2022 ATV-UTV Roundup

By John Goodspeed

The manufacturers’ competition for your hard-earned cash just keeps making all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides better and badder. There are some new models in this roundup of the latest offerings while others get some upgrades, such as an amphibious 8x8 side-by-side with enhanced low-end torque, acceleration and speed. More models are getting winches as standard equipment while many come winch-ready.

Electric power steering, which provides assistance to reduce effort and rider fatigue, is featured on more and more models. One special edition side-by-side pays homage to military veterans. Another comes dressed in an urban-style camouflage and offers a matching clothing collection.

Manufacturers’ suggested retail prices are listed.

Argo XTV www.argoxtv.com Xplorer XR 700 LE, $9,399

For 2022, Argo diversified its ATV lineup to offer the right machine for the job, starting with the new Xplorer XR 700 series with standard features including EPS, a 3,000-pound winch, two-inch receiver, push-button 2WD/4WD with front differential lock, steel racks with 115- and 210-pound carrying capacity and 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires with aluminum rims. The LE package includes painted body panels in slate grey or flame orange. The full-length skid plate has 10.8 inches of ground clearance. It can tow 1,050 pounds. Unique to the XR 700 series is a hand brake for just the front brakes. Other new models include the youth XC 90 model for ages 12 and older and the XR 500 series.

Frontier 700 8x8, $18,899

The amphibious Frontier, with the 700 8x8 shown here, and Aurora series return with a new Instant Torque Drive System and Instant Torque Clutching engineered to enhance low-end torque, acceleration, speed and throttle response. The Frontier line also offers 6x6 drive, a 650 engine and high-visibility LED taillights. The Frontier and Aurora lines also get a new 8½-gallon steel fuel tank. The new Magnum XF 500 series feature a push-button 2WD/4WD with front differential lock, a tilt-assist dump box, optimized storage in the cab and tailgate and projector beam headlights.

Outlander Mossy Oak Edition 650, $11,649

Dressed in Break-Up Country Camo, this updated model includes a 3,500-pound winch, heated grips and a two-inch receiver that can tow 1,650 pounds. The 650 produces 62 horsepower. The front and rear racks are equipped with LinQ mounts for securing cargo. The Tortional Trailing Arm Independent rear suspension allows the wheels to move up and down in a parallel motion while pivoting points under the seat maximize stability. It features heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, aluminum skid plates and 26-inch Carlisle ACT HD tires on 12-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

Defender DPS Cab, $21,599

This model features a fully sealed cab for less dust and more protection from the elements with a hard roof with liner, full doors with electric windows and a three-position glass tilt-up windshield with a wiper/washer kit. It is powered by a Rotax 976cc V-twin engine that produces 65 horsepower and 59 pound-feet of torque and can tow 2,500 pounds. The cargo box can hold 1,000 pounds. Ground clearance is 12 inches. Front suspension is a double A-arm with sway bar while the rear is an arched TTA with sway bar. The 27-inch XPS Trail Force tires are mounted on 14-inch aluminum wheels.

Honda Powersports

www.powersports.honda.coM

FourTrax Rincon, $9,499

The revised Rincon is powered by Honda’s biggest ATV engine, a 675cc single-cylinder with the crankshaft aligned with the vehicle’s direction of travel for a more direct link to the rear axle. The head has dual spark plugs for improved combustion and fuel efficiency. The three-speed automatic transmission also can be shifted via handlebar-mounted push buttons. The front suspension is independent double-wishbone with 6.9 inches of travel. The independent rear suspension provides a smooth ride while maximizing traction. Steel front and rear racks can carry 66 pounds and 132 pounds. Ground clearance is 9.1 inches.

Pioneer 1000-5 SE, $23,999

The side-by-side line expands with new flagship Special Edition versions of the recreational Pioneer 1000 and the sport-minded Talon 1000. The Pioneer 1000-5 seats five. It comes with the most common upgrades buyers make including a roof, windscreen, fender flares, a 4,500-pound Warn winch, rear-view mirror and LED light bar. It is dressed in Viper Urban Camo graphics through a collaboration with TrueTimber that also includes a matching clothing collection. It can tow 2,000 pounds while the bed can hold 1,000 pounds. It is powered by a 999cc engine and uses an automatic six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.

The latest from John Deere is the Gator XUV835M Honor Edition Utility Vehicle, which pays tribute to veterans. Available for a limited time, it features desert sand colored exterior panels, military-inspired graphics and includes several model upgrades. Available in open cab and closed with HVAC, the Honor Edition comes with black alloy wheels with Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Extreme Terrain radial tires, black vinyl 40/60 split-bench seat, sport steering wheel, half-doors on open models, black roof, stone headliner in HVAC models, brush guard, cargo box with spray-in liner and a cargo box power lift. It can tow 2,000 pounds while the bed handles 1,000 pounds. The 812cc engine produces 54 horsepower.

Kawasaki Motors Corp. www.kawasaki.com

Brute Force 300, $4,499

Designed to cut costs for those who don’t need excessive power, the Brute Force 300 still packs a lot of features. The 271cc engine provides 15.9 pound-feet of torque, which is delivered by a continuously variable automatic transmission with centrifugal clutch. The front suspension is a double wishbone while the rear is a swing arm with a single shock absorber with a five-way preload adjustment. The front/rear racks can carry 44 pounds and 66 pounds. Ground clearance is 6.1 inches. It can tow 500 pounds. The throttle limiter is adjustable to reduce speed and power.

Mule 4010 Trans4x4 Camo, $11,899

This line converts from a four passenger vehicle to a twoseat cargo hauler without tools with the Trans Cab system. The camo is Realtree Xtra Green. The 617cc engine produces 34.7 foot-pounds of torque delivered by a continuously variable transmission. The governed top speed is 25 mph. Front suspension is independent MacPherson struts while the rear is a DeDion Axle, leaf springs and shocks. The front differential is limited slip. Ground clearance is 7.1 inches. It can tow 1,200 pounds. The bed can haul 800 pounds with two passengers and 400 with four people. It is winch ready.

Kubota Tractor Corp. www.KubotaUSA.com

Sidekick Camo Marksman Package, $18,576

The Marksman Accessory Package ($3,174) makes the Sidekick Camo ($15,402) ready to hunt. The 18 accessories include a Warn VRX 3,500-pound winch, sport roof, flip-down windshield, front and rear LED work lights, side mirrors, brush guard, tail light guard, front and rear A-arm guards and a skid plate. The Sidekick is powered by a two-cylinder, 851cc engine that develops 48 horsepower and 36 pound-feet of torque delivered by a continuously variable transmission and limited-slip 4WD. Top speed is 40 mph. It can tow 2,000 pounds and tote 1,000 pounds in the bed, which can be equipped with an optional hydraulic power lift. Ground clearance is 9.8 inches.

This new limited-edition model features a seven-inch glove-touch display with GPS navigation and communication technology that does not require cell service to keep similarly equipped riders connected. Group Ride allows riders to explore separately while keeping track of the others. Follow the Leader leaves a digital track for others to follow. Ride Command also allows group texting. Also available is the Sportsman 570 Ride Command Edition ($10,899). Both models come equipped with three levels of EPS, LED headlights, larger Duro tires — 26-inch on 570 and 27-inch on XP 1000 — on 14-inch aluminum wheels, front and rear arched A-arms for better ground clearance and a Polaris Pro HD 3,500-pound winch.

Ranger Crew SP 570 Premium, $13,999

This new mid-size model features a larger cargo box with 30 percent more space, increased ground clearance at 10½ inches and more accessory options. Also available in a two-seat model, the 570 is powered by a 44-horsepower Prostar 567cc engine that can tow 1,500 pounds. The Premium model adds EPS, full bumper and colored panels. More than 40 new accessories include Ride Command, Pro Shield cab systems and JBL audio. Polaris also partnered with Rhino-Rack for a line of storage options that include roof and bed racks and mounts for a variety of tools and gear. The SP 570 NorthStar Edition ($19,499) comes equipped with a Pro Shield cab system and heating.

www.suzuki.com

KingQuad 400FSi Camo, $7,049

For a sportier performance in a mid-size ATV, this model dressed in True Timber Kanati camouflage features a five-speed manual-shift transmission and semi-automatic clutch. The front suspension is an independent A-arm while the rear is a swing-arm with twin shock absorbers. Ground clearance is 9.8 inches. The 25-inch Carlisle tires are mounted on steel wheels. The torque-sensing limited-slip front differential provides maximum traction and light steering when in 4WD. The 376cc engine is fired by an iridium spark plug, which contributes to better combustion and longer plug life. It is winch-ready.

Tracker Off Road Suzuki Motor of America

www.trackeroffroad.com 800SX Crew TrueTimber Strata Camo, $15,599

This six-seater’s new features for 2022 include the TrailBlock Clutch with improved acceleration and throttle response, black painted aluminum wheels and a front and rear double A-arm suspension that delivers a smoother ride and 12½ inches of ground clearance. The 812cc engine produces 50 horsepower and 48 foot-pounds of torque. The Electronic Throttle Control system adjusts from 25-50 mph. It can tow 2,000 pounds. The cargo box is rated for 1,000 pounds. Equipped with EPS and an electronic locking rear differential, it comes in red or Marsh Green. The camo is a $700 add on. Optional kits include a hard top, 4,500-pound winch and soft doors and windshield.

Kodiak 450 EPS with Realtree Edge, $7,799

This mid-size model was designed around handling and maneuverability with a compact chassis and a smaller engine. The full-length skid plates, 9.6 inches of ground clearance and independent double wishbone suspension with adjustable shocks front and rear provide comfort on tough terrain. The EPS also adapts to changing conditions. With the 421cc engine, it can tow 1,322 pounds. Steel cargo racks feature wrinkle paint and can haul 88 pounds on the front and 176 pounds on the rear. The On-Command 4WD system can switch between 2WD, limitedslip 4WD and a fully locked differential 4WD with the push of a button. It is winch ready.

Viking VI EPS with Realtree Edge, $15,299

This model equipped with Yamaha’s variable EPS can carry six people comfortably with the front and rear center seats offset for more room and three-point seatbelts for all. Also utilizing the On-Command 4WD system, the Viking VI adds more control with its Ultramatic Transmission that features a sprag clutch for all-wheel downhill engine braking in 4WD and reverse. The 686cc engine provides a wide power band. It can tow 1,500 pounds. The steel dump bed can haul 600 pounds. Suspension is independent double wishbone front and rear. With a steel skid plate, ground clearance is 11.4 inches. It also comes in Tactical Green ($14,699).

First time hunter Justin Perkins took this nice trophy buck with a rifle that belonged to his wife's grandfather.

Here’s why I started hunting at the age of 32. My dad was not a hunter, but he loved to fish, so I grew up bass fishing with him. One of my favorite memories of the two of us together was the day he caught his 10-pounder on Eagle Mountain Lake. My dad tried hunting with his dad, but it was not for him. He could not take the shot.

I always wanted to hunt, but never made it a point to go. My son, Luke, was the reason why I got my Hunters Ed. and license. At 8 years old, he was asking me to go hunting. We talk about everything. So, when he continued to ask when he turned 10 years old, I decided to do it.

My father-in-law has family friends in a neighboring city, and he was willing to let me hunt for my first time on his land. The first day, Carl, my father-in-law, let me use his Remington 700 .243 because I do not have a hunting rifle. I really like the feel of this gun. He took me out to shoot with it a few months back.

Carl’s father gave him this gun when he was 12 or 13. The gun meant the world to him. Its age showed, but it shot straight at 100 yards, so I was grateful for the opportunity to use it.

He took me to a treestand. I sat out there in the early December cold for seven hours without seeing anything move but birds. It was fun being out there listening to nothing but hearing everything. Carl let me hold on to his gun so I could use it the next day.

The next morning, my alarm went off at 4:30, and because it was my day off work, I really had to question if I wanted to go out there. Was it worth not sleeping in the one day I’m able? I rolled out of bed and put on jeans and my ghillie suite over them. I realized when I got to my destination, I forgot to put on my face paint. Sitting in the truck, I said a quick prayer, asking to have a successful hunt and to watch over my family. Then I headed out.

I got to the treestand and realized I did not have rope to pull my rifle up, so I unloaded it, bolt in back position, and got up there with it, safe and slow. Once I was sitting comfortably, I loaded the rifle with a single cartridge. The sun was creeping up about 6:45 a.m.

I lost myself in thought for about a half hour. I looked down at my watch. It read 7:20-ish. The sky was much brighter.

I closed my eyes and lost myself in prayer. Rustling sounds pulled me out of it. A doe walked 80 yards away from me, and my heart began racing. I watched her for 5-10 minutes. And then a large buck, easily 30% larger than the doe, walked out.

He was massive in both weight and his rack, easily the biggest buck I have ever seen. The gun barrel rested on the arm of the ladder stand. Stock to shoulder, I tried to find him in my black scope. I finally lined him up in my scope, put the crosshairs just behind his left shoulder and squeezed the trigger. The 700 is extremely loud for such a small cartridge. The deer scattered. Everything happened so fast. I knew I should give the buck time to expire.

I could not wait. Nearly falling out of the stand, I got down and went to see if I could find any blood. I could not find any. “No one is going to believe me,” I thought.

I kept walking and then saw a massive blood trail. I walked back to the stand, with adrenaline still pumping through me. I didn’t even touch the ladder before turning around. I knew I should have waited.

I walked back to where I found the blood and began to follow it. Seeing so much blood, I knew I hit him where I needed to. I walked about 50 yards and there he lay. My eyes filled up with tears. He was massive, and I just took his life. I felt a bit of remorse. But this was why I was here. I knelt down and grasped his rack with two hands, closed my eyes, and thanked the good Lord for this massive deer. I was so excited about a drop tine on his left side.

I knew that was rare. I knew he was big. And this is my first deer. I put my fingers in the blood that ran down his side and rubbed it under my eye. I am a hunter now.

After trying to move him I realized I needed help. I got in the truck, still full of adrenaline, and raced to get Carl. “Oh, you got one,” he said as he opened the door. Yes, sir, and he’s big!

He gave me a hug, but the real emotion didn’t come until after he laid eyes on him. After Carl saw the buck, he started crying. “You don’t know what this is,” he said. “This is like hitting the lottery!” He gave me another hug.

The landowner could not believe this deer came off his land.

Justin named the buck, "Virgil," in honor of his wife's grandfather. Note the large drop tine.

The buck’s coat was grey instead of brown. I counted 19-21 points. We got it in the back of the truck, and I wanted to show my wife and kids.

At my house, I woke up my sons and my wife. One son was eager to see and was amazed. My wife and other boy are harder to wake up. Once they did, they were amazed as well, but didn’t really grasp his size until a bit later.

We field dressed the buck and Carl wanted me to take it by my uncle-in-law’s house to show him in person. By this time, I had already taken what I thought were good pictures with him. Uncle was happy for me, but kind of upset he had been hunting that land for 50 years and never took anything close to the size of my buck.

On the way to the processor Carl put his hand on my shoulder and said he was proud of me. “The old 700 does it again, and (with) those shells my dad reloaded.”

“Your dad reloaded those bullets?”

“Yep. He always reloaded his shells.”

“Wow! Thank you, sir.”

I was still on a cloud by the time I began talking to the processor about how I wanted my meat. The game warden walked in behind me and asked, “Is that your deer out there?” I told him yes and showed him my hunting license. He went to the truck as I told everyone this is my first deer. “Well, you might as well quit now, because this one is hard to top,” the lady behind the counter said. The game warden asked me if my deer came out of a high fence area. I said no, then he gave me back my license and then asked if he could take a picture of my deer. I said yes, but only if he took a picture of me and my son with him, too.

On social media, people couldn’t believe this deer. I decided to use a taxidermist my processor endorsed. They would pick up my buck later that week. And then I left, still on a cloud.

That night my wife played bingo with her family and friends. She told her cousin about my deer, their Pa’s gun and Pa’s bullet. Her cousin looked at her and said, “You know what today is, right?” My wife started crying when she realized it would’ve have been Pa’s 90th birthday.

Two months later I found a Boone and Crockett scorer not far from the city of Weatherford. I left a message and he finally got back to me. He went and picked up the rack from the taxidermist.

A week or so later he texted me. “Sorry it’s taken so long, but I need to speak with some other chair members about how I need to measure all of his non-typical features.”

A month passed. He called me and said, “Are you sitting down? Your buck scored 1961⁄8 Boone and Crockett, and gross without Boone and Crockett deductions, 2074⁄8.”

That evening we met at IHOP. He told me I didn’t just make Boone and Crockett, I made the All-Time record book with a buck scoring over 195. I was on that cloud again. I looked at him and told him the story of Pa’s birthday, gun and bullet and told him, “Tomorrow is my birthday.”

I am a god-fearing Christian, I don’t believe in coincidence. This is literally a one in a million buck. I never met Pa, but when anyone in my family talks about him, they do so with tears in their eyes and love in their hearts. He was a great man. I believe Pa put that deer out there in that field to welcome me to the family. I married his granddaughter a little over a year before this hunting season, my first hunting season. Hopefully, not my last, God willing.

I decided to name my buck, “Virgil.” People assumed that was Pa’s middle name. My wife told me people called him Thayer Virgil Welch, when his name was Thayer V. Welch.

I like the name. I told my wife, if you give me another son, that will be his name. She didn’t go for it.