Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Trail Review

Competition:

The Pioneer 1000-5 Trail Edition ($21,499) fits into the very top of what we would refer to as the “Utility Recreation” class. This includes vehicles like Kawasaki’s $20,999 Teryx4 S Special Edition, but also Polaris’ much longer and more utility-oriented Ranger Crew XP 1000 Premium at $22,099. Can-Am’s Defender Max XT, also on the larger side, is $20,799. The next step up in the segment takes you to the level of the Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000, Can-Am Commander 1000, and Polaris General 1000, which all hover about $6-7,000 higher than the Pioneer 1000-5.

ALSO, SEE: 2023 Honda Pioneer Lineup and 2024 Honda Pioneer 700 Lineup

Impressions:

The Pioneer 1000 is incredibly versatile and unique in its packaging. It’s substantially smaller than most of the other machines capable of seating more than 2 occupants, but is, by design, a compromise. This vehicle is made for the owner looking for an occasional multi-passenger capable unit, not to be used as one full-time. It hits a sweet spot of pricing, performance, and most importantly, personality. With the Honda’s peppy engine and DCT transmission, putting in trail miles just seems more fun than it does with some of the other buzzing CVT-powered units in this category. We give the nod to Honda for keeping things interesting.