When Nissan introduced this mid-size SUV in 2018, the front end looked vaguely familiar. It was a Navara with a proper body shell with more seats. The badge itself was intimidating, because Terra in Latin/Portugese is a term for Earth or Land, which means that Nissan built and designed the Terra as an all-conquering metal behemoth, be it on or off the road.
This writer remembers Nissan PH organizing an off-road event in Pampanga, wherein lead footed members of the motoring media were to drive the Terra along the treacherous lahar lands and traverse knee-deep rivers on stock tires. Yes, Nissan was that confident about their mid-size SUV given its 225mm ground clearance and water wading depth of 450mm.
I have taken this SUV off road countless times, and the secret to the Terra's go anywhere attitude is its ladder-frame chassis configuration, coupled with a five-link coil suspension at the rear. Nissan has done a great job with the suspension set-up which makes the Terra a comfortable vehicle both on and off-the road. One can even enjoy a cup of coffee while driving on roads less travelled.
