Honda WR-V vs. Daihatsu Terios: The Clash of the Compact SUVs

 

Honda WR-V vs. Daihatsu Terios: The Clash of the Compact SUVs

In the dynamic and highly competitive Indonesian automotive market, the demand for versatile and stylish SUVs is at an all-time high. Among the top contenders, the Honda WR-V and the Daihatsu Terios stand out as two of the most popular choices, each offering a unique blend of style, practicality, and performance. While both are positioned as compact SUVs, they cater to different buyer profiles with their distinct engineering philosophies. The WR-V is a modern, urban-focused crossover, while the Terios is a more traditional, rugged seven-seater SUV. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you understand their differences and decide which one is the perfect fit for your needs.

Honda WR-V
Honda WR-V



1. Exterior Design and Market Positioning

The most immediate difference between the WR-V and the Terios is their design language and the market they aim to dominate.

  • Honda WR-V: The WR-V has a sleek, compact, and modern design. It features a bold front grille with sharp LED headlights and a fastback-style roofline that gives it a sporty and youthful appearance. Its compact dimensions (4,060 mm length) and ground clearance of 220 mm make it highly agile for navigating city streets and tight parking spaces. The WR-V is a five-seater crossover that is positioned as a stylish and practical vehicle for young professionals and small families.

  • Daihatsu Terios: The Terios, on the other hand, sports a more traditional and rugged SUV design. It has a high ground clearance of 220 mm and a boxy silhouette that is both practical and imposing. Its larger dimensions (4,435 mm length) are designed to accommodate a seven-seater configuration. The Terios is marketed as a versatile family car that can handle a wide range of terrains, from urban roads to light off-road trails.


2. Interior and Cabin Space: Five-Seater Agility vs. Seven-Seater Versatility

The interior of both vehicles reflects their exterior design and market positioning.

  • Honda WR-V: The WR-V's cabin is modern and driver-centric. The dashboard has a clean layout with a touchscreen infotainment system and a sporty feel. While it is a five-seater, the space is very generous for all passengers, and the trunk is spacious for a compact car. The WR-V's focus is on providing a comfortable and contemporary experience for its occupants.

  • Daihatsu Terios: The Terios's interior is all about versatility. The three-row, seven-seater layout is its main selling point, making it a great choice for larger families or those who frequently travel with friends. The third row, while best suited for children, adds significant value. The cabin is practical and durable, designed to withstand the wear and tear of a large family. The Terios also features a double-blower AC system, which is crucial for passenger comfort in the hot Indonesian climate.


3. Engine and Performance: The Power and the Pull

Both vehicles are powered by a 1.5-liter engine, but their performance characteristics are different.

Daihatsu Terios
Daihatsu Terios


  • Honda WR-V: The WR-V is equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that produces a lively 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. This engine, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), provides a smooth and responsive driving experience. The WR-V's front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout and lightweight body make it a nimble and fuel-efficient vehicle, perfect for quick acceleration and navigating city traffic.

  • Daihatsu Terios: The Terios uses a 1.5-liter 2NR-VE engine that delivers a reliable 104 PS and 136 Nm of torque. While the numbers are lower than the WR-V's, the Terios has a unique advantage: its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. The RWD system, combined with its ladder frame, makes it more robust and capable of handling heavy loads and rough terrain. It is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.


4. Safety and Features: Advanced Tech vs. Proven Reliability

Both cars are equipped with a good set of safety features, but Honda often has an edge in advanced technology.

  • Honda WR-V: Higher variants of the WR-V come with the Honda SENSING suite of advanced safety features. This includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Watch camera, and Lane Keeping Assist System. These active safety technologies make the WR-V one of the safest vehicles in its class.

  • Daihatsu Terios: The Terios is also a safe vehicle, with standard features including dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) on higher trims. Its safety suite is more focused on fundamental protection and dependability, a reflection of its no-nonsense, utilitarian design.


5. Price and Verdict

The final decision often comes down to the price and overall value proposition.

  • Honda WR-V: The WR-V is generally priced at a premium, especially for its higher-end trims with the Honda SENSING features. Its value lies in its modern design, advanced safety features, and a superior driving experience.

  • Daihatsu Terios: The Terios typically has a more competitive starting price. Its value proposition is built on its seven-seater practicality, robust RWD platform, and the unwavering reliability of the Daihatsu brand. It offers a lot of car for the money, especially for those who need the third row.


Conclusion

The Honda WR-V and the Daihatsu Terios are two excellent compact SUVs, each with a distinct personality. The choice between them depends entirely on your needs and lifestyle.

  • Choose the Honda WR-V if: you prioritize a stylish, modern, and agile five-seater with advanced safety features and a fuel-efficient, car-like driving experience. It's the perfect vehicle for urban adventurers.

  • Choose the Daihatsu Terios if: you need the versatility of a seven-seater and the ruggedness of a traditional SUV. It's the ideal choice for a large family or for anyone who needs a dependable workhorse that can handle a variety of terrains.

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