Having owned my 2014 Honda Pioneer 700-4 for over two years, I wanted to share my personal experiences and thoughts on this versatile machine. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with this vehicle, which lives up to Honda’s reputation for reliability, just like all my other Honda equipment.
My main uses for the Pioneer 700-4 revolve around property maintenance and gardening tasks. It’s invaluable for moving gear across my property, from hauling soil, mulch, and compost in a small trailer to navigating tough 4×4 tracks down to the waterfall. It’s simply a reliable way to get from point A to point B, even in steep, mountainous terrain. The grip and 4-wheel drive capability have consistently impressed me, never letting me down in challenging conditions.
However, it’s not without its minor drawbacks. The most noticeable is the noise level. To address this, I ingeniously fitted a muffler from my 2007 Honda Accord Euro (Acura TSX) to the stock exhaust. This modification made a significant improvement in reducing the noise. Additionally, I installed some inexpensive rubber matting in the bed, cab floor, and under the seat. These simple additions further helped dampen the noise and improve the overall driving experience.
Alt text: The 2014 Honda Pioneer 700-4 UTV driving through a muddy trail, showcasing its off-road capability.
One characteristic of the 2014 Honda Pioneer 700-4 that requires careful handling is the locked rear differential. While beneficial in certain situations, it can be quite aggressive on road base, tearing up the surface unless driving in a perfectly straight line. I experimented with thinner differential oil, which offered a slight improvement. It’s worth noting that the aggressive differential contributes to wear on the rear tires, especially on paved surfaces.
Front-end grip can also be an issue when carrying weight in the rear, particularly when reversing downhill. The front tires tend to lose traction and slide, rather than steering in the intended direction. Reversing slowly and cautiously is essential in these situations to maintain control.
Despite these minor points, the 2014 Honda Pioneer 700-4 has proven to be incredibly robust. Over the years of ownership, nothing has broken down, highlighting its durability. The engine provides ample torque, making it excellent for towing and effortlessly climbing steep hills, even at low speeds when spraying or performing other tasks requiring precise control.
A standout feature for me is the fold-up rear seats. They are incredibly convenient when visitors come, and we want to take a trip down to the creek or explore the property together. This 4-seater configuration adds to the vehicle’s versatility.
In terms of usage, I’ve clocked approximately 1400 kilometers and 250 hours on the Pioneer 700-4. Fuel economy has consistently been reasonable, which is an important factor for a utility vehicle used regularly.
One minor operational quirk is the downhill speed control. When descending hills, I find I need to accelerate to over 18 km/h (12 mph) to engage a more useful second gear for engine braking. This might be a bit fast for some, particularly less confident drivers. The ability to manually select gears, as offered in the newer deluxe models, would be a welcome improvement in this area.
Alt text: Folded up rear seats of a 2014 Honda Pioneer 700-4, demonstrating the cargo space and passenger versatility.
While the high seating position can feel a bit unnerving on very steep inclines, the Pioneer 700-4 has always felt stable and sure-footed. It’s a significant improvement in stability compared to my tractor, giving me confidence in challenging terrain.
The gearbox is undeniably clunky and noisy, but this is understandable for a vehicle built for durability and hard work rather than refined operation. It’s a trade-off I’m willing to accept for its robust construction.
Initially, I considered the Pioneer 1000 model, which offered features like turf mode and a gear selector. However, at the time of purchase, the 1000 was not available in Australia, and the price difference was substantial. I also secured a good deal on a demo 700-4 model with low hours, making it a very attractive option.
Now, with the addition of a Kubota BX25D tractor with a backhoe to my equipment lineup, the Pioneer 700-4 and the tractor, along with a trailer, form a perfect combination for managing my small farm.
Ultimately, I have no regrets about purchasing the 2014 Honda Pioneer 700-4. For property work, general utility, and occasional recreational use, I would confidently recommend the 700-4. For added comfort in sunny conditions, I suggest adding a 97% shade cloth to the roof to reduce sun exposure. Hard roofs, even tarps, can unfortunately amplify noise levels.
