BUYER’S GUIDE: 2016 Four-Seat Extreme Performance UTVs

The UTV market is growing faster than the Unites States’ national debt, and technological advances are simply astonishing. Arctic Cat increases power in its Wildcat 700s, introduces the Wildcat 1000X Special Edition, and announces partnerships with Robby Gordon, Todd Romano and Speedwerx to produce Speed accessories, including a 1000X supercharger and the new Robby Gordon Speed Edition Wildcat 1000X, 1000X 4 and Sport 700 in limited quantities. Can-Am announces its new 1000cc and 800cc Defender recreation/utility UTVs, turbocharges the base Maverick 1000R, Max 1000R, Maverick X rs and X rs Max, and increases boost for the returning Turbo X ds and Max X ds, plus the four new Turbos. BRP also expands the Commander line with Mossy Oak Hunting Edition 1000 with MOBU Country Camo wrap and expands Octane Blue into Commander territory. Honda introduces its next wave of paddle-shift UTVs with the all-new Pioneer 1000 and Pioneer 1000-5 models with five-speed transmissions, increasing the Pioneer line to five. Kawasaki continues to reinvent the Mule with the Pro-FX joining Pro-FXT, adds a new Ranch Edition FXT, and introduces diesel versions with the new Pro-DXT and Pro-DX in base, EPS and Limited choices. Not to be outdone, Polaris introduces its all-new RZR XP Turbo EPS and XP 4 Turbo EPS, High Lifter Edition RZR XP 4 1000 and Ranger XP 900, the all-new RZR S 1000, Ranger Crew 570-6 and a lithium-ion-powered Ranger EV. We’re sure Polaris isn’t done yet, because Yamaha stunned the world with the revolutionary YXZ1000R, a pure-sport UTV with three-cylinder engine, sequential-shift, five-speed manual transmission and manual hydraulic clutch; think of it as the Raptor 700R of the extreme-performance UTV world! Also, Yamaha introduces the price-point Wolverine 700, Wolverine 700 R-Spec and R-Spec EPS, upgrades the Viking 700 and Viking VI, and introduces the Ranch Edition VI. Check them all out!

Abbreviations: ACS = Air Controlled Suspension, ADC = Active Descent Control, AWD = All Wheel Drive, BOC = Bottom-Out Control, CARB = California, Air Resources Board, CG = Center of Gravity, CVT = Continuously Variable Transmission, DPS = Dynamic Power Steering, EBS = Engine Braking System, EBP = Electronic Belt Protection, EFI = Electronic Fuel Injection, EPA = Environmental Protection Agency, EPS = Electronic Power Steering, EV = Electric Vehicle, GC = Ground Clearance, H-D = Heavy Duty, Hp = Horsepower, HPG = High-Pressure Gas, IDD = Interactive Digital Display, IRS = Independent Rear Suspension, ITC = Intelligent Throttle Control, LSV = Low Speed Vehicle, MOBU = Mossy Oak Break-Up, MPH = Miles Per Hour, MUV = Multi-Use Vehicle, OHV = Overhead Valve, PMM = Pure Magnesium Metallic, PPC = Polaris Pursuit Camo, PSI = Pounds per Square Inch, RPM = Revs Per Minute, ROPS = Roll Over Protection System, TTI = Torsional Trailing-arm Independent, XC = Cross-Country

Models not produced for 2016: Arctic Cat Prowler XT550, Prowler XT 700 Camo, Wildcat Trail LTD, Wildcat 1000 & Wildcat 4X LTD; Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs and E-Commander; Polaris RZR XP 1000 Desert LE, Ranger XP 900 Vogue Silver Deluxe, Ranger Diesel Crew HIPPO

2016 UTV BUYER’S GUIDES
EXTREME PERFORMANCE SPORT UTVs
HIGH-PERFORMANCE/RECREATION-UTILITY UTVs
ELECTRIC, 6X6 & DIESEL UTVs
UTILITY/MULTI-PASSENGER UTVs

FOUR-SEAT EXTREME PERFORMANCE UTVs

UTV27_Wildcat4X_MetWht_2016
ARCTIC CAT WILDCAT 4X:
The 4X gets a new ceramic-coated exhaust and closed-loop EFI, and the Team Rapid-Response clutch puts the 90+ hp to the ground quickly and smoothly. Front A-arms and five-link rear suspension deliver 17 and 18 inches of travel, respectively, via compression-adjustable (70 clicks!) JRi 2.5 EXC-1 piggyback shocks, which have excellent oil flow during travel, since compression adjuster is on the shaft, not restricting flow through the reservoir.

Motor type 951cc 8-valve, liquid-cooled, SOHC V-twin
Transmission CVT w/EBS & rev.
Drive system 2WD, 4WD, 4WD w/diff-lock
Suspension/travel:
Front Dual A-arm/17″
Rear 5-link trailing arm/18″
Brakes: f/r Hydraulic discs/hydraulic discs
Fuel capacity 8.8 gal.
Towing capacity N/A
Bed capacity 300 lb.
Length/width/height 157″/64″/70.5″
Tire sizes f/r: 27x9R14/27x11R14
Claimed dry weight 1,558 lb.
Colors White Metallic
Price $20,999

UTV28_2016-Maverick-MAX-1000R-TURBO-White-Light-Grey---Manta-Green_3-4-front
CAN-AM MAVERICK 1000R MAX DPS & MAX TURBO:
The base Max returns with 101-hp V-twin, Fox 2.0 Podium C piggyback shocks, 14 inches of rear travel, 27-inch Bighorn 2.0s on 12-inch black center less wheels and Tri-mode EPS. New for 2016, the Turbo version makes 131 Hp via more boost and new injectors, so it can easily turn 28-inch Bighorn 2.0s on black “Maltese Cross” 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels, and shocks are upgraded to Fox 2.5s with 16 inches of rear travel.

Motor type 976cc, 8-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC V-twin
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/rev.& EBS
Drive system 2WD/4WD/Visco-Lok QE
Suspension/travel:
Front Dual A-arm/14″
Rear TTA trailing-arm/14″ (Turbo 16″)
Brakes: f/r Dual discs/dual-disc
Fuel capacity 10 gal.
Towing capacity None
Bed capacity 150 lb.
Length/width/height 148″/64″/78″
Tire sizes f/r: 27×9-12/27×11-12(Turbo 28″)
Claimed dry weight 1,547 lb.
Colors Can-Am Red, Gray/Red, TURBO White/Gray/
Manta Green
Price $19,449, TURBO $22,399

UTV29_2016-Maverick-MAX-X-ds-1000R-TURBO-Hyper-Silver---Octane-Blue_3-4-front
CAN-AM MAVERICK 1000X DS MAX, DS TURBO MAX & RS TURBO MAX:
The Desert Max returns with Fox 2.5 Podium BOC shocks,16 inches of rear travel, 28-inch Bighorn 2.0s on 14-inch aluminum beadlock wheels, and three-mode EPS. New for 2016, the Max Desert Turbo adds 30 hp, Fox 2.5 Podium RC2 BOC shocks, and the new Octane Blue and silver color scheme. The Max X rs Turbo adds a Yoshimura dual exhaust and Carbon Black and Can-Am Red styling package.

Motor type 976cc, 8-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC V-twin
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/rev.& EBS
Drive system 2WD/4WD/Visco-Lok
Suspension/travel:
Front Dual A-arm/15″
Rear 5-link trailing-arm/16″
Brakes: f/r Dual discs/dual-disc
Fuel capacity 10 gal.
Towing capacity None
Bed capacity 150 lb.
Length/width/height 146.5″/64″/78″
Tire sizes f/r: 28×9-14/28×11-14
Claimed dry weight 1,619 lb., Turbo 1,649 lb.
Colors White/Black/Manta Green,
DS TURBO Silver/Octane Blue, Carbon/Black/Green,
RS TURBO Carbon Black/Red
Price $21,499, DS TURBO $25,199–$25,499,
RS TURBO $26,599

UTV30_2016-Commander-MAX-LIMITED-1000-Deep-Pewter-Satin_3-4-front
CAN-AM COMMANDER 1000R/800R MAX DPS, XT & LTD:
New for 2016, Can-Am offers a new Max 800R DPS in red for $15,149, which is economical for a four-seat UTV. The 85-hp Max 1000R DPS is also Viper Red, and both sport 27-inch Bighorn 2.0s on 14-inch rims and Tri-mode EPS. The XT package adds a Warn winch, H-D front bumper, bed rails and mud guards, and four color choices. The LTD package adds Garmin Montana 650T GPS, roof, and half windscreen to the XT package and two paint schemes.

Motor type 976cc/, 8-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC V-twin
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/rev.& EBS
Drive system 2WD/4WD/Visco-Lok
Suspension/travel:
Front Dual A-arm/10″
Rear Trailing-arm/10″
Brakes: f/r Dual discs/dual-disc
Fuel capacity 10 gal.
Towing capacity 1,500 lb.
Bed capacity 600 lb.
Length/width/height 148.5″/58.6″/75.4″
Tire sizes f/r: AT27x9-14/AT27x9-14
Claimed dry weight 1,635 lb.
Colors DPS Viper Red, XT Yellow, Brushed Al,
Black/Octane Blue, Camo, LTD Cognac,
Deep Pewter Satin
Price 800R $15,149, 1000R $16,449,
XT $18,049–$18,999, LTD $21,949

UTV31_2016-rzr-xp-4-1000-eps-highlifter-edition-titanium-matte-metallic_Lo3q
POLARIS RZR XP 4 1000 EPS & HIGH LIFTER SE:
The XP 4 returns with its 110-hp ProStar twin and the third CVT cooling duct and two color choices—Electric Blue or Titanium Metallic. New for 2016, the High Lifter Edition XP 4 has reduced gearing and a larger reverse chain to turn those 29.5-inch Outlaw 2 mud tires, high-clearance lower A-arms and radius rods, Walker Evans shocks with stiffer springs, and CVT/intake snorkels with vent lines integrated into the cab frame.

Motor type 999cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve EFI twin
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/rev.
Drive system 2WD/4WD
Suspension/travel:
Front Dual A-arm/16″
Rear 3-link trailing arm/18″
Brakes: f/r Dual disc/dual disc
Fuel capacity 9.5 gal.
Towing capacity None
Bed capacity 300 lb.
Length/width/height 146″/64″/73.75″,
SE 149″/64″/75.25″
Tire sizes f/r: 29×9-14/29×12-14,
SE 29.5×9.5-14/29.5×9.5-14
Claimed dry weight 1,596 lb., SE 1,752 lb.
Colors Electric Blue Metallic, Ti Matte Metallic
Price $22,299; High Lifter SE $25,699

UTV32_RZXP4Turbo16
POLARIS RZR XP 4 TURBO EPS:
New for 2016, the 925cc turbocharged ProStar twin makes an incredible 144 hp and 45 percent more torque; it has upgraded cooling system with liquid-charge air cooler, two radiators, turbo inter-cooler and forced-air CVT cooler. To translate all that power to trail speeds, Polaris re-tuned the Fox Internal Bypass (IBP) 2.5 front and 3.0 rear shocks and gave them larger reservoirs for consistent damping. Wheelbase is 117 inches.

Motor type 925cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve
EFI turbocharged twin
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/rev.
Drive system 2WD/4WD
Suspension/travel:
Front Dual A-arm w/IBP shocks/16″
Rear 3-link trailing arm w/IBP shocks/18″
Brakes: f/r Dual disc/dual disc
Fuel capacity 9.5 gal.
Towing capacity None
Bed capacity 300 lb.
Length/width/height 146″/64″/73.75″
Tire sizes f/r: 29×9-14/29×12-14
Claimed dry weight 1,691 lb.
Colors Spectra Orange, Graphite Crystal
Price $27,499

UTV33_2016-rzr-4-900-eps-havasu-red-pearl-3q
POLARIS RZR 4 900 EPS:
Powered by the 75-hp ProStar twin engine, the RZR 4 900 has the 1000’s high-flow CVT clutch intake system, and low range is good for 40 mph. Wheelbase is 106.5 inches, twin-puck brake calipers are on all four corners, and 27-inch GBC Dirt Commanders provide excellent traction in a variety of conditions. Variable-assist EPS makes it easy to flick the RZR 4 on tight, twisty trails.

Motor type 875cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve EFI twin
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/rev.
Drive system 4WD/2WD
Suspension/travel:
Front Dual A-arm/12.25″
Rear Dual A-arm/13.2″
Brakes: f/r Dual disc/dual disc
Fuel capacity 9.5 gal.
Towing capacity 1,500 lb.
Bed capacity 300 lb.
Length/width/height 138.1″/60″/71.7″
Tire sizes f/r: 27×9-12/27×11-12
Claimed dry weight 1,476 lb.
Colors Blue Fire, Havasu Red Pearl
Price $18,299

UTV34_KawTeryx4Camo16
KAWASAKI TERYX-4 800FI, CAMO & LE:
The T-4 shares its engine, Double-X chassis, suspension, brakes with the Teryx, so it has the shortest wheelbase (85.6 inches) of any four-seat UTV, and it’s an epic rock crawler with a Kawasaki Strong three-year warranty. It’s got three-tone bucket seats, four auto-style doors and tilt steering for a comfortable ride. Camo and LE T-4s sport a roof, and the LE gets 27-inch Bighorns on trick two-tone aluminum wheels.

Motor type 783cc, 8-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC V-twin
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/rev.& EBS
Drive system 2WD, 4WD, diff-lock 4WD
Suspension/travel:
Front Dual A-arm/8.0″
Rear Dual A-arm/8.3″
Brakes: f/r Dual discs/multi-disc
Fuel capacity 7.9 gal.
Towing capacity 1,300 lb.
Bed capacity 249 lb.
Length/width/height 125.4″/61.6″/77.8″
Tire sizes: f/r 26×9-12/26×11-12 (LE 27×9/11-14)
Claimed curb weight 1,593.5 lb., Camo 1,611.1 lb.,
LE 1,617.7 lb.
Colors Bright White, Realtree Xtra Green,
LE Candy Persimmon Red, Candy Lime Green,
Metallic Flat Raw Graystone
Price $15,799; Camo $16,299; LE $16,999

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