Putting the Sport in SUV: Nissan Terra Sport, Toyota Fortuner GR-S, Mitsubishi Montero Sport Ralliart

Looking for an SUV that centers on the ‘sport’ aspect? After all, it comes in many shapes, sizes, engines, drivetrains, and counts of seating capacity. Any of these SUVs either fulfill the ‘utility’ purpose or merely come as ‘vehicles’ with a jacked-up ride height, so you’ll surely find the most exciting of them all.

Sporty midsize SUVs have been multiplying in the market, and by “sporty,” we’re referring to truck-based seven-seaters that project their sportiness less through performance, but more through aesthetic means. That’s not to knock on such SUVs, because even though they ask large sums over their more affordable versions, their big wheels, snazzy body kits, and leather interiors justify the premium. Oh, and they come with the added bonus of bragging rights, too.

The 2023 Nissan Terra Sport is the latest addition to the sporty, top-spec SUV niche. This comes after the 2023 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Ralliart, which revives the brand’s rally heritage, and the 2023 Toyota Fortuner GR-S, which shares its first two letters with the carmaker’s sports cars.

But how do these three SUVs showcase their athleticism? Let’s look at the differences among the 2023 Nissan Terra Sport, 2023 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart, and 2023 Toyota Fortuner GR-S.

Exterior

The exterior of the 2023 Nissan Terra Sport has been reinvented with black accents and a new black alloy wheel design that captures the tough appearance of the Terra Sport, while keeping a bold yet opulent style.

The Nissan Terra Sport’s exterior is also made unique by Quad LED Headlamps with Auto-On/Off with Follow-Me-Home and Auto Hazard Light Feature, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Front Fog Lights with Black Accent, and Signature Tail Lamps. Black also coats the vehicle’s front grille and bumper under garnish.

The development of the GR-S name — short for Gazoo Racing-Sport — was influenced by TGR, Toyota’s global motorsports division concentrating on specialized research and production of cars developed with racing DNA.

This concept can be seen in the revamped front and rear bumpers, fog lamp garnish, body color arch mold and back door garnish, and bi-tone rear spoiler of the 2023 Toyota Fortuner GR-S. 18-inch alloy wheels with machine-cut finish and black-tinted clear coating, as well as red GR-S-branded brake calipers further highlight the sporting intent.

Ralliart began as Mitsubishi’s performance division, and through this, the carmaker took the challenge of participating in motorsport events. Years later, Mitsubishi revived the Ralliart as a brand for the rally-inspired and factory cosmetic upgrades for its vehicles.

The 2023 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart pays homage to the brand's rally history and has accessories that give it a sportier, more commanding presence while preserving its opulent proportions. This unique model includes Ralliart side decals, Ralliart front under garnish, Ralliart rear under garnish, and Ralliart mud flaps, all of which are completed in sexy red.

Variants and Prices

The 2023 Nissan Terra Sport comes in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations that retail for P2.119-million and P2.459-million, respectively.

Retailing for P2.545-million, the 2023 Toyota Fortuner GR-S is available solely in the 4x4 guise.

Only available as a two-wheel driver, the 2023 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart bears a sticker price of P2.122-million.

Powertrain and Drivetrain

The Nissan Terra Sport is powered by a 2.5-liter, inline four-cylinder, DOHC engine with Variable Turbocharger (VGS) and Intercooler with 190ps and up to 450Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic with Manual Mode, and for 4x4 models, a Part-Time 4WD (2H/4H/4L) Shift-on-the-Fly system.

Under the Toyota Fortuner GR-S’ hood is a four-cylinder diesel engine that generates up to 204 ps of power and 500 Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic is matched to the engine. Four-wheel drive, a monotube-type suspension, promise capabilities off-road and a stable ride and race-like steering feel on it.

The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine still chugs along in the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Ralliart. It generates 181hp and 430Nm of torque, figures that are sent to the two rear wheels through the segment-best’s eight-speed automatic transmission.

Interior and Key Convenience Features

A premium Bose eight-speaker system is also included, along with an eight-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection. For the entertainment of rear passengers, an 11-inch rear monitor with HDMI input flips down from the ceiling. Power outlets also dotted around the cabin.

Lastly, Nissan’s relaxing Zero Gravity Seats for the driver seat and front passenger are finished in black leather, as are the second and third rows of seats.

 

A red, black, and smoke silver metallic finish spice up the Toyota Fortuner GR-S interior. The steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and sport-type front seats are all wrapped in leather with red stitching. The Fortuner GR-S gets matte carbon trims on the center cluster, is also equipped with eight-way power adjustable seats and a dual zone air-conditioning system.

A kick-sensor on the Fortuner GR-S power back door promises more convenient cargo loading and unloading.

The interior of the 2023 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Ralliart is primarily black with silver accents placed throughout the vehicle. The floor mats with red highlights are in keeping with the Ralliart motif.

The tech list also includes an eight-inch LCD instrument meter display, leather seats with motorized adjustments, and an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.

Safety

The full complement of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features — including Intelligent Around View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Rear View Mirror, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Forward Warning with Emergency Braking, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Driver Attention Alert — are available on the Nissan Terra Sport in both 4x4 and 4x2 configurations.

Aside from a panoramic view monitor, the Toyota Fortuner GR-S comes with a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control panoramic view monitor, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert.

Six airbags and all of the forward-facing driver assistance technology — including an ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system, front collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control — are part of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart's safety features.

Photos from Nissan Philippines, Toyota Motor Philippines, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.