4 seat UTV

Code54 · Jul 5, 2013

We are thinking about buying a 4 seat UTV and I wanted to know what you think of them? We currently have a 2 seat Rhino (which I will sell) and it has been a great vehicle but with 2 kids it sure would be nice if we could all pile in one and go down the trail. I am VERY interested in the new Honda coming out but am not set on any one brand or machine. The thing I like about the honda is it can be a 2 seat machine with a bed sometime and when I need 4 seats they flip out and take the place of the bed. I also like the fact it is not the size of a pickup truck. I looked at the Deere 4 seater today and while it is very nice it is massive - way to large to get down our tight trails.
Anyway, any thought are appreciated

PapaPerk · Jul 5, 2013

Code54 said:
We are thinking about buying a 4 seat UTV and I wanted to know what you think of them? We currently have a 2 seat Rhino (which I will sell) and it has been a great vehicle but with 2 kids it sure would be nice if we could all pile in one and go down the trail. I am VERY interested in the new Honda coming out but am not set on any one brand or machine. The thing I like about the honda is it can be a 2 seat machine with a bed sometime and when I need 4 seats they flip out and take the place of the bed. I also like the fact it is not the size of a pickup truck. I looked at the Deere 4 seater today and while it is very nice it is massive - way to large to get down our tight trails.
Anyway, any thought are appreciated

I really like the looks of the honda pioneer too! Especially it's trans. Only thing I don't like is lack of unlocking diff

crazyal · Jul 8, 2013

I've got a Big Red. I really like it but it's pretty wide. I think the Pioneer is going to be just as wide. My BR has a rear axle that only locks when you shift into 4wd, I would assume that the Pioneer has the same axle set up. About the only thing that I really didn't like is the stock battery, it's way too small. I replaced mine with a full size battery.

PapaPerk · Jul 8, 2013

crazyal said:
I've got a Big Red. I really like it but it's pretty wide. I think the Pioneer is going to be just as wide. My BR has a rear axle that only locks when you shift into 4wd, I would assume that the Pioneer has the same axle set up. About the only thing that I really didn't like is the stock battery, it's way too small. I replaced mine with a full size battery.

I think the Pioneer is narrower. Also it will have a locked rear diff

DT86 · Jul 8, 2013

crazyal said:
I've got a Big Red. I really like it but it's pretty wide.

The width was what killed it for me, I kept thinking "I might as well buy a used Jeep, it wouldn't be much bigger".

But price wise I guess you could make that argument about almost all UTVs.

Someone told me the BR borrowed some parts, like brakes, from the Civic. I thought it sounded a little far fetched but not impossible. Can anyone confirm this?

pwright · Jul 8, 2013

Check out the Polaris Ranger 500 Crew. It's only 58" wide and hauls 4 people very easily.

2013 Polaris 4 Passenger RANGER CREW 500 EFI Solar Red UTV: Features

Code54 · Jul 8, 2013

The Ranger is a nice machine but just a little bit long for where we go. The Pioneer looks really interesting to me and I like the fact it has a more "car like" transmission. Never had a problem with a belt (owned 2 Rhinos and a Prairie 650) but just like non belts a little better (less noise, less to adjust, etc)
I also love the look of the new 4 seat RZR's but really need a bed and something shorter - plus I know if I get something that fast I will most likely hospitalize myself at some point....

pwright · Jul 8, 2013

Yeah the Ranger is a couple feet longer than the Pioneer but I like having a full bed for hauling coolers and what not at the same time as 3 passengers. The Pioneer is an intriguing design and at a pretty good price point. Certainly worth checking out.

C4Ranch · Jul 9, 2013

I just bought a ranger 500 crew and really like it. Narrow enough to fit down my trails and sure is nice to have all 4 of us in with a cooler/couple hundred lbs of corn/fishing gear etc.

Ride quality is very comfortable at all speeds.

WilliamBos · Jul 9, 2013

C4Ranch said:
I just bought a ranger 500 crew and really like it. Narrow enough to fit down my trails and sure is nice to have all 4 of us in with a cooler/couple hundred lbs of corn/fishing gear etc.

Ride quality is very comfortable at all speeds.

How is the leg room?

C4Ranch · Jul 9, 2013

I'm 6'1" and have sat comfortably in front and back.

JOHNTHOMAS · Jul 10, 2013

Have you looked at the Kubota RTV1140?

Code54 · Jul 10, 2013

I have looked at the RTV1140's but it is not exactly what we are looking for. I love my Kubota Eqpt but their utility vehicles are a little to work oriented for me. I still want a little sport in there. I was also thinking about getting a second 2 seater, Wife and daughter could take the Rhino and maybe a rzr or something for me and the boy, then again that leads me right back to a fast trip to the hospital....

foggy1111 · Sep 10, 2013

I put a deposit on a Honda Pioneer on Monday. Will be getting it in two weeks. I like the "transformer" option of 4 seats in a nimble sized UTV. I will post a report after driving mine.

Piston · Sep 11, 2013

foggy1111 said:
I put a deposit on a Honda Pioneer on Monday. Will be getting it in two weeks. I like the "transformer" option of 4 seats in a nimble sized UTV. I will post a report after driving mine.

Foggy,
If I were going to buy a UTV right now, I think I'd also go with the Pioneer.
I'm not in the market for a UTV, but they are very interesting to me and I'm looking forward to what you think of it after getting a few miles under your belt.

Congrats!

Gary Fowler · Sep 11, 2013

foggy1111 said:
I put a deposit on a Honda Pioneer on Monday. Will be getting it in two weeks. I like the "transformer" option of 4 seats in a nimble sized UTV. I will post a report after driving mine.

How much are these vehicles running in price if you don't mind sharing.

PapaPerk · Sep 11, 2013

Does the Pioneer have an unlocking rear diff?

Piston · Sep 11, 2013

PapaPerk said:
Does the Pioneer have an unlocking rear diff?

There is no rear rear differential on the Pioneer from what I have found.
RideApart Review: Honda Pioneer 700-4 | RideApart

The mid-mounted engine drives the rear wheels through a non-differential rear end in default, Two-Wheel Drive mode, directing power to the front in 4WD or locking the front differential when “4WD Diff Lock” is selected. There’s no low-range transfer case or hill descent control, but the low gearing and sensitive brakes are able to walk you down steep hills in complete confidence.

I'm also interested in "real world" pricing. It looks like around 1k off MSRP isn't uncommon from some quick google searching. The 4 person MSRP is $11,700

Piston · Sep 11, 2013

foggy1111 said:
I put a deposit on a Honda Pioneer on Monday. Will be getting it in two weeks. I like the "transformer" option of 4 seats in a nimble sized UTV. I will post a report after driving mine.

Why did you post this! You got me looking into side by sides again!

I had a complete obsession with the Polaris RZR when they first came out a few years ago, almost bought one. I didn't like how small the bed was in them though. I wanted a 4 seater but didn't like how big they are. The Pioneer seems like it might just be about perfect.

I'm gonna take a "look" at the dealership next week and see if they have any on the floor.

PapaPerk · Sep 12, 2013

Piston said:
There is no rear rear differential on the Pioneer from what I have found.
RideApart Review: Honda Pioneer 700-4 | RideApart

I'm also interested in "real world" pricing. It looks like around 1k off MSRP isn't uncommon from some quick google searching. The 4 person MSRP is $11,700

I'm out then. Any work type UTV should have the unlocking differential feature. Makes steering much easier, saves the tires, doesn't leave black marks on the road, and doesn't tear your grass up. Plus it's much easier on the trails.
:thumbsup: