Honda replaced the Big Red with an entirely new side-by-side platform for 2014: the Pioneer 700 and Pioneer 700-4. We traveled to Honda’s manufacturing facility in Timmonsville, South Carolina, watched the first Pioneer come off the assembly line and drove both versions on the surrounding trails.
This was a short introductory drive rather than a long-term test, but it revealed an important change in direction for Honda. The Pioneer retained the practical, durable character expected from a Honda utility UTV while delivering more recreational capability than the Big Red it replaced.
Originally written by Thad Josey following Honda’s 2014 Pioneer media introduction.
Honda Replaces the Big Red
Honda had historically taken a conservative approach to the utility and recreational off-road market, emphasizing safety, durability and predictable operation over outright horsepower. The 2014 Pioneer 700 showed that Honda was ready to move further into the recreational side-by-side segment without abandoning those priorities.
The Pioneer was designed to perform the hauling and working duties previously handled by the Honda Big Red, but it was also intended to be more enjoyable on recreational trails. It introduced a new Pioneer name that would eventually expand into a complete family of Honda side-by-sides.
Built in South Carolina
Part of the Pioneer introduction included a visit to Honda’s manufacturing plant in Timmonsville, South Carolina. We were able to see the first Pioneer come off the assembly line and meet some of the American workers building the new side-by-side.
Honda said at the time that Pioneer production had helped create 65 jobs at the plant. More importantly for the future of Honda’s UTV lineup, company representatives indicated that the Pioneer 700 was only the beginning.
That proved accurate. Honda subsequently expanded the family with the compact Pioneer 500, the larger Pioneer 1000 and numerous model updates and variations.
What Is the 2014 Honda Pioneer 700?
The original Pioneer 700 was a utility-recreation UTV offered in two configurations:
- Pioneer 700: Two seats with a conventional cargo bed
- Pioneer 700-4: Convertible seating for as many as four occupants
Both versions used a 675cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine. Rather than using a belt-driven continuously variable transmission, the Pioneer employed Honda’s automotive-style three-speed transmission with a torque converter.
This was an important distinction for owners who wanted to avoid CVT belt inspection and replacement. The transmission provided three forward gears, reverse and automatic shifting.
The Pioneer had a claimed top speed of approximately 43 mph, making it slightly faster and noticeably more responsive than the Big Red. It was not designed to compete with high-performance sport UTVs, but it offered enough speed for trail riding, hunting, property maintenance and general recreation.
At introduction, suggested pricing was approximately $9,999 for the two-seat Pioneer 700 and $11,699 for the Pioneer 700-4. Those figures are included for historical reference and do not represent current used-vehicle values.
How the Pioneer 700-4 Convertible Seating Works
The Pioneer 700-4’s signature feature was its convertible rear seating system. Two individual rear seats could be raised from the cargo bed when additional passenger capacity was needed. Either rear seat could be used independently, allowing the vehicle to carry three or four people.
When the rear seats were folded into the floor, the Pioneer returned to a two-seat configuration with a full cargo bed. The conversion was straightforward and did not require tools or the installation and removal of a separate rear-seat structure.
This design gave the Pioneer 700-4 much of the passenger capacity of a conventional crew UTV without requiring an extended wheelbase. It also allowed owners to choose between seating and cargo capacity during a ride.
2014 Honda Pioneer 700 First Ride
Our test time was limited, so this should be considered a first ride rather than a comprehensive long-term evaluation. I drove both the two-seat Pioneer 700 and four-seat Pioneer 700-4 on tight, winding trails through the South Carolina pine trees.
The route provided an opportunity to evaluate low-speed control, cornering, off-camber stability and performance over moderately rugged terrain.
Cab Comfort and Controls
The driving position and overall ergonomics were typically Honda: comfortable, sensible and easy to understand. The shifter moved between ranges without excessive effort, and the parking brake held the vehicle securely on uneven ground.
Textured floorboards helped keep the occupants’ feet planted while traveling over rough terrain. The glovebox provided useful storage, although owners who carry more equipment would need to look to Honda’s accessory catalog or the aftermarket.
The doors operated easily once we became familiar with the internally mounted handles. Getting settled required opening and closing the doors, fastening the seat belt and securing the side nets. Those features added protection but made quick entry and exit somewhat cumbersome.
Fit and Finish
Most of the vehicle displayed the solid construction expected from Honda. Some portions of the convertible cargo-bed and seating area did not have the same polished appearance as the rest of the machine, presumably reflecting Honda’s effort to keep the Pioneer affordable.
The system nevertheless worked as intended, and its flexibility was one of the Pioneer 700-4’s strongest features.
Engine and Transmission Performance
Acceleration was noticeably stronger than the Big Red’s, and the Pioneer reached its top speed without difficulty. Its output was appropriate for a utility-recreation machine, even though it was far removed from the performance of a dedicated sport UTV.
The four-seat model remained capable when loaded with passengers. The engine did not feel overwhelmed with four adults aboard during our relatively short trail test.
Honda’s geared automatic transmission also provided a different experience from the belt-driven CVTs found in most competing UTVs. Power delivery felt direct, and owners did not have a drive belt to maintain or replace.
Handling and Stability
The Pioneer felt stable while moving briskly through tight turns. It remained planted rather than producing the uneasy, top-heavy sensation sometimes associated with utility-focused machines.
It was similarly predictable while creeping across off-camber terrain. The steering was manageable without power assistance during this test, although electronic power steering would have been helpful in some low-speed situations and with larger tires.
The Pioneer 700-4 actually felt smoother when carrying four passengers or a substantial load in the bed. The additional weight helped the suspension settle into its operating range.
Front suspension travel was limited compared with a sport UTV, and it could bottom when driven quickly into a pothole, ditch or other abrupt obstacle. That was not surprising: the Pioneer was intended for work and moderate trail use, not deep whoops or cross-country racing.
2014 Honda Pioneer 700 Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Predictable Honda build quality and ergonomics
- No CVT drive belt
- Stable and confidence-inspiring handling
- Useful balance of work and recreational capability
- Innovative convertible seating in the Pioneer 700-4
- Competitive introductory pricing
- Built in Timmonsville, South Carolina
What Could Be Better
- No electronic power steering on the original models
- No tilt steering wheel
- Limited in-cab storage
- Front suspension could bottom during aggressive driving
- Some areas around the convertible rear seats lacked a polished finish
Who Was the Original Pioneer 700 Built For?
The Pioneer 700 was not intended for buyers seeking maximum horsepower, long-travel suspension or race-level performance. It was developed for owners who needed a dependable machine for property work, hunting, fishing and exploring trails with friends or family.
The two-seat Pioneer 700 was the more straightforward work-oriented choice. The Pioneer 700-4 added substantial versatility for an owner who occasionally needed to carry additional passengers but did not want the length of a conventional crew-cab UTV.
Original Honda Pioneer 700 Video
Honda Pioneer 700 Review Verdict
The original Pioneer 700 successfully moved Honda beyond the strictly utility-focused Big Red. It retained the durability, straightforward operation and work capability associated with Honda while adding better acceleration, predictable trail manners and a far more versatile four-seat option.
Its suspension and power were modest even by the standards of its time, but outright performance was never the Pioneer’s purpose. For buyers who placed reliability, utility and family trail use ahead of speed, the Pioneer 700 and Pioneer 700-4 made a compelling case.
Looking back, this first-generation Pioneer was also significant because it established the foundation for Honda’s modern multipurpose side-by-side lineup.
More Honda Pioneer Coverage
- Honda Pioneer 700 Model Overview
- Honda Pioneer 700-4 Overview
- Honda Pioneer Grand Canyon Trip Report
- UTV Riding Near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
- Honda Pioneer 700 vs. Pioneer 1000
- More Honda UTV News and Reviews
Visit Honda Powersports for information about the current Pioneer lineup.
