2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 First Ride Review: DCT Performance Tested

Article: Mario Boriassi, UTV Planet Magazine | Photos: Kevin Wing

The 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 arrived as Honda’s most powerful and capable recreation-utility side-by-side to date. Its 999cc parallel-twin engine, six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and available paddle shifting separated it from the belt-driven UTVs that dominated the market.

For this original Honda Pioneer 1000 first ride, we tested the three-passenger Pioneer 1000 EPS on the trails of western Montana. The event gave us time to evaluate its automatic and manual transmission modes, power delivery, suspension, cockpit and ability to balance work capability with recreational trail performance.

Readers researching the complete model family should also visit our Honda Pioneer 1000 overview. To compare Honda’s two primary recreation-utility platforms, see our Honda Pioneer 700 vs. Pioneer 1000 buyer’s guide.

2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 Models

Honda introduced the Pioneer 1000 in two basic configurations. The three-passenger Pioneer 1000 used a conventional cargo bed, while the Pioneer 1000-5 incorporated Honda’s QuickFlip convertible seating system. That design allowed the Pioneer 1000-5 to carry up to five occupants or fold its rear seats into the bed when additional cargo capacity was needed.

We concentrated on the three-seat Pioneer 1000 EPS because its conventional bed, lower curb weight and simpler layout gave it a slightly sportier personality on the trail.

999cc Twin-Cylinder Engine

The Pioneer 1000 was powered by a purpose-built, liquid-cooled 999cc parallel-twin engine with Honda’s Unicam cylinder-head design. Honda mounted the engine longitudinally in the chassis, creating a direct driveline path to the front and rear differentials.

The engine and exhaust system were rubber-mounted to reduce the noise and vibration transferred into the cab. Honda rated the original Pioneer 1000 at 72 horsepower, but its broad torque delivery mattered more than its peak output in real-world utility and trail use.

Six-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission

The most significant feature was Honda’s six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Instead of using a continuously variable transmission and drive belt, the DCT employed automotive-style gears and electronically controlled clutches.

The driver could choose from the following transmission settings:

• Automatic Standard: Prioritized smooth, relaxed shifting for general driving.
• Automatic Sport: Held gears longer and operated the engine at higher rpm.
• Manual: Allowed the driver to select gears with steering-column-mounted paddle shifters.

The transmission also included a high/low-range sub-transmission. Even while operating in an automatic mode, the driver could use the paddles to request a different gear without first switching completely into manual mode.

Suspension and Ground Clearance

The Honda Pioneer 1000 used independent double-wishbone suspension at all four corners. Front-wheel travel measured 10.55 inches, while the rear suspension provided 10 inches of travel. The three-seat Pioneer 1000 EPS offered 12.9 inches of ground clearance.

The Pioneer 1000-5 was also available with a self-leveling rear suspension system designed to compensate for passengers or cargo. This helped maintain a more consistent ride height and handling balance when the vehicle was loaded.

This was still a recreation-utility suspension rather than a high-performance sport setup. On the hard-packed Montana trails, however, it delivered a controlled ride and enough travel for the terrain encountered during the introduction.

Tires, Wheels and Brakes

The three-seat test vehicle rode on 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires mounted on 12-inch wheels. Tire sizes were 27×9-12 in front and 27×11-12 at the rear. Hydraulic disc brakes with 210mm rotors handled stopping duties.

Cockpit and Ergonomics

The Pioneer 1000’s bodywork was more aggressive than Honda’s earlier utility-focused side-by-sides. We preferred the appearance of the three-passenger model, although the Pioneer 1000-5 offered considerably more versatility for families and work crews.

High-sided doors and protective nets were standard equipment. The doors used secure automotive-style double latches, although an easier-to-reach exterior handle would have made entry more convenient.

Inside, the offset three-person bench provided good room for the driver and passengers. Tilt steering helped the driver find a comfortable position, while the cab demonstrated the solid fit and finish expected from Honda.

A large digital display supplied speed, odometer, dual trip meters, selected gear, engine hours, time, fuel level, coolant temperature, drive mode and maintenance-reminder information.

The driver could select Turf mode, 2WD, 4WD or 4WD with differential lock. A separate selector controlled Park, Reverse, Neutral, High and Low ranges, while a dash-mounted switch changed between automatic, manual and Sport transmission settings.

Storage included open dash compartments, a weather-resistant glove box and a tilting cargo bed rated to carry up to 1,000 pounds. Honda also rated the Pioneer 1000 to tow up to 2,000 pounds.

Honda Pioneer 1000 First-Ride Impressions

Honda hosted the Pioneer 1000 introduction in western Montana, where the surrounding trails offered scenic views, hard-packed surfaces and wide-open sections.

The first day consisted primarily of guided group riding. The forgiving terrain did not push the chassis particularly hard, but it provided an opportunity to become familiar with the controls, driving modes and transmission.

We began the second day in automatic mode. The transmission delivered smooth, consistent power and handled routine gear changes without requiring driver input. When we wanted a different gear immediately, we could make a temporary adjustment with the paddle shifters.

Standard and Sport Automatic Modes

Sport mode held each gear longer and allowed the engine to rev higher. It also produced a throatier exhaust note. The difference was noticeable, although it did not transform the Pioneer 1000 into a sport UTV.

Standard automatic mode remained the natural choice for relaxed trail riding, transporting passengers and working around a property. Sport mode was more useful when the terrain or pace called for quicker responses.

Manual Mode and Paddle Shifters

Manual mode was the most engaging transmission setting. The paddle shifters allowed us to choose the appropriate gear for open straightaways, faster corners, rocky climbs and controlled descents.

The system was also forgiving. If the driver forgot to downshift while slowing, the transmission selected a suitable lower gear to avoid lugging or stalling the engine. That assistance made manual mode approachable even for drivers without experience operating a conventional manual transmission.

Drivers looking for the sportiest experience from the Pioneer 1000 should spend time with manual mode. Direct control over its six forward gears made the machine feel more responsive and entertaining than it did in fully automatic operation.

First-Ride Verdict

The original Honda Pioneer 1000 succeeded because it did more than replace Honda’s earlier utility models with a larger engine. Its six-speed DCT gave the driver automatic convenience without relying on a drive belt, while manual mode and paddle shifters added an element of driver involvement rarely found in a recreation-utility UTV.

Its 1,000-pound cargo capacity, 2,000-pound towing rating and available five-passenger configuration gave it legitimate work credentials. At the same time, the strong twin-cylinder engine, comfortable cockpit and selectable transmission modes made it enjoyable on recreational trails.

The Pioneer 1000 was not intended to compete directly with pure sport machines. Instead, it established a durable and versatile foundation for Honda’s flagship multipurpose side-by-side. UTV Planet Magazine selected the 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 as its Recreation-Utility Model of the Year.

For more Honda Pioneer coverage, see our 2017 Honda Pioneer 1000 update and the latest Honda Pioneer 1000 lineup overview.

2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 Specifications

Watch the Honda Pioneer 1000 in Action

Honda’s original video provides another look at the first-generation Pioneer 1000 and its six-speed DCT in action.