2018 Side by Side Models 2018 Side by Side News 2018 Side by Side Reviews Side by Side Side by Side / UTV / SxS SxS SxS / UTV / Side by Side Reviews UTV

– 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe (5-seater) Side by Side Buyer’s Guide | UTV Model Differences Explained, Accessories, HP & TQ + More! –

– Everything you need to know about the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe in one place! –

Alright guys, it’s that time again. Time to break down the specs, features, model differences etc on the 2018 5-Seater Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe side by side from Honda. Why only cover (1) model when there are many different 2018 Pioneer 1000 & 1000-5 model variations?

Because I want to cover each model individually to hopefully make the information easier for those that are ‘shopping’ and or doing research on a specific model and don’t want to have to skim over all of the other models to find the nitty-gritty specs on the model they are wanting that information on. Once I am finished doing a detailed review on each model I will put together a special page breaking down all of the model differences between all of the different 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 (5-seater) & 1000 (3-seater) models. I’ve found that ever since Honda released the 2016 Pioneer 1000 model lineup in 2015 that I still run into people on a daily basis that are confused by all of the models and what they offer so I’m going to try and help break down that information to better-help those individuals that may not know every in-and-out about these models like many enthusiasts are that have studied every nut and bolt of these side by side / UTV models.

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2018 Pioneer Side by Side Model Lineup – Click Here

2019 Pioneer Side by Side Model Lineup – Click Here

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Why is the 2018 Pioneer 1000 model lineup confusing to some people?

Take a look at all of the Pioneer 1000 model options / model variations to choose from below:

• 2018 Pioneer 500 | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS500M2J Price / MSRP: TBA
• 2018 Pioneer 700 | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS700M2J Price / MSRP: $10,599
• 2018 Pioneer 700 Deluxe | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS700M2DJ Price / MSRP: $12,099
• 2018 Pioneer 700-4 | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS700M4J Price / MSRP: $12,299
• 2018 Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS700M4DJ Price / MSRP: $13,699
• 2018 Pioneer 1000 | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS10M3J Price / MSRP: $14,499
• 2018 Pioneer 1000 EPS | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS10M3PJ Price / MSRP: $15,699
• 2018 Pioneer 1000 LE / Limited Edition | Review – Coming Soon
  • SXS10M3LEJ Price / MSRP: $20,299
• 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 ‘Base Model’ | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS10M5PJ Price / MSRP: $$16,699
• 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS10M5DJ Price / MSRP: $17,699
• 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 LE / Limited Edition | Review – CLICK HERE
  • SXS10M5LEJ Price / MSRP: $21,899

Nowhere in those model names does it really designate what you get for the $$ differences and or what differentiates them and that is what I believe still confuses some people. I still have some people confused as to what the  ‘5’ means in 1000-5 and that’s what has pushed me to spend the time in a write-up like this.

2018 Honda Pioneer 1000 Model Lineup / Options Explained:

To start with, the 2018 Pioneer 1000 model lineup is available in (6) different versions, (3) Pioneer 1000 models with a 3-seater configuration and three Pioneer 1000-5 models with a 5-seater capability.

Here are the (3) 2018 Pioneer 1000 model options / variations:

• Pioneer 1000 (base model)

  • The Base Model 2018 Pioneer 1000 is the cheapest of the cheapest when it comes to a 1000cc side by side from Honda. You can check out the Detailed 2018 Pioneer 1000 Review – Click Here.

• Pioneer 1000 EPS

  • What do you gain on the Pioneer 1000 EPS vs Pioneer 1000 Base Model? You get EPS (Electric Power Steering), tilt-steering wheel and color-matched body panels on the doors and bed. Next to the EPS, the biggest feature you also get on the EPS model is new transmission features! On the Pioneer 1000 Base Model you can put the DCT Automatic Transmission in D (Drive) and go. With the Pioneer 1000 EPS you get the added feature of being able to shift the transmission manually via Paddle-Shiters or you can still put the DCT Automatic Transmission in Auto-Mode if you’d like for it to shift automatically. You also have the “Sport” mode button you can click when it Auto-Mode. Other than those features, the 2018 Pioneer 1000 EPS and Pioneer 1000 Base Model are the same. You can check out my Detailed 2018 Pioneer 1000 EPS Review by Clicking Here.

• Pioneer 1000 LE / Limited Edition

  • What do you gain on the Pioneer 1000 LE vs Pioneer 1000 EPS? LOADS and LOADS of new features! Too many for me to breakdown in a little paragraph for this quick ‘Pioneer 1000 Model Differences / Buyer’s Guide’ so I’m going to point you to a link where I break all of the differences down in-depth. You can check out the 2017 Pioneer 1000 LE VS 2017 Pioneer 1000 EPS Differences Explained – Click Here until I finish up with my 2018 Pioneer 1000 LE VS 2018 Pioneer 1000 EPS comparison.

Here are the (3) 2017 Pioneer 1000-5 model options / variations:

• Pioneer 1000-5 (base model)

  • The Pioneer 1000-5 base model comes with features that the base model Pioneer 1000 doesn’t come with. Unlike the base model Pioneer 1000, the base model Pioneer 1000-5 does come with EPS (Electronic Power Steering). The base model Pioneer 1000-5 also comes with the Automatic / Manual mode selector with the Sport mode button too whereas the base model Pioneer 1000 doesn’t. You can check out my detailed 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Review by Clicking Here.

• Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe

  • What do you gain on the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe vs Pioneer 1000-5 Base Model? This is where the Pioneer 1000-5 model differences and Pioneer 1000 model differences really break apart when you ‘upgrade’. On the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe you get 14″ Aluminum Wheels instead of the base models 12″ steel wheels. On top of the better wheels, you also get a more aggressive tire on the 1000-5 Deluxe with Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires on all four-corners (same size as base model at 27″). Similar to that of the Pioneer 1000 EPS, on the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe you also get color-matched body panels on all four-doors as well as the bed. You also get LED headlights which not only look awesome but are brighter than the standard models halogen bulbs. Other than those features, the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe and Pioneer 1000-5 Base Model are the same. You can check out my detailed 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Review by Clicking Here.

• Pioneer 1000-5 LE / Limited Edition

  • What do you gain on the Pioneer 1000-5 LE vs Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe? Just like I mentioned above on the Pioneer 1000 LE vs Pioneer 1000 EPS model – on the Pioneer 1000-5 Limited Edition vs 1000-5 Deluxe, the differences are HUGE and quite a few of them… Because of this, I can’t break it down in short paragraph form as I’m trying to keep this section somewhat short and then go into more detail on each individuals model review page. You can check out the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 LE VS 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Differences Explained – Click Here.

 

Now, that we’ve got that explanation out of the way… Let’s dive into the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe model and see what it’s all about and break down all of the 2018 vs 2017 Pioneer 1000-5 changes that you’ll see as well as the differences between the Pioneer 1000-5 ‘Base Model’ versus Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe as well as the Pioneer 1000-5 LE. If you want to check out the initial 2018 Pioneer 1000 & 1000-5 Model Announcement – Click Here.

2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Review Page Contents:

• 1. Recent Changes on all Pioneer 1000-5 models
• 2. Upgrades on Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe VS 1000-5 Base Model /  Do you Need or Want the 2017 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Features?
• 3. Detailed Review
  • Engine
  • Transmission
  • Suspension
  • Chassis / Suspension
  • Interior
• 4. Quick Overview of Specs / Features (Skip to HERE if you’re in a hurry)
• 5. Technical Specs Comparison Chart (entire 2017 Pioneer 1000 model lineup)
• 6. Photo Gallery / Pictures
• 7. Honda Genuine Pioneer 1000-5 Accessories

1. Recent Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Changes / Improvements

Recent Changes / Improvements for ALL Pioneer 1000-5 models (These changes were introduced in 2017. All 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 models are identical to the 2017 models):

• Memory function that retains the last transmission mode after engaging reverse
• Winch harness now pre-wired
• Thicker seat foam for improved comfort
• Refined DCT control for even smoother acceleration from a stop

2. Do you ‘Want’ or ‘Need’ the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Features?

What Features on the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe could you live without to save some money $$?

• Do you need the ‘pretty’ 14″ aluminum wheels and more aggressive 27″ Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires on your 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe? If not, then the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 base model might be more up your alley as both the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe and the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 LE come with the larger 14″ aluminum wheels and more aggressive 27″ Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires. The 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 still comes with 27″ tall tires but they aren’t as aggressive-tread and they are wrapped around 12″ steel wheels instead of the more aesthetically pleasing 14″ aluminum wheels.
• Do you not want or need the LED headlights on your 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe?  If not, you need to look at the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Base Model as that’ll be an easy way to save some money. To the average person, they don’t ride too much at night so they won’t see the true ‘benefit’ of the brighter LED headlights and the halogen-bulb headlights will be more than sufficient. There is no denying though that the LED headlights do look killer… haha.
• Do you not want or need the color-matched body panels on your 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe? If not, you could get by saving some money by going with the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Base Model as they do not come standard with the colored bodywork. The only colored plastic bodywork on the Base Model Pioneer 1000-5 is the hood. However, you can add those exact same body panels like the Deluxe has to a Base Model for less than $400 retail for those that may not want the Deluxe model features but would like to have the colored doors and bed plastic panels.
• Do you Not need 4-5 seats in your side by side / UTV? If so, you’re looking at the wrong model. You need to look at the 2018 Pioneer 1000 LE, Pioneer 1000 EPS or Pioneer 1000 base model as they have 3 seats. The “5” in Pioneer 1000-5 means that this model has seating for 5 people. I know that may seem obvious to some but I do have some people that still aren’t 100% sure what the “5” means and they aren’t aware that the Pioneer 1000 models have 3 seats instead of a 2-seater.
• Do you want or need an easy four-wheel drive setup where you can just put it in 4WD and forget about it? If so, you may want to check out the 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 LE / Limited Edition model with it’s new I-4WD (Intelligent four-wheel drive). Instead of having (2) different 4WD and (2) different 2WD options on the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe, the I-4WD makes life easy on you to where you don’t need to “worry” about which model you should be in. Some people prefer the latter though and want everything manual so that way you know what it’s doing but a lot of people like the ease of just setting it in 4WD and forgetting about it like you can with the new I-4WD setup. Check out my Pioneer 1000-5 LE review for even more details on the intelligent four-wheel drive setup and how it works.

3. 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Information Review

Now that we’ve determined whether or not you’re truly interested in the 2017 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe or if another model is more up your alley we will dive into the detailed specs and features of this machine.

What does the “5” standard for in Pioneer 1000-5? The number 5 means 5-seater when you’re looking at the Pioneer 1000-5. The Pioneer 1000-5 has what Honda calls their “QuickFlip” seating which allows you to change the Pioneer 1000-5 from a 3-seater side by side to where it is a 4 & 5 seater machine too all within 30 seconds. The cool part of the design too is that you still have a 1,000lb dump-bed and having the capability of a multi-seater UTV but without it being stretched out as long as a limo to where it makes navigating tight trails difficult.

Below, after I touch on some of the recent changes to the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe I will dive into the nitty-gritty specs on this model Pioneer ranging from the engine, DCT transmission, interior, electronics etc to hopefully help show you anything and everything you need to know about the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe in one place. Don’t forget to take a minute and check out my other detailed write-ups reviewing each of the 2018 Pioneer 1000 models and their differences as you have quite a few differences between them that set each one of Honda’s 2018 side by side models apart from the next.

First, let’s dive into the 2016 Pioneer 1000-5 ‘heat issue’ that you may have read about if you browse the owner’s forums etc. This complaint has been a mixed bag as you’ll find some that say they don’t have a heat issue where some find it “unbearable”. Has Honda decided to tackle this complaint for the 2017 Pioneer 1000-5? Yes, Honda has thrown a new seat in the 2017 Pioneer 1000-5 that has thicker foam which should cut down on some of the heat as well as be a little bit more comfy on the trails.

The new pre-wired winch harness on the 2017-2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe may not seem like a big deal to some people but trust me if you ever plan on installing a winch on your Pioneer 1000-5 you will find out this change is heaven-sent… Why is that? Honda calls for 4.5 hours worth of labor on their flat-rate chart to install a winch on a Pioneer 1000-5 and the majority of that time is spent with installing the wiring harness. With the winch harness being pre-installed from the get-go it will cut down on that time drastically and make life easier for you if you plan on installing it yourself and if you plan on having a dealer do the install – it will save your wallet from the shock once you get the labor bill!

One more of the small changes from last year on the Pioneer 1000-5 that I think is actually a huge upgrade is the fact that the ECU now remembers what mode you had the transmission in before putting it in reverse. This is something you didn’t see a lot of people talk about but it was a pet-peeve of mine on the 2016 Pioneer 1000 models as every time you put it in reverse and then back into ‘drive’ whether it be High or Low the transmission would reset and default back to Automatic-mode. Then you would have to re-select whether or not you wanted it in Automatic with the Sport-mode activated or back into Manual-mode etc. The transmission-mode memory function upgrade for the Pioneer 1000 gets two-thumbs up from me!

• 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Price / MSRP:

Honda has yet to announce pricing on all of the 2018 Pioneer 1000 & 1000-5 models. Once they release pricing, I will be able to break down the price differences etc.

• 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Release Date:

As of right now, it is still “TBA”. I will update this post and also post everything up on my social media pages when it’s announced.

• 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Colors:

We have a new color to add to the mix for 2018 on the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe – Active Yellow. The Active Yellow color has been used in the past on the 2017 Rubicon 500 EPS (TRX500FM6). It’s not the typical “school bus” yellow that you may be familiar with, this is more of a highlighter yellow. Then we have the standard Red and Phantom Camo colors making a return.

• Active Yellow (new color)
• Red
• Phantom Camo

Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Video Review of Specs / Features

When Honda engineers set out to develop an open-class multipurpose side-by-side, they weren’t interested in offering a me-too model. Using Honda’s signature total approach, they wanted to match or exceed the competition in all of the important areas, and that’s exactly what the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe does:

Engine | 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe

Honda technicians have proven time and again that there’s simply no one better at developing engines, and their full expertise was called upon for the Pioneer 1000’s all-new, purpose-built side-by-side power plant. The result is an engine that’s head-and-shoulders above anything else on the market, serving as a reminder that there’s a reason behind the manufacturer’s name: Honda Motor Company.

When you know the power you need is always at the ready, every drive is an enjoyable experience. And that’s precisely what you get out of the class-leading 999cc liquid-cooled inline twin. Using the same Unicam® cylinder head design found in our motocross bikes, it’s more compact in size, and it still delivers the kind of horsepower and torque you’d expect from a flagship model.

“We’re very excited about the 999cc engine we’ve developed for these new Pioneers,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “We’ve also added the industry’s only fully automatic mechanical transmission – the 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. With steel gears, the DCT offers true engine braking, seamless shifting and a smooth, reliable transfer of power.”

• All Pioneer 1000 models are powered by a 999cc parallel-twin engine with a Unicam® design like that of Honda’s legendary CRF motocross models, achieving high performance while simultaneously minimizing weight and bulk.
• Big power and torque: able to haul 1,000 pounds (600 pounds for California models) and tow 2,000 pounds.
• High-tech “roller rockers” have a roller that contacts the cam, greatly reducing friction and wear compared to standard rocker arms.
• Longitudinal engine mounting eliminates unnecessary right angles in the driveline, ensuring an efficient transfer of power to the ground.
• Engine and exhaust system are rubber-mounted to reduce vibration and noise.
• To help the engine meet Honda’s unmatched reliability standards, the air inlet is positioned high under the hood, resulting in a clean supply of air and excellent clearance for water fording. The air-cleaner element is a viscous paper type, for exceptional filtration and a long service life.

Pioneer 1000-5 Engine Performance Numbers / Details:

• 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Horsepower: 72 HP
  • 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe Top Speed: 67 MPH via Electronic Speed Limiter

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Transmission | 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe

The side-by-side market’s first fully Automatic DCT is a superior system, the perfect transmission for a flagship SxS model—and no one does DCT better than Honda, as evidenced by the sophisticated transmission on the Pioneer 1000.

• All Pioneer 1000 models get a new memory function that retains the last transmission mode after engaging reverse.
• Six-speed automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) on all six types; those equipped with EPS also have a sport mode switch and manual paddle shifters.
• With DCT, an advanced shift logic monitors variables including throttle position and input, engine rpm, vehicle speed and brake input to determine driving style. During relaxed input, the transmission maintains a low rpm for a quiet cabin, low vibration and improved fuel efficiency. During more aggressive input, a higher rpm is held, maximizing engine torque and power. During inconsistent throttle input, transient detection logic prevents multiple up- and downshifts. When descents are detected, the transmission downshifts to provide true engine braking.
• Changing DCT modes on the fly immediately alters the character of the machine, from quiet and relaxed to exciting and powerful.
• Even in automatic mode, the driver can override the gear selection at any time by using the paddle shifters. The selected gear will be maintained for several seconds before the transmission seamlessly reverts to fully automatic shifting.
• The low-range sub-transmission has a 1.42:1 ratio (like a 4WD truck), essentially doubling the number of gears from six to twelve.

There’s no shortage of areas where Honda has set new benchmarks with the Pioneer 1000-5 model lineup, but perhaps the most pertinent is the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which makes its first appearance ever on a side-by-side. Enthusiasts of high-performance sports cars are familiar with DCT technology, but until now, it wasn’t available to SxS customers.

What is a DCT Transmission?

A superior technology, DCT is an all-gear transmission that shifts automatically—the best of both worlds!

• As the name suggests, Dual Clutch Transmissions have two clutches—one that controls odd-numbered gear sets (first, third, fifth), and another that controls even-numbered gear sets (second, fourth, sixth). A hollow outer transmission shaft contains a separate internal shaft, and each holds one of the two clutches.
• Multiple gears are engaged simultaneously so that the transmission is constantly prepared for the next shift. For gear-changes, one clutch disengages and the other engages, resulting in shifts that are quick, smooth, seamless.
• Data, collected by a series of sensors, is processed by the ECU, which uses an advanced algorithm to determine when the shift-control motor should electronically trigger gear-changes. The clutches are controlled by sophisticated electronics and hydraulics.
• Honda is the powersports leader in DCT, having debuted it on the 2010 VFR1200F and since adapted, refined and expanded it to other motorcycles and premium ATVs.

Why DCT?

The short answer is simple—because it’s better—but there’s obviously more to it than that, as DCT offers a long list of advantages:

• Durability: All-gear designs (with no belts) provide a direct, connected feel between the accelerator and the wheels, as well as improved durability, reduced maintenance and efficient power transfer.
• Versatility: Whereas most transmissions are either automatic or manual, DCT systems can give owners the option to choose depending on the driver and the conditions. For example, use standard automatic for relaxed cruising, sport mode to hold gears longer for more spirited driving, or manual to have fun shifting, like a sports car, or to allow precise speed control for operations like spraying and plowing.
• Performance: While DCT is known for its ease of use, its smooth, quick gear-changes are also ideal for sportier applications—hence its availability on the new CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure-touring motorcycle, and even the next-generation Acura NSX sports car. Whereas a typical CVT design transmits 88% of power to the ground, all-gear systems deliver 96-98%. DCT allows maximum engine torque and true engine braking for the heaviest loads, hills and technical terrain. 

Chassis / Suspension | 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe

Like the engine, the Pioneer 1000-5’s chassis was purpose-built, engineered for uncompromising comfort and capability.

Prepare to go further than ever before. Our refined chassis enables you to tackle terrain others would shy away from, with large 27″ tires, long-travel independent front and rear suspension and huge ground clearance. The rubber-mounted engine and exhaust system insulates against excessive vibration, and on the 1000-5 model, self-leveling rear suspension compensates for changing loads.

• Starting in 2017, all versions of the Pioneer 1000 have thicker seat foam for increased comfort, plus a winch-ready wiring harness.
• Dual A-arm design and fully independent suspension front and rear, with 10.5 inches of plush travel up front, 10.0 inches in back.
• Ground clearance is an impressive 12.4 inches on the 1000-5 Deluxe (12.7 on 3-seater models)
• All Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe models come standard with premium 27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, featuring radial construction for exceptional ride comfort and traction.
• All Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe models come standard with 14″ aluminum wheels instead of the 12″ steel wheels that you’ll find on the base model Pioneer 1000-5.
• Standard on the five-person Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe (and available as an accessory for the three-person models) is a self-leveling rear suspension system, which automatically maintains the appropriate ride height when fully loaded, thereby maximizing ride comfort and maintaining consistent vehicle handling.
• The Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe comes with a sophisticated Electric Power Steering system (EPS) that reacts to both vehicle speed and steering input, delivering precise driving feedback while also reducing steering effort (and thus driver fatigue). This is true even with the front differential locked, as kickback at the steering wheel is reduced in technical terrain.
• Tilt steering on all models with EPS.

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Interior | 2018 Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe

Serving as a constant reminder of the Pioneer 1000-5’s premium status are a couple of traits for which Honda is famous—attention to detail, and fit and finish.

• Wide, comfortable bench seat for one, two or three passengers up front, with hand-hold straps and a shoulder belt for the center passenger (center seat is positioned high and forward to increase comfort and maximize space). Since this is the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe, you also get seating in the back for one or two passengers giving you seating for up to five people!
• The easy-to-use dump-bed lever can be accessed from outside the vehicle or from a front seated position.
• Hard doors with nets on all models, providing passengers with a secure feel and helping to keep mud and debris out of the rider cabin.
• Large, easy-to-reach transmission and drive levers with positive detents make it easy to identify the selected gear and drive mode by sight or feel.
• LED headlights (37W high/low beam) are standard on the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe, providing a bright, wide beam pattern and excellent service life with minimal power consumption. (The other Pioneer 1000 types have Halogen headlights, with LED available as an accessory.)
• The LCD multifunction display has a large, easy-to-read screen, showing speed, odometer, trip A and B, tachometer, gear selected, transmission mode, drive mode, clock, fuel, water temperature, mode and maintenance reminder.

The Business of SxS
Powersports’ strongest segment continues to grow

One might say that side-by-sides are the best-kept success-story secret in powersports, but while it’s still possible for these enjoyable products to be overlooked by some, their incredible sales numbers are rapidly reducing the ranks of the uninitiated. Simply put, SxS is the fastest-growing category in powersports, and as these customers have demanded more performance and capability from their vehicles, the flagship multipurpose has become the fastest-growing segment, at close to 100,000 per year. To meet the needs and expectations of Honda customers, Honda developed the Pioneer 1000, which is among the company’s most important powersports products of the last decade.

But exactly what is a flagship multipurpose side-by-side? Among these vehicles’ typical traits are large-displacement (+800cc) multi-cylinder engines, comfortable suspension, sophisticated 4WD systems, big hauling and towing capacity and exceptional capability in both recreation and work applications. As for who’s buying them, side-by-side customers in general are becoming increasingly difficult to pigeonhole, but buyers of flagship multipurpose side-by-sides tend to be experienced powersports customers who want the biggest and best—folks who are looking for both a balance of recreation and work capability and a top-of-the-line product that can go anywhere and haul anything. These owners get extreme usage out of their vehicles.

While the Pioneer 1000 is new, the road that led to it is long. The company was at the forefront of the ATV market in 1970, when it offered the three-wheel US90 (later to be called the ATC90), and its ATV lineup now includes a full spectrum of four-wheel vehicles, from the sporty TRX family to the versatile Rincon, Rubicon, Foreman, Rancher and Recon lines. From 1977 to ’89, Honda sold a four-wheel powersports vehicle called the Odyssey, and although that model did have a roll cage, it was just a single-seater; Honda’s first true side-by-side was the utility-focused Big Red, introduced for 2009. Big Red was replaced by the 2014 model-year Pioneer 700—a midsize multipurpose model that’s available in two-person and four-person configurations. The following year, Honda added the two-person Pioneer 500, an entry-level side-by-side whose narrow stance allows it to drive on tight trails and fit in the bed of a pickup truck.

4. Quick Overview of Features (Click on tabs below)