Honda has developed two new full-size side-by-side (SxS) models—the Pioneer 1000 and 1000-5—to complement its 2016 lineup, which also includes the Pioneer 700/700-4 and 500 models. Production of the new multi-passenger off-road vehicle has begun at Honda of South Carolina Mfg., and vehicles are scheduled to arrive in dealerships starting in October.

The Pioneer 1000 is powered by an inline, twin-cylinder, Unicam 999-cc engine that was developed specifically for this application, according to Lee Edmunds, Manager of Powersports Marketing Communications at American Honda.

“We’re very excited about the all-new 999-cc engine we’ve developed for these new Pioneers,” Edmunds said at a recent "Dream Garage" event that showcased products from across Honda's business units. “We’ve also added the industry’s only fully automatic mechanical transmission—the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. With steel gears, the DCT offers true engine braking, seamless shifting and a smooth, reliable transfer of power.”

Compression ratio is 10:1. Bore and stroke measure 92.0 x 75.1 mm (3.62 x 2.96 in).

“Dual-clutch transmission is something that we are using not only in the Pioneer 1000 side-by-side but in a lot of our other products as well, specifically motorcycles,” Edmunds said. “It's a great application for powersport products.” The DCT's first application for Honda Powersports was in 2009 in the Rancher AT all-terrain vehicle.

The largest and most versatile SxS in Honda's lineup to date, the Pioneer 1000 boasts class-leading displacement and payload, with a bed capacity of 1000 lb (454 kg) and towing capacity of 2000 lb (907 kg).

Available in both three- and five-person configurations, the Pioneer 1000 also has an all-new chassis. The Deluxe five-person model features 14-in aluminum wheels (12-in wheels are standard), 27-in radial tires, LED headlights, and electric power steering. Every Pioneer 1000 comes standard with four-wheel drive, as well as a high-low sub-transmission and four-mode differential lock. The five-person model features auto-leveling rear suspension and a full-size convertible bed with Honda’s exclusive QuickFlip seating. It also adds paddle shifters with three shift modes: standard, sport, and manual.

The independent double-wishbone front suspension allows 10.55 in (268.0 mm) of travel, while the independent rear suspension provides 10 in (254 mm) of travel. Front and rear brakes are 210-mm (8.27-in) hydraulic disc.

A range of Honda Accessories is available, and the Pioneer 1000 is covered by a one-year warranty.

“Accessories for side-by-sides for our dealers and in our business is huge,” said Edmunds. “For every side-by-side on average that goes out to dealerships, they're doing about $2000 to $3000 worth of accessories—everything from hard roofs to complete cabs with heaters inside, winches, plows, just about anything you can think of.”

Honda of South Carolina announced the creation of 44 new jobs with an investment of $42 million at the production startup event for the 2016 Pioneer 1000.

“The side-by-side market is growing rapidly and Honda is focused on adding new jobs and investment to meet the increasing customer demand,” said Brian Newman, President of Honda of South Carolina. “The new Pioneer 1000 will be the flagship offering in the largest and fastest-growing segment of the industry.”