SPEC SHOWDOWN: 2023 Isuzu mu-X LS-E vs. 2023 Nissan Terra Sport

Two famous SUVs in the Philippines recently got an update. These are the 2023 Isuzu mu-X and the 2023 Nissan Terra Sport. While the first is a minor tweak to the SUV, the latter is an all-new variant that has been added to the nameplate.

Given their minor updates, we will compare both SUVs to see which one you should get in 2023. For context, we will use the LS-E variant of the Isuzu mu-X as it competes with the VL and Sport variants of the Nissan Terra.

Exterior

Isuzu Philippines recently gave the 2023 Isuzu mu-X a slight update. The Japanese automaker gave the top-spec LS-E model a new grille, a new set of wheels, a foot sensor for the power tailgate, and a new exterior color. 

Nissan Philippines has given the 2023 Nissan Terra Sport a new update. It gets blacked-out accents on the grille, sides, and tailgate. It also brings new color options similar to what is available on the Nissan Navara (Specs | News) Pro4x.

Nissan Philippines has given the Terra a better update than its Isuzu mu-X rival. With that in mind, we award the win for this category to the Nissan SUV.

Verdict: Nissan Terra Sport

Interior

Despite their recent updates, the interior of both vehicles remains essentially the same, except for the Nissan Terra Sport. It has black leather accents instead of red in the standard VL variant.

In the case of the Isuzu mu-X, its interior remains the same as its launch version meaning nothing has changed with the cabin of the SUV. 

While it all boils down to personal taste, and you have the final say when buying either of these two vehicles, we here at Autofun prefer the “updated” interior of the Terra. The black accents give the car a stealthy yet more premium look which is more appropriate for its position as a top-of-the-line model. 

Verdict: Tie

Technology

In terms of technology, both vehicles are similarly equipped. The Nissan Terra has a 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a BOSE 8-speaker sound system and an 11-inch flip-down monitor for rear-seat entertainment. It also has a wireless charger which is good for avoiding messing around with cables. 

The Isuzu mu-X has a bigger 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.  It also has a 7-inch instrument cluster display. The LS-E model also has a 220 V socket that can be used for charging larger devices. 

It's a toss-up between the two and boils down to personal preference. Their features are similar, with only screen size being the main difference. We must give this category to the Nissan Terra Sport as it has rear-seat entertainment. 

Verdict: Tie

Safety

The Isuzu mu-X comes out as the safer vehicle of the two in terms of its features. Isuzu has given the SUV advanced driver aids (ADA), which come in the form of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot assist, autonomous emergency braking, and automatic high beams, to name a few. 

Isuzu Philippine has updated the ADA feature set by giving the SUV multi-collision braking, which prevents it from moving forward in the event of a crash. 

In the case of the Nissan Terra Sport, it retains the same safety feature set found in the VL model. It comes with the Nissan Intelligent mobility suite that gives it access to features such as forward collision warning, blind spot warning, a tire pressure monitor, emergency braking, an around view monitor, and an advanced drive-assist display.

That said, the Isuzu mu-X is the safer vehicle with more safety features compared to its rival, the Terra Sport.

Verdict: Nissan Terra Sport

Power

Since we are only considering the top variants of both the Isuzu mu-X and the Nissan Terra, we will only consider the engines they have. 

In the case of the Isuzu mu-X, it is powered by a 3.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque. The motor is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that can send power to all four wheels or just the rear.

The Nissan Terra has a smaller 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces the same horsepower and torque at 190 PS and 450 Nm. However, unlike its Isuzu rival, it sends power to all four wheels or just to the rear via a seven-speed automatic. 

Now, where they differ is when it comes to fuel economy. The Nissan Terra, with our testing, was only able to do around 7.8 to 10.3 km/l in the city and 14.5 to 16 km/l on the highway. 

The Isuzu mu-X, on the other hand, does about the same fuel efficiency in the city with around 10km/l. However, where the two differ is on the highway. You can easily get 16km/l with the mu-X, while getting the same number with Terra is challenging. 

Despite the Isuzu mu-X having a bigger displacement engine, it is less stressed and less high-strung, which could be one of the reasons why it can easily give you excellent fuel efficiency numbers despite only having a six-speed automatic. For this category, we provide the win for the Isuzu mu-X. 

Verdict: Isuzu mu-X

Final verdict

Regarding wins per category, the Nissan Terra is ahead of its Isuzu mu-X rival. However, we have yet to consider the prices of these SUVs. 

Here is the thing, the Nissan Terra Sport is priced between ₱2,119,000 to ₱2,459,000, which makes it one of the most affordable top-of-the-line SUVs you can get on the market today. 

On the other hand, the Isuzu mu-X is priced between ₱2,155,000 to ₱2,505,000, making it the more expensive of the two SUVs. However, the price difference between the two vehicles is justified if you are looking at their safety features. The mu-X has better and more advanced driving aids, which justifies the price difference.

That said, if you are working on a budget, then the Nissan Terra Sport is the one to pick, as it is the more affordable vehicle if you are willing to sacrifice a few safety features. However, if you are ready to spend a bit more, then the Isuzu mu-X is the vehicle to go for.