10 minute read
ATVs & UTVs for 2023
By John Goodspeed
The list of capabilities keeps getting stronger with each year of new all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles, also known as side-by-sides. Top ratings for ATVs include a whopping 78 horsepower, 1,650 pounds of towing and 12¼ inches of ground clearance. Those are not all on the same model, of course.
On the UTV side, horsepower for gasoline engines goes up to 100, a tow rating of 4,000 pounds and 14 inches of ground clearance. One comes with a 4,500-pound winch. While one veteran manufacturer of electric-powered UTVs introduces its first 4x2, another debuts its first electric 4x4, which produces 110 horsepower, 140 foot-pounds of torque and an upgraded model with a range up to 80 miles.
Two new models from one manufacturer include such automotive-inspired features as leather seats, touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, Bluetooth, Sirius XM and a seven-speaker sound system. Electric power steering — or EPS — which provides assistance to reduce effort, bump steer and rider fatigue, is featured on more and more models. Manufacturers’ suggested retail prices are listed.
Arctic Cat
arcticcat.txtsv.com/offroad
Alterra 600 EPS LTD, $10,499
This one in Fossil is of five new models in the Alterra 600 line, which offers seating for one or two riders. The line features a new drivetrain, chassis and 600cc 45-horsepower engine. The one-seater EPS LTD also is available as a two-seater with the TRV. It comes with 14-inch aluminum wheels, 12¼ inches of ground clearance, composite racks, winch and locking front differential. A new steering geometry adds agility. The exhaust is routed down and out of the middle of the vehicle to keep heat off the rider. There is storage below the handlebars.
Prowler Pro Crew EPS, $16,999
This six-seat model in Medium Green continues to build on last year’s improvements including a new suspension with increased ground clearance — 13 inches — which also are on the three-person Prowler Pro series. The Prowler Pro is known for its 50-horsepower, 812cc EFI engine and comfortable ride. It also has enhanced half-shafts to match the added capabilities of the revised suspension and a new performance-tuned CVTech clutch, with tuned Trailbloc drive and Invance driven clutches for increased performance, smooth low-speed engagement and long life. All are equipped with a new bumper with integrated headlight protection and new aluminum, sevenspoke wheels.
Argo XTV
www.argoxtv.com Xplorer XR 700 LE, $9,399
This line is built around a 695cc liquid-cooled, EFI engine and an automatic CV transmission, independent double A-arm suspension with seven inches of travel in the front, 7.4 inches in the rear and a front differential lock. Steel racks can carry 114 pounds in the front and 209 pounds in the rear. Towing capacity is 1,000 pounds. Ground clearance is 10.2 inches. The digital instrument panel displays odometer, speedometer, tripmeter, RPM, transmission position, two-wheel drive/ four-wheel lock indicator, fuel gauge, temperature, low-battery, high beam and check engine lights. It’s available in red or green, shown here.
Magnum XF 500, $10,299
This two-seat line features a 443cc liquid-cooled EFI engine and independent double A-arm suspension with 6.9 inches of travel in the front and 6.8 inches in the rear. The Magnum XF features a tilt steering wheel, multi-function digital display, painted plastics, EPS, 25-inch aluminum wheels on Duro tires and a 3,000-pound winch. The cargo box can carry 441 pounds and features a dump-assist shock and cargo mat. It can tow 1,200 pounds. Like the Xplorer, it features an electronic two-wheel drive/four-wheel switch and a front differential lock. Ground clearance is 10 inches.
can-am.brp.com/off-road Outlander 850 Hunting Edition, $13,049
This model comes in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo with 26-inch Carlisle ACT HD six-ply tires. The 854cc Vtwin Rotax engine puts out 78 horsepower. Features include heated grips and throttle with wind deflectors, a 3,500-pound winch, Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential and TriMode Dynamic Power Steering. The front rack can hold 100 pounds with 200 pounds in the rear. The racks support the LinQ quick-attach accessory system. It can tow 1,650 pounds. Ground clearance is 12 inches. The front suspension is arched double A-arm with 9.2 inches of travel. Rear is an independent torsional trailing arm with 9.9 inches of travel.
Commander Max XT 1000R, $24,199
Also wearing Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo, this fourseater is powered by a 100-horsepower 976cc Rotax V-twin and rides on 28-inch XPS Trail King tires on 12-inch aluminum wheels. Ground clearance is 13 inches. The arched double A-arm front suspension can travel 15 inches, the same as the arched torsional trailing arm rear. The cargo box can carry 600 pounds. It can tow 2,000 pounds. It comes with a 4,500-pound winch, dynamic power steering, tilt steering wheel and a ViscoLok QE auto-locking front differential. The Max XT also comes in Oxford Blue and Triple Black.
Honda Powersports
powersports.honda.com Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew, $21,899
This new addition features seating for six with extra shoulder room in the rear, thanks to the center seat moved forward. The tilt bed can handle 1,000 pounds. Tow rating is 2,500 pounds. Ground clearance is 12.6 inches. Suspension is independent double-wishbone front and rear, with a travel of 10½ inches and 10 inches respectively. It’s powered by a 999cc Unicam parallel-twin engine and Dual Clutch Transmission with six forward gears and four drive modes — two-wheel, four-wheel, turf and differential lock. Features include EPS, tilt steering wheel, self-leveling rear suspension and a pre-wiring package for the addition of such accessories as a winch.
HuntVe
huntve.com Onrange 4x2, $17,900
The pioneer in electric UTVs continues to blaze a trail in 2023 with its first 4x2, which is powered by a 72-volt, 18-horsepower electrical system. The new model is perfect for areas where four-wheel drive is not needed while the stealthiness of an electric motor can provide an edge. Features include speeds up to 25 mph, a power dump bed, LED headlights and tail lights, 110-volt on-board battery charger, charge meter, four-wheel independent suspension, 25-inch six-ply tires and optional EPS. The twoseater’s capacity is 950 pounds. Color options are Black, Montana Blue, Sage Green, Orange, Fire Red and Realtree camo.
johndeere.com/gator XUV835R Signature Edition Gator Utility Vehicle, $32,619
John Deere unveiled two new Signature Edition Gators, the one shown here and the diesel-powered XUV865R ($41,199). Both take the line of utility vehicles to the next level with such premium, automotive-inspired features as leather seats and grab handles; touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, Bluetooth, Sirius XM and Harman Kardon sevenspeaker sound system; rear-facing camera; roof-mounted LED driving lights; and a sliding rear window. Those amenities join such previous features as climate-controlled cab, easier shifting and switch differential lock. Both models share specifications including a 1,000-pound cargo box, 4,000-pound towing and independent dual A-arm suspension front and rear with eight and nine inches of travel, respectively.
Kawasaki Motors Corp.
kawasaki.com Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS, $11,999
This flagship line with the model here sporting Realtree Xtra Green Camo is equipped with a 749cc V-twin engine and Engine Break Control, which automatically compensates for CVT belt wear to maintain consistent engagement and applies engine braking when descending hills. The Variable Limited-Slip Front Differential allows control of torque to the front wheels. The front and rear suspension are double wishbone with 6.7 and 7½ inches of travel, respectively. Ground clearance is 9.4 inches. The front rack can hold 88 pounds while the rear can carry 176 pounds. Towing is rated at 1,250 pounds. Mule PRO-FXT EPS, $19,099
One of six trims for 2023, this one in Realtree Xtra Green Camo features the Trans Cab system that can transform from two rows seating six to one row seating three to increase cargo space. The line is powered by an 812cc three-cylinder, fuelinjected engine that delivers 48 pound-feet of torque through a Continuously Variable Transmission with an electronically selectable two-wheel/four-wheel-drive system and dual-mode locking rear differential. The double-wishbone suspension front and rear provides 8.7 inches of travel on both. Ground clearance is 10.2 inches. The bed can carry 1,000 pounds in threepassenger mode and 350 pounds in six-passenger mode. Towing is rated at 2,000 pounds.
polaris.com Sportsman 570, $7,999
Saying the Sportsman is the No. 1-selling automatic 4x4 ATV, Polaris points to such reasons as smooth ride, good handling and ground clearance of 11½ inches. The 570, shown here in Polaris Pursuit Camo, is powered by a 567cc, single cylinder Prostar engine that generates 44 horsepower and helps provide a tow rating of 1,350 pounds. Front suspension is a MacPherson strut with 8.2 inches of travel. Rear is a dual A-arm with 9½ inches of travel. On-Demand AWD can sense wheel spin and automatically deliver power to the wheels for traction. The front rack can hold 90 pounds with 180 pounds on the rear.
With the introduction of the three-seat XP Kinetic, Polaris debuts its first electric powertrain with a 14.9kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers 110 horsepower and 140 foot-pounds of torque with an estimated range of up to 45 miles. Another model, the Ultimate ($29,999) has a range of up to 80 miles. The Premium comes with an on-board three-kW battery charger. It only is available in Icy Blue Pearl. Both models share some specifications including a tow rating of 2,500 pounds, box capacity of 1,250 pounds, ground clearance of 14 inches and dual A-arm front and rear suspension with 10 inches of travel.
Suzuki Motor of America
suzuki.com KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering SE, $11,249
Suzuki continues to evolve its iconic KingQuad, shown here in True Timber Kanati Camouflage. It’s powered by a 722cc single-cylinder engine coupled with a torque-sensing limitedslip front differential with a differential-lock system. Features include Quadmatic CVT-type automatic transmission, engine-braking system and cargo rack covers that are removable for mounting accessories or other gear. Independent A-arm/I-beam suspension front and rear both can travel 7.7 inches. The gas shocks have a five-way spring preload adjustment. Ground clearance is 10.2 inches. It comes with mounts and wire conduit to aid winch installation.
Yamaha Motorsports U.S.A.
This special edition enhances the Kodiak with black aluminum wheels with 25-inch Maxxis tires to complement the blackpainted plastics and a factory-installed 2,500-pound Warn VRX 25 winch. It’s powered by a 686cc engine tuned for low rpms coupled to the CVT Ultramatic Transmission with all-wheel braking. The limited-slip four-wheel drive can be locked with the push of a button. With a tow rating of 1,322 pounds, it can carry 110 pounds on the front rack and 198 pounds on the rear. Suspension front and rear is independent double wishbone with 7.1 inches and 9.1 inches, respectively. Ground clearance is 10.8 inches. Viking EPS Ranch Edition, $16,399
The Ranch Edition features Copper Metallic painted bodywork, complementary-colored aluminum wheels, a hard top, rearview mirror, under-seat storage and a large-capacity air intake system to aid performance. The air cleaner box is accessible from inside. The middle seat is set back for driver and passenger comfort. Padded head rests and three-point seatbelts are included. It is powered by a 686cc engine and the CVT Ultramatic Transmission. The steel bed’s capacity is 600 pounds. Towing capacity is 1,500 pounds. Front and rear suspension is independent double wishbone with 81 inches of travel. Ground clearance is 11.8 inches.
