Is the Chery Rely R08 the Best Value Pickup of 2026? Cost of Ownership Explained

Abu Dhabi: The UAE pickup market is evolving fast, with people using them for desert adventures, day-to-day use, or even on construction sites. The launch of the Chery Rely R08 brings major news for car enthusiasts.  Launched in partnership with Al Ghurair Mobility, it brings durability, affordability, and modern tech all in one vehicle. With the starting price of just AED 59,900, it undercuts many established players like the Toyota Hilux. But is it truly the best value in 2026 among the Best Pickup Trucks in UAE? Hers is the complete breakdown of its interior and exterior features, pricing, and long-term cost of ownership to help UAE buyers decide whether to buy it or not. 

Tough Contender Tailored for UAE Demands

The Chery Rely R08 is built to handle the UAE driving conditions with the high-strength steel construction. With the 5,370 mm length with a 3,230 mm wheelbase, it's slightly longer than the Hilux and a spacious cargo bed and the payload capacity of 1,000 kg. 

Exterior highlights include LED headlights, daytime running lights, and generous ground clearance on 17- or 18-inch alloys make it the perfect ride for sandy dunes or even urban jobsites. the Limited trim boasts a Terrain Management System, front and rear differential locks, Crawl Control and a range of other advanced to make the offroading more enjoying.

The inteir looks surprisingly modern for a picktrup at this price with features like the fabric seats and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, in the modern and Standard models while the Limited significant upgrades in the limites with features like the leather seats with ventilation, a 15.6-inch display, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera.

Safety is also top-notch on the Limited, with ADAS like Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Upfront Pricing: A Game-Changer in the UAE Market

The Rely R08's aggressive pricing is its biggest advantage for it with the with the base model starting at just AED 59,900 and ging upto the 89,900 for the top trim. Comparing it to other rivals the Toyota Hilux starts at appprox AED 115,900, Ford Range starts at AED 139,000 exceeding significantly from R08 starting AED 59,900. 

Breaking Down Cost of Ownership: Fuel, Maintenance, and More

The total Cost of Ownership is not just the sticker price you pay while buying its about the total expense you pay over time. Based on the current fule costs of Special 95 petrol at 2.33 AED/L and diesel at 2.52 AED/L for the 25,000 km it will cost you the following: 

• Petrol (12L/100km efficiency estimate): Annual fuel = 6,990 AED; 5-year total = 34,950 AED.
• Diesel (7.8L/100km efficiency estimate): Annual fuel = 4,914 AED; 5-year total = 24,570 AED.

When comparing to the Hilux (around 8L/100km diesel) you can save slightly on fule cost but the lower upfront costs make a big difference. 

Maintenance and Warranty

Chery makes the deal better with the 5-year/200,000 km warranty, free 5,000 km service, and 24/7 roadside assistance in terms of warranty. It requires servicing every 10,000 km or 6 months at authorized AG Cars centers, costing approx 500 AED per service. With 2-3 services in a year it will cost you about 1,000 AED/year or 5,000 AED over 5 years. Its rivals like the Hilux also have the almost same costs attached. 

 Total 5-Year Ownership Estimate (Excluding Resale)

- R08 Petrol Base: Purchase 62,895 AED + Fuel 34,950 AED + Maintenance 5,000 AED = ~102,845 AED.

- R08 Diesel Limited: Purchase 94,395 AED + Fuel 24,570 AED + Maintenance 5,000 AED = ~123,965 AED.

- Toyota Hilux Diesel Equivalent: Purchase 115,000 AED + Fuel ~25,200 AED (assuming 8L/100km) + Maintenance 5,000 AED = ~145,200 AED.

In terms of resale value it might loose faster as a newcomer in the UAE market. But the low upfront cost and the strong warranty can save you about 20-40% in comparison to other established rivals. So the Rely R08 stands as a good option for people or even fleet operator looking to save costs with strong capability, and tech .

Also Read: Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Which SUV Makes More Sense for UAE Drivers?