2012 & 2013 Daihatsu SUV Reviews & Ratings

Although Daihatsu is the oldest Japanese car manufacturer, they are having no problem competing in the land of off-road vehicles. Formed in 1951, this manufacturer really did not make a strong name for itself until the late 1980s. Today, they have managed to build a strong and respected brand, which could partially be credited to their Terios and Terios 7-Seater SUVs.

If the exterior of Terios for some reason does not make your heart beat a little faster, there are a lot of other reas... (full review continues below)

Although Daihatsu is the oldest Japanese car manufacturer, they are having no problem competing in the land of off-road vehicles. Formed in 1951, this manufacturer really did not make a strong name for itself until the late 1980s. Today, they have managed to build a strong and respected brand, which could partially be credited to their Terios and Terios 7-Seater SUVs.

If the exterior of Terios for some reason does not make your heart beat a little faster, there are a lot of other reasons to love this vehicle. The 1.5-liter DVVT engine may be fuel-efficient, but it has more than enough power to deliver a spirited ride. In some cases, a 1.3-liter is available, but only the 1.5 version offers both two and four-wheel drive. Both the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are flawless.

Vehicle stability control combines electronic brakeforce distribution and the antilock brake system to maintain control while the hill-start assist control prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill.

Inside, you notice that all necessary driver information is easy to read thanks to the multi-information display. This includes a clock, average fuel consumption, maximum trailering range, outside temperature and ice warning.

The instrument panel is simple and straightforward, but has everything you need including automatic air conditioner, auxiliary audio jack input and MP3 playback capability. Seating for five is comfortable with plenty of storage compartments and bottle holders all around. There is even enough room that if you fold and stow the rear seat, a 26-inch mountain bike will easily fit back there.

The 2013 Terios 7-Seater is essentially the same vehicle, but with a third row seat. The 1.5-liter DVVT engine delivers a maximum output of 77/6000 (kW/rpm) and provides an exciting ride, whether you are cruising on the highway or exploring the path less traveled off-road.

The Terios 7-Seater boasts a fulltime four-wheel drive as well as a center differential lock. It doesn’t matter if you are on an uneven road or trying to push on through thick mud, switch the differential lock on and the vehicle is given better traction by connecting front and rear wheels.

The large cabin design generously accommodates seven passengers. Plus, the driver’s seat has a high hip point, which offers a nice wide vertical viewing angle. What this means is that there are minimal blind spots, despite the extended length of the vehicle.

Unlike other SUVs that offer third row seating, this one does not look like a giant refrigerator on wheels. The styling is sporty with gracefully curved lines, and bumpers, mirrors and door handles are all body colored for a harmonious look.

The Terios 7-Seater gives you a standard six-speaker audio system with MP3 playback capabilities and auxiliary audio jack. Plus, controls are on the steering wheel for added convenience.

If you are in the market for an SUV and Terios or Terios 7-Seater is available to you where you live, they are worthy of consideration. Depending on where you live, you may even have access to one of the concept variations, including the Sirion, Cuore and Gran Max.