5 Best Honda UTVs For Off-Roading

Whether you’re keen on racing, rock crawling or just hiking, there’s simply something almost unexplainable about adventuring through the great outdoors. And, as you might already know, some people prefer riding off-road with the help of specialized vehicles like ATVs or SUVs. However, there’s another type of off-road vehicle that has its own benefits compared to the others.

Honda UTVs to Get You Off-Roading In No Time

Also called a side-by-side, a UTV is a perfect hybrid between ATVs and SUVs, as it is also able to perform many tasks - including racing, work, and much more. Let’s see a couple of examples from one of the most renowned brands out there - Honda

1. Honda TALON 1000R

The Honda Talon is one of those UTVs that people simply can’t get enough of. It’s a gorgeous racing-oriented model that comes in three different variations:

● The Honda Talon 1000R

● Talon 1000R Fox Live Valve

● Talon 1000R Special Edition

Regardless of which one you choose, you have a lot of things to adore about this vehicle. And you can get loads of accessories for it if you visit Rad Parts. Not only that, but all the Talons are available in both two- and four-seat models, with a choice of suspension options. And they all share the same powerful engine, DCT Transmission, and i-4WD technology. It rarely ever gets better than this.

2. Honda TALON 1000X

Do you want to take those sand dunes head-on? Want to see how fast you can race other UTV enthusiasts? Or maybe you just want something with a lot of power, brilliant suspension, and an overall attractive yet rugged design. Well, you’ve got all of that and more with the primary Honda Talon 1000X and its Fox Live Valve variant.

Plus that the brilliant DCT transmission allows for all the convenience of an automatic transmission while retaining all of the efficiency and accuracy of a manual one. You can also use the paddle-shifters to manually adjust the gears if you so please. That way you’ll get the entire professional racing experience in a vehicle that can host you and a buddy for an awesome, unforgettable off-road adventure.

3. Honda PIONEER 1000

Enough with the play. Let’s focus on both work and play now, cause that’s exactly what the Pioneer 1000 is all about. This powerful UTV is versatile enough to have a half-ton hauling capacity. There is no other UTV at the moment that can haul more than this, and dumping is as easy as it gets thanks to a hydraulic assist tilt bed lever which you can access both from the driver’s seat or from outside the vehicle.

With high ground clearance and a rugged chassis, you’ll be able to tackle harsh terrain that other vehicles wouldn’t even dare come close to. And as far as engineering goes, you can tell from the start that the Pioneer 1000 is one of Honda’s most capable examples that they have put on the market to this day.

4. Honda PIONEER 1000-5

You thought the Pioneer 1000 was the bomb? Well, that just means you haven’t met the Pioneer 1000-5. With its smart technology, superior materials, and refined engineering, along with Honda’s world-famous reputation for reliability and quality, the 1000-5 can handle a multitude of tasks.

The biggest difference is that it has Honda’s QuickFlip seating in the bed, letting you instantly switch from a fold-flat bed configuration to comfortable passenger seating. That means you can carry up to five people inside this bad boy. That’s a lot of friends and coworkers to help you out on the farm or go to a party somewhere in our expansive, lush, great outdoors.

5. Honda PIONEER 700

While not as impressive as the 1000 series, the Honda Pioneer 700 is much more affordable and can still get those big jobs done while still allowing you to go on fast-paced or rocky adventures. You can get this in the regular variant or in the Pioneer 700 Deluxe variant, which offers:

● Electric power steering;

● AT/MT mode;

● Paddle shifters;

● Aluminum wheels.

The engine is the same on both variants: a suave and rugged 675cc liquid-cooled OHV single-cylinder four-stroke whose ignition is fully-transistorized with electronic advance. All in all, you’re getting a real bang for your buck if you’re looking to shop for a Honda UTV on a slightly more limited budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ATV and a UTV?

As far as naming goes, ATV stands for “All-Terrain Vehicle”, while UTV stands for “Utility Task Vehicle.” UTVs are also referred to as side-by-side vehicles, whereas ATVs often get referred to as buggies.

An ATV is intended for recreational riding, and as its name suggests, can handle all terrains. So, getting from one place to another over rough ground is its specialty.

On the other hand, a UTV has added storage space, making it a great tool to haul and transport materials. Plus that UTVs have space for more than one rider, with some models being able to fit up to 5 or even more people.

How fast can a UTV go?

It depends on the make and model, but generally speaking, a UTV can go to a top speed of 85 mp/h on smooth, even terrain, and up to 45 mp/h on rough, rocky terrain. Again, there are several factors to consider regarding this matter, but you should now be able to get a general idea.

Can you use a UTV on the street?

Not from the start, but you can turn your UTV street-legal by doing a few things. You’ll have to jump through several hoops depending on where you live, which is why we recommend you consult with someone who knows the law and also with specialized people who work at the DMV.

The Bottom Line

Honda UTVs are some of the most fun yet useful vehicles you will ever encounter. Regardless of which model you’ll end up choosing, you’ll be able to work on your farm, ranch, or simply go on an outdoor adventure just the way you want to.