HONDA PIONEER 700-4 DELUXE

The Honda Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe lets you spend less without compromising. Let’s say you like the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe’s belt-less geared transmission, convertible multi-passenger seating, power steering, painted bodywork and aluminum wheels, but you’ve only got about $14,000, not $18,000, to spend. If you don’t need 1000-class power, the 700-4 Deluxe gets you everything you’re after for $13,899.

WHAT MAKES THE PIONEER 700-4 DELUXE “DELUXE”?

The base Pioneer 700-4 comes with a belt-less, geared automatic transmission and convertible seating for up to four. The Deluxe adds manual-shift mode to the automatic transmission, painted or camo bodywork, power steering, aluminum wheels and contrasting shock springs.

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HOW DOES COST COMPARE?

The Pioneer 700-4 starts at $12,399, and the 700-4 Deluxe is $13,899 or $14,099 in camo. Polaris’ Ranger Crew 570-4 starts at $11,399. Can-Am’s Defender HD8 Max starts at $13,599.

WHAT POWERS IT?

A 675cc, single-cylinder, push-rod, 4-valve engine. The engine is mounted with the crankshaft in line with the driveshafts for more efficient power transfer.

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WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION DOES IT HAVE?

A 3-speed automatic with a hydraulic torque converter and manual-shift mode. This well-proven automotive-style transmission has no drivebelt, and the Honda is the only 700-class UTV that uses it.

Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel are used for manual shifting, and you can shift gears while in automatic mode. The transmission also downshifts automatically in manual mode when you come to a stop. The shift lever and the paddle shifters have a smooth, positive, feel.

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WHAT KIND OF 4WD SYSTEM DOES IT HAVE?

The 700-4 Deluxe has selectable 2WD/4WD with a lockable front differential, but not an unlockable rear differential like the Pioneer 1000. You select 2WD or 4WD and lock or unlock the front differential with one lever on the dash.

HOW FAST IS IT?

The 700-4 Deluxe is no rocket, but it accelerates well for a 700cc 4-seat recreation utility machine. Top speed is 40 mph.

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HOW IS THE POWER DELIVERY?

With manual and automatic shift modes, you get to match the power delivery to the driving you’re doing. Being able to shift manually lets you hold the machine in first for challenging mud or heavy hauling or towing. Manual shifting also gives the 700 a more sporty feel for trail riding. Automatic mode is better if you just want to relax and cruise. The 3-speed automatic isn’t as smooth as a belt-type automatic, but you don’t have to worry about belt wear.

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WHAT KIND OF SUSPENSION DOES IT HAVE?

The 700-4 has double-A-arm suspension front and rear with a rear sway bar to limit body roll. Up front, it has 7.9 inches of travel and non-adjustable shocks. There’s 9.1 inches of travel in the rear with spring preload-adjustable rear shocks that let you adjust the ride height for heavy loads or the firmness of the ride.

HOW DOES THE SUSPENSION WORK?

At a reasonable pace, it’s plush and comfortable, even on rocky, rutted trails. It’s perfect for cruising dirt roads, even if they’re in rough shape. Hunters, trail riders and explorers will like the ride. If you drive the Pioneer like a sport machine, you’ll find the suspension’s limits. The front end will bottom first on big bumps and G-outs.

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HOW DOES IT HANDLE?

It’s so agile, we barely noticed that it’s a 4-seater. That’s because the Pioneer 700-4 uses much the same chassis as 2-seat Pioneer 700. The compact 76.8-inch wheelbase helps it turn easily and maneuver without snags on tight trails. The Honda’s 59.7-inch width gives it room to spare on most trails and very good stability when the going gets steep or off-camber.

HOW IS IT FOR CHALLENGING TERRAIN?

It’s very capable. The 700-4 has enough power, traction and ground clearance to get you where you want to go, even if mud, hills or rocky sections are in your way. The Honda’s 4WD system provides plenty of traction in slippery or steep terrain, as well as 4-wheel engine braking for technical downhills.

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HOW ARE THE DETAILS?

The 700-4 Deluxe could be more deluxe in a couple of areas, but it’s impressive for the most part. The steering wheel isn’t tilt-adjustable as on many UTVs, but we like the angle of the wheel. A roof would be a nice deluxe touch, but it’s not standard equipment. You can get one from Honda and sources like SuperATV and EMP. We like how quiet the Honda’s engine and transmission is. The Quickflip seating lets you change the cargo bed space and seating to suit your needs, and you can dump the 1000-pound capacity bed with the rear seats folded down. The rear seats are pretty tight for large adults.

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WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?

If you’re after a recreation utility UTV with a belt-less automatic transmission and multi-passenger seating and you don’t want the power or price of Honda’s Pioneer 1000, the Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe is a great choice.

SPECS:

HONDA PIONEER 700-4 DELUXE

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

HONDA PIONEER 700-4 DELUXE - UTV Action Magazine (2024)