Honda Pilot VS VW Atlas

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
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My wife’s 2010 SUV has over 200,000 miles on it and it’s starting to have some issues. I was researching these two SUV’s and wanted to see if anyone has some experience with either and which one you like best.


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As far as reliability ratings the Honda Pilot is way ahead of the Atlas, with VW consistently being one of the lowest rated brands for quality. The Pilot is also a more comfortable car-like ride while the Atlas is more truck like in feel and handling. A couple of things I don't like about the Pilot are the armrests which are like those in a minivan with no console armrest, and there's no 360 view camera available. If a smaller two row SUV could be a possibility then the new Acura RDX is receiving rave reviews, it's like a significantly upgraded Honda CRV with a better platform, the 2.0 turbo engine from the top Accord, and their SH-AWD system which is excellent.
 
I had a 2014 and 2016 Pilot and had some issues with it (some may have been the dealer too - so I wouldn't put it all on the manufacturer). This site may help - https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/HONDA/PILOT/SUV/AWD

I moved to Lexus. Dealer is closer and tons better on service. I've owned Honda products for a long time (2003 Acura MDX, 2007 and 2012 CRVs, and 2014 and 2016 Pilots) and IMO (and other ratings too e.g. https://www.usatoday.com/story/mone...o-reliability-study-2020-vehicles/2578463001/ or https://www.jdpower.com/cars/ratings/2019 or https://www.edmunds.com/suv/#midsize-3-row-suvs) they are still good but not as good as they were in the past.
 
audio.bill said:
As far as reliability ratings the Honda Pilot is way ahead of the Atlas, with VW consistently being one of the lowest rated brands for quality. The Pilot is also a more comfortable car-like ride while the Atlas is more truck like in feel and handling. A couple of things I don't like about the Pilot are the armrests which are like those in a minivan with no console armrest, and there's no 360 view camera available. If a smaller two row SUV could be a possibility then the new Acura RDX is receiving rave reviews, it's like a significantly upgraded Honda CRV with a better platform, the 2.0 turbo engine from the top Accord, and their SH-AWD system which is excellent.
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Thanks Bill. We need three rows as my in-laws live with us many months of the year (its a good thing, they’re amazing people and we love them).

We drove the new MDX a couple of years ago and it was sluggish.


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Phil A said:
I had a 2014 and 2016 Pilot and had some issues with it (some may have been the dealer too - so I wouldn't put it all on the manufacturer). This site may help - https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/HONDA/PILOT/SUV/AWD

I moved to Lexus. Dealer is closer and tons better on service. I've owned Honda products for a long time (2003 Acura MDX, 2007 and 2012 CRVs, and 2014 and 2016 Pilots) and IMO (and other ratings too e.g. https://www.usatoday.com/story/mone...o-reliability-study-2020-vehicles/2578463001/ or https://www.jdpower.com/cars/ratings/2019 or https://www.edmunds.com/suv/#midsize-3-row-suvs) they are still good but not as good as they were in the past.
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Thanks Phil. I like the Toyota SUV, but need to make sure we can get second row bucket seats with a pass through in the middle for the kids.


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Mike said:
Acura MDX


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If you would like another MDX. 2021 debuts a new model.

So, 2020s might start getting incentives.

The negative of the current Gen MDX is the 9 speed ZF trans but, it has had software updates to refine it.

2020 MDX should drive better as a result.

The smaller new RDX has the new Honda built 10 speed auto.

I expect the 2021 MDX to have that same trans but, won't be out till spring/summer 2020.
 
The MDX is about the best choice. The VW and Honda drive like stiff trucks. We drove every SUV before getting the Santa Fe. Most do not have full power seats on passenger side if needed.
 
Mike the Toyota Highlander was redesigned for the 2020 model year.
Check out this video and see if it is worth looking into: https://youtu.be/eBRPXPKnQAc

How about the Hyundai Palisade or the Kia Telluride? They are both quite nice and great values not to mention the features and technology are much better than the VW or Honda Pilot.
 
I don't have a Pilot but I do have Honda's two row version of it, called the Passport. I've had it for about six months and haven't had a problem with it. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat!
 
I would chose between the Acura MDX or Lexus RX350L (7 passenger ) for a family car.
And.....if you convince me to splurge for that MSB select Dac and the Magico M2’s you can get that Porsche Cayenne Turbo!
 
Mike. Have you consider the Hyundai Palisade?

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VW durability is very weak. My AWD wagon started to fall apart after 100,000 miles. My Honda has 280,000 miles without a major repair. Buy the Honda.

Ken
 
have had experience with both manufacturers but not those models -- based upon that, the honda pilot is the clear winner by a large margin, imo

also, the subaru ascent deserves to be in the mix. it has three rows with several seat configurations. subarus run forever in the harsh northeast climate.
 
Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid worth consideration? My wife has poo-pooed anything Hyundai/Kia. She thinks they won’t be reliable long term.
 
aKnyght said:
have had experience with both manufacturers but not those models -- based upon that, the honda pilot is the clear winner by a large margin, imo

also, the subaru ascent deserves to be in the mix. it has three rows with several seat configurations. subarus run forever in the harsh northeast climate.
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Also second the ascent recommendation. As you stated AWD is a gold standard and in the Northeast a great assest.

If you have Subaru dealers in Florida and need AWD; The Ascent deserves consideration and test drive IMHO.

Mike,

Since you live in FL; are you shopping AWD or Front Wheel drive versions of these respective vehicles?
 
mdp632 said:
Also second the ascent recommendation. As you stated AWD is a gold standard and in the Northeast a great assest.

If you have Subaru dealers in Florida and need AWD; The Ascent deserves consideration and test drive IMHO.
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Thanks. I’ll check it out. Always liked Subaru’s.
 
Mike said:
Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid worth consideration? My wife has poo-pooed anything Hyundai/Kia. She thinks they won’t be reliable long term.
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My brother has one (Highlander hybrid) for a long time (and I haven't followed it but they seem to be well like - https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/toyota-highlander-hybrid-greatest-all-around-car-market-259511). My Lexus 2020 RX450h is basically the big brother to it. With the Lexus (not sure about Toyota), they now give you a 10 year/150,000 mile warranty on the battery. I have mine about 2.5 months and getting about 30mpg. I read about it before it came out. The only surprise so far was a good one. USB devices can now read FLAC and WAV files up to 192kHz (plays them back at 48kHz I believe and can have two devices plugged in and each can do 3,000 folders and 9,999 files).
 
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