Whether it is hauling trailers from one location to another or carrying heavy bags to their respective location. A reliable machine is needed to bring everyday tasks, which would usually take a lot of time to handle, with ease and comfort. As not only is a tractor too big to do certain tasks, the cost of operating it alone is a handful when it comes to daily operations. That is the reason people tend to recommend the use of UTV, utility terrain vehicles.
As these are small yet powerful and big fun on the off-road terrains. So not only are you getting your daily task done, but you are also enjoying the free terrains on the weekends. In this article, we will compare two of the most renowned UTVs, the Honda Pioneer vs Polaris Ranger.
The Differences Between Honda Pioneer vs Polaris Ranger
Engine Types
Both UTVs are powerful machines in their category. Other than small differences, both the machines are more or less similar in terms of engine performance. Both the machines are liquid-cooled and fuel-injected. The Polaris is a diesel-powered machine, while the Honda Pioneer is gasoline-fed. The Polaris comes with a Kohler engine under its hood while the Honda brandishes a Unicam.
The Polaris produces around 80 HP while the Honda only produces 72 HP. The other major difference in these machines is that of the carburetion system installed in them. The Polaris uses an “Electronic Fuel Injection” while the Honda uses a “Programmed Fuel Injection”. However, if you love the wind in your hair, then the Honda gives you a top speed of 65 mph while the Polaris can go up to 56 mph only.
Drivetrain
Now both the machines are working on a shaft-based system to move the front wheel, while the Polaris gets an additional Belt for the engine to transmit the flow of power. Both these machines rock a good automatic transmission but the Honda Pioneer also comes with pedal shifters. Now, this may seem like overkill but those people who haul weights down steep slopes know the importance of having control over your gears. However, Polaris Ranger has a much smoother acceleration process as compared to the Honda Pioneer. The Honda Pioneer may be reliable but the acceleration process is crude and it feels like it is exerting too much pressure based on the sound and feel of the accelerator. Both come with a standard rear-unlocking differential and a limited-slip differential.
Tires, Braking, and Ignition Systems
Both the machines have an electric start system. The main difference is in the battery system. Though some people may argue that the Honda Pioneer is a bit underpowered when it comes to the battery system. If one wants to operate the winch then you need to install another battery under the hood. There is already an opening for this, so Honda already anticipated this. However, this brings the problem of maintenance because if one battery dies, then the other will soon follow. Hence, the Polaris does better in this case.
As for the braking system is concerned, the Polaris Ranger, in the Honda pioneer vs Polaris ranger review, has a foot-activated, 4-wheel hydraulic disc brake system that is working in the front and rear wheels. The Honda Pioneer has a 210-mm Dual Hydraulic Disc braking system, which makes it better, but it is all related to personal choices.
Suspension System
Suspension is probably one of the most important things to consider when buying a four-wheeler. As it not only dictates how the machine would be used but also adds to the overall performance and how things would be performed. The overall weight that can be placed on the machine and the terrain on which it can function. The Honda in this case-by-side side front suspension gives it a couple of more inches of travel than the Polaris can promise to its customers.
The Polaris brandishes a Dual A-Arm suspension system while the Honda has the Independent double-wishbone suspension. Other than that, both the machines have the same structure and performance in terms of the suspension system.
Capacity Difference
When it comes to a UTV, we must get the best speed, fuel economy, Eco orange, and payload capacity. Polaris ranger has a bigger fuel tank that can take a total of 10-gal of fuel, while the Honda pioneer has a 7.9-gal fuel capacity which gives it a smaller range than the prior one.
The Honda has a greater payload capacity and can carry 1,248 lbs. to 1,659 lbs. while the Polaris can only carry 1,275 lbs. On the other hand, it is observed that the Polaris tends to lose its holding when it is towing a large amount of weight on slopes. While Honda does not face any such issue its transmission coupled with pedal shifters gives it better standing, as discussed earlier.
Reliability
The most important thing to see before making any buying decision is to see the pricing as well the reliability of any vehicle or object. Although both these machines come in the same price bracket, give or take a few hundred dollars, the overall reliability issue of the Polaris cannot be ignored. It is probably the major drawback of this UTV. As it will perform well in its first year with little makes and breaks. However, as time passes and the limited warranty fades away. You will probably be getting a train wreck in terms of repair bills and downtimes. On the other hand, the Honda is a very stable machine that is extremely reliable in any condition and is ready to go at all times.
Conclusion
At the end of the Honda pioneer vs Polaris ranger discussion, we would like to sum up that both these machines are great for the areas in which they specialize. As the reliability of Honda is greater, yet cannot challenge the comfort level of the Polaris. It all comes down to personal choice and what seems right for you.