Looking for the perfect three-row SUV that suits both busy family life and versatile driving conditions? This article dives into a comprehensive comparison of the 2025 Volkswagen Teramont and Ford Explorer to help you make an informed decision. Whether you need extra seating for extended family trips or advanced driver-assist tech for urban commutes, read on to learn more about the features that matter most.
How to Choose Between the 2025 Teramont and Explorer
When deciding on your next family vehicle, consider the following critical factors:
Family Size: The Volkswagen Teramont offers an 8-seat configuration, while the Ford Explorer comes with a standard 7-seat arrangement. This detail is key when planning long trips or considering extra cargo space for sports and luggage.
Driving Style: If your journey includes bustling city roads alongside long desert highways, note that the Explorer’s 2.3L EcoBoost delivers brisk acceleration in urban conditions. In contrast, the Teramont’s robust V6 engine is designed to provide a smoother experience on extended highway runs, ensuring comfort during peak summer heat in the UAE and similar climates.
Budget: Price is a fundamental factor. The Teramont starts at around 195,000 AED/SAR while the Explorer is available from approximately 182,000 AED/SAR. Evaluating the initial cost alongside long-term ownership benefits like warranty and maintenance packages is essential.
Performance Face-Off
Engine Specifications Compared
Below is a table that outlines the engine specifications to help you compare their performance metrics clearly:
Feature | ||
---|---|---|
Engine | 3.6L V6 | 2.3L Turbo 4-Cylinder |
Horsepower | 276 HP | 300 HP |
Torque | 266 lb-ft @ 2,750 RPM | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM |
Each model provides its own strengths. The Teramont is celebrated for smoother acceleration on long highways and a cooling system built to handle high temperatures, making it ideal for UAE summers. On the other hand, the Explorer is prized for its nimble responsiveness in stop-and-go traffic and a reliable all-wheel drive system for varied terrain.
Family-Friendly Features
Cabin Space Breakdown
A generous cabin is a must for family vehicles. Consider these aspects:
Third-Row Legroom:
Volkswagen Teramont:33.7 inches
Ford Explorer:33.3 inches
Cargo Capacity:
Teramont:457L with all seats up, expanding to 2,741L when folded
Explorer:515L with seats in place, stretching to 2,486L upon folding
Both models incorporate essential child safety technology. You’ll find rear door child locks, ISOFIX anchors, and rear cameras standard on both. However, the Teramont adds automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection while the Explorer introduces unique rear inflatable seatbelts that cater to extra emphasis on child protection.
Tech & Connectivity
Infotainment and Driver Assistance
Staying connected is critical:
Volkswagen Teramont Features:
A digital cockpit with a 12-inch touchscreen
Wireless connectivity support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Four USB-C ports for effortless charging and connection
Ford Explorer Enhancements:
An impressive 13.2-inch vertical SYNC 4+ display
Alexa integration for hands-free interaction
A built-in 5G Wi-Fi hotspot to keep you connected on the go
For driver assistance, the Teramont is equipped with its IQ.DRIVE package offering adaptive cruise control with lane centering and park assist featuring a 360° view. Meanwhile, the Explorer's Co-Pilot360 package provides speed sign recognition and evasive steering assist, ensuring you have a partner on any journey.
Fuel Efficiency & Costs
Evaluating UAE Fuel Consumption
Below is a comparative table that illustrates estimated fuel efficiency for both vehicles:
Driving Mode | Teramont (L/100km) | Explorer (L/100km) |
---|---|---|
City | 13.1 | 11.8 |
Highway | 9.4 | 9.1 |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 71L | 68L |
Maintenance and cost of ownership also play an important role. The Teramont offers a 5-year/100,000km warranty, compared to the Explorer’s 3-year/60,000km warranty. Both models adhere to a service interval of every 15,000km. Additionally, tire replacement costs differ slightly, with Teramont’s 20-inch tires estimated at roughly 1,200 AED/SAR per set against Explorer’s 18-inch tires at about 980 AED/SAR per set.
Final Verdict:Who Should Choose Which?
When it comes to choosing your next SUV, consider these insights:
Volkswagen Teramont is best for you if:
You require maximum passenger space to accommodate a larger family or extra cargo
You appreciate premium interior materials and a smoother long-distance driving experience
You prefer a vehicle with a long warranty for enduring reliability
Ford Explorer might suit you better if:
You seek advanced technology features and driver assistance packages for urban commutes
A lower initial cost is important while still enjoying high-tech connectivity
You need a vehicle with versatile all-weather capabilities for unpredictable road conditions
FAQ
Q1:Which SUV is better for a large family, the Teramont or the Explorer?
The Volkswagen Teramont tends to be more accommodating for larger families due to its 8-seat configuration. This extra seating capacity and generous cabin space make it ideal for extended trips in busy urban or challenging highway conditions. Moreover, the Teramont’s focus on premium materials ensures comfort during long journeys, providing a welcoming environment regardless of the weather. Always consider your seating needs alongside cargo space when planning for family outings.
Q2:How do the fuel efficiency figures compare in real-world conditions?
Fuel efficiency is a key factor, especially if you frequently drive through urban traffic or extensive highway routes. While the Explorer shows slightly better figures in both city and highway driving, the differences are modest. Both vehicles are designed to perform well under GCC-certified conditions, even when temperatures soar during summer months. Always review the latest model-specific data and consider your typical driving conditions for an accurate evaluation.
Q3:What are the major differences in technology features between these models?
The technological enhancements in the Teramont and Explorer are crafted to suit different driving preferences. The Teramont’s digital cockpit and wireless integration support seamless connectivity for your mobile devices. In contrast, the Explorer stands out with its large vertical display and hands-free Alexa integration. Each offers unique driver assistance systems – IQ.DRIVE in the Teramont versus Co-Pilot360 in the Explorer – ensuring you have customized tech that meets your safety and convenience needs.
Q4:How do warranty and maintenance costs compare between the two SUVs?
Warranty and maintenance play a critical role in the long-term ownership experience. The Volkswagen Teramont provides a more robust warranty package of 5 years/100,000km, which may translate into lower maintenance concerns over time. The Ford Explorer, with a 3-year/60,000km warranty, could result in more frequent service expenses. Both models follow similar service intervals, yet price points for tires and replacements vary slightly. Evaluating these factors can help you decide which vehicle offers a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
This article is for reference only. Please refer to the local current laws and regulations for further details.
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Senior Writer The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.