Honda Pioneer 500 vs. Honda Pioneer 700 vs. Honda Pioneer 1000: What's The Difference?

Not all side-by-sides are created equal.  

Side-by-sides don't have to be expensive, oversized, or underpowered. In fact, side-by-sides don't have to be any one thing. A Honda SxS can be an agricultural workhorse and a trailrunner for two, three, four, or even five passengers - all in one machine.  

Honda's SxS range runs the gamut from the extraordinarily fun and remarkably affordable Pioneer 500 through to the flexible Pioneer 700 Series up to the flagship Pioneer 1000. Honda side-by-sides don't just come with different engine sizes; the machines themselves are remarkably different, too. Here's a brief summary of each model and the different ways in which they can be configured.

PIONEER 500 SERIES

With MSRPs kicking off at $11,799, the Pioneer 500 can be equipped in four different styles: as the core Pioneer 500, or as a Pioneer 500 with the Work, Trail, or Outdoor Packages. The Work Package adds a hard roof, rearview mirror, cargo tray, and work light. The Trail package includes the hard roof and rearview mirror plus a light bar and cab frame cargo bag. The Outdoor Package uses a Bimini roof, rear rack bag, auxiliary lights, and a rearview mirror.  

Every Pioneer 500 uses a 475cc single-cylinder engine linked to a 5-speed automatic with manual paddle-shift control and switchable 2WD/4WD. The Pioneer 500, a two-seater weighing in just above 1,000 pounds, is rated to tow 1000 pounds and can accept 450 pounds in its bed. Measuring only 50 inches across and 102.6 inches front to back, the Pioneer 500 is well suited to even the narrowest of trails.

PIONEER 700 SERIES

Honda's Pioneer 700 Series is available in either a 2 or 4-seater configuration, known simply as the Pioneer 700-2 and Pioneer 700-4, both of which utilize electric power steering. Powered by a 675-cc single cylinder engine, the Pioneer 700 can tow up to 1,500 pounds and can take a 1,000-pound payload in the bed. The Pioneer 700 is 10 inches wider and 12 inches longer than the Pioneer 500 and weighs just under 1,300 pounds. The Pioneer 700's larger and more powerful engine is again linked to a belt-free automatic transmission.  

The Goldilocks-sized 700 operates as the perfect medium in the Pioneer SxS range: bigger, but still flexible and versatile to get the job done in tight quarters. MSRPs start at $13,499 for the Pioneer 700-2; $15,399 for the Pioneer 700-4. 

PIONEER 1000 SERIES

Do you believe bigger is always better? When it comes to the Pioneer 1000, a bigger engine, bigger cabin, and bigger brakes will certainly make you a believer. There are more 4WD modes, more speeds in the transmission, and more available seats.  

The Pioneer 1000 Series kicks off with the 3-seater 1000 EPS. Its quiet and refined 999cc twin-cylinder engine runs through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with sport and manual, paddle-shifting modes. The powertrain includes multiple drive modes, including 4WD with differential lock as well conventional 2WD and 4WD modes and a Turf mode that unlocks the rear diff so you don't ruin soft terrain. In the Pioneer 1000, towing capacity is increased to 2,000 pounds - that's enough to tow two Pioneer 500s! 

The Pioneer 1000-5 EPS is essentially the same vehicle, only with a full five-seat cabin. The Pioneer 1000's bed incorporates seats that can be conveniently flipped up or folded down independently of one another to turn the 3-seat 1000 EPS into a 4 or 5-seat cruiser. The Pioneer 1000-5 EPS is 62.9 inches wide, 116.6 inches long, and weighs just over 1,700 pounds. Ground clearance rises to 12.4 inches,  up nearly 2 inches compared with the Pioneer 700; up almost 4 inches compared with the Pioneer 500. From $18,299 for the Pioneer 1000, MSRPs for the Pioneer 1000-5 start at $20,799.

Shop Honda SxSs In Centennial Auto-Sport And Tire's Inventory.