The Honda Pioneer 500 brought Honda durability, selectable four-wheel drive and a distinctive paddle-shift transmission to the 50-inch UTV category. Introduced for the 2015 model year, the compact two-seat side-by-side was designed for narrow recreational trails, property maintenance and buyers entering the UTV market.
Although Honda eventually replaced it with the larger-displacement Pioneer 520, the Pioneer 500 remains an appealing used UTV because of its manageable size, simple drivetrain and ability to fit in the bed of many full-size pickup trucks.
Honda Pioneer 500 History
Honda introduced the Pioneer 500 in May 2014 as a 2015 model. With an original suggested retail price of $8,499, it became the smallest and most affordable member of Honda’s growing Pioneer side-by-side family.
The machine used a 475cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine paired with a five-speed electric-shift transmission. Steering-column-mounted paddle shifters gave the driver direct control over gear selection, distinguishing the Pioneer 500 from the continuously variable transmissions used in many competing UTVs.
Its 50-inch overall width allowed the Pioneer 500 to access width-restricted trails that excluded larger side-by-sides. A 73.1-inch wheelbase, compact overall dimensions and a turning radius of approximately 13 feet also made it maneuverable on wooded trails and around farms or residential properties.
Production Begins in South Carolina
Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing began mass production of the 2015 Pioneer 500 at its Timmonsville facility in May 2014. The production launch represented a $24 million investment and added 45 jobs at the South Carolina plant.
More than 900 Honda associates attended the production celebration alongside government officials and local business representatives. At the time, Honda expected workers associated with the expansion to support production of approximately 24,000 Pioneer side-by-sides annually.
The Pioneer 500 was designed and developed by Honda R&D in the United States and manufactured in Timmonsville using domestically and globally sourced parts. The South Carolina facility had produced Honda ATVs since July 1998 and became an important North American manufacturing center for Honda utility ATVs and side-by-sides.
475cc Engine and Paddle-Shift Transmission
The Pioneer 500 was powered by a fuel-injected 475cc single-cylinder engine. Honda mounted the engine longitudinally, positioning the crankshaft in line with the driveshafts to provide a direct path for power delivery.
The original model used a five-speed electric-shift transmission with reverse. Drivers selected gears using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, providing a more involved driving experience than a conventional belt-driven automatic transmission.
The selectable four-wheel-drive system allowed the driver to choose between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Direct front and rear driveshafts eliminated the drive belt found on many competing side-by-sides.
Compact Size and Utility Features
Although it was compact, the Pioneer 500 included several practical utility features. Its steel rear carrier was rated to carry up to 450 pounds and incorporated multiple tie-down points for securing tools, camping supplies or other equipment. The machine was also rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds.
A bench seat accommodated a driver and passenger. Honda’s integrated door-and-net design allowed each door and its window net to open together, simplifying entry while helping keep occupants’ arms and legs inside the vehicle.
Other equipment included three-point Emergency Locking Retractor seat belts, independent double-wishbone suspension at all four corners and hydraulic disc brakes.
2017 Honda Pioneer 500 Updates
Honda gave the Pioneer 500 its most important update for the 2017 model year. A new transmission mode selector allowed drivers to switch between fully automatic operation and manual electric shifting.
In automatic mode, the Pioneer selected gears without requiring input from the driver. The paddle shifters could still override the automatic shift points when additional control was needed. Manual mode retained the original hands-on paddle-shift experience.
Honda also added dual-rate suspension springs for 2017. The revised springs were intended to improve ride comfort over smaller bumps while providing greater resistance to bottoming on larger impacts.
The 2017 Pioneer 500 was offered in Red, Green and Honda Phantom Camo. Its starting suggested retail price had increased to $8,999, while the camo version carried a suggested retail price of $9,599.
Original 2015 Honda Pioneer 500 Specifications
| Engine | 475cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Bore and stroke | 92mm x 71.5mm |
| Fuel system | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 36mm throttle body |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Transmission | Five-speed electric shift with reverse |
| Driveline | Direct front and rear driveshafts |
| Front suspension | Independent double wishbone; 5.9 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Independent double wishbone with preload adjustment; 5.9 inches of travel |
| Front brakes | Dual hydraulic 190mm discs |
| Rear brake | 200mm hydraulic disc |
| Front tires | 24 x 8-12 |
| Rear tires | 24 x 10-12 |
| Length | 102.5 inches |
| Width | 50 inches |
| Height | 72.4 inches |
| Wheelbase | 73.1 inches |
| Turning radius | 12.8 feet |
| Ground clearance | 9.6 inches |
| Curb weight | 1,010 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 gallons, including a 1.1-gallon reserve |
| Rear carrier capacity | 450 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 pounds |
| Original colors | Red, Olive, Yellow and Honda Phantom Camo |
Honda Pioneer 500 Review
The Pioneer 500 was aimed at riders who valued maneuverability, mechanical simplicity and Honda reliability more than outright horsepower or suspension travel. Its narrow chassis worked particularly well on tight, technical trails, while its rack and towing capacity added genuine utility.
For firsthand driving impressions, read our complete Honda Pioneer 500 review. The review covers its handling, paddle-shift transmission, passenger accommodations and performance on wooded trails.
From Pioneer 500 to Pioneer 520
The Pioneer 500 established the formula for Honda’s smallest side-by-side: a narrow two-seat chassis, geared automatic transmission and useful rear cargo capacity. Honda subsequently developed that formula into the Pioneer 520, adding a larger engine and a tilting cargo bed while retaining the trail-friendly 50-inch width.
Buyers comparing Honda’s newer compact and midsize utility models can see the current options in our Honda Pioneer 520 and Pioneer 700 lineup guide.
