$12,899 MSRP

• Reliable and Low Maintenance

• Trail-worthy Utility rig

• Solid overall value

The little single that could.

Say what you will about Honda, but they wrote the book on building hard-working, durable single cylinders. The 2025 Honda Pioneer 700 continues that tradition with a dead-realiable, low-maintenance workhorse that delivers borderline obscene working capability from a liquid-cooled 675cc thumper.

The Pioneer 700 is neither fast nor flashy, but as a feat of engineering, it’ll surprise you in more ways than one. Who other than Honda would figure out how to build a four-seat trail rig that converts into a two-seat ute in 90 seconds flat?

The Pioneer 700 and its four-seat cousin, the Pioneer 700-4, certainly aren’t for everyone, but neither is a $35,000 Can-Am. In typical Honda fashion, this is a smart, practical rig that smart, practical people will appreciate.

How much power does it make?

Honda no longer publishes performance figures for the Pioneer 700, but the machine remains virtually unchanged from 2023, so it’s safe to assume that the 675cc liquid-cooled single makes the same 36 horsepower.

On a modest utility rig like this, it’s really the torque that matters anyway. That figure remains a mystery, but we have confirmed it’s “enough” to cover small to medium jobs.

The Pioneer 700 is unique in that power is routed through an automotive style three-speed automatic transmission instead of the more common CVT. The Pioneer doesn’t offer a low-range, but first gear is extremely short. That grants this rig the grunt to move heavy objects from a standstill without issue.

What makes it special?

This is a Honda, so the usual suspects are in the lineup: the Pioneer 700 oozes build quality, doesn’t squeak or rattle, and is about as reliable as an anvil and easier to maintain.

What really makes the Pioneer 700 cool is the bed setup in the four seat models. The two rear seats fold down flat into the bed itself, making the Pioneer 700-4 effectively two rigs in one. It can switch from a workhorse cargo hauler with a dump bed to a family trail rig in seconds.

It’s also worth noting that despite the Pioneer’s small stature and single-cylinder powerplant, it is still rated to haul 1,000 pounds of cargo out back. That number is typically reserved bigger, costlier utility rigs.

Why do I want it?

You want the peace of mind that comes with owning a Honda, but you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for it. The Pioneer 700’s $12,899 starting price slots it in several hundred dollars under a base Can-Am Defender HD7. The four-seat version can be had for $1,400 less than a Defender Max.

Speaking of four seaters, Honda also makes a Pioneer 700-4, which combines the frugality and footprint of a middleweight machine with the cargo capacity of a full-sized rig. Cramming 1,000 pounds of hauling duty and 1,500 of towing capacity into the wheelbase of a large golf cart is no simple feat, but Honda’s engineers found a way.

Why don’t I want it?

Don’t pursue a Pioneer 700 if you want a fast, powerful machine. While we’re legitimately impressed by how capable the 675cc single is, it limits the rig’s towing capacity to 1,500 pounds, and isn’t exactly thrilling out on the trail.

Speaking of which, we’ll also note that while the Pioneer is happy making on modest trails and fast gravel roads, it simply doesn’t have the suspension travel, ground clearance, or damping to take on technical terrain.

In the case of the four seat model, we’ll also flag that while Honda’s folding seat system is truly innovative, you wouldn’t want to stick a full grown adult in the back seat. The seats are sufficient and sufficiently comfortable for two children to enjoy, but anyone over 5’6″ or so wouldn’t want to ride back there for anything more than a quick errand.

What trim do I want?

The 2025 Honda Pioneer 700 comes in both two and four seat configurations. Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll have the option of the base model, a “Deluxe” trim, and a camouflage “Forest” trim.

The standard is your bare bones offering with steel wheels and manual steering, while the 700 Deluxe adds electronic power steering, black aluminum wheels, a manual paddle shift option for the transmission, and a bed light into the mix for an extra $1,600. Stepping up to the Forest trim adds a larger bumper with a brush guard on top of that, as well as camo paint and a factory winch.

Of these six options, the Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe stands out as the best value of the bunch. The extra seating comes at a modest $1,500 premium over the two seat model, yet the folding rear seat design retains the utility of the rear bed for a much more versatile rig overall.

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

Sold on Honda quality and reliability but want something with a little more power? The Honda Pioneer 1000-5 offers a similiarly versatile approach to utility. If you simply want a little more bang for your buck, CFMoto’s UForce 800 XL, with its V-Twin power and seating for four, is tough to ignore.

2025 Honda Pioneer 700 Specs

*Figures shown are for base model four-seater*

Length: 114.8 in.

Width: 59.9 in.

Height: 77.9 in.

Wheelbase: 76.8 in.

Claimed Curb Weight: 1,435 lbs

Engine: Liquid-cooled single

Displacement: 675cc

Transmission: Automotive-style three speed automatic with optional paddle shift

Claimed Power: NA

Claimed Torque: NA

Fuel System: Programmed Fuel-Injection (PGM-FI)

Steering: Manual, power steering available

Drivetrain: 2WD, 4WD, 4WD lock

Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone; 7.9-inch travel

Rear Suspension: Independent double-wishbone; 9.1-inch travel

Front Brakes: Dual 200.0mm hydraulic discs

Rear Brakes: Single 170.0mm hydraulic disc

Wheels F/R: 12″ steel

Tires F/R: 25×8 / 25×10

Bed Capacity: 1,000 lbs

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.

Seating Capacity: 4

Ground Clearance: 10.7 in.

Fuel Capacity: 8.1 gal