The midsize SUV category is one of the most competitive in the Philippine market, and for good reason. Filipinos want vehicles that are tough enough for provincial roads, comfortable for long trips, and practical enough to haul the whole family—and their gear. The Nissan Terra Sport 4×4 AT, despite not being a new model, still makes a strong case for all three.
We took it on a full-on road trip from Metro Manila to Pangasinan and back—over 500 kilometers of mixed roads, passengers, and cargo. Here’s how the Terra Sport held its ground, not just as a capable SUV, but as one that’s built to go the distance.
Design: 4/5
The “Sport” in the Terra Sport isn’t just branding—it actually delivers a fresh take on an otherwise rugged platform. Gone is the chrome, replaced by gloss black accents on the grille, door handles, mirrors, step boards, and roof rails. Even the 18-inch wheels are finished in black, giving it a cleaner, more modern look that stands apart from the usual midsize SUV crowd.
There’s a strong, no-nonsense stance to the Terra—wide, upright, and purposeful. The V-motion grille and quad-LED headlamps still look sharp, while the rear LED lighting and subtle badging give it a clean finish. The proportions are solid and balanced—no awkward overhangs or forced styling flourishes.
The result is a design that feels current without chasing trends. It’s understated, but with enough edge to turn heads at a stoplight or seaside resort.
Equipment: 4/5
Step inside and the Terra Sport 4×4 AT makes it clear you’re not riding in a base model. The 9-inch infotainment touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and the 8-speaker Bose sound system holds its own even at highway speeds. It’s an ideal setup for road trips—easy connectivity, decent sound quality, and minimal distraction.
Up front, the dual-zone climate control system keeps the cabin cool, with rear vents that reach all the way to the third row. Even in the mid-afternoon heat of Pangasinan, the entire cabin remained comfortable. USB charging ports are available in both rows, which kept everyone’s devices alive during long stretches.
Safety is covered with blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward emergency braking, and lane departure warning. The 360-degree Around View Monitor was particularly useful on tight provincial roads and parking spots, helping reduce the stress of navigating a full-size SUV in tight quarters.
Other thoughtful touches include auto-folding side mirrors, push-start ignition, and intelligent key access. There’s nothing gimmicky here—just features that make real-life driving easier.
User Experience: 4/5
This is where the Terra Sport quietly proves its worth. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine with 190-horsepower and 450Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The output isn’t earth-shaking, but it’s smooth, confident, and perfectly tuned for long drives and full loads. Whether overtaking buses on the expressway or crawling through sleepy town traffic, the Terra responded predictably and without hesitation.
That said, the Terra rides very much like what it is—a ladder-frame SUV. The suspension leans toward the firm side, and on uneven provincial roads or patchy stretches, it can get a bit bouncy, especially when the cabin isn’t fully loaded. It’s not uncomfortable, but you do feel more of the road than in more car-like crossovers. At highway speeds, however, it settles nicely and remains stable even with wind or passing trucks.
Steering is light and easy, which helps in tight city situations, but it’s not overly loose—there’s enough feedback to keep things composed on open roads. Brake feel is progressive and confidence-inspiring.
Interior noise levels are impressively low, with good insulation from both engine clatter and outside sounds. Nissan clearly put effort into NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) control, which helps offset some of the ride’s truck-like tendencies.
But what really stands out is the space. This is a true seven-seater. The second row slides and reclines, and the third row is genuinely usable—not just for kids, but even for adults on short hauls. Everyone gets decent legroom and their own vents, which is a major win in Philippine family haulers.
Cargo space is another highlight. With the third row folded flat, the rear transforms into a cavernous cargo area that handled bags, coolers, and local goods without a problem.
Value: 4/5
The Nissan Terra Sport 4×4 AT currently retails at about PHP2.4 million. That’s competitive when stacked against top-tier rivals. But what makes it more compelling is how much SUV you’re getting for the money.
You get full 4×4 capability, premium appointments, dependable diesel power, and tech that’s actually useful—not just showroom candy. More importantly, the Terra Sport holds up. After real-world use, it still feels solid, quiet, and well put together. The leather, buttons, screens, and driving dynamics all continue to perform like new.
And because it’s a Nissan, maintenance should be straightforward through a service network that is well-established throughout the country—another key point for those who travel far and often.
Bottomline
Two years since its launch, the Nissan Terra Sport 4×4 AT may not grab headlines, but it doesn’t have to. What it offers is a strong, confident SUV experience that prioritizes the things that matter most: comfort, utility, space, and long-term durability.
Reviewed by Maribelle Alba
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 Issue No. 10