are still the same, the front bumper and the headlight and fog lamps are still there, as are the “fishhook” DRLs, park lights, taillights, and side mirror turn signal lights, which are so wonderful to look at. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Dashboard
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Middle Row
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Third Row

You know those old stereotypes of hot girls having no personality? While that may not ring true anymore in modern media because brains can be behind a pretty face, in the realm of midsize SUVs in the Philippines, the Terra is certainly a good looking charmer on the outside and a bit basic on the inside. There are lines found around, but none of them ignite excitement. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Legroom Middle
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Leg Room Front
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Legroom Rear

There are good points about it though, such as the brown leather upholstery that adds some much-needed character, as well as the generous amounts of air vents and even an LCD screen. We’re not too fond of the piano black plastics, however, but we do appreciate the fact that it’s not found everywhere. Though, we are a bit irked at the short and stubby center armrest. We wish that it’s extended even just a bit. Oh, and passenger space is also excellent, except for the third row which is good for small humans. I can fit back there, but at 5’8”, it’s a squeeze and definitely not for long trips. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Cargo Third Row Up
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Cargo Middle Row Tumbled
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Cargo Third Row Folded

The cargo space at the back is very similar to other PPVs. The third row folds flat and a false floor can be removed if you need that extra storage height. The second row is also foldable and can be tumbled with a pair of one-touch switches in the front to aid ingress and egress for the third-row passengers. It’s handy for avoiding shouting matches about where the fold and tumble levers are. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Rear Multilink Suspension
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Front Quarter
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Climate Control

There is a spectrum when it comes to ride comfort in cars. Save for premium SUVs, most ladder-frame vehicles will perform slightly worse than your run-of-the-mill crossover. The Terra is not most ladder-frame vehicles, but it’s not a crossover. It sits in the middle of an SUV and a crossover in terms of ride comfort.

That being said, it’s a cut above other ladder-frame midsize SUVs, and a well-behaved performer on the potholes of Manila. Going over humps at an angle is forgiving, I really appreciate the multi-link suspension, and it’s really class-leading, but the bar wasn’t too high to clear anyway. The only other vehicle that surpasses a crossover with a ladder frame chassis in the Nissan lineup is the Patrol, and that is in a league of its own. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Infotainment Nisssan Connect
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Side Mirror Camera
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Backup Camera

We were able to experience the old infotainment system of the Terra, and it was a marked improvement over other PPVs back in the day. Now, with the new Nissan Connect system, not only does it look more integrated into the dash, but it is also home to one of the model’s crowning features, the around-view monitor. There is no denying that in tight spots, this feature is godsend, but its camera quality could do with a bit of improvement. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Rear Screen

Using the infotainment system was fair, and the sound system was quite acceptable and enjoyable to use. The touch screen was responsive and easy to operate, and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity worked seamlessly. The addition of an HDMI port, along with a flip-down LCD screen sweetens the deal. 

Despite the minor shortcomings, I believe the Terra is one of the better-equipped SUVs in its class, but I would have preferred a passive entry system that would lock the doors automatically once you walk away.

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Passenger's Airbag
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Driver's Airbag
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Side Airbag

In terms of airbags, the Terra’s got you covered. You get 6 airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle dynamic control, parking sensors, and the aforementioned 360-degree camera system along with blind-spot warning lights, lane keep and lane departure warning. 

Well-equipped. Well-endowed. Well-to-do. I’m satisfied with the kit that Nissan has given, now if only cruise control were smarter. We can’t fault it, however, since it has a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Rolling

Being behind the wheel of the Nissan Terra is familiar if you’re used to sitting tall in SUVs, but a bit alien if you’re accustomed to sedans and crossovers. Make sure you’re seated properly because the steering wheel is quite heavy. Handling is quite alright with a bit of body roll as expected. Handling in the city is a bit tedious thanks to the steering, but the around-view monitor allows for tight and calculated turns and parking maneuvers. At higher speeds, without any throttle input, the vehicle tends to understeer, but that’s expected given its class. Through the corner, it holds quite well. 

The SUV is powered by Nissan’s 2.5L turbo-diesel engine. It’s a rather old powerplant that is also found in the Navara, and it shows. The turbo takes a little longer than usual to reach peak torque, but once it gets up there in the rev range, it is a very capable performer with 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The transmission isn’t lethargic either, with relatively quick and smooth gear changes. There are no paddles, but the lever selector is adequate and has good tactility. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Front Quarter

The Terra gets respectable figures in the city and is rated at about 7 km/L in bumper to bumper traffic. In-town Sunday cruises of 60 km/h yields about 10 km/L. When given a stretch of highway, the Terra averages about 16 km/L cruising at 90 km/h. 

Respectable figures, and quite good considering its size. I went through one week with just one full tank and a little top-up to ensure I get home. 

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Nissan Terra Rear door

Back in 2018, when the Terra made its first appearance in the Philippines, it was a head-turner of an SUV. That statement remains true until today. We're still fond of the Terra, and it does have its own charm which ends once you open a door. It’s another love affair once you’re in the driver’s seat, or in the back watching your favorite TV shows on the flip-down screen. 

Nissan did something right with the Terra. It may have an interior that will leave you wanting, but the tech features inside are like beer-goggles, they distract you from the rather uninspired aesthetic. It’s a nice save all things considered. 

As tested, the model we reviewed is priced at P1,949,000. For less than P2,000,000, you get a good looking and well-equipped model that performs admirably. I don’t see how you can go wrong with the Terra as long as you don’t have a major in interior design – kidding. We mean as long as you like simplicity on the inside. 

Exterior Photo Gallery

2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Rear Quarter
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior 18-inch Wheel
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Exterior Taillights +15
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior power seat controls
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior legroom third row
2020 Nissan Terra 4x2 VL Interior Middle Row Seats +30

Specifications

Engine

2.5 L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Performance

190 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Summary

Name Nissan Terra 2.5 VL AT 4x2
Body Type SUV
Price ₱1,984,000
Transmission Category Automatic

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

Colors

Nissan Terra Aspen Pearl White Aspen Pearl White
Nissan Terra Brilliant Silver Brilliant Silver
Nissan Terra Forged Metallic Copper Forged Metallic Copper
Nissan Terra Galaxy Black Galaxy Black
Nissan Terra Lunar Metallic Gray Lunar Metallic Gray
Nissan Terra Nebula Metallic Red Nebula Metallic Red

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