SIBLING SHOWDOWN: 2023 Nissan Terra Sport vs. Nissan Terra VL

The Nissan Terra Sport recently launched as a new variant for the popular seven-seater SUV in the Philippines.

It comes with some revised styling and blacked-out accents to help differentiate it from the rest of the model lineup.

As the new model, it slots above the top-of-the-line VL variant and even replaces the VL 4x4 model as the most expensive variant. 

With the new variant getting cosmetic changes, it begs the question, is the Nissan Terra Sport worth it, or is the Nissan Terra VL still the better choice?

Exterior

The apparent differences between the Terra Sport versus Terra VL begin with the exterior. While both vehicles retain the same body shape and overall design, the Sport gets a new set of bumpers, blacked-out trim pieces, a new set of wheels, and a black V-motion grille.

The Terra VL, on the other hand, retains the same accents but in chrome instead. Note that the bumpers still include the older design with chrome foglight bezels. The wheels are still 18 inches in size but have a more “spinning blade” like design. 

We love the Terra Sport's black accents as it gives it a sportier appeal. However, the chrome on the  Terra VL gives it an elegant look. It ultimately boils down to personal tastes and budget.

The Terra Sport model is ₱60,000 more expensive than the VL model for what is essentially new bumpers, no chrome, and a new set of wheels. 

Interior and technology

On the inside, the cabin of the Terra Sport and the Terra VL are identical, the only difference being the dashboard. 

The Terra VL gets a red leather accent on the dashboard, while the Terra Sport switches this color option to black instead. The black accented dashboard gives the SUV a more premium look on the inside as it looks much cleaner.

It is another case of personal preference as the interior technology remains the same in both variants of the Nissan Terra.

You still get an 11-inch flip-down monitor for the second and third rows, and you still retain an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.

In addition, all 4x4 variants get an 8-speaker Bose sound system.

Safety

As the Nissan Terra Sport is based on the VL model, it retains all its safety features. This puts both variants on even ground regarding the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of safety features. 

As a quick recap, both the Sport and VL models have the following safety features: 

• Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection (IAVM)
• Intelligent Rear View Mirror (IRVM)
• Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW)
• Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Advanced Drive-Assist Display
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

As for its standard range of safety features, the new SUV variant gets:

• SRS airbags for Driver, Front Passenger, Front Sides, and Curtain Shield
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with 4-Wheel Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS)
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) With Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
• LED High Mount, Stop Lamp
• Anti-Theft System with Alarm and Engine Immobilizer
• 4-Eye (Front and Rear) Parking Sensors

Power

Under the hood, the 2.5-liter turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine remains unchanged for both models. It still pushes out 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque.

A seven-speed automatic transmission is still the gearbox of choice for the SUV for the majority of its lineup, which is also available for its 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains. 

Verdict

So, the Nissan Terra VL and its Sport variant counterpart share the same features with minor differences.  

The following are the prices of the Nissan Terra Sport and VL models:

• Terra VL 4x2 - ₱2,059,000
• Terra VL 4x4 - ₱2,399,000
• Terra Sport 4x2 - ₱2,119,000
• Terra Sport 4x4- ₱2,459,000

It's a case of different strokes for different folks. The VL is the way to go if you want something more premium. However, if you want something that looks more athletic and stands out, the Sport variant is the one. 

The differences are minor, but the Sport is the newest SUV variant, which makes it eligible for the ₱60,000 increase. However, the plain Jane VL is still available if you want a flashier finish, as both models are being sold simultaneously.