Honda Pioneer Top Speed Comparison 500 vs. 700 vs. 1000

The Honda brand name is synonymous with quality. From mowers to sedans, UTVs, and more, Honda gets it right. 

Take a look at Honda’s off-road options and you’ll find its Pioneer brand is lauded. Honda’s Pioneer is available in three off-roading models: 500, 700, and 1000.

Though the Pioneer model variations are similar, there are some substantive differences of note. This is your inside look at what the three Pioneers have to offer.

Overview of Each Model

The 500, 700, and 1000 have idiosyncratic qualities and strengths

When considering the three Pioneers, don’t make the mistake of overfocusing on power. Horsepower matters yet there are other factors that should shape your purchasing decision.

Inside The Pioneer 500

As the most affordable Pioneer, the 500 is available in four unique styles. There is the bare- bones option of the regular 500 and three packages. Those packages are as follows: Outdoor, Trail, and Work.

The Pioneer 500 Work Package, and you’ll find it features the following:

· Hard roof

· Work light

· Cargo tray

· Rearview mirror

Choose the Trail Package, and you’ll enjoy the same hard roof and rearview mirror along with additional Honda Pioneer 500 accessories including a cab frame cargo bag and light bar.

Select the Pioneer 500 Outdoor Package, and you’ll enjoy features including:

· Bimini-style roof

· Auxiliary lights

· Rearview mirror

· Rear rack bag

Bimini roofs are similar to canopy tops that provide protection against the sun. This unique top is resistant to abrasion, mold, and mildew. The Bimini has maximum water repellency thanks to its urethane coating and durable water treatment. There is even a specialized solution dyeing process to prevent fading from ultraviolet sunrays.

Inside the Pioneer 500 is a 475cc single-cylinder engine tied to a 5-speed automatic transmission. There is also the option of manually shifting through gears with a paddle-shift control. Moreover, the 500 features a handy 2WD/4WD option.

All in all, this two-seater weighs slightly more than 1,000 pounds. Drivers can add up to 450 pounds to the 500’s bed in full confidence. The vehicle tows up to 1,000 pounds with ease.

You can navigate trails of any size without hesitation, as the 500 measures 50 inches from side-to-side. The vehicle is slightly less than 103 inches from back to front.

The Pioneer 700

Step it up to the Pioneer 700, and you’ll have your choice of two or four seats. The variations are referred to as the Pioneer 700-2 and the Pioneer 700-4, respectively. Each of the Pioneer 700s is designed with electric power steering.

The 700 tows a whopping 1,500 pounds thanks to its 675cc single-cylinder engine tied to a beltless automatic transmission. The vehicle accommodates up to 1,000 pounds in its spacious bed.

Aside from a higher price tag, the only potential negative to the 700 is its size. If you favor narrow trails, you might find it challenging to navigate the 700.

This variation of the Pioneer is a full 10 inches wider than the 500. The 700 is also a full foot longer than the 500. In total, the Pioneer 700 weighs 1,300 pounds.

Be sure to check out the top Honda Pioneer 700 accessories before making your decision.

The Pioneer 1000

At the very top of the Pioneer series is the 1000. This beast has a massive cabin, engine, and braking system. The bells and whistles include additional 4WD modes, extra seats, and more transmission speeds.

The 3-seater Pioneer 1000 has a 999c twin-cylinder under the hood for a smooth and quiet ride. The engine is tied to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission including manual and sport modes. There’s also paddle-shifting to transition through gears through button presses.

Check out the 1000’s drive modes, and you’ll find 2WD, 4WD, and Turf mode. The Turf mode unlocks the rear differential lock for easy driving on more fragile terrain. The 1000’s towing capacity jumps to an incredible 2,000 pounds.

If you want an even more spacious cabin with five seats, opt for the 1000-5 EPS. The vehicle is designed with a bed that allows for flip-out-style foldable seats. It takes mere seconds to convert the 3-seater Pioneer 1000 into a cruiser with four or five seats.

Factor in the plethora of Honda Pioneer 1000 accessories and you have an elite UTV.

Top Speed Breakdown   

Everything you need to know about the Pioneer’s off-road performance

Based on weight-to-horsepower ratios alone, one would expect the Pioneer 700 to be the slowest and the Pioneer 1000 to be the fastest. Let’s take a look at whether that’s actually the case.

The 500’s Top Speed

The Honda Pioneer 500 tops out with a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour. The question is what, exactly, allows for this top speed.

The 500’s top speed is ultimately constrained by the machine limiter. Though the 500 could possibly move at a faster rate of speed, the pace is limited by the internal computer called the ECU. It is this computer that governs all mechanical aspects of the vehicle.

Even if the limiter was not built into the vehicle, it would not hit the top speed of the Pioneer 1000 simply because there’s insufficient power.

The 700’s Top Speed

The Pioneer 700 has a top speed of 45 miles per hour. Though this speed doesn’t rival that of the Pioneer 1000, it’s sufficient for trail rides and other outdoor adventures.

The 1000’s Top Speed

The fastest of the three Pioneers is the 1000, a literal speed demon of UTVs. Press the pedal to the metal, and your Pioneer 1000 will top out at 67 miles per hour. That’s quite fast for a UTV, considering the pace rivals the speed limit in more than half a dozen states.

Some states even allow street-legal UTVs, meaning you can safely drive your Pioneer 1000 on-road if you venture off the trail. If you dare to venture away from off-road trails, be aware that traversing highways for an extended period has the potential to wear out your Pioneer.

Factors That Affect Top Speed

Engine size isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to high-speed thrills

Off-roading speed and performance are shaped not only by horsepower but also by drivetrain and weight. The drivetrain is especially important in the UTV’s acceleration from a standstill.

The ratio of weight to horsepower largely dictates performance. A lower ratio tends to lead to better performance.

As an example, the Honda Pioneer 500 has a horsepower-to-weight ratio of 35.3. In comparison, the Honda Pioneer 700 has a 35.2 ratio. The Honda Pioneer 1000 has a 21.4 ratio.

Here’s what matters most: the 1000 is the fastest of the Pioneer bunch thanks to its massive engine. Though the Pioneer 1000 weighs more than the other variations, it isn’t hampered by the internal ECU. Moreover, the Pioneer 1000 has a superior horsepower-to-weight ratio.

The bottom line? If speed is your primary consideration, the 1000 is the cream of the Pioneer crop.

Category	Price Range	Description	Power & Speed
Pioneer 500	$11,799	2-seater with Trail, Outdoor & Work packages featuring a hard roof, cargo tray, rear rack bag, and interior illumination. Tows 1,000 lbs. Bed accommodates 450 lbs.	40 MPH top speed, 475cc single-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic, manual paddle shifter, and 2WD/4WD switch mode
Pioneer 700	$13,499-$15,399	2 or 4 seats, electric power steering, 1,500 lb. tow capacity, 1,000 lb. bed	45 MPH top speed, 675cc single-cylinder engine
Pioneer 1000	$18,299-$20,799	3-5 seater, sport and manual drive modes, paddle shifter, 2,000 lb. towing capacity, and 12.4-inch ground clearance	67 MPH top speed, 999cc twin-cylinder engine, 6-speed dual-clutch

Tips & Conclusion

The Pioneer is a fast, agile, and thrilling off-roading beast  

If you have a need for speed, the Pioneer 1000 is hands-down the best of the Pioneer bunch. Those looking for a more economical model without a surplus of speed are encouraged to lean toward the Pioneer 500.

The Pioneer 700 is the “happy medium” of the series, providing a balance between price and performance.

FAQs

Q1: How fast does the Honda Pioneer 1000 go?

A1: Buy the Honda Pioneer 1000, and you’ll bury the needle at 67 miles per hour thanks to its 999cc twin-cylinder engine.

Q2: Are the Pioneer model variations really that much different?

A2: Yes. The Pioneer 500, 700, and 1000 differ in terms of speed, number of seats, towing capacity, ground clearance, bed size, and more.

Q3: Will the Pioneer fit on small trails?

A3: The Pioneer 500 is small enough to fit on most, if not all, trails. The 700 and 1000 are larger, meaning they might not be able to maneuver through narrow trails. 

Q4: Is the Pioneer suitable for conventional on-road driving?

A4: The Pioneer 500 and 700 are best suited for off-road adventures. However, if necessary, you can drive the Pioneer 1000 on traditional roads if permitted by your state. The vehicle tops out just under 70 miles per hour, meaning it can maintain pace with traditional vehicles.

 

Image Source—Honda Pioneer