Comparing the features of six 4wd SUVs

Despite increased prices due to TRAIN, the midsize SUV segment remains hot and could be a 60,000 unit segment by the end of 2019.

However, the bulk of midsize SUV sales will be mundane 4x2s, rather the top-tier 4×4 variants with amazing technologies that are not available on their 4×2 counterparts. These can be Hill-Start Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Descent Control, a larger engine, more airbags, Terrain Management System, Rear Differential Lock and the like. Aside from losing four-wheel drive terrain capability, you also forgo quite a number of features by buying a 4×2.

Below are six (6) mid-size 4WD SUVs and their notable features. They don’t come cheap but you do get a lot of value, aside from the outdoorsy attitude and the freedom that a 4×4 represents. When you buy the top variant, you’re not only buying capability but also more, safety. And, that’s something to tell your wife.

1) Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 4WD Z71 @ P1,998,888

Engine:2.8-liter 4 cylinder Turbo-Diesel
Horsepower: 200 @ 3,800 rpm
Torque: 500 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 6sp automatic

Notable Features:
Z71 four-wheel drive system
Side Blind Zone Alert
Forward Collision Alert
Lane Departure Warning
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Hill-Start Assist
Hill-Descent Control
Remote Engine Start
Traction Control
Electronic Stability Control
Anti-skid Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Trailer Sway Control
Electric Power Steering
LED Daytime Running Lamps with auto-leveling halogen headlamps
Front and Rear Park Assist with Reversing Camera
Auto Climate Control

2) Ford Everest Titanium 3.2 4×4 @ P2,288,000

Engine: 3.2-liter 5 cylinder turbo-diesel
Horsepower: 200 @ 3,000 rpm
Torque: 470 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission: 6sp automatic

Notable Features:
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
HID Projector and auto leveling headlamps HID Projector Type
Dual-Zone automatic climate control
Panoramic moon roof
Active Front and Rear Park Assist
Rear View Camera
8-Way Power Adjust Driver’s seat
Locking Rear Differential
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Roll Stability Control (RSC)
Collision Mitigation Adaptive Cruise Control
4×4 Terrain Management System (TMS)
Hill-Descent Control (HDC)
Hill-Start Assist (HSA)
Lane Keeping System
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Trailer Sway Control
Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

3) Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4×4 @ P2,145,000

Engine: 3.0-liter 4 cylinder turbo-diesel
Horsepower: 177 @ 3,600 rpm
Torque: 380 Nm @ 1,800-2,800 rpm
Transmission: 6sp automatic

Notable Features:
Adaptive Grade Logic Control Transmission
4×4 Terrain Command Select Dial
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) & Traction Control
System (TCS)
Anti-skid Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
6-way power adjustable driver seat
Bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling and Daytime Running Lamps

4) Montero Sport GT 4WD 2.4D @ P2,250,000

Engine: 2.4-liter 4 cylinder turbo-diesel
Horsepower: 181 @ 3,500 rpm
Torque: 430 Nm @ 2,500 rpm
Transmission: 8sp automatic

Notable Features:
8-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode
Super Select 4WD – II (SS4 – II)
Rear Differential Lock
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS)
Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) System
Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA)
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system

5) Nissan Terra 2.5 VL 4×4 @ P 2,106,000

Engine: 2.5-liter 4 cylinder turbo-diesel
Horsepower: 190 @ 3,600 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 8sp automatic

Notable Features
7-speed automatic transmission with manual-mode
LED with Styled LED Position Lamp, with Auto On/Off and Follow-Me-Home
Functions
8-Way Power Adjust Front Driver Seat
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Brake Limited-Slip Differential (B-LSD)
Intelligent Rear View Mirror with Smart Adjustable
Settings
Intelligent Around View Monitor (AVM)
Moving Object Detection (MOD)
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
4WD System with Part-time 4WD, 2H/ 4L/ 4H Transfer
Select Switch
Rear Differential Lock
Hill Descent Control (HDC)

6) Toyota Fortuner 2.8 4×4 V @ P2,250,000

Engine: 2.8-liter 4 cylinder turbo-diesel
Horsepower: 174 @ 3,400 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
Transmission: 6sp automatic

Notable Features:
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
4×4 Active Traction Control (A-TRC)
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Rear Differential Lock
Bi-LED headlamps with integrated LED Daytime Running Lamps