Bohol, an island paradise in the Philippines, offers an unparalleled mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and adventure-filled destinations. Whether visiting the world-famous Chocolate Hills, driving along the scenic coastal highways, or navigating rugged backroads to reach hidden waterfalls, you need a vehicle to keep up with the journey. Enter the Nissan Terra VL Sport 4×2 AT—a robust, comfortable, and capable SUV perfect for exploring Bohol with confidence and ease.
A recent trip to the Central Visayas region gave me a first-hand experience of how it is to explore the provincial side of the Philippines using Nissan’s midsize SUV. I traveled with family – my wife, two teenagers, and one toddler – while also tagging along an in-law. It was a memorable week-long trip, made even special with a trusty steed.
A Spacious and Comfortable Ride for the Whole Family
One of the standout qualities of the Nissan Terra VL Sport is its spacious and comfortable interior, making it an ideal choice for families or groups of six. Long drives across Bohol—from the bustling capital of Tagbilaran City to the serene shores of Anda Beach—can be exhausting in an average vehicle. However, the Terra VL Sport ensures a smooth and fatigue-free journey for all occupants, especially those at the front with Nissan’s renowned Zero-Gravity seats. Even with six occupants, including the driver, the cabin remains roomy, offering ample legroom and a well-cushioned ride.
The third-row seats aren’t generous with space and are best suited for children, though the Terra VL Sport proved it could be cozy enough for teenage passengers. While the floor may be slightly lower than expected, it doesn’t compromise comfort. Whether heading to Panglao Island for a weekend getaway or embarking on a full-day tour of Loboc River, the Terra ensures that every passenger enjoys the ride without feeling cramped – at least for the younger set.
Built to Tackle Bohol’s Toughest Roads
Bohol is known for its diverse road conditions. While the major highways are well-paved, some routes leading to remote attractions can be rough and unpredictable. Fortunately, the Nissan Terra VL Sport’s robust chassis and high ground clearance make it more than capable of handling these challenges. Even on the uneven, pothole-ridden roads leading to Can-Umantad Falls or Alicia Panoramic Park, this SUV effortlessly clears obstacles, ensuring a smooth and stress-free ride.
Some might argue that a 4×4 drivetrain is necessary for true off-road adventures. However, for most of Bohol’s challenging roads, the Terra VL Sport’s 4×2 setup gets the job done. Only the most extreme trails—like the muddy paths leading deep into the forests—would require a 4×4 system. For the typical traveler exploring Bohol’s natural wonders, the 4×2 variant is more than enough.
Effortless Power and Performance
No road trip is complete without a powerful and responsive vehicle, and the Nissan Terra VL Sport delivers on both fronts. Its 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine, producing 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, ensures effortless acceleration, whether cruising on highways or tackling steep inclines.
Driving up the winding roads to Sagbayan Peak or Rajah Sikatuna National Park, I never felt a lack of power. The SUV’s low-end torque provides a strong grunt for climbing steep slopes, while its top-end pull ensures seamless overtakes on the open road. Despite Bohol’s varied terrain, the Terra VL Sport maintains excellent stability and control.
Confident Handling Through Bohol’s Twisty Roads
Bohol is filled with mountain passes and twisting roads, particularly when traveling to Carmen, where the Chocolate Hills are located. Some SUVs struggle with body roll and imprecise steering on these roads, but the Terra VL Sport handles them with a cinch.
Its steering is responsive yet stable, allowing for a controlled and enjoyable driving experience. It may be a tad too tight at lower speeds, but as you accelerate, it loosens up just enough to maintain smooth and effortless handling. The manual mode feature is a bonus, enabling me to downshift when approaching curves, which provides better control when slowing down. For anyone who enjoys driving, the Terra VL Sport makes navigating Bohol’s winding roads safe and exciting.
Packed With Safety and Convenience Features
Safety is always a priority when exploring an unfamiliar place, and the Nissan Terra VL Sport is equipped with advanced safety features to provide peace of mind. Its tire pressure monitoring system ensures optimal tire conditions for long road trips, reducing the risk of unexpected flats. Parking in tight spots—like those found in Alona Beach’s bustling tourist areas—was made easier with 360-degree cameras and sensors that help prevent accidental scrapes and dings.
The Terra VL Sport comes with a forward collision warning, which acts as an extra layer of protection against sudden stops or obstacles. For families traveling with children or elderly passengers, the one-button folding second-row seats allow quick and effortless access to the third row.
Another highlight is the roof-mounted A/C vents that ensure every passenger stays cool even on the hottest Bohol afternoons. Nissan’s air-conditioning system is well-known for its performance, and the Terra VL Sport does not disappoint. Despite the absence of window tinting, the cooling system keeps the cabin refreshingly cold—a significant advantage when driving under the tropical sun.
Fuel Efficiency Without Sacrificing Performance
Fuel efficiency is always a concern for road trips, especially when traveling hundreds of kilometers in between destinations. Over eight days, with driving duties ranging from regular commutes around Tagbilaran City to an all-day adventure across the island, I averaged 9 km/L—a respectable figure considering the varied terrain and frequent acceleration on twisty roads. The Terra VL Sport proves that you don’t need to compromise on performance to achieve decent fuel economy.
An SUV Well-Suited for Exploring Bohol
Bohol’s beauty lies in its diverse landscapes, but truly experiencing everything the island has to offer requires a reliable and versatile vehicle. The Nissan Terra VL Sport stands out as a great SUV for Bohol explorations due to its comfortable interior, rugged durability, impressive handling, and feature-packed design.
Navigating rough rural roads, climbing steep mountain passes, or cruising along the coastline – all of these were achievable with the Terra VL Sport, ensuring every journey is smooth, safe, and enjoyable. Its balance of power, comfort, and efficiency makes it the ultimate companion for anyone looking to discover the wonders of Bohol without limitations.
P.S. I would like to extend my gratitude to Nissan Philippines through Nissan Bohol for handing over the reins of a Terra VL Sport throughout our week-long holiday.
