What is the difference between Honda Pioneer 1000 and 700?
The Honda Pioneer 700 and 1000 serve distinct UTV roles. The Pioneer 700 sports a 675 cc single‑cylinder engine, torque‑converter automatic transmission, 1,500 lb towing and 1,000 lb bed capacity, and offers 2‑ or 4‑seat layouts starting at $12,499 MSRP .
The Pioneer 1000 steps up with a 999 cc parallel‑twin, six‑speed Dual‑Clutch Transmission (DCT), 2,500 lb towing, the same 1,000 lb bed capacity, seating from 2 to 6, and a base MSRP of $17,599 .
The 700 excels as an affordable, agile workhorse, while the 1000 delivers greater power, flexibility and premium features—ideal for heavy hauling, larger crews or demanding trail performance.
Key Specification Comparison
Engine & Power
Pioneer 700: 675 cc liquid‑cooled single‑cylinder, approx. 61 hp, PGM‑FI .
Pioneer 1000: 999 cc liquid‑cooled Unicam® parallel‑twin, approx. 72 hp, longitudinally mounted .
Transmission & Drive Modes
700: Torque‑converter auto with three‑clutch pack; modes: 2WD, 4WD, 4WD with diff lock .
1000: Six‑speed DCT with Normal/Sport maps, paddle shifters; modes: 2WD, Turf, 4WD, plus diff locks .
Towing & Bed Capacity
700: 1,500 lb towing; 1,000 lb bed payload .
1000: 2,500 lb towing; 1,000 lb bed payload (600 lb in CA) .
Weight, Dimensions & Maneuverability
Seating Configurations & Versatility
Seat Options (2, 4, 5 & 6)
700 Series:
Pioneer 700: 2‑seater
Pioneer 700‑4: 4‑seater with QuickFlip®
1000 Series:
Pioneer 1000: 2‑seater
Pioneer 1000‑5: 5‑seater with QuickFlip®
Pioneer 1000‑6 Deluxe Crew: 6‑seater
Bed & QuickFlip® System
QuickFlip® on the 700‑4 and 1000‑5 converts the rear bench into a flat cargo bed in seconds, maximizing versatility .
Both models feature a hydraulic‑assist dump bed for easy unloading .
Work vs. Recreation Adaptability
Pioneer 700: Ideal for light farm chores and tight trail navigation, thanks to lower weight and price .
Pioneer 1000: Better suited for heavy towing, larger loads/passengers, and mixed work‑recreation use with enhanced comfort and power .
Off‑Road Performance & Comfort
Suspension Travel & Ground Clearance
700 : independent double wishbone suspension with 7.9″ front and 9.1″ rear travel and 10.8″ ground clearance.
1000 : similar double wishbone suspension, 13.2″ ground clearance to tackle larger obstacles.
Tires and Brakes
700: Hydraulic disc brakes (200 mm front, 170 mm rear); robust but overall lighter.
1000: OTR Dirt Master tires and hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels for better traction and braking power.
Cabin Ergonomics and Controls
700: Adjustable-tilt LCD screen, intuitive indicator design, single-lever drive mode selector.
1000: Tilt steering, paddle shifters, sport mode, and optimized control placement for all-day comfort.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and Price Ranges
Pioneer 700: $12,499 (base) to $17,599 (700‑4 Forest).
Pioneer 1000: $17,599 (base) to $26,599 (1000‑5 Trail SE).
Maintenance and Reliability
Honda UTVs are renowned for their durability; the simpler transmission in the 700 means less maintenance, while the 1000’s DCT requires periodic service.
Resale Value Impact
Models with factory accessories (Trail SE), DCT, and higher seating capacity generally retain their value better; the 700 holds its value due to affordability and proven reliability.
Pros and Cons of Each Model
Honda Pioneer 700: Strengths and Limitations
Pros: Lower MSRP, lighter weight, simple mechanics, 2WD/4WD/Turf modes, QuickFlip® (4-seat configuration).
Cons: Less power/torque, lower towing capacity, basic ergonomics, limited seating.
Honda Pioneer 1000: Strengths and Limitations
Pros: Higher power output, best-in-class towing, seating for up to 6, DCT with paddle shifters, factory Trail SE option.
Cons: Heavier curb weight, higher MSRP, more complex DCT maintenance, slightly higher fuel consumption.
Purchase Recommendations
Ideal User Profiles for the 700
Budget-conscious owners, light-duty farm or ranch work, and riding narrow trails.
Ideal User Profiles for the 1000
Those who need maximum towing capacity, multi-passenger seating, or turnkey accessories (Trail SE), as well as superior trail performance.
Final Considerations and Tips
Check current MSRPs with local dealers.
Compare Honda’s official specifications with expert reviews (Everything Honda Offroad) to balance hard data with real-world insights.
Sources and Further Reading
Honda Powersports: Pioneer 700 Specifications
Honda Powersports: Pioneer 1000 Specifications
Everything Honda Offroad: Pros, Cons, and Practical Tips
Honda Powersports Brochures (PDF): Detailed mechanical and transmission data
