The 2014 Honda Pioneer 700 arrived at dealerships in September 2013 as Honda’s new two-seat, midsize utility side-by-side. With a 675cc engine, automotive-style automatic transmission, 1,000-pound cargo-bed capacity and 1,500-pound towing rating, the Pioneer 700 replaced the Honda Big Red and established a model line that remains part of Honda’s UTV lineup today.
Pricing for the original two-seat Pioneer 700 started at $9,999. Honda also introduced the four-passenger Pioneer 700-4, which used the same basic platform but incorporated two rear seats that could fold individually into the cargo bed.
For more on the convertible model, see our original 2014 Honda Pioneer 700-4 introduction.
Honda’s Replacement for the Big Red
The Pioneer 700 represented an important change in Honda’s side-by-side strategy. It retained several proven ideas from the Honda Big Red MUV, including a 675cc single-cylinder engine, hydraulic torque converter and geared automatic transmission, but wrapped them in a more versatile chassis with improved suspension and updated styling.
Unlike most competing UTVs, which relied on belt-driven continuously variable transmissions, the Pioneer used an automotive-style three-speed automatic. Its hydraulic torque converter and three hydraulic clutches delivered power through direct front and rear driveshafts, eliminating the conventional CVT drive belt.
675cc Engine and Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
The 2014 Honda Pioneer 700 was powered by a 675cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder four-stroke engine. Honda’s PGM-FI electronic fuel-injection system used a 40mm throttle body to provide consistent starting and performance across changing temperatures and elevations.
The automatic transmission offered three forward gears and Reverse. A two-stage shift map adjusted transmission behavior according to engine speed and load, while positive engine braking helped the driver maintain control when descending hills.
The selectable drivetrain provided three operating configurations:
- 2WD
- 4WD
- 4WD with differential lock
1,500-Pound Towing Capacity
Honda equipped the Pioneer 700 with a heavy-duty two-inch receiver-style hitch and rated it to tow as much as 1,500 pounds. That made the midsize machine suitable for pulling a small utility trailer, moving equipment around a property or handling work at a ranch or job site.
1,000-Pound Cargo-Bed Capacity
The Pioneer 700’s tilting cargo bed could carry up to 1,000 pounds. A bed-release lever allowed the operator to tilt the bed for unloading dirt, firewood, feed or other material.
The standard Pioneer 700 seated two people on a bench seat and devoted the full rear portion of the vehicle to cargo. Buyers who needed additional passenger capacity could choose the Pioneer 700-4 and its convertible QuickFlip rear seating system.
Independent Suspension and Compact Dimensions
Independent double-wishbone suspension provided 7.9 inches of front travel and 9.1 inches at the rear—a substantial improvement over the Big Red. Ground clearance measured 10.3 inches, while the Pioneer’s 61.1-inch overall width kept it narrower than many full-size utility UTVs.
Hydraulic disc brakes were fitted at all four wheels. Honda used 25×8-12 front tires and 25×10-12 rear tires, with the narrower front tires intended to improve steering response and reduce steering effort.
2014 Honda Pioneer 700 Specifications
| Model | SXS700M2 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 675cc liquid-cooled OHV single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 102.0 × 82.6mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel system | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 40mm throttle body |
| Transmission | Automotive-style automatic with hydraulic torque converter, three forward gears and Reverse |
| Drive modes | 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with differential lock |
| Driveline | Direct front and rear driveshafts |
| Front suspension | Independent double wishbone; 7.9 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Independent double wishbone; 9.1 inches of travel |
| Front brakes | Dual 200mm hydraulic discs |
| Rear brakes | Dual 170mm hydraulic discs |
| Front tires | 25×8-12 |
| Rear tires | 25×10-12 |
| Length | 114.8 inches |
| Width | 61.1 inches |
| Height | 77.6 inches |
| Wheelbase | 76.8 inches |
| Ground clearance | 10.3 inches |
| Turning radius | 14.8 feet |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 1,000 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 8.2 gallons, including 1.2-gallon reserve |
| Curb weight | 1,261 pounds |
| Colors | Red, Olive and Honda Phantom Camo |
| Original MSRP | Starting at $9,999 |
The Pioneer 700’s Lasting Role
The original Pioneer 700 helped establish Honda’s modern side-by-side lineup. Its geared automatic transmission, strong utility ratings and midsize dimensions provided an alternative to both smaller trail machines and larger work-focused UTVs.
Honda has continued developing the platform with power steering, Deluxe and Forest trims, manual paddle-shift capability on select versions and numerous comfort and styling updates. However, the basic formula introduced for 2014—a 675cc engine, automatic transmission and substantial work capacity—remains recognizable in today’s Pioneer 700.
See our Honda Pioneer 700 overview for additional model information, or compare the current midsize and full-size platforms in our Honda Pioneer 700 vs. Pioneer 1000 guide.
Source: Original American Honda model information and specifications published for the 2014 Honda Pioneer 700.
