NEW 2021 Honda Pioneer 520 Review / Specs + NEW Changes from Pioneer 500 Explained!

Honda Accessory Discount Code for Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, Scooters, Side by Side Models!

– NEW 2021 Pioneer 520 Side by Side / UTV Buyer’s Guide: Changes Explained, Specs, Accessories, Dimensions + More! –

NEW 2021 Honda Pioneer 520 Review / Specs + Changes Explained! | 50 inch Side by Side / UTV / SxS / ATV

For 2021, we have a new Pioneer 520 from Honda. I would say that we’ll be going over all of the Pioneer 500 changes for 2021 but technically Honda is going to keep that model around and unchanged for the 2021 model year. Honda decided to keep the Pioneer 500 around and announce the new 2021 Pioneer 520 to the model lineup so that way you now have even more options. With the Pioneer 500 camp, you’ve always had some people that loved it for the cargo rack style rear-end and then you had those that always wanted a dump bed on the Pioneer 500. It looks like Honda went the smart route with this one, they said they’ll do both and not alienate anyone. We’ll dive more into all of that below…

 

2021 Pioneer 520 VS 2020 Pioneer 500 Changes? The new Pioneer 520 has a dump bed but it doesn’t stop there as there is also new shock dampening for a smoother ride and new shift mapping for the transmission too!

Falcon Ridge LED Lights ATV / UTV Ad | High Lifter
  • Recent Honda Pioneer 500 Changes & Upgrades:
    • New Automatic Transmission with switch to Change from Manual mode with paddle-shifters to Automatic mode similar to Pioneer 1000 & DCT ATV Models
    • New Dual-Rate Front & Rear Springs / Suspension
      • * All of these changes were put into effect in 2017

New 2021 Honda Pioneer 520 Dump Bed / Tilt | Review & Specs

Today, we’re going to do a complete review on the 2021 Pioneer 500 (model ID: SXS520M2M) covering all of the detailed specs, features etc – basically everything you need to know about the 50″ side by side model from Honda for 2021. The Honda Pioneer 500 was originally introduced to dealers back in July of 2014 and was released as a 2015 year-model. It was Honda’s first entry into the 50-inch SxS / UTV market which is a corner of the market that is growing year after year as not everyone wants a “full-size” side by side that you have to purchase a trailer to haul out to the trails. You also have some trail-heads that aren’t allowing the typical side by side on their trails and they are putting up 50″ posts so only ATVs can ride on those trails and with a 50″ side by side ATV like this you’re able to ride where others can’t. That’s one of many areas where the Pioneer 500 really shined. There were plenty of people that also wanted to use the Pioneer 500 as a utility machine and that’s where the need and “want” came in for wanting the Pioneer 500 with a dump bed. Thankfully, Honda listened and we now have a new Pioneer 520 with a dump bed to add to the model lineup and really bring the entire Pioneer model lineup together as you’ve got multiple options and model variations to choose from whether it be the Pioneer 500 / Pioneer 520 or the mac-daddy Pioneer 1000-5 LE that’s the most expensive side by side Honda offers. When I say you have multiple Pioneer models to choose from, here’s a list of them all currently that are available for 2021:

  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 500
    • Pioneer 500 = 2-seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 520
    • Pioneer 520 = 2-seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 700
    • Pioneer 700 = 2-seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 700 Deluxe
    • Pioneer 700 Deluxe = 2-seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 700-4
    • Pioneer 700-4 = QuickFlip Seating = 2 / 3 / 4 seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe
    • Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe = QuickFlip Seating = 2 / 3 / 4 seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 1000
    • Pioneer 1000 = 3-seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 1000 Deluxe
    • Pioneer 1000 Deluxe = 3-seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 1000 LE ( LE = Limited Edition)
    • Pioneer 1000 LE = 3-seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 1000-5
    • Pioneer 1000-5 = QuickFlip Seating = 3 / 4 / 5 seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe
    • Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe = QuickFlip Seating = 3 / 4 / 5 seater
  • 2021 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 LE (LE = Limited Edition)
    • Pioneer 1000-5 LE = QuickFlip Seating = 3 / 4 / 5 seater

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. If it has a “4” then it means you can seat up to 4 people etc. All Pioneer 500 models are 2-seaters and all Pioneer 520 models are 2-seaters too, all Pioneer 700 models are 2-seaters and all Pioneer 1000 models are 3-seaters. All Pioneer 700-4 models are 4-seaters and all Pioneer 1000-5 models are 5-seaters. With the Talon sport SxS models, they are all 2-seaters unless you see the “4” at the end, like the Talon 1000X-4 and that means it has 4 seats.

2021 Honda Side by Side Model Lineup Announcement – Click Here

2019 Honda Pioneer Side by Side / UTV / ATV Lineup Review / Specs - HP Performance / Price / SxS 4x4 Utility Vehicle

2021 Honda Pioneer 520 Drive / Ride Review & Specs | 50 inch Side by Side / UTV / SxS / ATV Models

  • Quick / Key 2021 Pioneer 500 Information:
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Price / MSRP: $9,499 (Phantom Camo $10,099)
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Release Date: January 2021
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Model ID: SXS520M2M
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Changes: Explained below.
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Colors: Red, Olive (green), Reactor Blue, Phantom Camo
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Horsepower: TBA
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Top Speed: TBA (the Pioneer 500 would hit 39-40 MPH)
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Wheel / Tire Size: Front 24x8x12 & Rear 24x10x12
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Ground Clearance: 8.5 in. 
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Suspension Travel: Front 5.8 in. / Rear 5.9 in.
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Bed Capacity: 450 lbs
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Width: 50.0 in.
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Length: 105 in.
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Wheelbase: 73.0 in.
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Height: 71.2 in.
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Seat Height: 27.7 in.
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Turning Radius: 12.8 ft
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Weight: 1,065 lbs (curb)
    • 2021 Pioneer 520 Fuel Tank Size / Capacity: 4.1 gal (including 1.1 gal reserve)
      • * For more details specs on the 2021 Pioneer 520, keep reading below as we dive deep into everything else…

  • 2021 Pioneer 520 Review Page Contents / Index:
    • Why is the Pioneer SxS Model Lineup Confusing to some?
    • 1. | Introduction
    • 2. | History
    • 3. | Key Features / Development
      • 3.1 | Chassis / Suspension
      • 3.2 | Engine / Drivetrain
    • 4. | Features Overview
    • 5. | Pioneer 500 Development Story
    • 6. | Photo Gallery / Pictures 
    • 7. | Technical Specifications

1. | Introduction

2021 Honda Pioneer 520 Drive / Ride Review & Specs | 50 inch Side by Side / UTV / SxS / ATV Models

Outdoor activities are made simpler and more enjoyable with the right tools, and from hobby farming to adventurous excursions, few tools are as “right” as a versatile side-by-side with the ideal mix of maneuverability and power. That perfectly describes the 2021 Pioneer 520 which, compared to the popular Pioneer 500 that preceded it, features increased cargo options and a larger engine—a great combination for everything from hauling garden equipment to accessing a favorite fishing hole.

The versatile Pioneer 520 elevates the multipurpose side-by-side’s utility and practicality with a more powerful 518cc engine, upgraded suspension, handy dump bed and compatibility with Honda Pro-Connect accessories. The result is the same excellent dimensions and reliability, along with increased overall performance for even greater satisfaction for all customers, whether they’re diehard side-by-side enthusiasts, folks stepping up from an ATV, workers seeking a tool to help them perform their chores, or some combination thereof.

For those with a high emphasis on value, the Pioneer 500 is still available, with a 475cc engine and cargo rack that are particularly well-suited for outdoor recreation.

2. | Pioneer 520 History

The Honda Pioneer family of multipurpose side-by-sides has always been about fun, rugged, reliable performance, all of which certainly apply to the Pioneer 500. Introduced in 2015—one year after the midsize Pioneer 700 and a year before the flagship Pioneer 1000—Honda’s smallest side-by-side was a great, mobile tool for the ranch or farm, but in a compact size. It didn’t take up much room in the garage or shed, and its 50-inch width let it fit in the bed of a full-size pickup truck and on width-restricted trails that are normally the realm of ATVs. The Pioneer 500 quickly earned a reputation as a compact, high-quality, reliable, fun, affordable side-by-side, a status that was enhanced in 2017, with the introduction of an innovative five-speed transmission with automatic and manual shifting modes.

2021 Honda Pioneer 500 ATV / Review of Specs - Side by Side / UTV / SxS

Like all Honda Pioneers, the Pioneer 500 was designed in Ohio and manufactured in South Carolina, both of which are high-demand markets for side-by-sides.

For the 2021 model year, Honda continues to offer the Pioneer 500 for value-conscious customers, but now adds the Pioneer 520, with a number of improvements that we’ll discuss below.

3. | Key Features / Development

3.1 | Pioneer 520 Chassis / Suspension

The most obvious change to the Pioneer 520 is the addition of a 450-pound capacity dump bed, which provides users with greater utility. Interior bed dimensions are 25.9″ long x 38.7″ wide x 9.8″ high, and Honda has packed in a lot of functionality, incorporating recess rings for 5-gallon buckets, ridges to help position milk crates, slots to hold a wood divider and five D-rings for tie-downs. There are even cup-holder rings in the gate.

In addition, the Pioneer 520 is Pro-Connect compatible, with 10 latches located around the bed’s perimeter, to easily accept nine Pro-Connect accessories—including cargo boxes, bed rails and chainsaw mounts—without the need for tools, improving flexibility and convenience. A total of 41 accessories are offered, some of which are interchangeable with other Pro-Connect compatible Honda side-by-sides and ATVs. Examples include a bed rack, cargo boxes, a chainsaw mount and more.

One popular feature that the Pioneer 520 carries over from the Pioneer 500—and which is still exclusive to Honda in this class—is its 50-inch vehicle width, a signature design element that has proven popular with customers. The compact size means the Pioneer 520 can be ridden on public ATV trails everywhere, maximizing the vehicle’s versatility. It can even be loaded into the bed of a full-sized pickup truck for transport.

Most of the Pioneer 520’s other physical dimensions are also identical to those of the Pioneer 500. Overall length is 2.4 inches longer at 105.0 inches, but wheelbase is still 73.0 inches. Front and rear suspension travel are 5.8 and 5.9 inches, respectively, and ground clearance is 8.5 inches, great for tackling uneven or challenging terrain.

2021 Honda Pioneer 520 Drive / Ride Review & Specs | 50 inch Side by Side / UTV / SxS / ATV Models

Honda’s engineers also made improvements to the shock damping for increased comfort and control. Front and rear suspension are modern independent double-wishbone designs; the rear suspension has adjustable preload to tailor the ride height to match loads.

All four rims have 12-inch diameters and are shod with new, longer-wearing 24-inch-diameter all-terrain tires—24×8-12 up front and 24×10-12 in the back. This setup makes for a good balance between traction, easy steering and good maneuverability in tight quarters. The front brakes comprise dual hydraulic calipers with 200mm discs, while the rear brake is a single hydraulic caliper with a 170 mm disc—a combination that provides substantial braking power.

2021 Honda Pioneer 520 Drive / Ride Review & Specs | 50 inch Side by Side / UTV / SxS / ATV Models

3.2 | Pioneer 520 Engine / Drivetrain

The Pioneer 520 is powered by the proven, fuel-injected four-stroke 518cc engine found in the 2021 Rubicon ATV, but tuned for a side-by-side application. The largest engine in its class, the power plant has bore-and-stroke figures of 96.0 mm and 75.3 mm—4 mm and 3.8 mm greater, respectively, than those of the Pioneer 500’s 475cc mill. As a result, it offers increased low-to-midrange power and torque, making it great for tackling chores or scrambling up trails while exploring challenging terrain.

Power is fed directly to front and rear driveshafts, with no belt drive to maintain. Once again, it is mounted longitudinally in the chassis, an arrangement that allows direct driveshaft alignment to front and rear wheels for maximum drivetrain efficiency. At the same time, ease of use is prioritized. The new air cleaner is more readily accessed, as is the battery box, by lifting the bed.

Two drive modes—two- and four-wheel drive—are selectable on-the-fly via an easy-to-reach, dash-mounted knob.

The five-speed automatic transmission with reverse takes the hassle out of gear selection. The manual mode, operated with paddle shifters on the steering column, gives the user shifting control when conditions warrant.

2021 Honda Pioneer 520 Review / Specs - Side by Side ATV / UTV / SxS / Utility Vehicle

Compared to its predecessor, the Pioneer 520’s shift mapping has been tuned to upshift at lower engine speeds, improving shift rhythm. Calibration has been adjusted to optimize shift shock, and manually overriding automatic mode is possible through a wider rpm range.

Towing capacity for the Pioneer 520 comes in at 1,000 pounds.


4. | Pioneer 520 Features Overview

Pioneer 520 Performance

  • POWERFUL, NEW ENGINE
    • With a new engine that’s both bigger and more powerful than our Pioneer 500’s, the new Pioneer 520 also features electronic fuel injection for effortless cold-weather and high-altitude operation. The engine is specially tuned for low-rpm torque, too. Coupled with an efficient five-speed automatic transmission, you’ll have plenty of pulling power.
  • CLOSED-LOOP FUEL INJECTION
    • Better cold-weather and high-altitude running, effortless startups, great fuel efficiency and less pollution—that’s what the Pioneer 520’s “closed loop” fuel-injection system means for you. And that’s what we call a win/win situation.
  • LONGITUDINAL ENGINE MOUNTING
    • The Pioneer 520 is built around our strong, single-cylinder, 518cc longitudinal engine. By orienting the crankshaft front to back in the chassis, we route the flow of power straight to the wheels without any right-angle detours, reducing powertrain friction and putting more grunt to the ground.
  • 1000-POUND TOWING CAPACITY
    • The Pioneer 520 has a heavy-duty receiver-style hitch and 1000-pound towing capacity.
  • LIQUID COOLING
    • Our time-tested Honda engine is liquid-cooled, which provides more consistent operating temperatures and more power than a comparable air-cooled motor. This adds up to better performance and longer engine life.
  • SEMI-DRY-SUMP ENGINE
    • Compact and lighter weight, the Pioneer 520’s overhead-valve, semi-dry-sump design creates an engine that’s not only shorter from top to bottom, but one that enhances handling with a low center of gravity and favorable ground clearance.

Pioneer 520 Drivetrain

  • AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH AT/MT MODE
    • You can let the Honda Pioneer 520’s automatic transmission shift for you, or you can still shift yourself with its paddle shifters. You can even shift from auto to manual (AT to MT) on the fly!

Honda Pioneer 520 Paddle Shifters & Steering Wheel / Interior | Review: Side by Side / UTV / SxS / ATV - 50 inch wide 2-seater

  • STRONG GEARBOX
    • Unlike the belt-drive automatics out there, the Pioneer 520 features an AT/MT mode transmission that uses rugged, steel gears. You get true compression braking for superior controllability (especially when descending hills), as well as long transmission life.

Pioneer 520 Versatility

  • NEW TILT/DUMP BED
    • The new Pioneer 520 now features a super-convenient tilt/dump bed. Measuring 38.7 inches wide, 25.9 inches long and 9.8 inches high, it can carry up to 450 pounds. An assist strut makes dumping easy, the tailgate opens flat, and inside the bed is set up for plywood dividers, or to hold milk crates or plastic buckets. It also accommodates our line of Honda Pro-Connect™ system accessories.
  • TOWING AND HAULING
    • Big job? Smaller jobs? Bring ‘em on! When it comes to earning its keep, the new Pioneer 520 punches way above its weight, thanks to its 450-pound bed capacity, 1000-pound towing capacity, and TraxLok 2WD/4WD system.
  • HEADLIGHTS
    • 35-watt headlights provide clean, crisp light to get you through any adventure, day or night.
  • AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES
    • We have a full line of accessories ready for the new Pioneer 520—over 60 of them. Everything from winches to windscreens, cargo boxes to chainsaw mounts, covers to roofs, and much more. And the Pioneer 520 is set up to work with our super-convenient Honda Pro-Connect™ system, so configuration is fast and easy.

Pioneer 520 Handling

  • COMPACT 50-INCH WIDTH AND TRAXLOK® 2WD/4WD
    • The Pioneer 520’s 50-inch overall width is a huge bonus, whether it’s for width-restricted trails or convenient transportation and storage (it fits into the bed of most full-sized pickups). Plus, our rock-solid Traxlok system lets you choose either 2WD or 4WD, giving you the freedom to choose between lighter steering (in 2WD) and maximizing available traction (in 4WD) when you need it most.
  • PLUSH RIDE
    • With 5.9 inches of travel at both the front and rear wheels and 8.5 inches of ground clearance, the Pioneer 520 can negotiate rough trails with ease. Plus, we’ve tuned the suspension to give you a smooth, plush ride around the farm.
  • PADDLE SHIFTERS
    • If you want to shift manually, simply upshift and downshift without ever having to take your hands off the wheel. You get to choose the exact gear you want, and it’s engineered for precise, smooth shifts.
  • POWERFUL FRONT AND REAR DISC BRAKES
    • Disc brakes just make sense on a modern side-by-side, and that’s exactly why the new Pioneer 520 features them front and rear. They stop better, run cooler, are easier to maintain and are less susceptible to debris.
  • DUAL-RATE SPRINGS
    • A spring is a spring, right? Sure, all springs may look alike, but the Pioneer 520 features dual-rate springs, and after one ride you’ll feel the difference. You get a smoother ride over smaller bumps with more bottoming resistance on bigger bumps, along with a more confident steering feel.
  • INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION (IRS)
    • The Pioneer 520’s fully independent rear suspension means you get a smooth ride, especially over rough terrain.
  • STRONG GEARBOX
    • Unlike the belt-drive automatics out there, the Pioneer 520 features an AT/MT mode transmission that uses rugged, steel gears. You get true compression braking for superior controllability (especially when descending hills), as well as long transmission life.

Pioneer 520 Comfort

  • NEW SHIFT MAPPING
    • To complement the new engine, we also gave the Pioneer 520 its own, new mapping. You’ll see how the shifts are smooth and the torque keeps flowing seamlessly, thanks to new clutch engagement specs. All in all it adds up to an even better ride for you.
  • SIDE-BY-SIDE SEATING
    • With a comfortable bench-style seat, individual backrests and seatbelts for both rider and passenger, the Pioneer 520 offers side-by-side comfort and excellent maneuverability.
  • INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION (IRS)
    • The Pioneer 520’s fully independent front and rear suspension means you get a smooth ride, especially over rough terrain.

Pioneer 520 Safety

  • DRIVER/PASSENGER PROTECTION
    • The Pioneer 520 is loaded with features to help provide a feeling of security for the driver and passengers. The Occupant Protection Structure uses sturdy, large-diameter tubing, and includes integrated handholds, recessed top tubes and a more spacious structure to enhance protection; it also meets OSHA’s 1928.53 rollover protective structure standard. Hard doors and roll-up side nets provide a secure feel and keep mud and debris out of the cabin, while automotive-style three-point belts with an Emergency Locking Retractor mechanism help keep everyone secure.
  • SINGLE-FUNCTION DOOR/NET
    • The Pioneer 520 comes standard with doors, and the occupant net is directly attached—just unlock and open the door, and the net automatically swings aside making entry and exit easier.

5. | Pioneer 500 Development Story

Following the successful launch of the revolutionary 2014 Pioneer 700 and Pioneer 700-4, Honda continues its side-by-side expansion with the introduction of the Pioneer 500 in 2015. Compact, versatile and fun, the two-person Pioneer 500 side-by-side is equally adept at off-road recreation or tackling a wide variety of work applications. Best of all it provides and outstanding value for the market: It combines Honda’s legendary durability, quality, and reliability with an affordable price-tag.

Sized to fit on trails that impose width restrictions—as well as in the bed of a full-size pick-up truck—the Pioneer 500 was designed by Honda R&D in Ohio, and built at Honda South Carolina (HSC) in Timmonsville using domestically and globally sourced parts. Its compact size and affordable price provides attainable access into the side-by-side category for a larger group of four-wheel customers.

2021 Honda Pioneer 500 / SxS - Side by Side ATV - UTV

Size matters
Recreational riders are encountering restrictions in more and more off-road areas: trail access for off-road vehicles is limited to those with a width no greater than 50 inches—narrower than many full-sized side-by-sides. With its brand-new steel ladder-frame chassis and compact 50-inch width, the Pioneer 500 is designed to fit 50-inch limited access trails and allows for convenient home storage. Overall length is 102.5 inches, and a modest 73.1-inch wheelbase helps return agile handling and a tight turning radius of only 13 feet. Double-wishbone suspension front and rear with durable steel A-arms yield 5.9 inches of travel that’s plush enough for a comfortable ride, yet progressive enough for most off-road trails. The rear shocks offer spring preload adjustability to alter the ride for light or heavy loads. The rear suspension also features a stabilizer bar system, reducing body roll when cornering. 24 x 8-12 tires help give the Pioneer 500 a quality steering feel and ride.

Powered by Honda’s proven longitudinally mounted 475cc liquid-cooled overhead valve single-cylinder four-stroke engine, the Pioneer 500 features plenty of low-end torque, and a smooth easy-to-use powerband that makes it fun to use in a wide range of environments. Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system ensures accurate fuel metering and great throttle response under many different riding conditions, including high-altitude operation. Additionally, the Pioneer 500 incorporates an oxygen sensor and catalytic converter in the durable stainless-steel exhaust system, which increases fuel-metering precision while also allowing the Pioneer 500 to meet exhaust emissions requirements.

2021 Honda Pioneer 500 Camo Side by Side ATV / Utility Vehicle Specs

Phantom Camo… If you haven’t had a chance to check out the All new Phantom Camo that Honda released in 2014, do yourself a favor and check it out in person. The difference between the old camo that Honda used on the ATV model lineup and Big Red can’t hold a candle to the new Phantom Camo finish. The detail is amazing to say the least… It’s rather difficult to catch those fine details in a picture but I tried my best above. Honda also informed us that the new camo is also a lot more durable than the previous finish which is definitely a big deal when you’re splurging out an extra $600 for the Phantom Camo finish on the Pioneer 500 compared to the olive, red and metallic blue.

Power is transmitted to the wheels through a five-speed gearbox with reverse that uses an electric shift system featuring paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Pull the paddle on the right side for upshifts, or pull the paddle on the left for downshifts. The familiar layout and function of this system is similar to what’s found in Honda automobiles and provides the driver with a fun recreation feature and useful gear control for work. Reverse is easily engaged via a dash-mounted lever, and gear position is displayed on the centrally located digital meter for convenient reference. Shift engagement from one gear to the next in the Pioneer 500 is notably smooth, thanks to a shock-absorbing judder spring in the clutch assembly and a momentary fuel cut during shifts that helps smooth the transition from one gear to the next—two innovative bits of Honda bright-think.

2021 Honda Pioneer 500 SxS / UTV / Side by Side ATV in Pickup Truck Bed

On downhill slopes, the manual mode selection for the transmission allows the driver to hold a gear for positive engine braking that supplements the 200mm hydraulic front and rear disc brakes for slowing power, a welcome feature. With its 1,000 pound towing capacity and ability to hold a lower gear, the Pioneer 500 has the ability to tackle big jobs in a variety of terrain. Final drive is handled via shaft, and a handy gearshift selector makes it easy to switch from 2WD to 4WD when the going gets tough.

Convenient access for you and your gear
To climb into the Pioneer 500, you merely twist the door release knob, and the door and net open together as one unit—an ingenious and simple design. The knob is easily accessible from inside or outside of the vehicle. The door swings open a full 180 degrees for easy entry and exit. Inside, there’s a roomy and comfortable bench seat for the driver and passenger. The Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) meets OSHA requirements, and there are three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seat belts.

In back a large, flat rear carrier built of sturdy steel tubing provides a big space measuring about 30 inches by 46 inches wide. With a deck height of only 37.5 inches, the rear carrier is an easy lift for packing your gear on board. The rack is rated for a load capacity of 450 pounds, and multiple hook points for tie-downs are conveniently provided all around. There’s plenty of room on the rear carrier for users to add specialized equipment or an enclosed box for parts, tools, or camping gear. The options are nearly endless. There’s also more than 40 Honda Genuine and Signature Accessories that allow owners to configure their Pioneer 500 to meet their specific needs right off the showroom floor.

2021 Honda Pioneer 500 Specs Review | Side by Side ATV / UTV / SxS / Utility Vehicle 50"

Attention to detail counts for plenty, and as would be expected, the Pioneer 500 is up to full Honda spec in this area. Access for pre-ride maintenance items, such as brake fluid, coolant level, and oil level, is simple and requires no tools. Thoughtful touches in the rider compartment include dual headrests, two cup holders and a 12-volt power outlet. The hood, seat back and seat bottom can be easily removed as needed for access to the oil dipstick and air filter. And multi-reflector halogen headlights offer plenty of illumination should your rides stretch past sundown.

With new people entering the growing side-by-side market, the Pioneer 520 / 500 provides a whole new level of accessibility—both in its versatile capabilities as well as its exceptional value. Compact, easy handling and trail-ready, the Pioneer offers a highly affordable fun alternative for recreational riding, outdoor sports, chores around the homestead, the job site, and so much more. From side-by-side enthusiasts to new riders, the new Pioneer 520 is likely to become an instant favorite and the Pioneer 500 is still around as well for those that prefer it.

6. | Pioneer 520 Pictures / Photo Gallery

6. | Pioneer 520 Specifications

2021 Honda Pioneer 520 Specs

ENGINE

 
Type 518cc liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Valve Train Overhead camshaft; two valves
Bore x Stroke 96.0 mm x 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Induction Fuel injection (PGM-FI), 36 mm throttle body
Ignition Full-transistorized
Starter Electric
Driveline Direct front and rear driveshafts
Transmission Automatic ESP 5 speed + reverse
Clutch Automatic
SUSPENSION  
Front Independent double wishbone; 5.8 in. travel
Rear Independent double wishbone; 5.9 in. travel
BRAKES  
Front Hydraulic w/ dual 200 mm discs
Rear Hydraulic w/ single 170 mm disc

TIRES

 
Front 24 x 8-12
Rear 24 x 10-12
MEASUREMENTS  
Length 105.0 in.
Width 50.0 in.
Height 71.2 in.
Seat Height 27.7 in.
Ground Clearance 8.5 in.
Wheelbase 73.0 in.
Turning Radius 12.8 ft.
Towing Capacity 1,000 lbs.
Payload Capacity 450 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 4.1 gal., (1.1 gal. reserve)
Curb Weight* 1,065 lbs. (1,067 lbs. CA)

OTHER

 
Colors Honda Phantom CamoⓇ; Red; Olive; Reactor Blue

* Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Meets current CARB and EPA off-road emissions standards. Recommended for riders 16 years of age and older.

Honda Accessory Discount Code for Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, Scooters, Side by Side Models!

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