Specifications subject to change without notice. Honda’s fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors. Suggested Retail Price (SRP) excludes destination charge and freight surcharge. Visit powersports.honda.com to view applicable destination charge and surcharge amounts.
Compact And Fully Capable
Here’s a perfect example of when less can equal more: the Pioneer 500. It’s the compact side-by-side designed to fit on more trails, even those with width-restrictions. That narrow 50-inch stance also allows it to securely fit in most full-sized pickup beds for easy transport, so you can go more places. This versatility is equally matched by capability, thanks to a powerful Honda engine and features like an automatic transmission with Automatic (AT) and Manual (MT) modes. The Pioneer 500 is small but mighty, ready to help you work less and get more done. For a model with the same width but a little more performance, and a tilting dump bed, check out our Pioneer 520.
Drivetrain Features
- Automatic Transmission With AT/MT Mode: You can let the Honda Pioneer 500’s automatic transmission shift for you, or you can still shift yourself with its paddle shifters. You can even shift from auto to manual (AT to MT) on the fly!
Performance Features
- Powerful 500-Class Engine: Coupled with an efficient five-speed automatic transmission, the Pioneer 500’s engine features electronic fuel injection for effortless cold-weather and changing altitude operation. It’s specially tuned for low-rpm torque, too.
- 1000-Pound Towing Capacity: The Pioneer 500 has a heavy-duty receiver-style hitch and 1000-pound towing capacity.
- Closed-Loop Fuel Injection: Better cold-weather and high-altitude running, effortless startups, great fuel efficiency and less pollution—that’s what the Pioneer 500’s “closed loop” fuel-injection system means for you. And that’s what we call a win/win situation.
- Liquid Cooling: Our time-tested Honda engine is liquid-cooled, which provides more consistent operating temperatures and more power than a comparable air-cooled motor. This adds up to better performance and longer engine life.
- Longitudinal Engine Mounting: The Pioneer 500 is built around our strong, single-cylinder, 475cc longitudinal engine. By orienting the crankshaft front to back in the chassis, we route the flow of power straight to the wheels without any right-angle detours, reducing powertrain friction and putting more grunt to the ground.
- Semi-Dry-Sump Engine: Compact and lighter weight, the Pioneer 500’s overhead-valve, semi-dry-sump design creates an engine that’s not only shorter from top to bottom, but one that enhances handling with a low center of gravity and favorable ground clearance.
Versatility Features
- Compact 50-Inch Width: The Pioneer 500’s 50-inch overall width is a huge bonus. Whether it’s for width-restricted trails or convenient transportation and storage, the Pioneer 500 can go where just about no other side-by-side can!
- Rear Carrier Design: With the unique steel rear carrier design, the Pioneer 500 gives you tremendous versatility when it comes to securing loads. Special tiedown-hook securing points make it even easier, and the rack’s 450-pound rating gives you plenty of carrying capacity, too.
Handling Features
- TraxLok 2WD/4WD: Our rock-solid system lets you choose either 2WD or 4WD, giving you the freedom to choose between lighter steering (in 2WD) and maximizing available traction (in 4WD) when you need it most.
- Dual-Rate Springs: All springs may look alike, but the Pioneer 500s feature dual-rate springs, and after one ride you’ll feel the difference. You get a smoother ride over smaller bumps with more bottoming resistance on bigger bumps, along with a more confident steering feel.
- Fun, Sporty Ride: With 5.8 inches of travel at the front wheels and 8.5 inches of ground clearance, the Pioneer 500 can negotiate rough trails with ease. And the Pioneer 500’s suspension is tuned for a fun, sporty ride too.
- Strong Gearbox: Unlike the belt-drive automatics out there, the Pioneer 500 features an AT/MT mode transmission that uses rugged, steel gears. You get true compression braking for superior controllability (especially when descending hills), as well as long transmission life.
- Paddle Shifters: If you want to shift manually, simply upshift and downshift without ever having to take your hands off the wheel. You get to choose the exact gear you want, and it’s engineered for precise, smooth shifts. Sometimes shifting is just part of the fun, and with a Pioneer 500 you get to choose.
Comfort Features
- Independent Rear Suspension (IRS): The Pioneer 500’s fully independent rear suspension means you get a smooth ride, especially over rough terrain.
- Side-By-Side Seating: With a comfortable bench-style seat, individual backrests and seatbelts for both rider and passenger, the Pioneer 500 offers side-by-side comfort and excellent maneuverability.
Safety Features
- Driver/Passenger Protection: The Pioneer 500 is loaded with features to help provide a feeling of security for the driver and passenger. The Occupant Protection Structure uses sturdy, large-diameter tubing, and includes integrated handholds, recessed top tubes and a more spacious structure to enhance protection. Hard doors and side nets help provide a secure feel and keep mud and debris out of the cabin, while automotive-style three-point seat belts with an Emergency Locking Retractor mechanism help keep everyone secure.
- Single-Function Door/Net: The Pioneer 500 comes standard with doors, and the occupant net is directly attached—just unlock and open the door, and the net automatically swings aside making entry and exit easier.
Engine
- Engine Type: 475cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
- Bore And Stroke: 92.0mm x 71.5mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
- Valve Train: OHV; two valves per cylinder
- Induction: Electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI); 36mm throttle body
Drive Train
- Clutch: Automatic
- Transmission: Five-speed automatic transmission with AT/MT modes and reverse; paddle shifting; two drive modes include 2WD and 4WD
- Driveline: Direct front and rear driveshafts
Chassis Suspension Brakes
- Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone; 5.8-inch travel
- Rear Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with preload adjustability; 5.9-inch travel
- Front Brake: Dual 200mm hydraulic discs
- Rear Brake: Single 170mm hydraulic disc
- Front Tires: 24 x 8-12
- Rear Tires: 24 x 10-12
Dimensions
- Length: 102.6 inches
- Width: 50.0 inches
- Height: 71.2 inches
- Wheelbase: 73.0 inches
- Bed Capacity: 450 pounds
- Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds
- Ground Clearance: 8.5 inches
- Turning Radius: 12.8 feet
- Curb Weight: 1027 pounds – Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel.
- Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gallons, including 1.1-gallon reserve
Other
- Safety: Recommended for Drivers 16 years of age and older.
- Available Colors: Avenger Red, Black Forest Green
- Model ID: SXS500M2
Factory Warranty Information
- One Year Included: Transferable, limited warranty
- Optional Extended: Extended coverage available with a HondaCare® Protection Plan
