Nissan Terra vs Toyota Fortuner Mid-Size SUV Comparison in the UAE

The Nissan and Toyota are two mid-size SUVs widely advertized in the UAE for 2025. They are favored for their reliability and off-road capabilities. Both offer petrol engines: XTerra with a 2.5L and Fortuner with a 2.7L or 4.0L V6. This reflects their appeal to different audiences – drivers who need either fuel economy or more power.

The SUVs come with advanced safety features, spacious interiors, and options for 4WD or 2WD, making them well-suited for family use and adventure seekers. The features the two SUVs combine matter a lot for UAE buyers as they always look for a balance of power, trim options, and resale value.

Key Specs Comparison of Nissan XTerra VS Toyota Fortuner 2025

Let’s have a look at a concise comparison of the main specifications (power, engine, transmission, fuel consumption, and drivetrain) of the 2025 Nissan XTerra and Toyota Fortuner, two popular mid-size SUVs in the UAE.

This table highlights the essential specs comparing power, engine, drivetrain, fuel economy, and key features for the two family SUVs.

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Exterior and Dimensions

The Nissan XTerra and Toyota Fortuner are two of the popular cars in UAE offering practical dimensions suited for both city and desert driving.

The XTerra measures 4900 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, and 1865 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2850 mm and ground clearance of 243 mm. The Fortuner is slightly more compact at 4795 mm long, 1855 mm wide, and 1835 mm high, with a shorter wheelbase of 2750 mm but offers a higher ground clearance of 279 mm. This makes it especially capable in desert terrain.

Both SUVs provide spacious cabins with seating for seven, balancing urban practicality and off-road readiness. These features position them as strong contenders in the UAE market against models like the the rugged Jetour T2 and the spacious Jetour X90 Plus.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both family SUVs offer spacious interiors designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The Nissan X-Terra has a practical cabin finished with soft-touch materials. It has modern multimedia options, including a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This caters well to UAE drivers seeking modern connectivity. Its second and third-row seats fold flat to maximize cargo space, ideal for family trips or carrying sports equipment.

Compared to the X-Terra, the Fortuner offers a more luxurious interior with leather seats and wood accents in higher trims. It has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Toyota Safety Sense. It features advanced driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking.

The third row in both SUVs is suitable for children, with rear AC vents and USB ports, which is a very rlevant feature for longer desert drives.

Performance on the Road

Both SUVs deliver solid acceleration and confident handling. The X-Terra’s 2.5L engine offers smooth power with responsive brakes, making it comfortable on highways and city roads.

The Fortuner, priced higher, boasts multiple engine options including a 2.7L EXR and 2.8L diesel, delivering stronger acceleration and ruggedness for desert driving. Its advanced driver assistance and superior road presence make it a safer, more capable SUV. Both are excellent choices for UAE drivers seeking a balanced family SUV with comfort and off-road capability.

Off-Road Capability in UAE Conditions

Nissan X-Terra and Toyota Fortuner stand out as two Japanese mid-size SUVs popular in the UAE 2025 market in terms of off-roading.

The X-Terra offers ruggedness with its solid ladder-frame chassis, 243 mm ground clearance, and selectable 4WD system, providing good value for money and low maintenance costs. Compared to the Fortuner, which is priced higher and includes advanced off-road features like a rear differential lock and Multi-Terrain Select, the Fortuner also offers multiple engine options, including a 2.7L EXR petrol, 2.8L diesel imports, and a 4.0L V6, catering to diverse driving needs in the GCC. Its stronger road presence and advanced driver assistance make it a safer SUV, ideal for desert dunes and city roads alike.

This full comparison between Nissan XTerra and Toyota Fortuner highlights both as strong options for family SUVs in the region.

Technology & Safety Features

Safety and technology are key in the Nissan X-Terra vs Toyota Fortuner comparison:

• Nissan X-Terra provides Nissan’s Safety Shield including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Higher trims add a 360-degree camera and advanced driver assistance systems for safer driving.
• Toyota Fortuner features Toyota Safety Sense, with adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, pre-collision braking, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Premium Fortuner trims offer ventilated seats and JBL audio, enhancing comfort and entertainment.
• Both SUVs include multiple airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, and rear parking sensors.

This detailed comparison between Nissan X-Terra and Toyota Fortuner highlights how both models deliver modern and stylish safety and tech packages, catering well to the expectations of UAE drivers looking for a safer SUV with advanced features.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs for UAE Drivers

When comparing Nissan XTerra and Toyota Fortuner in the UAE 2024 market, fuel efficiency and running costs are important considerations.

• The Nissan XTerra with its 2.5L base-spec engine offers smoother fuel consumption, approximately 11-12 km/L, which is favorable for daily driving and overall cost efficiency.
• Toyota Fortuner is priced higher and comes with more engine options, including a 2.7L EXR petrol, a 2.8L diesel engine imported for GCC, and a powerful 4.0L V6, which tend to consume more fuel. Their efficiency ranges between 7.9 km/L to 13 km/L depending on the engine and trim.
• Fortuner’s durability and towing capacity come with slightly higher maintenance expenses, though both models benefit from good parts availability through Nissan UAE and Toyota dealers in the country.
• XTerra provides strong resale value and low maintenance costs, making it a best car choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking value for money.

Car comparison tools let UAE drivers analyze these factors in a comprehensive comparison, balancing driving experience with fuel economy and ownership costs. Based on the results, they can make informed purchasing decisions between the stylish and modern Nissan XTerra and the well-equipped Fortuner in the UAE market.

Pricing and Value Comparison

Prices in UAE for the Nissan X-Terra range from about AED 104,000 for the base SE 2WD variant to AED 143,000 for the top Platinum 4WD trim. Toyota Fortuner is priced higher, starting around AED 128,900 for the base 2.7L EXR to over AED 172,000 for the 4.0L V6 VXR top model.

There is a noticeable difference in features and engine options between the two. X-Terra offers solid value with a single 2.5L engine and essential family SUV features, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers. Fortuner’s advantage lies in variety: more powerful engines including diesel options, higher trims, and a reputation for durability and strong road presence.

In summary, Nissan X-Terra suits those seeking the best value for money and running costs in a stylish and reliable family SUV. Toyota Fortuner is better for buyers willing to pay a premium for performance, advanced features, and safety.

Test These SUVs in Dubai

For a real-world test drive experience in UAE conditions, Octane Rent Dubai offers similar SUVs for rent:

• Toyota Prado 250 New Gen Dark Grey: Engine power 267 hp, 0-100 km/h in 13.2 sec, seats 7, max speed 190 km/h, rental from 286 to 350 AED daily, or 8,580 AED monthly.
• Skoda Kodiaq RS Grey: Engine power 265 hp, 0-100 km/h in 6.3 sec, seats 5, max speed 230 km/h, rental from 175 to 260 AED daily, or 5,250 AED monthly.

These options, as well as many others available at Octane Rent Dubai let UAE drivers test comparable SUVs under real conditions, providing practical insights for well-informed decisions.