2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS Review and Test Drive – The Reliable Workhorse

Overview of the 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS

 
I’ve been desperately needing to finish some much-needed yard work around my property all summer long. Well, apparently all it took was gaining access to a brand-new 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS wrapped in phantom camo to motivate me to get it done in style. The Honda I tested was packaged with the optional roof, windshield, seat covers, and winch.
 
Honda has always been a go-to brand, known for its reliability and dependability. Honda is often perceived as being slower at bringing innovative products to the market, but when they commit to building something new, you can be certain it will deliver years of quality and performance. Don’t believe me? Check out the top brand in reliability in the Best UTVs of 2019 Guide. Honda tops the list without competition.

The 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 Engine, HP, Top Speed, and Transmission

 
The Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS is powered by a 999cc 4-stroke, 4-valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected OHC engine with 72 horsepower. Honda longitudinally-mounted the smooth and quiet engine conveniently under the seat in the center of the frame. While this made the overall center of gravity very stable, the amount of heat generated under the driver and passenger was noticeably uncomfortable on a hot Florida day.
 
Honda equipped the Pioneer with the automotive-style six-speed DCT transmission with high/low/manual/sport drive modes that include 2WD, 4WD, 4WD with a differential lock and turf mode. Turf mode was perfect while towing loads around my property without causing damage to the new sod I recently planted.
 
How fast is a Honda Pioneer 1000?
 
While manual mode allowed me the ability to rip through the trails using the paddle shifts like a modern-day Indy car racer achieving a top speed of 55mph.
 
In my opinion, this is the best transmission in the SXS segment. You don’t have to contend with belt slippage or belt replacement ever. Plus, the Pioneer’s transmission gives you the flexibility of doing work all day long. Then, heading out in the woods for hours of fun and excitement.
 

2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 Suspension, Tech and Features

 
The front suspension is set up as an independent double-wishbone with 10.6 inches of travel. The rear suspension also comes with the double-wishbone setup with 10 inches of travel. The 12” of overall ground clearance was enough to get over tree stumps and rocks. Packaged with 6-ply 27 x 9-12 all-terrain tires upfront and 27 x 11-12 on the rear. There is still plenty of space underneath to add beefier wheels and tires for different types of terrain you would ever want to tackle. The EPS came with the Honda factory stamped wheels. I would have preferred a set of tricked out lighter-weight aluminum wheels that accented the slick phantom camo. The brakes are 4-wheel hydraulic disks on all four corners which made stopping the 1,700lbs SXS effortless.
 
The digital instrument cluster features speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, clock, hour meter, odometer, dual trip meters, gear indicator, 4WD-indicator, high-temperature light, clock, and DC outlet for your phone or camera
 
Click here to see the full list of specs and tech available on the Pioneer
 

2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 Length, Weight, and MPG

 
The Pioneer measured in at 117 inches long, 76 inches high, and 63 inches wide. The turning radius is a generous 13.8 feet making it easy to do a few donuts on a slick gravel road. It also gives you the ability to maneuver your trailer in tight spaces. It has one of the largest dump beds in its class that can also carry 1,000lbs (600lbs in California). Plus, with the factory 2” receiver, it can tow up to 2,000lbs.
 
Getting in and out of the Pioneer was easy with the passenger doors that swing out nearly 180 degrees. You can also easily take them off with 4-bolts on each side if you are planning to do more work than play. The seat height is a comfortable 33-inches high with the 3-person bench seat configuration. Logging several hours felt effortless with the up-right seat position and seat belts that keep you locked in securely even through the rough trails.
 
The Pioneer is equipped with a 7.9-gallon fuel tank including a 1.7-gallon reserve tank. The only dry storage is in the glove box.
 

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How Much is a 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000?

The Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS has a starting MSRP at $15,899. This base price includes 1,000cc’s, EPS, independent front and rear suspension, and the most advanced DCT transmission in the sport-UTV segment. I’d say this is on point for what you should expect Honda to deliver in the UTV segment. The Pioneer combines consistent power and performance that you know you can work and play all day without ever having to worry about getting back to your garage, day or night.
 
If you’re ready to buy, you can see a transparent price and a special offer at gorollick.com. Rollick works with hundreds of dealers across the country to ensure you get a great package on your next Pioneer, plus have a great experience when you buy. Additionally, you can always see the latest available rebates on the Pioneer here. If you are looking to finance the Pioneer, you can read our definitive guide to financing a UTV, or if you have lower credit, we have some tips for you as well.
 

 

The Final Say

Pros:

•       6-speed DCT transmission with auto, manual, and sport mode/paddle shifters
•       Standard full-size door that swing open to 180 degrees for easy access
•       Turf mode that prevents tearing up your property

 
Cons:

•       Heat transfer from the engine to the passenger compartment
•       Double-latch tailgate vs. single-latch tailgate
•       Hard to get to the engine compartment to do routine maintenance

 
Overall, the 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS combines reliability with style. The Pioneer is a user-friendly workhorse that helps you get stuff done. And for the price, you are getting a great vehicle that you know will be in the family for years to come. If you have enjoyed this review, read my review on the 2019 Polaris Sportsman 570 or the 2019 Kawasaki Teryx. Need to haul your new ATV? We got you covered with our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Toy Hauler.
 

GoRollick Buying Experience

When you’re ready to find your perfect UTV or ATV, be sure to check us out at gorollick.com.You can:

• See nationwide inventory, specs, and incentive information
• Get an upfront, transparent price on your desired vehicle
• Receive special offers on both the vehicle, as well as additional accessories
• Shop at one of our Certified Dealers who are committed to providing an exceptional buying experience

More on Chris:

Chris is a Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Rollick. Born and raised in his family’s outdoor recreational dealerships, he has been involved in everything outdoors since he could walk. His first dirt bike was a 1980 Honda Z50. Since then, he has ridden and owned everything including dirt bikes, ATV’s, SXS, and PWC’s. You will probably spot him on any given Sunday tearing up the trails of the Ocala National Forest. His passion over the last twenty years has been focused on helping dealers increase sales and build customer loyalty through America’s top consumer brands. Some of the top brands include Sam’s Club, AAA, Allstate, USAA, GEICO, Progressive, and Walmart. Members of these organizations are loyal and looking for a more efficient and straightforward buying and ownership experience. Chris has been dedicated to connecting members of these organizations with the nation’s top dealerships.