2021 Honda Pioneer 520 In-Depth Review - How Useful Can a Small Side-by-Side Really Be?
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- We hit the trail and look at the features on the 2021 Honda Pioneer 520.
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#Honda #Pioneer #Side-by-Side - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Not only does he provide a better review than some other UTV channels, he gives honest feedback on the units. good or bad. additionally, he's not like another off road channel that typically reviews trucks, then dabbles into UTVs, where they pretend to know UTVs. This channel should be more recognized. truly a class act.
I have a 2016 500 pioneer. I have took it up hills that rzr’s barely make it up. A set of 27” tires, and 1st gear. These things are unstoppable
I own a 2017 500 I have 6934 trouble free miles on it. Walker Evans shocks make it ride like a dream. Mine is use for nothing but trail riding. I own a pioneer 1000 but ride this one more.
Thanks for your comment, I've been looking into the WE shocks for my 2020 p500 and seeing your comment does help. Cheers! Looking forward to thousands of miles more!
Have you gotten stuck where if you had differential lock you would of gotten out ?
So for the money the base 1000 vs 520 if all I plan to do is trail ride and ride my dog around the power lines. Would you suggest the 520 over the 1000 I’m just struggling to trying to pay 18k for the base model 1000
@@bruce9063 YES OR THE 700 2 DELUXE. i ACTUALLY OWN A CFMOTO UFORCE 600 AND RIDE IT MORE OFTEN.
Learned more from this than a dirttrax review. Good work!
I love the reviews of the basic entry level machines.
I’ve got a 2018 Pioneer 1000. It gets worked hard several times a week and so far zero issues at all. Two oil changes and that’s it. Has carried tons and tons of firewood the bed is excellent. Plows my long gravel driveway with a 72” Warn plow like a beast. I will keep it forever. I’ve got two Rubicons same deal. Love Honda quality and engineering.
I just purchased this machine 2023 model. I bought it for hunting. I moved the suspension to the softest mode and dropped the tire pressure to 4 psi. Made a huge difference in ride comfort.
I love my 520. Two quick points
First forgot to mention that with the smiler size it just fits into a full size truck bed which was big for us and second on the shifting two things it’s important to let it warm up per the manual and I don’t know how many miles were on that one but as mine has broke n the shifting gets smoother
Great video
Can you shut the tailgate?
@@toddgardner3088 after removing the bumper
Good job, you always give good reviews & make it easier to make decisions. 👍🏻
Nice review on this Honda, they do know how to make efficient small engine vehicles or power equipment.
I know you are the Truck King but do enjoy the SxS reviews very much. Keep them coming.
Thanks, will do!
@@TruckKing I like them slot as well!
Your review is spot on!!! I have a 2018 Honda Pioneer 500 and love snow plowing with it in the winter and some trail riding in the summer. It is miserly on gas but adding a couple of 2 gallon RotoPax tanks on the side helps to ensure you have outstanding range. Super reliable and outstanding resale helps to make the P500 a great little UTV. Thx again!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the review. Just started looking at these machines.
Don’t underestimate this machine. It’s small but a beast.
Do you think he’s right about not buying it for fun but only for work? Because I want one for trail riding most of the time mixed in with odd and end work stuff. But mostly fun, with the justification of using it for work.
I had a 2011 Yamaha Rhino 700 several years ago. It did fine out on trails but for utility purposes it wasn't great if you were trying to do chores around the house due to the rear axle being locked all the time. I hardly used the 4WD in it, and even more rarely used the front locker...so this Honda Pioneer 520 would probably do most of everything I'd need in a UTV. I don't want a huge UTV if you want one of those you may as well buy a nice used pickup and have a nice cab and heat and AC. I got rid of the Rhino 3 years later and bought a 2WD 1987 Ford Ranger 5 speed, does everything I used the Rhino for and its street legal and gets much better fuel economy than the UTV ever could.
Thanks for the review. I think you missed having you and your dad sit in it and drive around though. If nothing more but for the comedic relief.... see who gets annoyed first...
Next time!
Absolutely love my 2019 500. It’s also quite fun on the trails. So don’t know what he’s talking about. Makes a great hunting rig out west c
I think if you're used to riding an ATV this might be a natural fit. If you're used to riding in larger UTVs then that might explain where he's coming from with the ride
Yeah, for me sporting is going slow anyways and enjoying the woods and not burying my expensive rig above the expensive bearings in mud.
@@brentworls8509 Exactly
He's 300 lbs. The 520 is a workhorse and will go anywhere you want it to go if you have it set up right. 5 gears with selectable AT or MT. The 700 is bigger but only has 3 gears and is only AT. The 700 sounds like it's going to explode the whole time.
Got to try a Pioneer 500 this week and it was a nice simple machine. When the market cools off I'll pick one up used, install better tires and build my own box on the back. Nice machine!
I have a16 with a box I might sell for the right money less than 1500 miles
I have the same machine and just had the first service done by the dealer, valves need adjustment so had them do it. $285 here in Canada. Overall love the machine, you are right it shifts a little rough I’m automatic mode but great in manual mode. I use the manual mode wife uses the Auto mode. Only one draw back no relief on corner ,turning on grass. Tears the lawn up, otherwise perfect.
At 6ft 4in tall I hate sport sxs and utilities are my choice. 50 inches wide will fit in the bed of my truck, another plus. With the market so tight right now most of the machines that come in are pre-sold, and with people having them modified before they even take delivery it's a sellers market. I'll have to wait till one comes in for service to check one out. No salesman, listen to what the customer who paid a premium thinks about it, and give it a little shake down cruise out back. I might have to let one of my Brute Forces go, if that little 520 is up to snuff. Great review, thanks.
I would love one of these little ones for the woods
Morning Truck King..nice timing.. Just made coffee...Thanks for the early video..not even 7 clock yet..Nice!!😃😀😎
We have had the 2017 Pioneer 500 since it was new. The only thing we have done to it is put 27 inch tires and a winch. A huge improvement in ground clearance ( much better than the polaris rzr 800 we used to have) It's bouncy though. Like driving the CJ I had back in the day. A blast on trails as long as your not going to fast.
I have the exact same model and love it! I actually use this as my daily driver because UTVs are legal to drive on the roads where I live. Best machine ever. It only cost $20 to fill the tank and it last me 2 weeks between fill ups. It also is a Beast for plowing snow.
You make a great high quality video, thank you for the information! Fellow CZcams channel from Alabama.
Thanks for watching!
Still an incredible machine...good video
I have a pioneer 500 and it is a very good trail machine!
Ah, yes, mornings are better with Truck King! That is a nice machine, and a great review! In my opinion, if it had a wind screen and a soft roof top, it would be perfect. 😀
You can get them.
Why a soft rooftop instead of a hard one?
why can't you have fun with it,, not everyone drives atv's like evil knievel, we have a 2015 can-am outlander max xt 1000 2 up in camo, 86 stock horsepower, we just site see and go for casual rides on the trails, it has more power then we'll ever need or use, i wouldn't mind having that pioneer 520,
i got the 700 love it
90& of the side by sides sold today never leave the road. so this is perfect.
I agree about the lack of storage in the cab.
Crossroads is a company that makes aftermarket glove boxes and bigger cup holders that drop-in so you can put tumblers in them instead of only a can of pop. Very happy with mine also I put switches I'm the left and right of the speedometer for the blinkers and the horn
Dude, this is crystal clear and sound is amazing! The resolution and refesh rate is perfect. Now you need a curvy blond assistant. Lol 😜
Dad refuses to wear a blond wig.
@@TruckKing 🤣🤣
@@TruckKing Please can you tell me how reliable is the transmission and engine on this Honda piooner 520??
I love Hondas i like the little bed its like a tiny Japanese truck.
Nice review as usual, I think that honda looks pretty useful for working and quite capable. greetings from Chile.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for reviewing the 520. I test drove a 500 a few years ago and was surprised there was just a rack on the back instead of a bed. Where I live there are trails where your machine can't be more than 50" wide, so this works for that. Add a few accessories and the price jumps quickly. Not many will go out the door at $9,500, if any.
During covid and this backlog of so any products you bet your bippy they're going out the door at 9500. These dealers don't have to even deal they dictate the price and it's full retail plus setup plus this plus that and they get it no questions asked often times without even having someone in person there to buy it
Boy you couldn't have been more wrong huh? There probably isn't any that go out the door or any less than $9,500! 😜😜😜
The transmission is way better than having a belt CVT
We bought a Kawasaki Mule. Love it. We considered a Honda, but did not like the shifting trans.
Awesome no BS review as always ! I'm a big Honda fan as I'm more utility than sport anyway. That said at today's exchange rate of . 79c US = $1 C, why isn't $9500 US = $11495 C ?? That is a long way from $14000 and not in the good way.
As Canadians we like to think we are treated the same as the Americans when it comes to pricing. It’s not the case. They charge whatever the think they can get.
I've got a Pioneer 500. The transmission smooths out after you break it in. It's really harsh the first couple hundred miles so maybe that's what you were experiencing was a new unit.
I’m with Ron Nelson and exactly the same thing…watched with my first Cup of Joe. Good vid and info. I’m considering this model. Thanks!
Good morning 😀
Glad it was helpful!
Funny that the company that makes the BEST motors on the market is also the cheapest. I want one, bad.
Good video as usual. I’m sure you are just being safe but in Canada we aren’t required to wear a helmut on a sxs with a roll bar and seatbelt.
Good video
Is there anyway you can do a review on the 700 Dash four Honda pioneer
That's a not a machine I have any use for but here I am watching anyway. As usual good review Stephen.
Thanks 👍
Its expensive in CDN $$, but light years better than a Ranger.
ty for sharin
We bought aa new P500 in 2018. Originally my concern was not being to do some trails due to ground clearance. What actually happened is we go more places than we ever have due to 50". I installed 26" tires.
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Honda engines are near the the top in almost every category.
Everything except power
That may be true, for that is why they can last for 20,000 miles
@@coryr3967 I’d rather my Talon 1000 be a little bit slower than a rzr or xmr but have the quality of Honda. It’s a 1000 so it still has plenty of power.
that is why they call them entry level 50 inch wide you are not going to get rides like the Polaris canam great review but cannot compare to belt drive drive it is not a car trans like Honda well enough of my bs everbody have a great day and be safe
A transmission with gears in my opinion is a better option.
Yes a CVT is smooth, but gears give you options. A CVT gives you 1 option, while a 5 speed transmission gives you 5. Gears in my subjective opinion work better when it comes to what this vehicle was made for.
A few questions: What is Top Speed? Does it have a Turf Mode? And Is there enough Engine Heat Shielding to keep the seats and cab from getting hot like many other UTVs?
That bed has more features than pick up trucks
Nice job God bless
Can you review kawasaki mule pro mx 2021
Fyio. It's no problema not problemo. Pero no te preocupado. Nice honda. Might get me one.
Hopefully power steering in the 2022 model, would be nice for snow plowing.
Thanks For review
With a shock and tire upgrade, they make an excellent trail machine. Honda 's transmissions are far superior to any belt drive cvt.
About drive machine is certainly much smoother. I have many belt drive machines and never once in an issue I don't really see a big difference people like to talk about there's huge difference
Now if honda would put power steering and suspension that won’t cause you to need back surgery then it would be so much better for this pioneer and anyone who uses it
I have a 520. You don’t need PS on this thing lol. Unless you’re a 70 year old woman
@@gone4days956 you don’t need it on a truck or car neither but i bet you have it and glad you do.
They listened to feedback...right. That's why there's no locker in front, no power steering and still only a 500 engine. Don't get me wrong, I love my 2020 p5. It goes everywhere, with back rack the sky's limit on what you can do with it. I built a wood bed for mine. Great buggy, but it need more power. Polaris had razor trail that's 50 inch class. 900 motor and lockers. That's faster, better riding and has lockers. Only drawback is it's a belt drive. Those suck
And the Polaris is $4k-$5k more...
it has plenty of power it doesnt need to be a rocket ship
Great video! Thanks for sharing. Is this machine street legal?
No. has no signals. Most municipalities allow them on sideroads and highway shoulders.
Ok. Thanks
Sure like these smaller ones.
Thanks for that honest review! Ive been looking for a small UTV and the market is super slim, would you be able to review Arctic Cats Prowler 500? Very similiar in size and power but would love to hear your opionion on it
If we can get one, we'll do it.
If you want fast, Polaris razr trail 900. But its belt drive, yuk. This thing is slow anything faster than 30mph is a struggle. But if you want best trail/work reliability Honda only option
The arctic cat is just a rebadged kymco 450. My friend had one and it ran fine but did not have the quality of my pioneer 500
How's the low gear
Would you buy the Pioneer 1000-5?
I've been considering one for the family
He has a thorough review on it. Only caution is I see conflicting data points Between trustworthy CZcamsrs on what size of person can be comfortable for what period of time in the back jump seats.
The Honda Pioneer is a great machine. If you have kids for the rear I will say the seats are terrible. There’s a lot going on in the back to transform from bed to seats and the seats are basically creepers you’d slide around on your garage floor with…. If you’re not planning on taking kids with you it’s fine. For a family of 4 I would highly recommend a Kawasaki Teryx 4…. very reliable machine and seating for 4 adults…. All in a short wheelbase package like the Honda…. there’s the wolverine from Yamaha as well but if back seat comfort is a requirement you won’t beat the Teryx! Once you compare prices and warranties the Teryx is even more appealing. We recently installed a bump seat in the rear and 3 kids can ride in comfort in the back now. Very nice machines
I have 17 of them for my fields they are amazing
I HAVE The 2020 Honda Pioneer 500 BLUE, "T BUCKET" We Call It,, Got Winch, Split Honda Windshield and Rear, CB, 27x10x14 Super Swampers, it's 78" Tall with Roof and 55" Wide With Tires, I RIDE WITH ALL The SXS Makes, And This P500 Keeps Up With Them ALL.. YES, It May Only Max Out at 40mph, BUT The Trails We're ON Here in Central ARKANSAS That's PERFECT For Me, IT's Bouncy for Sure, BUT I Can GO Up and Down Ever Trail Those BIG SXS Can Go, And EASIER on Most Trails, Cause They Are to WIDE. And get Caught Up in the Tree's. LOVE MY "T BUCKET". And NO Dump Bed.. Just a Nice TOOL BOX That Holds My Small Cooler and Room For, Snacks etc, .
Whats under the hood?
Not buying until they put in a front locker! I need it.
How do you feel like the noise level is in the cabin? I’m coming from an older sxs (teryx) that was very loud. I don’t expect any sxs to be quiet at wot but would like to be able to have a comfortable conversation with a passenger around 25 mph. What are your thoughts on the noise level in that range?
Mines quiet, it's because it's gear driven, not belt. I can have conversions on my phone while riding. Imagine u sitting in ur buggy, engine off, that's what it sounds like at 25 in pioneer.
How do it compare against the kawaskai mule sx le fi?
We have a Mule review on our other channel - TK powersports & RVs
Have you guys done any testing on CFMOTO? I'm in the US just bought one preowned. Seems like they are pretty popular in Canada.
Not recently - but it is on the agenda for the future.
If you don't mind me asking, how tall are you?
He's 6'2"
How come the 500 is faster than the 520?
What kind of rubber boots are you wearing?
Stick the cvt drives where they fit. Honda is the only 1 with some sort of transmission. They are sold out in Australia. Must be doing something right.
How tall are you?? Just trying to get a leg room reference thanks
6'2"
Can it fit in a midsize with a 6' bed, or is it gonna need a full size truck?
full sized
@@welixkiba4722 I was hoping it could squeeze into a midsize long bed with the gate down. Drat.
Need an 8 ft bed too
What size hitch does it have? 2”
yes
Does it fit on an 8 foot trailer?
Yes it will, it will even fit in the back of a truck
💯💯💯💯👍
I like its size
This is kind of unrelated to a review, but you can't buy these. I tried last week. Honda is slowly allocating a couple at a time every several weeks to whatever dealer they choose. I am told by two places, large places, that they don't even know for sure when they will get them. Yet, the dealerships keep running ads for them. I gave up and bought a good used Polaris. I am just saying, they should quit advertising what they don't have to sell, (and won't have to sell), for months.
Everything you say is true. I was thinking of buying one next year and my friend that is a salesman called me and said he had one coming in august and the buyer backed out. I told him I'll take it. I already own a pioneer 500 so I know what I"m getting. I'm passing the p500 to my son and he's happy
Every machine and every dealer I'm the same way whether it's can-am, honda, kawasaki, John Deere even your local car dealer 🤣
I'd agree, that's to expensive in Canada.
They want you to buy all the extras
i appreciate the honesty of a failed used car salesman
Don't be so hard on yourself - something will come along for you.
Hahaha Nooo problemooo haha i think is Not ProblemA Amigo 6:27
Speaking of CVT transmission - unless you're driving in good weather on flat pavement, you don't really want CVT. It's overheating, it's slipping and in any conditions that put strain on the belts will fail sooner rather than later. And all that for a hefty price tag (and the "repairs" are ridiculously expensive also). The "reliability" of CVT is a myth. CVT has not been around to build such a reputation - it'a all "hype".
Yamaha CVT is nothing like that, nor is Kawasaki. Only the shitty NA brands.
No matter what shock upgrade you get for it it will always rattle your spine into dust. Maverick trail is much nicer for trail use.
This a utility machine, a maverick is a play thing and it's double the price. The only real competitor to a 520 is a Kawasaki Mule SX, everything ellse is just too big and too expensive to compare.
I'm a farmer, and I can count on one hand the number of times in my life I've actually dumped the dump bed of a UTV.
Okay and? That's your experience. Thanks for telling us.
@@SzymczykProductions My point being the utility of a dump bed is highly overrated.
@@Devin_Stromgren Agreed, It makes you feel good, but as you pointed out, its more the bed thats useful, not the dump.
I keep hearing about this machine....but never see one
Well they are just new.
Could you provide your height/weight (you only mention, “two big dudes”) so that viewers can make a better comparison between themselves and person in the UTV? I’m 5’10”/240lbs very broad shoulders and have only seen this model in videos. There’s one for sale locally I’m considering purchasing for $4500USD with 1200 miles.
6’2” and 300lb
I hate the stock turf tires. Those would be the first to go. The tilting bed is ... meh.
Honda really should have put in a diff lock and cab storage to make this model stand out from the P 500.
What is top speed.
25 or 30 miles an hour is about all she'll do maybe a little more. But that's all you need to do.
I’d love to buy one. But can’t seem to find one to buy. Go back to work Honda for crying out loud....they listened to their customers. Hahahaa. Funniest quote I’ve heard in a long time
Same as the last p5 they just added a box from which looks like off a cforce.
Bigger engine, more power, dump bed, better suspension. Maybe try paying attention next time
@@Sheepletonreally same suspension same interior bigger engine and harder on fuel and yeah it has a dump bed. Sorry did I miss anything. No diff lock just put a 518 engine with same shocks and same 5.8 inches of travel and yeah the dump box. Did I hurt your feelings.
i got a p520 an boy your wrong on the not having fun and trail riding part mine goes places you wont beleive me and my son go trail riding every weekend took it to mudbash and went through some deep holes hell i climbed hills that a can am and rzr wouldnt even attempt
What the hell is wrong with the Canadian pricing? It's $2000 over what you would expect with the current exchange rate, may as well go buy it in USA in a state with no income tax.
The problem with Canadian pricing is that it has nothing to do with the exchange rate. All manufacturers in Canada price according "to what the market will bear". If we keep buying them at inflated prices don't be surprised that we get hosed.
I like it, but I think it’s just too small.
Fun! Really! I'm 82 years old and put putting down the trail is awesome! We don't need speed, dependable is the name of the game. Get me and my wife home safe! Love the lower horsepower to move along easy. Good job.
i feel like puking...people have been screaming for a diff lock... still not there!!! so much for "listening to customers"