Honda recently unveiled two new limited-edition versions of its popular flagship side-by-side, the Pioneer 1000-5 LE and Pioneer 1000 LE. Both new models will receive a key update in 2017 in the form of a new I-4WD differential.

Honda says it has taken cues from its automotive side for the development of its new differential, and the company also notes this is the first time it has been used in the powersports industry. Honda says the I-4WD offers three key benefits that include brake traction control, hill-start assist and electronic brake force distribution. Honda explains that, when combined with the Pioneer 1000’s Torque Biasing Limited Slip differential, I-4WD can provide as much tractive force as a locking differential but with reduced steer effort and kickback. The idea is the new system will provide excellent traction with no need to stop to engage a differential lock.

MORE: 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 Review

“It’s exciting to share the news that Honda is bringing I-4WD differential technology to the side-by-side market for the first time,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Powersports Marketing Communications at American Honda. “To develop this intelligent system, Honda engineers collaborated with our automotive division and then tailored a system specifically for the rigors of the off-road environment. With I-4WD, the Pioneer 1000-5 LE and Pioneer 1000 LE set new industry standards, putting our flagship multipurpose side-by-side even further ahead of the competition in terms of performance and value.”

Honda’s flagship Pioneer 1000 side-by-side will come in two new versions for 2017 that utilize the I-4WD diff, including the five-person Pioneer 1000-5 LE and three-person Pioneer 1000 LE. These are the first powersports vehicles to come with I-4WD, which is essentially the industry’s first off-road brake traction control system designed to manage the amount of slip between left and right front wheels and thereby apply torque to the wheel with greater grip. The goal is excellent traction in off-road environments with reduced steer effort and kickback compared to standard diff-lock. The LE models will also feature hill-start assist to hold a vehicle in place when starting from a dead stop on a hill.

The new models will also get new adjustable FOX QS3 shocks for an improved ride. A new heavy-duty front bumper offers improved protection for the grill, while aluminum plates and skid plates were added to help protect the A-arms. Honda also added illuminated dash switches for nighttime use, a transmission-mode memory function, a pre-wired winch harness, new storage compartments and cup holders, and even thicker seat foam. The exterior will see new painted bodywork, red springs and A-arms and new aluminum wheels.

All Pioneer 1000 models still feature fully independent rear suspension. Each Pioneer model is rated for 2,000-pound towing capacities. The five-person models will still offer the exclusive QuickFlip system that lets owners switch between seating arrangements for three, four or five people. Honda has not made pricing for the 2017 models available yet, but we expect to hear news on that front soon.