Midsize SUV rumble: Isuzu mu-X vs. Nissan Terra

Back in April 2025, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) introduced the latest iteration of the mu-X - it’s entry into the highly contested mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment. 

The updated Isuzu mu-X for the model year 2025 entered the market with a significant number of improvements to its exterior design. While it retained the exact mechanical specifications as the previous version, it also received several improvements to its interior.

So, how does the updated Isuzu mu-X match up to its rivals, such as the Nissan Terra? To find out, let's compare the on-paper specifications of the Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4 against the Nissan Terra Sport 4x4. After all, both are the top-of-the-line variants of their respective nameplates. 

Tale of the Tape

To begin the comparison between the two mid-size SUV nameplates, take a close look at their dimensions as detailed by the table below: 

	Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4	Nissan Terra Sport 4x4
Length (in millimeters)	4,850	4,900
Width (in mm)	1,870	1,865
Height (in mm)	1,825	1,865
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,855	2,850
Ground clearance (in mm)	235	225

 

Based on the figures above, the Nissan model has a longer body length and is taller, but the Isuzu is slightly wider. Both, however, have nearly similar wheelbase lengths, though the mu-X does have more in the way of ground clearance. 

For would-be buyers, taking note of a vehicle’s dimensions is crucial. Doing so will provide clues as to how roomy a car’s interior will be, and it may also determine if the car you’re looking to buy will even fit in your garage. 

In the case of mid-size SUV nameplates, ground clearance likewise takes a notch up in importance, especially for those looking to build an off-road rig. 

Exterior

As far as appearance goes, both SUV nameplates assume the latest design directions of their respective brands. The Isuzu mu-X dons an aggressive front fascia, coupled with a hefty-looking profile that’s ready for adventure. 

Similarly, the Nissan Terra Sport comes with a look and feel that hints at its capability for on-road and off-road travel. It does, however, provide a sportier appearance, due to its abundance of blacked-colored trim pieces and parts. 

Concerning exterior equipment, both the top-spec Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4 and Nissan Terra Sport 4x4 come standard with LED lighting fixtures, automatic headlamps, power-folding side mirrors, roof rails, a roof-mounted spoiler, and some measure of underbody protective bits. 

Then again, the mu-X LS-E rides on a set of 20-inch wheels, which are larger compared to the 18-inch set on the Terra Sport. Additionally, the Nissan-made model lacks a power tailgate, which is present on the Isuzu-made SUV. 

Other notable exterior equipment found on both the Isuzu mu-X and the Nissan Terra includes: 

• Mudguards
• Side-mirror integrated turn signal lamps
• Automatic on/off headlamp functionality
• Automatic levelling headlamps
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear window wiper

Interior

Being mid-size SUV models, both the updated Isuzu mu-X and the Nissan Terra get three-row seating arrangements with enough space for up to seven occupants. Specifically, their last two rows get bench-type seating, with the second one having a 60:40 split folding seat, and the third row with 50:50 split-folding functionality. 

As top-spec trims, the mu-X LS-E and Nissan Sport also have a wealth of creature comforts. Common to both are leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, second-row folding armrests, ambient lighting, and dual-zone automatic air-conditioning systems. 

Take note, however, that the Nissan nameplate’s front seats have lumbar support, while the ones on the mu-X do not. 

Concerning driving amenities, the two models have leather-wrapped steering wheels, keyless entry systems, push-to-start buttons, electronic parking brakes, and seven-inch digital gauge clusters. 

Wth regard to on-board entertainment, the Isuzu mu-X LS-E was kitted out with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen linked to an eight-piece speaker set. The aforementioned display also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. 

The Nissan Terra Sport, meanwhile, comes with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The Nissan has the same number of speakers, but its set is branded ones from Bose. 

The two rides are likewise equipped with 12-volt accessory outlets and wireless smartphone charging pads. 

While the main screen on the Terra Sport is smaller, its second row does come with two 11-inch flip-down displays with High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) inputs. The aforementioned are not available on the mu-X. 

Safety

Based on their respective spec sheets, the two SUV models come standard with a comprehensive basic safety kit. Available for both rides is an anti-lock braking system, stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, parking sensors, an anti-theft system, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. 

The Isuzu mu-X LS-E, however, adds to those the above-mentioned with a tire-pressure monitoring system and a digital video recorder (dashcam). Additionally, the Nissan Terra has six airbags, while the Isuzu mu-X has a total of seven. 

Both SUV models also get their own suites of advanced driver-assist systems. Found on the two are:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic high beams
• Rear cross-traffic alert and braking
• Turn assist
• Lane departure warning

Notably, the Nissan-made SUV does not have turn assist, but it does come with a driver monitoring system, which is not available on the Isuzu nameplate. 

Powertrain

Under the hood of the Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4 is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-4 engine capable of producing up to 187 horsepower (hp) and 450 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The Isuzu SUV model’s four-banger is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift manual mode. 

The Nissan Terra Sport 4x4, on the other hand, is propelled by a 2.5-liter turbodiesel mill with a maximum churn of 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Its engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. 

Both the Isuzu mu-X and Nissan Terra top-spec trims get 4x4 transmissions with their respective management systems. On the Isuzu, it has the Terrain Command Select dial with “Rough Terrain Mode.” 

The Nissan Terra’s 4x4 system, however, is much more complex, at least on paper. It utilizes a part-time mechanism, featuring 2-high, 4-high, and 4-low modes, supported by an electronic locking rear differential. In contrast, the Isuzu mu-X does not come with a locking rear differential. 

For ride quality and stability, both models use a front MacPherson strut and a multi-link suspension system for the rear. Braking power for both SUV models is provided by disc brakes for all four wheels. 

Here is a table with a side-by-side comparison of the Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4 and Nissan Terra Sport 4x4: 

Model	Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4	Nissan Terra Sport 4x4
Engine	3.0-liter inline-4 turbodiesel	2.5-liter inline-4 turbodiesel
Transmission	Six-speed automatic	Seven-speed automatic
Drivetrain	4x4	4x4
Horsepower	187
Torque	450 Nm
Front suspension	Double wishbone
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Price

Price-wise, the current version of the Isuzu mu-X ranges from P1.725 million-P2.67 million across four variants. The Nissan Terra, meanwhile, has a price ranging from P1.749 million-P2.469 million across six trims. 

The Isuzu SUV has a slightly cheaper entry-level trim, but the Nissan has a more affordable top-spec variant. 

Final thoughts

In summary, the updated Isuzu mu-X is more or less on par with the Nissan Terra when it comes to creature comforts, performance, and safety, albeit with a lot of caveats. 

For starters, the Nissan Terra Sport could perform better in off-road situations due to its locking rear differential. It also has more onboard digital displays and more front seat comfort due to its lumbar support system. 

On the flip side, the Isuzu mu-X has a power tailgate and one more airbag than its Nissan-made rival. 

In the end, however, serious buyers should be able to determine on their own which nameplate provides the better value for money by giving each ride a test drive. Sure, comparing specs on the internet is a good start, but getting some real seat time on the SUV you want to purchase will make for a better car-buying experience. 

Also read:

Isuzu PH starts new Dumaguete dealership construction

Isuzu PH breaks ground for soon-to-rise 50th dealership

Isuzu starts producing electrified D-Max

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