Toyota Highlander vs. Nissan Pathfinder: Which SUV Wins in the UAE

Are you in the market for a reliable midsize SUV that can handle family trips, city drives, and even some off-road fun in the UAE? The Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder are two top contenders that offer space, power, and modern features. Both are perfect for UAE families who need room for up to eight passengers, but they shine in different ways.

In this guide, we'll break down the latest models available in the UAE, using simple comparisons to help you decide.

Overview of the Toyota Highlander 

The Toyota Highlander is a trusted name in the UAE for its durability and efficiency. It's available as a hybrid-only model, which means lower fuel costs in a country where gas prices can add up. It's built for comfort, with a sleek design that fits right into urban life while being ready for desert outings.

Key highlights:

• Engine: 2.5L hybrid with 240-243 horsepower.
• Why it's great for UAE: Excellent fuel economy helps save money on frequent refuels, and its hybrid system performs well in hot weather without overheating issues.

Overview of the Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder brings a bold, adventurous vibe to the table. It focuses on power and versatility, making it a favorite for those who tow boats or trailers in the UAE. Its rugged build handles sandy dunes and highways with ease.

Key highlights:

• Engine: 3.5L V6 with 271 horsepower.
• Why it's great for UAE: Strong towing capacity and available 4WD make it ideal for off-road trips to places like the Liwa Desert.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Let's dive into the details. Both SUVs are spacious and family-friendly, but their strengths differ. Here's a simple breakdown.

Design and Dimensions

The Pathfinder is slightly larger, giving it a more imposing look on UAE roads. The Highlander is more streamlined and easier to park in tight spots like malls in Dubai.

• Highlander: Length 4,950 mm, Width 1,930 mm, Height about 1,755 mm, Wheelbase 2,850 mm.
• Pathfinder: Length 5,003 mm, Width 1,978 mm, Height 1,800 mm, Wheelbase 2,900 mm.

Both offer bold grilles, LED headlights, and alloy wheels (18-20 inches), but the Pathfinder's design feels more aggressive, while the Highlander's is refined and modern.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

If power is your priority, the Pathfinder pulls ahead with more horsepower and torque, making overtakes on UAE highways effortless. But the Highlander's hybrid setup wins on efficiency, crucial in the UAE's hot climate where AC runs non-stop.

Here's a quick specs table:

Interior and Comfort

Both SUVs seat 7-8 people with flexible configurations, but the Pathfinder offers a bit more cargo space (up to 2,280 liters with seats folded vs. the Highlander's 2,076 liters). Interiors are premium: leather seats, climate control, and ample legroom.

• Highlander: Features like a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay.
• Pathfinder: Boasts a larger 9-inch screen option, tri-zone climate, and EZ Flex seating for easy access.

Safety Features

Safety is non-negotiable in the UAE, and both score high. They include multiple airbags, ABS, stability control, and blind-spot monitoring.

• Highlander: Toyota Safety Sense with adaptive cruise, lane assist, and pre-collision braking.
• Pathfinder: Nissan Safety Shield 360 with automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing in the UAE

Pricing makes these accessible for many UAE buyers. Expect variations based on dealers like Al-Futtaim Toyota or Al Habtoor Nissan.

Pros and Cons

Toyota Highlander

• Pros: Super fuel-efficient, smooth ride, reliable Toyota build, great for eco-conscious drivers.
• Cons: Less towing power, slower acceleration.

Nissan Pathfinder

• Pros: More powerful, better for off-road and towing, spacious interior.
• Cons: Thirstier on fuel, higher running costs in UAE heat.

Which One Should You Choose

If you're looking for a persuasive pick, go with the Toyota Highlander if efficiency and long-term savings matter most; it's a no-brainer for UAE's high fuel use and traffic. You'll enjoy lower bills, a quieter drive, and that famous Toyota reliability that lasts through the desert sun. 

But if you crave power for adventures or towing, the Nissan Pathfinder will excite you with its performance and versatility. Either way, test drive both at a UAE showroom to feel the difference.

FAQs

Is the Toyota Highlander more fuel-efficient than the Nissan Pathfinder in the UAE?

Yes, the Highlander's hybrid engine delivers 18-20 Km/L, far better than the Pathfinder's 8 Km/L, making it ideal for UAE's long distances and fuel prices.

Which SUV has better towing capacity for UAE adventures?

The Nissan Pathfinder wins with up to 2,722 Kg towing, perfect for boats or trailers on desert trips, compared to the Highlander's 2,268 Kg.

Are both available with 4WD in the UAE?

The Highlander comes standard with AWD, while the Pathfinder offers 2WD or 4WD options, giving you flexibility based on your needs.

What's the starting price difference in the UAE?

The Pathfinder starts at around AED 158,000, slightly lower than the Highlander's AED 169,900, but factor in fuel savings for the long haul.

Where can I buy tyres for these SUVs in the UAE?

For reliable tyres suited to UAE roads, check out PitstopArabia. We offer a wide selection with expert advice for optimal performance in heat and sand.