$18,999 MSRP

• Unique convertible back seat/bed

• More power, same reliability

• Good value for the money

A family rig that does it all.

Honda has a long history of engineering uniquely practical features into their machines. The CR-V had a folding picnic table integrated into the cargo area, the Ridgeline had a cooler under the bed, and the Element’s entire interior converted into a queen-sized mattress. Come to think of it, that would explain why they were so popular back in high school….

The Pioneer 1000-5 follows suit with a dump bed that converts into two extra seats. Honda might have a conservative approach to powersports, but their engineering is dialed.

So, there’s seating for five or a full-sized dump bed, depending on your needs. And, it’s backed up by a reliable parallel twin engine. Reliability meets capability meets utility: must be a Honda.

How much power does it make?

Honda stopped sharing power figures for the 999cc liquid-cooled parallel twin recently, but it’s unchanged from older models. It should be safe to assume that this rig is good for the same 72-ish horsepower that it always was.

In other words, you won’t be smoking your buddies in General 1000s, but you’ll have plenty of giddyup for an entertaining trail ride. It should be plenty to keep up with other rec/utes in the class like the Polaris Ranger or Can-Am Defender. Honda’s trademark dual-clutch transmission gets thrust to the ground. That means shifting your own gears and zero belts to keep up with.

What makes it special?

The defining feature of the Pioneer 1000-5 is the aforementioned dump bed layout. Because the two rear seats are fully integrated into the bed itself, Honda was able to retain the Pioneer’s hydraulic dumping feature without compromising any space in the bed itself.

This also means Pioneer 1000-5 has a short wheelbase for a four-door rec-ute, at just 116.9 inches. Combined with its relatively narrow 62.8 inch width, it’s free to roam all but the narrowest trail systems. It definitely handles the tight stuff better than most four-door alternatives.

And then there’s the price: the Pioneer 1000-5’s MSRP has crept up over the years, its current $18,999 price tag is still hard to ignore. The fact that you’re getting Honda reliability and build quality for that makes the Pioneer a sweet deal.

Why do I want it?

You want a solid work rig, but you also want a family fun machine for the weekends. With those rear seats deployed, the Pioneer 1000-5 is a good fit for two adults and two children, and packs enough punch to haul the whole crew without complaint.

Chances are you also place serious stock in Honda’s hard-earned reputation for building high-quality, long-lasting machines. Honda’s Africa-twin-derived parallel-twin has proven itself many times over in the durability department, and the same goes for the Pioneer’s trademark dual-clutch transmission.

Last but not least, you want a fun trail rig, but you’re not interested in breakneck speeds or technical pursuits like rock crawling. There are much sportier rigs out there, but they come with a major performance premium tacked onto the price that you can’t justify paying for.

Why don’t I want it?

Interestingly enough, the most innovative and unique part of Honda’s Pioneer 1000-5 is also its main shortcoming. That convertible bed system adds a ton of utility and versatility, but the compact dimensions of the rear seats make them a pain for full grown adults to get in and out of, and aren’t particularly enjoyable for any length of time.

Another shortcoming we’ve noticed when living with the Pioneer 1000-5 is that because the folding rear seats aren’t actually sealed off from the bed in any meaningful way, anything you haul in the bed is gonna find its way into the seats and floorboards. Will kids care? Probably not, but it’s an inconvenience just the same.

We’ll also note that while Honda’s dual-clutch transmission can be a pleasure to drive, low-speed throttle delivery isn’t the smoothest. When you’re doing slow-moving chores or running the Pioneer through a rocky section of trail, it’s going to feel a bit abrupt, which isn’t an issue we typically encounter with CVT-equipped alternatives.

Other notable shortcomings include engine heat coming through the front seats, an inconvenient door net design that makes getting in and out a chore, and a lack of safety chain attachments on the rear hitch.

What trim do I want?

Honda currently offers the Pioneer 1000-5 in three trim levels. There’s the base model, a Deluxe model with aluminum wheels and color-matched door panels, and then there’s a “Trail Special Edition,” which gets fancier wheels still, a 4,500-pound Warn winch, a windshield, a roof, factory audio, and Fox QS-3 suspension.

In this case, we’d say either go big or go base, but skip the mid-tier Deluxe all together. Stepping up to the Deluxe model adds and extra $1,400 over the base, but doesn’t actually include any meaningful upgrades beyond cosmetics. The Trail edition is definitely a sweeter ride in every way, but dropping $26,599 on a Pioneer of any description can be a tough pill to swallow.

If I like this… what else should I look at?

Dig the Pioneer 1000-5’s transforming bed/back seat combo but don’t necessary need a dump bed? Yamaha’s RMAX4 Compact does a similar trick, but is significantly more powerful and capable on the trail. If you don’t need the extra power of a twin-cylinder engine, don’t rule out Honda’s Pioneer 700-4, which has the same convertible bed for $4,000 less.

2025 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Specs

Length: 116.9 in.

Width: 62.8 in.

Height: 77.3 in.

Wheelbase: 80.2 in.

Claimed Curb Weight: 1,720 lbs

Engine: Liquid-cooled parallel twin

Displacement: 999cc

Transmission: Six-speed automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

Claimed Power: NA

Claimed Torque: NA

Fuel System: PGM-FI fuel injection

Steering: Power steering

Drivetrain: 2WD, 4WD, Turf mode

Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone

Rear Suspension: Independent double-wishbone

Front Brakes: Dual 210.0mm hydraulic discs

Rear Brakes: Dual 210.0mm hydraulic discs

Wheels F/R: 14-inch steel

Tires F/R: 27 x 9-14 / 27 x 11-14

Bed Capacity: 1,000 lbs

Towing Capacity: 2,500 lbs.

Seating Capacity: 5

Ground Clearance: 13.2 in.

Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gal