2025 Honda Pioneer 520

Honda's Pioneer 520 is the ideal side-by-side for anyone looking for a hardworking rec/utility vehicle that's also fun to operate, and for the 2025 model year, it's offered in three new colors, including TrueTimber Atera Camo®, thanks to an extensive, powersports-exclusive brand partnership between Honda and the popular camouflage brand. With chassis dimensions compact enough to fit into the bed of most full-size pick-up trucks, it's also able to navigate public ATV trails. This rugged little side-by-side is powered by a torquey 518cc engine that can scramble up the most challenging terrain, while its independent front and rear suspension make for a comfortable ride with plenty of control. Perks include a dump bed that accommodates up to 450 pounds and that can be augmented with Honda Pro-ConnnectTM accessories. Designed and manufactured in the U.S., the Pioneer 520 is the embodiment of tough, reliable fun.

 

 

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

 

A 450-pound capacity dump bed provides users with greater utility. Interior bed dimensions are 25.9 inches long, 38.7 inches wide and 9.8 inches high, and Honda has packed in a lot of functionality, incorporating recess rings for 5-gallon buckets, ridges to help position milk crates, slots to hold a wood divider and five D-rings for tie-downs. There are even cup-holder rings in the gate.

 

 

In addition, the Pioneer 520 is Pro-Connect compatible, with 10 latches located around the bed's perimeter, to easily accept nine Pro-Connect accessories—including cargo boxes, bed rails and chainsaw mounts—without the need for tools, improving flexibility and convenience. A total of 41 accessories are offered, some of which are interchangeable with other Pro-Connect compatible Honda side-by-sides and ATVs. Examples include a bed rack, cargo boxes, a chainsaw mount and more.

 

 

The 50-inch vehicle width is exclusive to Honda in this class, a signature design element that has proven popular with customers. The compact size means the Pioneer 520 can be ridden on public ATV trails everywhere, maximizing the vehicle's versatility. It can even be loaded into the bed of a full-sized pickup truck for transport.

 

 

Overall length is 105.0 inches, and wheelbase is 73.0 inches. Front and rear suspension travel are 5.8 and 5.9 inches, respectively, and ground clearance is 8.5 inches, great for tackling uneven or challenging terrain.

 

 

Honda's engineers ensured shocks are designed for increased comfort and control. Front and rear suspension are modern independent double-wishbone designs; the rear suspension has adjustable preload to tailor the ride height to match loads.

 

 

All four rims have 12-inch diameters and are shod with 24-inch-diameter all-terrain tires—24x8-12 up front and 24x10-12 in the back. This setup makes for a good balance between traction, easy steering and good maneuverability in tight quarters. The front brakes comprise dual hydraulic calipers with 200mm discs, while the rear brake is a single hydraulic caliper with a 170mm disc—a combination that provides substantial braking power.

 

 

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

 

The Pioneer 520 is powered by the proven, fuel-injected four-stroke 518cc engine tuned for side-by-side application. The largest engine in its class, the power plant has bore-and-stroke figures of 96.0mm and 75.3mm. As a result, it offers ample low-to-midrange power and torque, making it great for tackling chores or scrambling up trails while exploring challenging terrain. Power is fed directly to front and rear driveshafts, with no belt drive to maintain. Once again, it is mounted longitudinally in the chassis, an arrangement that allows direct driveshaft alignment to front and rear wheels for maximum drivetrain efficiency.

 

 

At the same time, ease of use is prioritized. The air cleaner is readily accessible, as is the battery box, by lifting the bed. Two drive modes—two- and four-wheel drive—are selectable on-the-fly via an easy-to-reach, dash-mounted knob. The five-speed automatic transmission with reverse takes the hassle out of gear selection. The manual mode, operated with paddle shifters on the steering column, gives the user shifting control when conditions warrant. The Pioneer 520's shift mapping is tuned to upshift at lower engine speeds, improving shift rhythm. Calibration is set to optimize shift shock, and manually overriding automatic mode is possible through a wider rpm range.

 

 

Towing capacity is 1,000 pounds.

 

 

WARRANTY: Transferable one-year limited warranty; extended coverage available with a HondaCare Protection Plan

 

 

 

Meets current EPA and CARB off-road emissions standards

 

Recommended for drivers 16 years of age and older