First drive: 2016 Honda Pilot in the UAE
Honda is better known as a maker of Civics and Accords nowadays, and anyone other than Honda salesmen will have a tough time trying to remember if they sell anything else. However, they do offer a midsize 4×4 called the Pilot, a model that had been chugging along virtually unchanged since the last recession. It wasn’t particularly good at anything either, so we were keen to see how Honda has gone about bringing the all-new 2016 Pilot bang up to date in our all-too-brief time with the car.
First off, the boxy shape is obviously gone, replaced by a contemporary aerodynamic look similar to the current CR-V. It also looks small in photos, but is a pretty big car, measuring in at only 10mm shorter than a Toyota Land Cruiser.
Stare at the Pilot long enough though, and it becomes clear that the proportions are rather bulky around the cabin area. Step inside, and it becomes clear that there’s actually more space than the aforementioned “large” Land Cruiser, with adult-sized seating in all three rows. The second row moves front and back for more configurability, but access to the third row remains a chore. Cargo space is better than its rivals, even with the fold-flat last row in use.
Cabin materials have improved as well, with soft-touch trim on the dash, front doors and all door armrests, although it’s not hard to find large sections of hard-plastic touch surfaces the further back you sit. The tech now includes a touchscreen that features big icons, but is slow to respond at times and hard to use while driving. Safety is otherwise not compromised, with a full set of airbags, ESP, tyre-pressure monitor and hill-start assist all standard.
Powered by a mildly-updated 280 hp 3.5-litre V6, it’s mated to a 6-speed automatic with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. With 355 Nm of torque on tap at a high 4700 rpm in true i-VTEC fashion, acceleration never feels brisk as speed builds up linearly. And that’s why we were surprised when it posted a 0-100 kph time of 7 seconds flat in our 0-100 kph run, much quicker than rivals with similar specs such as the Chevy Traverse. It does need to be pushed for highway-overtaking though, but it is an effortless cruiser once you let it settle down. It burned petrol at less than 13 litres/100 km, pretty good for such a big car.
Interestingly, while the base 2WD model and our top-spec Touring AWD model come with 185 mm of ground clearance, the mid-range EX and EX-L all-wheel-drive models have 15mm higher ground clearance for, well, off-roading as per Honda’s marketing. Not that we’d recommend anyone go dune-bashing in one, considering none of the variants come with low-range gearing.
What it is capable of is comfortable commuting. In fact, the new Pilot is one of the smoothest cars we’ve ever driven, Rolls-Royce included. It’s not as quiet as a Rolls, mind you, but it keeps noise to moderate levels at highway speeds. Handling is also much better than the lumpy old model, with relatively less body roll, and never feeling bouncy or floaty. Even the brakes are respectable, offering good stopping power and linear pedal feel. However, the steering is lifeless, so you’ll never feel confident hustling it around corners, even as the tyres offer good grip.
But the Pilot’s target market isn’t current S2000 owners, but rather former ones who’ve become older and had too many kids. It is easily one of the most spacious crossovers in its category, supremely comfortable and safe, with decent power and fuel economy too.
For UAE prices and GCC specs, visit the Honda buyer guide.
Photos by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury.
Comments
Faisal Khatib
Space does look huge inside. Hmm… Does that big rear sunroof open?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Dunno.
Faisal Khatib
Useless… 😛
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Go buy and check.
Faisal Khatib
I just might assuming it fits the “requirements”… 😀
samer rasheed
Good they didnt bring the new 9 speed transmission here, there are many complains about it.
Mari
How does this suv fare with the new sorento which by the way mash…I’m still waiting for your full review. I’m looking to buy one next year. The sorento looks good, this pilot maybe more spacious but that look is like the cry. It screams soccer mom car.
Ram
I agree with you. The new Kia Sorento is better looking and has better value. But in terms of space the Pilot is bigger. I don’t like the way they made it look like the CRV, a lil bit feminine. If I am not mistaken Kia Sorento was voted as the Car of the year people’s choice award in MECOTY just recently.
Khalid Mahmud
The upward pointed rear end does not look good to me, but overall the car seems to make a good case for itself. How would you rate it against the Pathfinder in terms of power delivery, ride quality, and fuel efficiency?
prado
some how I think this will get spanked by the new upcoming Fortuner 2016…
at 130K …a fortuner 2016 does everything + 4×4 + resale + AC
at 180K top range, people will just go for a Prado… it’s pricing is silly for this market.
My 2 fils
This will be a big fail like the avalon and aurion…
frankly the market for a big cross over like the Pilot isnt here, if it was Toyota would have introduced the much superior toyota Highlander in this market.
Faisal Khatib
This is competing with the Pathfinder which are similarly (at the higher end) priced and spec’d. The fact that I’ve already seen plenty of Pilots on the road already means people prefer a softroader with more comfort over an offroader.
prado
@Fasial
Pathfinder has issues with CVT transmission and is rated by consumer report as top ten worse cars as to reliability. So that is why it isnt selling well there wont be any repeat customers. I am probably doing buy a new car next year and guess it will be a Prado again… my third.
You have seen a “few” pilots on the road.. wow.
You do you have any idea of the numbers Prado & Fortuner’s sold?… it is in excess of over 50K+ units… over the last five years.. Also consider market in KSA & iraq. Both Fortuner & Prado are hugely popular. Honda combined doesnt sell nowhere this number.
Like said if non premium cross over were to do well here Toyota would brought in the Toyota Highlander. Obviously Toyota knows what it is doing.
AED 180K for a raised station wagon with a few toys…there will be a few takers sure but not many.
marc
Fully agree with prado
dante
Cramped and Truck Based Fortuner is in lower level than Pilot.
Pilot,Prado, Explorer,Pathfinder are in same segment.
RayD
@ dante
True, although the Prado is the only one among the 4 that still rides on a ladder frame and is a proper 4×4.
Sting316
Avalon, failure ? I see these suckers driving left and right. And they not even cheap.
Jad
Prado, r u comparing the Pilot with the fortuner? There is no comparison by any means!!! a fortuner is a truck/pick-up, ride is really bad and quality is sh*t. I understand ur a toyota lover, enjoy it.
Unfortunately people look at the toyota brand and think its the best… maybe for some,, Honda is still better, has a greater brand image, and much better quality. (Toyota has the edge in off-road driving as Honda did not get aggressively into that sector… Yet!!!)
prado
“jad
I am refering to 2016 Fortuner that has been released in Australia. There is a world of a difference between the first & second generation.
Concerning a toyota lover?…lol my first car was honda coupe.. 🙂
You need to see what market segment this competes in and then see it;s chance of success.
Smathew
I am not sure on the a/c in the Hondas. Both the Civic and Accord I have come across (my dad’s and friends’), all had issues with the cooling during hot summer months. The dealership blamed the shape of the car for the a/c shutting off during peak UAE summers.
The Nissans and Toyota a/c performed much better. I wonder if any of you guys came noticed the same.
Prado
@smattew
Yes honda has AC issues, however this is a US built version it might have a better system as the US does get very hot in some places
Fares
Dear mash.
How do you compare the pilot against the Durango?
Which one would you recommend for space and comfort?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
For your priorities, Pilot. I’d personally go for a Durango V8 anyway.
Jad
Prado… its the same platform.. i saw the new Fortuner.. looks much better, but cannot reach the Pilot’s level by any means.. if the Fortuner = Pilot, then the Prado is an X5!!!! 🙂
prado
“jad
we are talking here about ME buyers.. honda is trouble beating toyota in any category by sales volume… take example the honda accord 2013-14 it was brilliant compared to camry, it was always out sold by the camry
RayD
The Pilot will never be a 4×4 in any sense. Its a people mover, especially for those who don’t want to be seen in a minivan… which is most of us here.
Comparing it to a Fortuner, a truck/pick-up based vehicle or any 4×4 for that matter would be a sin. Specific to the US, this vehicle comes with either a 6spd or 9spd gearbox depending on the trim option as Samer Rasheed stated. I haven’t read/heard of any problems with the 9spd but perhaps if there is one then that is probably why Honda UAE opted not to bring them here – wonder if its the same 9spd available in the Jeep Cherokee which is presently giving customers and the Dealer headaches.
The Pilot never sold well in this Country and may not due to public’s lack of knowledge/pricing or general misconception about the product, whatever that may be. I have seen one in the same trim in the area that I live.
Like Mash, I think, I would prefer the Durango.
Rahul Jones
The 9 speed used in the Pilot in US is Honda’s which is mainly used in Acura lineups which we don’t get here.
RayD
Thanks Rahul, although there is nothing to stop them from ordering vehicles with that ‘box unless price is a factor…
ghanib
@RayD. Agreed Pilot is a Softroader, but that doesn’t mean it can’t do average offroad stuff. I checked the review in auto middle east website, the guy has been driving around in soft sand, the pictures of test drive suggest it does perform 4×4 task well. Well enough for most of the 4×4 buyers here.
Jad
In our region, unfortunately people like toyota more.. and i don’t understand why. Plus, Honda does not place any efforts to increase sales and its the same in KSA, UAE, Lebanon… This is Honda and apparently they are happy with what they are doing. (Honda does not get the full range to our region anyways,,,).
Toyota maybe selling more, but the focus point here is that the fortuner is not a Pilot class and category, and still Honda is the more Premium brand than the ugly toyota..
prado
“Jad
*****In our region, unfortunately people like toyota more.. and i don’t understand why******
RE: easy: > resale > low maintenance (out side AFM) > strong AC > Low NVH > easy cars to drive
RayD
Toyota garnered favourable market share(and thereby resale value)because back in the day they were known to sell vehicles that were affordable to purchase and maintain, good ACs and generally very reliable. People have stuck with that perception in spite of the vehicles now not being affordable to purchase/maintain and the numerous complaints about their service…this perception is compounded by second hand dealers too. There are a number of brands out there that are of better quality, reliable and better value for money yet the public will not give them a shot ’cause everyone wants to play it safe.
I will have to agree that Toyota vehicles come with good ACs, are generally reliable and comfortable but that is about it. They are cars built for the ‘safe and boring’ set, which everyone worldwide has acknowledged. They are trying to change this perception with their newer vehicles but this is going to take some time. I’m told Toyotas aren’t even favoured in some markets – go figure.
prado
@RayD
Agree with most point except reliability.. they are still on top.. in the recent Consumer Report top reliable brands, Lexus, Toyota, Honda and Audi.
The issue is the dealer ie AFM has imposed unreasonable service charges. In any case there way around, still with about a year and then dump them.. if in a year nothing showed chances are your vehicle is ok.
Jad
Prado…
Easy cars to drive??? do you think Honda is a spaceship!!! you may have a point in service, on the otherhand, Honda spare parts life is way better than toyota.
anyways, let us focus on the discussion, Fortuner Truck is bit a Honda pilot level.
prado
“jad
yes toyota in general are easier to drive, it is the way they are designed. Take example honda coupe’s manual stick shift v toyota… toyota gear shift were so forgiving even if you didnt synchronize the clutch release perfectly…
honda on the other hand was always had to precise or the car jerk during shift changes..
actually now that you mentioned it, Pilot does look like a spaceship…prior to that it look like a brick on wheels
On Fortuner, yes they are not the same category, but people do cross shop.
at 130 k starting v fortuner 2016 fully optioned, the pilot is going to have a very hard time… and at 180K due you can get base 2015 Land crusier… the value proposition isnt there!
Mitch
I like it very much! Well done Honda, a well deserved updated for the Pilot.
Ethen
Toyota VVT-I spoiling the power and providing fuel efficiency, very worst pickup (no quick pickup OR Late response )if compare with Honda, the same time Honda’s i-VTEC is giving good power & good fuel efficiency as well.
Vanquish
I hope the full review will put some focus on the technical features of the car so people can stop comparing it with cars like Durango, Fortuner, Sorento, … I believe no car in that price range has features such as Variable Cylinder Management, and Intelligent Traction Management that the Pilot has. Honda has succeeded in making a car that provides the best of both worlds, a fuel-efficient family car, with adequate soft offroad capabilities.
moaz
Honda pilot is going to be a fine cuv however at 175k people are better off with pathfinder as its next cuv on the market in terms of interior space combined ..i am 5’11” and weight 125kg! Big guy I sat comfortably in the third row of pathfinder with good knee room and head room and with all seats up pathfinder has more cargo space ..honda pilot had a good third row but for small adults and kids and same goes for boot space which is on smaller size … I was waiting for the pilot to come out I am sure it drives real good but daily commute on e311 demands respect in order to be safe pathfinder still does a better job than pilot … Its odd but true …honda in least uae have no respect on road and this is coming from a Honda owner btw !!! I miss my maxima big time !!!! If nothing else no one screwed around ! Like the way they do with Hondas as most are owned by Indian and Pakistani people ..believe me Honda is far better in perceived quality than Toyota but Toyota rules !! Its the fact of life and last not least I would rather go For full option Nissan armada in same price and take out every cruiser on the road lolz and yes better yet the Toyota sequoia just love that thing hugee its hugeee !!! And it will eat you alive if you come in front of it !!! Preception of safety is some time more important than saftey it self
Mufaddal
If the Fortuner outsells the Pilot even 5 or let’s say 10 times, it doesn’t matter to Honda because with the Pilot they are not competing with Fortuner/Prado or even for that matter the Land cruiser.
Their target competition is mainly the Ford Explorer which is the leader in this segment by sales figure.
And as per the changing times people are more and more realizing the need for soft roaders like the Pilot because in the Middle East only maybe 20-30% of the total offroader owners go off-road. So it is more wise to go for a soft roader with better comfort, noise insulation and long distance cruising ability.
@prado: Specifically addressing your chants of sales figures of Prado and Fortuner, the majority of the numbers these two generate here are because of the basic 2.7 liter engine with dismal torque figures which is not suited to power their 2.5 ton weight mainly bought by first time aspiring SUV owners from the Indian Subcontinent.
Talking about the new Fortuner 2016 launched in Australia and South Africa, better check the reviews. A truck rides like a truck, Period.
Toyota has stuck to a tried and tested formula of getting the best sales numbers by selling underpowered vehicles with hard plastics to keep costs down.
I am a big fan of Toyota for their reliability and durability but that doesn’t mean we turn a blind eye to their negative aspects.
prado
Lots of enthusiastic people for the honda pilot… I saw the same for Mazda 6, lets see how much sales does it actually translate into.
RayD
I’m not a fan of the Pilot nor of the Prado/Fortuner/Land Cruiser but credit must be given where it’s due.
Mufaddal is right in saying that a lot of people ‘aspiring’ to own a 4×4, who are on a ‘limited’ budget, not car savvy and ‘convinced’ by family and friends will pick up a 2.7ltr Prado/Fortuner. The funny thing is these vehicles with this engine still cost more than some or most of the competition with better all round features.
I have to admit that the Prado’s interior is of good quality and I’m given to understand the 2016 Fortuner’s interior is a huge improvement compared to the current one but this remains to be seen when the vehicle officially arrives here.
As for Mazdas, they are good, quality vehicles and are now getting their due appreciation. You do see a lot of them on the roads now and for a small independent firm tied up to a Dealer who is re-building their reputation(where passenger vehicles is concerned) this is looking good. Correct me if I’m wrong but there appears to be more Mazda 6s on the road than the new shape Camry.
Jad
Mufaddal, well said. Prado, this is not a challenge, but opinions about the cars and people’s perception… Pilot is a different class from the truck-platform toyota vehicles.. and again, Honda is not competing with toyota for volume sales,,,
Relax and enjoy ur prado and the severe off-roading trips!!!
prado
@jad
actually I dont go off roading.. but it nice to know you have that ability… 🙂 + a 1200 KM range
PS Why do you think Toyota hasnt released the toyota highlander here? It is in the same class as a pilot?
Sri Krishna
Dear Mash,
I’m looking for a decent offroader with minimal cost of ownership. Till now have shortlisted the fortuner and pilot. Which one would you recommend?
host
the Koreans have completely out fashioned these toyotas and hondas .. its just the reputation of them earned in good days that remain today otherwise even reliability of toyotas, hondas and nissans aren’t there anymore.
George
The previous boxy looking version was much more aggressive in looks and kept up with Land Cruisers and Patrols on roads, at least in the appearance department.
Now it looks like an ugly minivan just like pathfinder which just left the off-road SUV sector but never reached among the good looking on-road SUV group.
Sarath
@Prado. This guy I say is really unbelievable. He has to post stupid comments every where, then argue with all others. Some where he talks about Honda being made in China or other third world country, or else about how his stupid Prado or Toyota is superior. Toyota has issues as well, but they are easier to fix because they are old tech. Toyota is the most over priced under tech, and the most boring car brand ever, and its stupid people like you who buy them in large numbers, give them large market and there by increase their demand and resale value. So please keep ur ideas to urself and I am sure u migrated to Australia and has an Indian origin, u must be discriminated there that u take out ur frustration here.
prado
@ Miss Sara
**************. This guy I say is really unbelievable.************
RE: better believe it
************* He has to post stupid comments every where,*********
RE: Stupid, No. Relevant yes
**************then argue with all others.***********
RE: This is a blog.. open minded discussion are point. I take it you are from some unfortunate country where opinions are not encouraged.
I think you are from North Korea… my condolences in advance
*********** Some where he talks about Honda being made in China****
RE: Yes, Honda accords are assembled in China. What is the issue?
*********or other third world country*******
RE: Honda has assembly plants in Thailand, Canada, India, Brazil, Pakistan, USA, UK, Mexico etc
************ or else about how his stupid Prado or Toyota is superior.***********
RE: Yes Prado is superior in many ways, my opinion.
Explain to us why would a buyer buy a fully loaded Honda Pilot AWD v a fully loaded Toyota Prado 4×4 SUV when they both cost AED 180K?..
******** Toyota has issues as well, but they are easier to fix*******
RE: Finally you got some thing right… I was getting worried about your high error rate. Hopefully your boss isnt watching this site.
******** because they are old tech.*********
RE: No they are designed in a way to ensure maximum durability… any fool can place a new tech with out a robust testing process.
******* and its stupid people like you who buy them in large numbers,******
Re: That would be 50% of UAE car buying public, a lot of government and private corporations around the world, so does the UN, so does the military, so according you they are all stupid, and you who didnt buy a toyota would by default be smart?..
OK….
*************give them large market and there by increase their demand and resale value.**********
RE: economics 101… didnt they teach you that in school?… I think you must apply for a refund.
********** So please keep ur ideas to urself************
RE: No, I will continue to do as I please as long as the web owners say other wise.
*********** and I am sure u migrated to Australia ***********
RE: Yes
************and has an Indian origin***********
RE: Luckily I am not.
********** u must be discriminated there that u take out ur frustration here.*******
Re: Australia is a open society that encourages free thinking and respects a different point of view. Clearly you never been there and thank fully so.
mohammad
ITS JUST A CAR!!!
Sarath
@Prado. He doesnt even use is Prado for offroading, and he still is praising his old pickup truck to be so superior. Yes and u need the 1200 km range to feel safe, guzzling gas in the traffic.
prado
@ Miss sara
*****He doesnt even use is Prado for offroading*******
RE: Nice to know I have the ability…
***********and he still is praising his old pickup truck to be so superior*****
Re: Stating the facts is always a good thing.
*********Yes and u need the 1200 km range to feel safe, guzzling gas in the traffic.**********
RE: Saves trips to the gas pumps… is that a bad thing?
Sarath
@Miss Prado, read my name properly its not Sara.. its Sarath and its a male name.
you be happy saving trips to the gas station and use ur 4×4 on well paved roads reminding urself it has the ability to off road if u feel the need to. But don’t post biased comments about other cars and users.
Sarath
@Prado
toyota prado 2016 full option specs
4.0 v6 6 speed automatic 271hp and 380 torque
fuel conpumtion 13.5l/100km.
Gross weight 2950kg
price 185k aed.
If this sounds superior and oustanding value to you then I have nothing to say to you my friend.
I accept that its one of the true proper 4×4 available, but I cant find a more inappropriate vehicle than this one for a daily commute on road.
And by the way filling up your gas tank to full doesn’t do any good, its just additional weight its better to just carry enough to make a return trip..ohh I am sorry it doesn’t make any difference to ur already uneconomical 3ton truck.
prado
@ Sa rat h
*********** read my name properly its not Sara. its Sarath and its a male name.*********.
RE: Given the amount of moaning you did I mis took you for a member of the opposite gender…..
OPPS…
*************************************you be happy saving trips to the gas station and use ur 4×4 on well paved roads reminding urself it has the ability to off road if u feel the need to******
Re: Privileges of a driving a superior machine…. you finally reconized the obvious.
*****But don’t post biased comments about other cars *************
RE: Oh I intend to continue as is …….
so bite me……
boo hoo
prado
*******I am sorry it doesn’t make any difference to ur already uneconomical 3ton truck.*******
RE: People who can afford a 180K vehicle generally are not too bothered about fuel economy….. it isnt meant for people of lower income bracket…
however if economy is your thing.. a nissan micra at AED 40K may be your desired ride.
Sarath
@Prado.
You dont have to decide what I can afford and what I cannot. And a 180k vehicle doesnt make u rich. Think about it for a moment u praise ur 4×4 and argue with so many others on a page about some other vehicle when you dont go off roading. You bought your car just because u can have a macho image on the road and bully other road users with you high riding suv just like you are bullying others. I am not critising ur vehicle, I told u its one of the true 4×4 and affordable too, but it really doesnt make any sense whatsoever to compare it to a people mover soft riding crossover and say its superior. People think big vehicles are safer and that they can get away with anything in them, thats the only reason these vehicles are bought in large numbers.
prado
@ sa rath
******You dont have to decide what I can afford and what I cannot.***********
RE: Am I holding a gun to your head?…..
*********And a 180k vehicle doesnt make u rich. *******
RE: Yes of course not….it isnt a tractor that generates income…
******* You bought your car just because u can have a macho image on the road and bully other road users with you high riding suv just like you are bullying others.*******
RE: No, for bullying that i would have bought a Land Cruzer or Nissan Patrol…who gets bullied by Prados??
I think you get bullied by people in Nissan Sunnies…
***** but it really doesnt make any sense whatsoever to compare it to a people mover soft riding crossover and say its superior. ********
RE: Truth, but when the price points are the same people cross shop, a AED 180K soft roader is poorly priced in camparision to a Prado, the KIA Sorento is well priced at AED 130K. Why is Honda asking people to pay so much?…. who knows
********People think big vehicles are safer and that they can get away with anything in them, thats the only reason these vehicles are bought in large numbers.********
RE: Yes, plus resale value and we look cool, but by that you have indirectly agreed that Honda Pilot wont be a big seller as Prado have too many plus points….
thank you
Sarath
@Prado,
You are the one who had issues with cars being assembled in India or China.
Then when u rply back dont selective cut my quotes to make ur reply sound better. Answer back to the whole point of what this discussion is about.
prado
**********You are the one who had issues with cars being assembled in India or China.************
Re: Indian assembled Nissan cars smell funny.. I am not joking here. They have used some low grade plastics in the interior.
Chinese Honda accord priced similar US made ones?… i dont see why they should be the same given the currency and labor cost difference. US honda accords were really good as they have been making accords since 1980s…
So yes it makes a big difference from which country it is made, things like labor quality, work ethic, supply chain, manufacturing base etc all of which Japan has of very high quality.. take the Toyota Fortuner it isnt made in Japan and the interior refinement what you see in Japanese made Toyota isnt there.. that just from the out side….
************* Answer back to the whole point of what this discussion is about.************
RE: Oh I have you just need to pay attention to details here.
Sarath
@Prado and your comment “People who can afford a 180K vehicle generally are not too bothered about fuel economy….. it isnt meant for people of lower income bracket…” is the lamest one I have heard so far.
Do u mean to imply that you have no social commitment to crub emmission or save fuel just because you can afford a 180k vehicle.
prado
***************@Prado and your comment “People who can afford a 180K vehicle generally are not too bothered about fuel economy….. it isnt meant for people of lower income bracket…” is the lamest one I have heard so far.****************
Re: It is called “common sense”……
********Do u mean to imply that you have no social commitment to crub emmission or save fuel just because you can afford a 180k vehicle.*******
RE: if you are a tree hugger go buy Prius or better take the bus.
marc
we are fully with Sarath here.
how does his comment make him a tree hugger? only conclusion can be that you are completely ignorant or clueless about environmental concerns, Prado..
prado
*************only conclusion can be that you are completely ignorant or clueless about environmental concerns, Prado******************
@marc
Are you two related?
Sarath
So u smelled a Nissan sunny assembled in India, and it was because of the inferior plastic. So u went to buy one? Tell me more I would like to hear the story, how a migrant Australian ended up smelling a Nissan sunny in India.
For 180k u can also buy Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Chevy Tahoe, volkswagen Toureg, all faster more sophisticated, standard safety features and better economy… so is Prado overpriced then.
prado
********. So u went to buy one? ************
RE: No.
*********Tell me more I would like to hear the story, how a migrant Australian ended up smelling a Nissan sunny in India.*******
RE: In India?…… where did you dream that up from?….I dont think I have even flown over that country….
You do know Arabian automobiles sells Nissan Sunnys assembled in India here in UAE?….. I dont have to go all the way to India to sit one and smell it’s plastic (assuming it was plastic)…. But if you must know I do like to check out different cars even the most retarded ones.
*********For 180k u can also buy Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Chevy Tahoe, volkswagen Toureg, all faster more sophisticated, standard safety features and better economy… so is Prado overpriced then.*********
RE: Now why would I do that?…. All these models are sitting in the bottom of Consumer Reports for quality issues and reliability list… some of them are on the not recomended list.
Jezz……. I hope you dont make a living as a consultant.
Sarath
If the only car manufacturer u would buy a car from is Toyota, then I see ur point. Prado is indeed good value among toyotas. Rav4 is miserable as a crossover, and fortuner is based on a pickup and you can’t afford the Land Cruiser.
prado
If the only car manufacturer u would buy a car from is Toyota, then I see ur point*************
RE: No that isnt the point… if you are spending AED 160K+ one should get the maximum value and in general toyota 4×4 are well sorted out. the rest are just catch up players… However, different manufacturers are better than other in some segments
In the Civic/corolla segment > the new yet to be release civic is back on top.
Camry/accord/Mazda 6 = they are all equally competitive
Sports coupe, Ford Mustang
In the luxury sector Audi A6 & Lexus ES are on top
. Prado is indeed good value among toyotas.**********
RE: see … that wasnt too hard, too you time but you got the idea.
****** you can’t afford the Land Cruiser**************
RE: No, I just dont need it…
Sarath
Are you taking about sales volume or the best that you can buy.
Compact sedan ratings ranks corolla @ 13.
Mazda 3, kia cerato, focus, elantra all are better value than corolla.
Midsize sedans @ 120k Accord and altima gives you 3.5l V6 engines, and Mazda 6 comes with many driver assistance and a very good infotainment system, Ford fusion gets u an ecoboost engine and driver assist features. And they all drive and handle better. Camry’s only feature is resale value.
The best sports coupe is a Ford Mustang..? Depends on what type of coupe u are looking for, as a muscle car yes, but u have so many options in a coupe like Audi TT, 370z, Mazda miata is a very good roadster, BMW z4, gensys coupe, , I dont think anybody would say Mustang is the best sports coupe. The new one would be the best muscle car among camaro and challenger.
Luxury sector A6 and lexus Es…? Hyundai Genesis, Lexus GS, BMW 5 series, Mercedes E class, and infiniti Q70. all rank higher than the ES.. First of all why ES. Its based on camry, a front wheel drive platform, Toyota avalon is a cheaper ES without the lexus badge, thats a better value.
Best ranking suv doesnt even have Prado listed on it. And I am sorry for that.
Owning a car is much more than getting the best resale value, even if thats what u are after Toyotas are overpriced here and middleeast doesnt even get the real full speced version like in US or UK, and if u finance your car that price diff gets added to ur interest eventually ending up paying more than what you get back from ur resale value. If you want to buy a used car then Toyota does make sense and thats the reason y Toyota sells more base models here. But if its value for money and features ur after in a new car, stay away from Toyota, there are way more better cars available for your money.
Why are you so biased towards your Prado…? U name urself after it, you cry for it, why..? When u dont even take it for offroading, the only thing its actually good at, how can u love it so much.? Its just a poor handling uneconomical truck. Moms use it for school run thinking its safe, but it isnt, its slower to accelerate, brakes late, fails the roll over test, very top heavy. I really cant see anything great about it, other than the name it shares with the Land Cruiser.
prado
@sarath
Here is some food fortaught for you.
KIA Sorento which is an actual competitor to the Honda Pilot fully optioned at AED 130K is better than the honda pilot at any grade….
See I am not a Prado nut 🙂
Prado
@ sara th
Corrections
******************* Camry’s only feature is resale value.**************
RE: No longer true, the demographics of UAE and buying habits have changed, SUVs are preferred.
.
*********Luxury sector A6 and lexus Es…? Hyundai Genesis, Lexus GS, BMW 5 series, Mercedes E class, and infiniti Q70. all rank higher than the ES.*********
Re: Wrong, except for A6.
. ********First of all why ES. Its based on camry, a front wheel drive platform************
RE: Wrong, ES is based of a Avalon platform.
********, Toyota avalon is a cheaper ES without the lexus badge, thats a better value.************
RE: No, ES is of much higher quality e.g. the sound deadening in ES is superior to avalon so is the engine tuning, leather quality, read wood etc.
Better value sure… so is a Nissan Micra
*****Best ranking suv doesnt even have Prado listed on it. And I am sorry for that.********
RE: Prado is a class above any thing else it needs no list… of course LR4 is there but it is unreliable and expensive to maintain and it is nearly worth less after 5 years.
********Why are you so biased towards your Prado…? U name urself after it, you cry for it, why..?*****
RE: I can rename my self Miss Sara if it reduces your migrane
*******When u dont even take it for offroading, the only thing its actually good at, how can u love it so much.?*******
RE: I dont even use my 10% of smart phone functions….. so what?
…
But nice to know you have that ability
******** Its just a poor handling uneconomical truck. Moms use it for school run thinking its safe, but it isnt, its slower to accelerate, brakes late, fails the roll over test, very top heavy.*****
RE: You drive a vehicles according to it’s dymanics… if people dont have understand a basic understanding of the laws of physics… my suggest is go back to their so called education systems and apply for a refund.
You dont drive 4×4 like a sports car….jezzz imagine if A380 pilots fly it like a F-15….lol
*****I really cant see anything great about it, other than the name it shares with the Land Cruiser.******
RE: ok, if it makes you happy.
FaYsaL
enjoying above prado & sarath comments
Jasheem HP
I brought my new Pilot last October 2016 and until now I just have a simple word to express my feeling that is “WOW”
I have drove different SUV’s and this is my best ever option (the comment is not because of I’m an owner of this car) but of course Nissan Patrol is my future ambitious car.
My reviews are:
. Much specious (my height is 6.2″) and easy @both front and mid seats. The last seat I can manage but not comfortable as front & middle.
. Driving experience is just awesome both highways and cities.
. Initial pick-up and overtaking gives the thrill
overall one of the best car and suggest for those who all looking for mid-size SUV.
Prado
congrats!… glad to see somebody purchased it.
Let us know you experience and cost of owner ship, there isnt much data currently available
OilDollar
Comment graveyard below, don’t even bother. There’s one guy banging on about a Prado, the other one I’m not sure what…
The price of the Pilot has always raised my eyebrows. If I had the moolah, I’d go for a serious off-roader with luxuries. Heck, some UTEs these days could give SUVs a run for their money.