After clocking around 250 miles on my 2019 Honda Pioneer 700 Deluxe, it’s time to share my experiences. Purchased in November 2019 from The Farthest North Outpost in Fairbanks, Alaska – a big thank you to Aaron and Zafar for the full cab, heater, and windshield wiper kit installation! Overall, the Pioneer 700 has been a solid machine, but there are definitely areas where Honda could step up their game, especially for this model.
Impressive Low-End Power and Ride Quality
What immediately stood out was the impressive low-end torque from the 700cc engine. For a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) of this size, Honda has managed to extract a surprising amount of grunt. It evokes memories of my old Chevy with its inline-six – not built for speed, but capable of pulling anything all day long. This 2019 Honda Pioneer 700 is similar; it’s built to work.
The ride quality is also commendable. The suspension handles varied terrain smoothly, and the selectable MT/AT (Manual/Automatic Transmission) option is a welcome feature, adapting to different driving needs. The shifter levers feel robust and operate with satisfying smoothness, adding to the overall sense of quality.
While some might consider the 2019 Honda Pioneer 700 underpowered, I’d argue it depends on your intended use. If you’re seeking high-speed thrills, this isn’t your machine. However, if you need a dependable, sure-footed UTV for work or tackling challenging trails, the Pioneer 700 excels. It’s a well-balanced machine that inspires confidence, feeling stable and secure whether you’re on established trails or navigating rougher terrain.
Areas for Improvement in the Pioneer 700
Now, for the downsides. It pains me to critique Honda, but honesty is crucial. The 3-speed transmission is the most significant drawback of the 2019 Honda Pioneer 700. For general use and trail riding, it performs adequately. However, the absence of a true “granny gear” for low-speed, high-torque situations is a noticeable limitation.
Engine braking engages around 7 mph downhill, which is generally acceptable. However, when descending steep inclines, like the 2000-foot drop to my dredging area, relying solely on the standard brakes becomes necessary. During such descents, I found myself constantly riding the brakes, and while they performed without overheating, this is not ideal, especially when hauling cargo. In my case, this involved a trailer load of approximately 400lbs, plus 250lbs in the bed, my weight of 220lbs, and my 100lb dog in the cab.
Honda should seriously consider incorporating a sub-transmission for the Pioneer 700. Halving the existing gear ratios would significantly enhance its low-end capability. For a machine marketed as a mid-range work UTV, securing robust low-end power is essential.
Another area needing attention is the full cab with hard doors, an option I opted for when purchasing my 2019 Honda Pioneer 700. The sliding glass doors are underwhelming. The sliding window is tiny, creating a sense of isolation from the surroundings. A roll-down window design, similar to a pickup truck, would drastically improve the experience, allowing users to better connect with their environment.
The rear brake’s exposed positioning is another design flaw. Even my older 2007 Yamaha Big Bear 400 features an oil bath rear brake for protection. The exposed brake on the Pioneer 700 is vulnerable to dirt and mud contamination, impacting longevity and performance.
Lastly, the heater motor failed on its very first outing, requiring a $47 replacement plus shipping. While it functioned well during local rides around my property last winter, its premature failure is disappointing.
Final Verdict: A Capable UTV with Untapped Potential
Overall, I appreciate the 2019 Honda Pioneer 700 Deluxe for its spirited performance, smooth ride, and the reliability of a traditional transmission over belt-drive systems. It’s a fundamentally sound machine. However, addressing the transmission limitations, refining the door design, protecting the rear brake, and improving component reliability would elevate the Pioneer 700 from a good UTV to a truly great one.
Honda Corp – It’s time to build that sub-transmission and refine these key areas! The 2019 Honda Pioneer 700 has the potential to be even more of a dominant force in the UTV market with these improvements.
