I’ve always been fascinated by rugged vehicles. Off-road pickups, dirt bikes, adventure tourers, ATVs, and side-by-sides—they all capture that spirit of freedom and capability. But for me, living in the urban sprawl of Metro Manila, side-by-sides aren’t exactly practical. There’s no real place to ride them without hauling one on a trailer hours out of town.
Nonetheless, I can’t help but admire them from afar, especially when manufacturers like Honda keep raising the bar with models like the Pioneer 700.
The Pioneer 700 has earned its reputation as one of Honda’s most reliable and versatile side-by-sides. For 2026, Honda didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it did add thoughtful upgrades that make life easier for owners. These include new storage compartments, a USB-C charging port, beefy Kenda Mastodon tires, and enhanced debris protection. Small touches, yes, but they make a big difference whether the machine is being used for work around the property or a weekend escape to the trails.
At its core, the Pioneer 700 remains a do-it-all machine. Power comes from a 675cc fuel-injected engine paired with a smooth automatic transmission, while long-travel suspension keeps things comfortable on rough terrain. Buyers can choose from six trim levels—three two-seaters and three four-seaters—priced between $12,899 for the base model and $17,999 for the top Pioneer 700-4 Forest. All are slated to arrive in dealerships this September.
For those who want the practicality of a side-by-side in a smaller footprint, Honda is also bringing back the Pioneer 520. At just 50 inches wide, it fits on most ATV trails but still boasts a 518cc engine, dump bed, and a 1,000-pound towing rating. It’s a machine that punches above its weight, whether for hobby farming or recreational riding. Availability begins in September, though pricing has yet to be announced.
Alongside the UTVs, Honda confirmed updates to its ATV range. At the top is the FourTrax Rubicon 700 4x4 Automatic, Honda’s most powerful ATV. It combines a three-speed transmission with both auto and manual modes, the TraxLok 2WD/4WD system, and long-travel suspension, giving it the versatility to work hard and play hard. Pricing starts at $9,999. The FourTrax Recon, Honda’s smallest multipurpose ATV, offers a more approachable package with its 229cc engine and 500-pound towing capacity.
Two trims are available, starting at $4,849. Meanwhile, the TRX250X caters to entry-level sport riders with Honda’s SportClutch system, lightweight chassis, and a 229cc engine for $5,099.
What ties all these models together is Honda’s reputation for durability. The company’s record speaks for itself: over 500,000 UTVs have been built at its Timmonsville, South Carolina factory—a milestone Honda reached not long ago. That kind of output is only possible when products earn trust across farms, ranches, trails, and worksites.
The 2026 four-wheel lineup reflects that philosophy, offering just enough updates to keep things fresh while building on proven platforms.
So while I might never get to use a Pioneer 700 in my daily life, I can certainly admire it. For those who do have the space to explore or the work that demands it, Honda’s latest UTVs and ATVs look like they’ll continue to deliver the kind of practicality, toughness, and dependability that’s made the brand a household name.
Source: Honda
