Gear

8 UTVs Tested and Reviewed

Outdoor Life Online Editor

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JOHN DEERE GATOR HPX 4x4
Engine Type: 4 cycle-gas, 2- cylinder, Kawasaki V-Twin four-stroke liquid-cooled Engine Displacement: 617c Engine Options: Yanmar three-cylinder diesel Transmission: Automatic CVT with on-demand all-wheel drive, locking front and rear diff. Dry Weight (lbs.): 1,320 Length (in.): 113.0 Width (in.): 59.3 Front Suspension/Travel (in.): McPherson strut/5.15 Rear Suspension/Travel (in): Coil-over shock/3.5 Ground Clearance (in.): 6.0 ROPS: YES Passenger Capacity: 2 Cargo Box Material: Steel Cargo Box Capacity (lbs.): 900 Fuel Capacity (gals.): 5.3 MSRP: $9,899 (gas)/$10,899 (diesel) Contact Info: 800-537-8233 johndeere.com Comments: Looks and feels substantial and rugged, but ground clearance is skinny and the fuel tank is small. A 12v accessory outlet and glove box are handy. Automotive all-wheel-drive system works when you need it. Lots of ag-work accessories. Runs like a Deere, which probably means forever. Outdoor Life Online Editor
KAWASAKI MULE TRANS 4X4
Engine Type: Kawasaki V-Twin four-stroke liquid-cooled Engine Displacement: 617cc Engine Options: Diahatsu three-cylinder diesel Transmission: Automatic CVT 2WD/4WD with limited-slip diff. Dry Weight (lbs.): 1,472 Length (in.): 124.8 Width (in.): 57 Front Suspension/Travel (in.): independent McPherson strut/3.9 Rear Suspension/Travel (in): Semi-independent DeDion axle/2.8 Ground Clearance (in.): 7.0 ROPS: YES Passenger Capacity: 2 or 4 Cargo Box Material: Steel Cargo Box Capacity (lbs.): 800 Fuel Capacity (gals.): 6.4 MSRP: $9,599 (gas)/$10,799 (diesel) Contact Info: 800-661-7433 kawasaki.com Comments: Versatile design "transforms" from a four-seater to a two-seat with a long cargo box in seconds. Longer than a standard Mule, but still manageable. A rugged, time-tested machine but not really intended for rough-trail use. Two machines in one. Outdoor Life Online Editor
ARCTIC CAT PROWLER XT 650
Engine Type: Arctic Cat H1 single-cylinder four-stroke liquid-cooled Engine Displacement: 641cc Engine Options: none Transmission: Automatic CVT 2WD/4WD with diff. lock Dry Weight (lbs.): 1,160 Length (in.): 115 Width (in.): 77.5 Front Suspension/Travel (in.): Double A-Arm / 10 Rear Suspension/Travel (in): Double A-Arm / 10 Ground Clearance (in.): 12.5 ROPS: NO Passenger Capacity: 2 Cargo Box Material: Composite Cargo Box Capacity (lbs.): 600 Fuel Capacity (gals.): 8.2 MSRP: $9,499 Contact Info: 218-681-9799 arcticcat.com Comments: Composite box won't rust or dent. Glove box and under-hood storage compartment are handy for small items. Standard 14-inch aluminum wheels look sharp and carry lower-profile tires that improve handling. Fast and sporty. Outdoor Life Online Editor
POLARIS RANGER XP500 EFI MOSSY OAK
Engine Type: Polaris single-cylinder four-stroke liquid-cooled w/EFI Engine Displacement: 499cc Engine Options: none Transmission: Automatic CVT, switchable on-demand all-wheel-drive, locking diff. Dry Weight (lbs.): 1,105 Length (in.): 113.0 Width (in.): 60 Front Suspension/Travel (in.): McPherson strut/8.0 Rear Suspension/Travel (in): Independent A-Arm/9.0 Ground Clearance (in.): 11.0 ROPS: NO Passenger Capacity: 3 Cargo Box Material: Composite Cargo Box Capacity (lbs.): 1,350 Fuel Capacity (gals.): 8.0 MSRP: $10,199 Contact Info: 800-765-2747 polarisindustries.com Comments: This limited edition Mossy Oak model is the only way to get EFI on the 499cc engine. Smooth-riding suspension with lots of travel and ground-clearance, plus all-wheel drive system, for real off-road capability. Three-across seat is a tight fit for adults, but at least it's an option. Plenty fast and powerful. Standard Ranger 4X4 starts at $9,399. Outdoor Life Online Editor
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CLUB CAR  XRT 1500 SE
Engine Type: Honda GX620 V-Twin four-stroke air-cooled Engine Displacement: 614cc Engine Options: Kubota D722 diesel Transmission: Automatic CVT IntelliTrak all-wheel drive, F/R diff. lock Dry Weight (lbs.): 1,588 Length (in.): 157.6 Width (in.): 57.8 Front Suspension/Travel (in.): Double A-Arm/6.0 Rear Suspension/Travel (in): Double A-Arm/6.0 Ground Clearance (in.): 6.4 ROPS: YES Passenger Capacity: 4 Cargo Box Material: Steel Cargo Box Capacity (lbs.): 800 Fuel Capacity (gals.): 6.5 MSRP: $11,800 (gas)/$12,950 (diesel) Contact Info: 800-800-1227 clubcar.com Comments: Hauls four passengers an good load in the cargo box. All-wheel-drive system is sophisticated, but minimal ground clearance and long wheelbase will limit this model to smoother trails. Perfect for the hunt club. Outdoor Life Online Editor
CUB CADET 4x4
Engine Type: Kohler Command V-twin four-stroke air-cooled 2-cylender Engine Displacement: 624cc Engine Options: Caterpillar diesel Transmission: Automatic CVT 4WD with AutoLok front diff. lock Dry Weight (lbs.): 1,500 Length (in.): 119.0 Width (in.): 63.5 Front Suspension/Travel (in.): Double A-Arm / 8 4-wheel, fully independent dual arm with coil over shocks Rear Suspension/Travel (in): Double A-Arm / 8 4-wheel, fully independent, dual arm with coil over shocks Ground Clearance (in.): 9.0 ROPS: YES Passenger Capacity: 2 Cargo Box Material: Steel Cargo Box Capacity (lbs.): 900 Fuel Capacity (gals.): 7 MSRP: $7,999 (gas)/$9,999 (diesel) Contact Info: 877-282-8684 cubcadet.com Comments: Compact and maneuverable, and rated to carry a big load in the box. Has the ground clearance and suspension travel to handle rougher trails. White wheels look a little lawn-tractor industrial, but the low price is attractive. Outdoor Life Online Editor
KUBOTA RTV900
Read the UTV Buyer's Guide for more information. Engine Type: Kubota D902 three-cylinder diesel liquid-cooled Engine Displacement: 898cc Engine Options: none Transmission: Automatic hydraulic transmission, three-range, 4WD/2WD, locking diff. Dry Weight (lbs.): 1,808 Length (in.): 119.3 Width (in.): 59.8 Front Suspension/Travel (in.): McPherson strut /4.1 Rear Suspension/Travel (in): Semi-independent DeDion axle/3.5 Ground Clearance (in.): 8.3 ROPS: YES Passenger Capacity: 3 Cargo Box Material: Steel Cargo Box Capacity (lbs.): 1,102 Fuel Capacity (gals.): 7.4 MSRP: $11,599 Contact Info: (no phone contact) kubota.com Comments: Hydraulic transmission delivers smooth starts on hills and tremendous engine braking on descents, and its pump also powers the hydraulic bed lift and PTO. Three-across seat beats two bucket seats. Diesel is the only power option, but you'll never wear it out. A good value if you need an every-day work machine. Outdoor Life Online Editor

Along with our UTV Buyer’s Guide , we’ve included a test and review of some of the top models on the market. Whether you’re looking for power, seating capacity or extras, it can be found in this review.