SUVs are brutes. They’re taller, muscular, more powerful but also suffer from a few drawbacks like a rougher ride even on pavement, too many plastic bits for durability, and their tech are outdated aesthetically. Have you seen their touchscreens? It’s like they pulled it from the first Samsung Galaxy phone. No one complains because that’s the status quo. Besides, if an SUV can get you out of your destination’s harsh road conditions easily, you’re not in a position to whine.
The Nissan Terra tried to challenge the norm back in 2018 when it was introduced. It has a better ride, has a few tricks like those buttons that will flip down the second row, and the digital rearview mirror. However, it suffers from the same fault its competitors have – lack of refinement. It has modern tech dependent on visuals but the rear view mirror and touchscreen have low resolutions, pretty ironic.
It all changed with the 2022 Nissan Terra. Aside from putting in better screens, they’ve overhauled the interior for a more supple experience. For this VL 4×4 trim we’re treated to a two-tone burgundy and black cabin with leather being prominent even on the dashboard. There’s a 10-way power adjustable seat for the driver, which are molded better and feature a more aesthetically pleasing design even for the second row. The steering wheel was also revised and now has a flat bottom while the spokes became slimmer despite having a myriad of buttons.
At the center of the dash is an updated array of tech. There’s a new 9-inch touchscreen with an updated interface and even though it’s not as modern as a low-end smartphone, it operates smoother with the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Under that is also a new interface for the dual-zone aircon controls that retained the physical knobs and buttons to operate it. Below it are the charging ports which include a USB-C connection, pretty nifty, and a wireless charging pad. It’s just weird to see the 12v socket closer to the driver instead of the rotary knob for the 4×4 system. The icing on this cake is the 8-speaker Bose sound system.
Out on the road, the new Terra felt holistic, like this is what should’ve been implemented in the first place. The stellar ride quality is now supported by these premium amenities that make for a great driving experience. Contact points like the steering wheel and door panel are finished in soft touch leather. The cabin is quiet, the Bose sounds full, and the camera systems are now displayed at a better resolution. Vehicle info is also easier to see thanks to the colored 7-inch display between the gauges.
The only downside to the driving experience is the ironic steering wheel. I love its design, but functionally it’s weird. When you’re doing tight turns like U or 2-3 point turns, it’s heavy. Get up to speed and it becomes lighter but on the highway, it doesn’t really firm up. Not that it’s as light as a crossover’s steering wheel but I would like to have that extra assurance on higher speeds. Lastly, there’s no telescopic adjustment for this which is an oversight given this price point.
There were no changes done in the powertrain portion. It still has the 2.5-liter engine with 190PS and 450 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed automatic with manual mode. It’s not the most powerful there is but it’s more than enough to take you on most rough patches in rural roads. As for thirst, in the city it gets 7.5 to 8 km/l depending on the traffic in your area, and on the highway I got 16km/l without wasteful overtakes.
Passengers would like the new Terra as much as the driver. As said before, there’s a USB-C charging port infront, but there’s also one at the back, behind the center console. Bonus if they’re of average height around 5’5 to 5’6 because it’s definitely roomy here. There’s enough legroom on the second row even if you adjust it forward to give the third row passenger more leg space. There’s air vents for everyone, and an 11-inch flip down monitor for the rear occupants. Another quirk though is the HDMI connection for this monitor is in the third row so if no one’s there, it’s a bit of a hassle.
Safety is still of utmost importance for the Terra. It gets 6 airbags, ABS, 4 parking sensors on both ends, and stability control. This VL trim gets additional Nissan Intelligent Mobility perks like Around View Monitor, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Blind Sport Warning, and Emergency Braking among others. The Terra would do its best to avoid an accident with these toys, but of course, it’s better if you’re just as focused as this SUV.
The Nissan Terra has become a car that you’ll look back on everytime you park the car. Its bigger grille has been simplified with chrome slats instead of the former honeycomb, making it look closer to the Nissan Patrol. This is flanked by the new quad-LED headlights and signature daytime running lights that give it a futuristic look.
If there’s any fault with its exterior, it’s at the back. There’s no power tailgate here despite the price point. Personally, I’d rather have that than the Bose sound system, but product planning isn’t that easy. Besides, I haven’t really found a situation where a power tailgate proved crucial, even before my time with the Terra.
The Nissan Terra VL 4×4 isn’t the most expensive in its segment at P2,339,000. It’s far from perfect but with everything driven and done, the only thing that bothers me is the weight of the steering wheel – something I can get used to. If that’s the trade-off for a very comfortable and safe ride, I’d still sign the paperwork for it. It’s way past its former self that finally, it’s apt to call it a refined SUV.