When choosing a midsize three-row SUV, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4WD and the 2025 Volkswagen Teramont R-Line are strong contenders, each offering a blend of family-friendly features and premium touches.
Cargo space is another win, offering 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.8 cubic feet with seats folded, perfect for family trips or hauling gear.
The Pathfinder SL 4WD, while comfortable, uses slightly less upscale materials, with leather-appointed seats and a practical layout. Its second-row legroom (35.5 inches) is decent but feels tighter than the Teramont’s, and cargo space lags behind at 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 80.5 cubic feet total.
However, the Pathfinder’s EZ FLEX seating system, with LATCH AND GLIDE technology, makes accessing the third row a breeze, even with child seats installed. Both SUVs offer similar third-row seating, but the Teramont’s extra width and legroom make it slightly more adult-friendly for occasional use.
Winner: Teramont, for its roomier cabin and premium materials.
The Pathfinder SL’s 9-inch touchscreen with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay is solid, but the interface feels less polished. Its 13-speaker Bose audio system, included in the SL Premium package, delivers superior sound quality, making it ideal for music lovers.
Winner: Teramont for screen tech, but Pathfinder takes the edge for audio.
The Teramont R-Line, with its 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (269 hp, 273 lb-ft torque) and 8-speed automatic, delivers smooth but less exhilarating performance. It feels less planted during cornering, though its ride is quiet and comfortable for city driving.
Winner: Pathfinder, for its stable and powerful drive.
In real-world driving, the Teramont’s turbo engine feels thriftier, especially in urban settings, making it a better choice for cost-conscious drivers in Dubai’s stop-and-go traffic.
Winner: Teramont, for superior fuel economy.
The Teramont’s third row feels marginally more spacious due to its wider cabin and 33.7 inches of legroom, accommodating adults better for short trips.
The Pathfinder’s third row, with similar legroom (28 inches), is functional but better suited for kids or smaller teens. The Pathfinder’s sliding second-row seats make third-row access easier, a practical edge for families.
Winner: Teramont, for slightly better third-row comfort.
2025 Volkswagen Teramont SEL Premium R-Line AWD: The top-spec Teramont R-Line is priced at around AED 224,600, including upmarket leather, 21-inch alloys, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Teramont commands a premium, reflecting its upscale interior and advanced tech, but the Pathfinder offers strong value with comparable features at a lower price point.
The Teramont R-Line offers adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist but misses some driver aids like knee airbags, settling for an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.
For off-road enthusiasts, the Pathfinder adds rugged capability, while the Teramont prioritizes on-road refinement.
Both SUVs are excellent family haulers, but the Teramont R-Line edges out slightly for its spacious, premium cabin, superior fuel economy, and cutting-edge infotainment.
The Pathfinder SL 4WD fights back with a more engaging drive, better audio, and a lower price tag, making it a great value option.
If luxury and space are your priorities in Dubai’s urban landscape, the Teramont R-Line is the way to go. For those craving stability and power on highways, the Pathfinder is tough to beat.
Test-drive both to decide which suits your lifestyle best.
Pathfinder vs Teramont
Having driven both, I found them comparable, but they cater to slightly different priorities. Here’s a concise comparison based on my experience, with a slight lean toward the Teramont for its spaciousness and refinement.Interior and Comfort
The Teramont R-Line feels like a step above in interior quality. Its cabin exudes a premium vibe with wooden accents and high-quality materials that elevate the experience. The spaciousness is a standout—especially in the second and third rows, where adults can sit comfortably with generous legroom (37.6 inches in the second row).
Cargo space is another win, offering 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.8 cubic feet with seats folded, perfect for family trips or hauling gear.
The Pathfinder SL 4WD, while comfortable, uses slightly less upscale materials, with leather-appointed seats and a practical layout. Its second-row legroom (35.5 inches) is decent but feels tighter than the Teramont’s, and cargo space lags behind at 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 80.5 cubic feet total.
However, the Pathfinder’s EZ FLEX seating system, with LATCH AND GLIDE technology, makes accessing the third row a breeze, even with child seats installed. Both SUVs offer similar third-row seating, but the Teramont’s extra width and legroom make it slightly more adult-friendly for occasional use.
Winner: Teramont, for its roomier cabin and premium materials.
Technology and Infotainment
The Teramont R-Line’s infotainment system is a highlight, featuring a 10-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and an intuitive digital cockpit. It feels modern and responsive, though the audio system, while good, doesn’t match the Pathfinder’s clarity.The Pathfinder SL’s 9-inch touchscreen with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay is solid, but the interface feels less polished. Its 13-speaker Bose audio system, included in the SL Premium package, delivers superior sound quality, making it ideal for music lovers.
Winner: Teramont for screen tech, but Pathfinder takes the edge for audio.
Driving Experience
On the highway, the Pathfinder SL 4WD shines. Its 3.5L V6 engine (284 hp, 259 lb-ft torque) paired with a 9-speed automatic feels robust, offering confident acceleration and stability at high speeds. The SUV hugs the road during turns, aided by its intelligent 4WD system and seven drive modes, including Sport and Tow.The Teramont R-Line, with its 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (269 hp, 273 lb-ft torque) and 8-speed automatic, delivers smooth but less exhilarating performance. It feels less planted during cornering, though its ride is quiet and comfortable for city driving.
Winner: Pathfinder, for its stable and powerful drive.
Fuel Economy
The Teramont R-Line outshines the Pathfinder in fuel efficiency, consuming a much lesser fuel when compared to the Pathfinder SL 4WD.In real-world driving, the Teramont’s turbo engine feels thriftier, especially in urban settings, making it a better choice for cost-conscious drivers in Dubai’s stop-and-go traffic.
Winner: Teramont, for superior fuel economy.
Third-Row Seating
Both SUVs offer three-row seating for up to seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration (bench or captain’s chairs).The Teramont’s third row feels marginally more spacious due to its wider cabin and 33.7 inches of legroom, accommodating adults better for short trips.
The Pathfinder’s third row, with similar legroom (28 inches), is functional but better suited for kids or smaller teens. The Pathfinder’s sliding second-row seats make third-row access easier, a practical edge for families.
Winner: Teramont, for slightly better third-row comfort.
Pricing in Dubai (Top-Spec Models)
2025 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4WD: In Dubai, the top-spec Pathfinder Platinum starts at approximately AED 213,000 offering premium features like leather seating with quilted inserts, a 12.3-inch digital dash, and a panoramic moonroof.2025 Volkswagen Teramont SEL Premium R-Line AWD: The top-spec Teramont R-Line is priced at around AED 224,600, including upmarket leather, 21-inch alloys, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Teramont commands a premium, reflecting its upscale interior and advanced tech, but the Pathfinder offers strong value with comparable features at a lower price point.
Additional Notes
The Pathfinder SL 4WD includes standard safety features like ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, a surround-view camera, and traffic sign recognition, earning it a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.The Teramont R-Line offers adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist but misses some driver aids like knee airbags, settling for an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.
For off-road enthusiasts, the Pathfinder adds rugged capability, while the Teramont prioritizes on-road refinement.
The Pathfinder SL 4WD fights back with a more engaging drive, better audio, and a lower price tag, making it a great value option.
If luxury and space are your priorities in Dubai’s urban landscape, the Teramont R-Line is the way to go. For those craving stability and power on highways, the Pathfinder is tough to beat.
Test-drive both to decide which suits your lifestyle best.
