2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 powerhouse side by side

 

Honda Pioneer 1000
2016 Honda Pioneer 1000

Today in Honda News we take a look at Honda’s Pioneer 1000 side by side.

I was first introduced to Honda’s latest side by side offering last summer in eastern San Diego, California at the Honda Dream Garage Event. Unfortunately for me and others looking to drive the Pioneer 1000, the displayed vehicle was what is referred to in the automotive world as a static display, not moving! My ride wasn’t going to happen on that day.

None the less Pilot 1000 did catch may attention, and I’d see it again at the SEMA Las Vegas Show, along with the H.P.D. prepared Baja Ridgeline Pickup. The Pioneer 1000 is Honda’s latest and most versatile offering in the utility-Ranch and off-road recreation side-by-side segment. The first thing that catches one’s eye is the size of this side-by-side.

It’s about the same size as an Asian micro pickup truck, offers a 2 passenger, dump bed or 5-passenger seating configuration, has a 1,000 lb hauling capacity, and will pull up to 2,000 lbs. That’s same capacity as many compact pickup trucks on the road today.

Segment topping engine performance

Pilot 1000 is powered by an all new 999 cc liquid cooled OHC Unicam parallel twin 4-stroke, fuel injected gasoline engine. According to Honda, this engine is a high-torque producing monster.

Although Honda doesn’t print horsepower ratings, looking to the specification, I estimate the engine output at around 70+., with torque approaching the same. Is Pioneer 1000 thirsty? probably. looking to Pilot’s specifications, a 7.9 gallon fuel tank comes standard including reserve.

How big is Pioneer 1000

Pioneer 1000 is a heavy weight in the side by side segment tipping the scales between 1500 and 1700 lbs, dry weight, depending on trim package options. To put pioneer 1000’s size into perspective, it’s a mere 800 lbs lighter than a 2016 Honda Fit, measures nearly 10 feet long, 5 feet 3 inches wide and 6 feet 4 inches tall, a full 18 inches taller than the aforementioned 2016 Honda Fit.

Pioneer 1000 isn’t going to fit in your pickup truck bed, but it could tow your pickup out of the mud and features a real-world 12.9 inch ground clearance Via a front and rear fully independent wishbone suspension. I like the 10 .9 inch front suspension travel.

What you get with this supersized side by side is real truck-like seating, safety features and tech options not common to the segment. Pilot’s “bad,” in a good way.

6 speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shift and variable terrain modes

Torque transfer to the 27 inch all terrain tires is accomplished via a state of the art fully automated dual clutched 6-speed transmission. For EPS trim levels or higher, there’s a steering wheel mounted paddle shift with sport-mode option. looking to the specifications, all trim levels come in 4WD standard with 2-range differential and 4-terrain-mode differential lock.

Suggested Sales Price

like all good things, Pilot 1000 pushes the price limitations of the side-by-side segment. ( Priced from $13,199 to $17,199 +) Yet looking to the size, versatility, frame toughness and performance afforded to the end user by Honda’s newest side by side offering, I believe that for anyone looking for the next step in a farm or ranch utility vehicle, hunting or working the golf course, Honda Pilot 1000 has earned your consideration.

Check out Honda’s latest Pioneer 1000 video here