The Terra Sport is the newest version of Nissan’s challenger in the seven-seater midsize SUV segment. Launched by Nissan Philippines in February 2023, the Terra Sport follows the design approach seen in its rivals, such as the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series and the Ford Everest Sport.
With its bold and rugged exterior and well-appointed interior, the Terra Sport aims to provide both off-road capability and long-distance comfort. And Nissan Philippines wanted to prove all these in a long “Go Anywhere” drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Palawan.
But first, let’s talk about the design. The Terra Sport retains most of the design details from the facelifted model launched in 2021. However, it now sports a blacked-out exterior featuring a V-motion grille, fog light housing, under garnish, and 18-inch alloy wheels. These black accents give the Terra Sport a more aggressive and sporty look – perfect for those who aren’t fond of chrome like me.
The journey began at Puerto Princesa airport, where a fleet of Nissan Terra 4×4 units awaited the participants. The first leg of the drive took the journalists to Club Agutaya in San Vicente, covering a distance of 179 kilometers or approximately three and a half hours of driving. The second leg involved driving from Club Agutaya to Seda Lio in El Nido, which was around 119 kilometers and took about two and a half hours.
The Terra Sport demonstrated its prowess on the road throughout the six-hour drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The steering offered a perfect balance of lightness and responsiveness, providing good road feedback and enhancing the driver’s confidence. This precise steering also reduced driver fatigue, making the long drive more enjoyable.
The zero-gravity seats played a significant role in ensuring passenger comfort during the journey. The seats’ design, inspired by NASA, helps distribute body weight evenly, reducing pressure points and providing excellent support. This feature proved particularly useful during wide bends, keeping the driver firmly in place. The lumbar adjustment further enhanced comfort by supporting the lower back. In my stint as a passenger, the zero-gravity seats proved heaven-sent, allowing me to catch up on sleep while on the road.
The Terra Sport demonstrated stability and composure on provincial roads thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. The vehicle effectively absorbed impacts from potholes and uneven surfaces, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
The power delivery from the 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine was more than adequate, offering enough thrust for overtaking maneuvers. While there was a slight delay in power delivery when shifting gears manually using the Terra’s manual mode, it needed to be more significant and bothersome.
During the drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, the Terra Sport achieved a fuel economy of 9.5 km/l, which is commendable for a vehicle of its size and capability. Take note – the drive wasn’t an eco-run, so given our aggressive take on the accelerator, that number was impressive.
Nissan PH took us to a specialized off-road track in El Nido to test the Terra Sport’s off-road capabilities. The track featured various obstacles designed to challenge the vehicle’s 4×4 capabilities. The Terra Sport effortlessly tackled a 20-degree angled side slope, demonstrating its stability and grip on uneven terrain.
Next up was the axle twist test, which involved driving the Terra Sport in 4-Low mode through a series of deep holes. The vehicle’s impact absorption was remarkable, reducing the harshness of the terrain and providing a comfortable ride. The 4-Low mode maximized traction, even when one of the tires was not in contact with the ground.
The off-road track also highlighted the Terra Sport’s hill descent control feature. Driving down a steep slope nose first, the vehicle maintained a controlled descent without requiring braking input from the driver. There was also a reverse camber section at the bottom, showcasing the SUV’s ability to counter its balance in an otherwise tight downhill situation.
A section of the track also required increasing speed while driving through harsh and wet dirt roads. The Terra Sport’s off-road capability shone through as it easily tackled this challenge.
The final test was the hill-start assist, which evaluated the vehicle’s ability to hold its position on an uphill road without rolling backward. The Terra Sport maintained its position on the incline for four seconds, showcasing its capability in various off-road scenarios.
The 2023 Nissan Terra Sport proved to be a capable and versatile midsize SUV during the “Go Anywhere” drive. It showcased its ability to handle both on-road and off-road challenges while maintaining passenger comfort and driving pleasure. With its sleek design, comfortable interior, and advanced features, the Terra Sport offers a compelling option for those seeking a capable SUV for adventurous journeys. Priced at P2,459,000, the Nissan Terra Sport is an enticing choice for individuals ready to explore the great outdoors and go anywhere beyond mall parking lots.
