Head to Head

It's not every day that you see two different popular midsize SUVs bumper-to-bumper. In this week's Head-to-Head, it's a comparison between the Isuzu mu-X and the Nissan Terra, two cars that both have garnered support and applause from their respective fans. Watch this.

Our first stop: the powertrain of the Isuzu mu-X and the Nissan Terra.

The mu-X received a new engine along with other improvements made to it. It is now powered with a new 1.9-liter, 4-cylinder in-line Blue Power turbodiesel engine that gives out 150 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. These figures are coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Meanwhile, under the hood of the Terra is a 2.5 YD25 DDTi inline-4 cylinder diesel engine that is capable of producing 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, and is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

Let's take a look at the chassis of the two midsize SUVs.

For mu-X's and Terra's suspension setups, they are both comprised of an Independent Double Wishbone with Coil Spring and Stabilizer at the front, though they differ with regard to the back suspension. The mu-X uses a Five-link Coil Spring and Stabilizer Bar at the back, while the Terra is equipped with a Multi-5-Link with Stabilizer Bar at the rear. They're a bit different but both cars get a quieter cabin when on the road, thanks to these suspension layouts.

It's now time to have a tour of the exteriors and interiors of the mu-X and the Terra.

With the overall look of the mu-X, it's obvious that Isuzu wanted it to look more aggressive, while bearing a modern design. The front fascia looks bolder with the set of angular Bi-LED Headlamps with Auto Leveling Function and DRL. Meanwhile, the rear is defined by a pair of Horizontal Rear Combi Lamp with LED Positioning Lamp. The entire look of the mu-X is completed by these 18-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels.

On the other hand, the Terra manages to showcase a personality of its own, even though its design follows the Navara's. It adapts the hood, the fenders, and the character lines almost look the same. But what define Terra's exterior are the LED headlamps with Styled LED Position Lamp, with Auto-On/Off and Follow-Me-Home Functions, and the Daytime Running Lights. Moreover, the same with the mu-X, the Terra also powers through on the road with an 18-inch alloy wheels that further add character to the car.

Let's hop in on the respective interiors of our featured midsize SUVs here.

Inside the mu-X, you can spot which areas Isuzu has done slight tweaks. Aside from the new colors and materials, these new Blue Ambient Lamps on the door panels allow the car to be cozy for passengers. Also, for a seven-seater, the mu-X has ample space for everybody to move comfortably. For the seats, our model here is equipped with Bucket Seats with back pockets and adjustable headrest in the 1^st row. Meanwhile in the 2^nd row, it comes with a 60/40 split folding bench type with center armrest and three-adjustable headrests. 3^rd rows get a 50/50 split folding bench type with two-adjustable headrests.

Sitting at the heart of the mu-X's interior is the infotainment system. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display that is available with CD, DVD, Aux-in, USB, MP3, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, audio is enjoyable courtesy of 6 speakers. There's also a 10-inch Roof Mounted Monitor with Remote Control for the passengers at the back.

Meanwhile, inside the Terra, the seats are wrapped in leather, providing that elegant and cozy vibes all over. Since the Terra is also a seven-seater, the comfort it provides to the passengers is commendable. The driver's seat comes equipped with an 8-Way Power Adjust with Power Adjust Lumbar Function, while the second row folds and tumbles in one motion, thanks to the 1-Touch Remote Fold and Tumble Seats. For additional cargo space, the Terra's flat-folding seats can easily be configured according to your load, making it flexible and convenient for all kinds of travel.

The Terra also has a reliable infotainment system consisting of a 7-inch Capacitive Touchscreen Display Audio with Seamless Smartphone Integration, WiFi, Tuner, USB, iPod, Bluetooth, Navi-Ready App, and Video Playback Functions. Audio is enjoyable through 6 speakers as well. There's also an 11-inch Flip-Down Rear Entertainment System that adds entertainment to road trips.

When talking about safety and security, both the mu-X and the Terra come equipped with the necessary features. However, the Terra comes with more advanced technological features compared to the mu-X.

The mu-X is equipped with the standard features such as the anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, anti-theft alarm system, reverse camera and rear view mirror, and reverse sensing system, among others. On top of that, the mu-X also comes with features that focus on added convenience for the driver and passengers.

On the other hand, the Terra comes with Intelligent Around View Monitor that provides a clear 360° view, allowing the driver to park perfectly with ease and avoid obstacle, while the Rear Parking Sensors lend a helping hand when backing up. In addition, there's the Intelligent Rear View Mirror that go from being a mirror to being a monitor with just a flip of a switch. When turned on, a camera at the rear hatch expands the rear field of vision, helping the driver see around obstructions for a completely unimpeded view. It is also equipped with standard features as Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Hill Start Assist.

Now we know why these two midsize SUVs are among the most popular models in the segment right now. Those are the Isuzu mu-X and the Nissan Terra, our featured vehicles in this week's Head-to-Head.