MASSIMO WARRIOR 1000 MXU TEST
— Comes with air-conditioning, heater and more —
Massimo is bumping the rev limiter with 2020 UTVs, and no sooner does Massimo introduce the Warrior 1000X (tested last moth) that the Texas-based manufacturer unleashes the Warrior 1000 MXU High-Volume Air Conditioning (HVAC) three-seat and Warrior MXU-6 1000 Crew HVAC! We flew to Texas to experience the all-new Warrior MXU HVAC, which is among the least-expensive UTVs to come equipped with air conditioning and heating. We’ll bring you a test of the new MXU-6 as soon as we can. Until then, here is the Warrior 1000 MXU HVAC.

HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
The new Warrior 1000 MXU HVAC is $22,985, while the newer MXU-6 is $26,995. The Warrior 1000X five-seat UTV is $15,995, while the Warrior 800 is $12,995 and the 700 is $10,799. Polaris’ 2020 Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Edition is $25,199. The John Deere XUV835M HVAC is $22,929, and the XUV835R HVAC is $24,929.
WHAT EXTRAS ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT?
The Massimo has an unmatched list of standard features that include a 4,500-pound winch, LED headlights with halos, turn signals and emergency flashers, horn, tilt steering wheel with variable-assist EPS, electronic/hydraulic tilt bed with 500-pound capacity, side mirrors, rear-view mirror, and independently adjustable bucket seats for three.
The 2020 Warrior 1000 MXU also has a glass windshield with wiper and washer, doors with sliding plexiglass panels, door locks, an LED work light, rear windshield, and high-intake ducts behind the driver’s head. The HVAC unit has a vortex-type 48-kW air-conditioning compressor with a refrigeration displacement of 66ml per rotation and 1800–7200-rpm speed.

HOW FAST IS THE WARRIOR?
It’s fast enough to be fun. The V-twin engine has serious torque and puts out 72 horsepower that propels the Warrior MXU up to 61–62 mph in High. With a weight of more than a ton, however, it isn’t as quick as the Warrior 1000X tested last month.

WHAT ABOUT THE DELIVERY?
The MXU is super smooth. CVT tuning and EFI throttle mapping are very well matched, and the HVAC Warrior doesn’t do anything unexpected. The dash-mounted range selector is smooth but has a fairly long throw. The 2WD/4WD selector also has a locking diff position, and the MXU is very sure-footed in diff-lock and 2WD.

HOW GOOD IS THE SUSPENSION?
It is very good. Dual A-arms at every corner have a well-tuned shock, and travel is a tad under 10 inches. Shocks are sprung and damped well for the HVAC’s weight, and the ride is on the stiff side, so it doesn’t blow through the travel and bottom easily.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
The Warrior MXU is surprisingly agile. It turns in very well and has a short turning radius. It turns even better than the T-Boss 750. It’s also very predictable and stable at speed on gravel roads, as it slides predictably.

HOW ARE THE BRAKES?
They’re strong and backed by impressive engine braking. Each 27-inch tire has a ventilated rotor and hydraulic calipers with braided-steel brake lines.

HOW ARE THE DETAILS AND COMFORT?
They’re excellent. The three bucket seats adjust independently and are removable. The driver’s seat sits above the battery and electrics. The center seat reveals the air filter, and the right seat sits above the 12.7-gallon fuel cell and EFI fuel pump. The shoulder belts are comfortable, but the passenger handholds are very high. The full windshield even has an electric wiper and washer, and the full doors have lower plexiglass panels for extra trail vision and sliding upper panels for adjusting the side mirrors. They also have keyed door locks and inner and outer latches.
The high-volume air conditioning has four dash vents, but it blows air up, not towards occupants. It has a variable-speed adjuster on the dash and a heater setting. The hydraulic tilting bed has a control toggle behind the left door, along with a switch for an LED work light over the bed. This is one well-thought-out cabin.

WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
As impressed as we are with the Warrior 1000X, the Warrior 1000 MXU HVAC adds a whole new dimension to UTV comfort. The new front end is very stylish and aggressive looking, and the added cabin room and highly placed intake ducts add comfort and versatility. The MXU handles great and has ample power, but the high-volume air conditioning and heating add even more comfort and capability. The glass door panels and windshield wiper/washer add trail vision, too. The MXU HVAC brings next-level comfort to the Warrior line. For those considering the Warrior MXU mostly for its air conditioning, we’d recommend the Sand or Yellow models, as they reflect more of the sun’s heat than the black or green versions.
SPECS:
MASSIMO WARRIOR 1000X
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type V-twin, liquid cooled, 8-valve, OHC, 4-stroke
Displacement 976cc
Bore x stroke 91.0mm x 75.0mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Lubrication system Wet sump
Additional cooling Auto fan
Induction EFI
Starting/back-up Electric/none
Starting procedure Turn ignition key
Choke location N/A
Air filter:
Type Foam pre-filter and pleated paper filter
Access Tool-less, remove center seat and undo 2 clips
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/reverse
Reverse procedure Move range selector to “R”
Drive system Selectable 2WD/4WD w/ front and rear
diff-lock
Final drives Shafts
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity 12.7 gal.
Wheelbase 91.5”
Overall length/width/height 132.4”/73.6”/76.7”
Ground clearance 12.5”
Dry weight 2,138 lb.
Bed weight limit 500 lb.
Hitch 2” receiver
Towing limit 1,500 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame Steel round tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front Dual A-arms w/preload adjustable shocks/10”
Rear Dual A-arms w/preload adjustable shocks/10”
Brakes/actuation:
Front Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
Rear Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
Parking Lever on console
Tires:
Front 27×9-14
Rear 27×11-14
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet Console
Lighting:
Front 2 35W LED headlights
Rear LED brake/tail light
DETAILS
Instrumentation Analog & LCD digital multimeter
Colors Black, Green, Sand, Yellow
Minimum recommended operator age 16
Suggested retail price $22,985
Contact Massimo (877) 881-6376;
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