HONDA PIONEER 700-4 DELUXE
UTV TEST:
— Honda’s Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe has styling that stands out from the other 700-4 models, but the Deluxe isn’t only about looks. The top-of-the-line 700-4 comes with manual and fully automatic shifting, which makes this four-seater more fun and better for chores.
WHAT SETS THE DELUXE APART?
The 700-4 Deluxe comes with power steering, painted bodywork, contrast-colored suspension springs, aluminum wheels, and manual shift mode with paddle shifters.
HOW DOES PRICE COMPARE?
The 2017 Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe goes for $13,499. The 2018 700-4 Deluxe is $13,699. Prices for the 2017 Pioneer 700-4 start at $12,099. The 2018 700-4 starts at $12,299. Polaris’ Ranger XP 900 Crew is $13,699. Can-Am’s Defender Max HD8 is $12,399.
WHAT POWERS IT?
A single-cylinder, 675cc, pushrod, four-valve engine. Unlike on many UTVs, the engine is mounted so the crankshaft is in line with the driveshafts for more efficient power transfer.
WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION DOES IT USE?
A three-speed automatic with a hydraulic torque converter. This transmission is much like the automatics on most cars and trucks, so there’s no drive belt. All Pioneer 700 models come with this style of transmission, but only the Pioneer 700 Deluxe and 700-4 Deluxe have manual shift mode, as well as fully automatic mode.
Manual shifting is done with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, and you can shift gears while in automatic mode. The shift lever and the paddle shifters have a positive, high-quality feel.
WHAT KIND OF 4WD SYSTEM DOES IT HAVE?
Selectable 2WD/4WD with a lockable front differential. You can select 2WD or 4WD and lock or unlock the front differential with a lever on the dash.
HOW FAST IS IT?
The 700-4 Deluxe can hit 40 mph. Being a recreation utility machine, the Pioneer doesn’t accelerate as hard as lighter, more powerful 700cc sport machines, but it gets down the trail pretty quickly.
HOW IS THE POWER DELIVERY?
Having manual and automatic shift modes lets you use the Pioneer’s power the way you like rather than working with a fixed style of power delivery. Shifting manually makes the Pioneer feel sportier for trail riding, and the ability to hold the machine in first can come in handy in mud or for challenging towing or hauling chores.
Automatic mode lets you relax and enjoy the ride. You’ll feel the transmission shifting, so it’s not as smooth as a belt-type automatic, but you don’t have to worry about belt wear.
WHAT KIND OF SUSPENSION HAS IT GOT?
The Pioneer has double-A-arm suspension front and rear, with a rear sway bar to reduce body roll. There’s 7.9 inches of travel up front from non-adjustable shocks. Spring preload-adjustable rear shocks provide 9.1 inches of travel.
HOW DOES THE SUSPENSION WORK?
The 700-4 Deluxe delivers a remarkably smooth ride, even on bumpy, rocky trails, as long as you don’t push the machine too hard. Get too aggressive and you’ll feel the front end bottom on big impacts. For normal trail riding and exploring, the suspension is fine.
HOW IS THE HANDLING?
It’s nimble and very stable. The Pioneer 700-4 is built on the same platform as the two-seat Pioneer 700, so its 76.8-inch wheelbase helps it corner effortlessly and maneuver easily in confined areas. The Honda’s 59.7-inch width and its relatively low stance make it reassuringly stable when cornering or traveling on sloped terrain.
HOW IS IT ON HILLS?
Confidence-inspiring. The 700 has enough power for practically any hill normal trails put in your path, and the versatile 4WD system makes sure the Pioneer finds traction.
The 700-4’s natural engine braking and strong disc brakes provide plenty of control on difficult downhills.
HOW ARE THE DETAILS?
Most are very good. Everything you touch on the Honda—from the door releases to the shift lever—has a high-quality feel to it. The engine, transmission and suspension operate quietly, too. Honda’s clever Quickflip seating lets you choose the amount of seating or cargo bed space you need for the moment, though the rear seating area is snug for larger adults. The bed can hold 1000 pounds. The door-mounted drink holders are a nice touch too. With all the features we see on high-end UTVs, we were expecting a tilt wheel and a roof on the Deluxe, but the roof is a $300 option and the wheel isn’t adjustable.
WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
The Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe is stylish, but what really makes it stand out is its unusual belt-less transmission. Its fun, practical manual shift mode also sets it apart from other Pioneer 700s.
SPECS:
HONDA PIONEER 700-4 DELUXE
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-valve, OHV 4-stroke
inline twin
Displacement 675cc
Bore x stroke 102mm x 82.6mm
Compression ratio 9.2:1
Lubrication system Semi-dry sump
Carburetion 40mm throttle body
Starting/back-up Electric/none
Starting procedure In any gear with brake engaged
Air filter:
Type Oiled foam
Transmission 3-speed with manual and auto modes
Drive system Selectable 2WD/4WD with locking
front differential
Final drive f/r Shaft/shaft
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity 7.9 gal.
Wheelbase 76.8”
Overall length/width/height 114.8”/59.7”/78.5”
Ground clearance 10.7”
Wet weight 1426 lbs
Bed capacity 1000 lbs
Towing capacity 1500 lbs
ROLLING CHASSIS
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front Dual A-arms & non adjustable shocks /7.9”
Rear Dual A-arms & preload-adjustable shocks with
sway bar/9.1”
Brakes:
Front 200mm discs
Rear 170mm disc
Tires:
Front 25×8-12 Maxxis Bighorn 2.0
Rear 25×10-12 Maxxis Bighorn 2.0
DETAILS
DC outlet Auto-style waterproof plug
Lighting:
Front Two 35W headlights
Rear LED tail/brake lights
Instrumentation Speedo/odo/tach/trip/hour/fuel/
gear position/diagnostics/clock
Colors Silver
Minimum recommended operator age 16
Suggested retail price $13,499
Contact .Honda, https://powersports.honda.com/pioneer.aspx
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