UTV TEST: Kymco UXV 700i 4×4

If the prices of UTVs in the 700cc to 800cc range are pushing you toward smaller machines, you may not have seen all the 700s. Kymco’s 700cc UXV 700i is a sport utility UTV aimed at class favorites like Yamaha’s Viking 700, the Kawasaki Teryx and Honda’s Pioneer 700, but it’s less expensive.

WHO IS KYMCO?
Established in 1963, Kymco is one of the world’s largest producers of scooters, a growing ATV, UTV and motorcycle manufacturer, and a major manufacturer of original-equipment parts for the automotive industry. Kymco’s U.S. headquarters is in South Carolina, and they have 600 dealers across the United States.

WHAT KIND OF UTV IS THE UXV 700I?
It’s a sport utility machine with a tilting cargo bed. The suspension is tuned for recreational trail speeds, not strafing whooped-out terrain .

HOW DOES THE PRICE COMPARE?
The base UXV 700i is $10,099. Yamaha’s Viking 700 starts at $11,799. Kawasaki’s Teryx 800 goes for $12,999. Honda’s Pioneer 700 is closest in price at $10,299. The topof-the-line UXV 700i LE model with gold-painted bodywork, a winch and aluminum wheels is $10,699. So far, the UXV 700i isn’t available with power steering.

WHAT POWERS IT?
A four-valve, fuel-injected, singleoverhead-cam, 695cc, single-cylinder engine. The 700 was first introduced in Kymco’s MXU 700i 4×4 ATV. It’s lighter than the double-overhead-cam, 500cc engine that powers Kymco’s 500cc UTVs.

WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION DOES IT HAVE?
A fully automatic, belt-type, dual-range continuously variable transmission. It’s the most common kind of UTV transmission. Unlike some, the Kymco has a centrifugal clutch on the primary clutch to protect the belt and to provide engine braking.

WHAT KIND OF 4WD SYSTEM DOES IT HAVE?
The Kymco has selectable 2WD/4WD with a lockable front differential. You choose modes with a push-and-turn knob on the dash.

IS IT FAST?
You probably won’t need more speed or power, but don’t expect eyeopening, sport UTV-style acceleration. opening, sport UTV-style acceleration. Kymco’s 700 moves out in low, but the Kymco’s 700 moves out in low, but the throttle response is so smooth in high it throttle response is so smooth in high it masks the 700’s power. The UXV 700i masks the 700’s power. The UXV 700i feels relaxed at its 50-mph top speed. feels relaxed at its 50-mph top speed.

HOW IS THE POWER ON THE TRAIL?
It proves why 700s are such popular It proves why 700s are such popular trail machines. This size machine has trail machines. This size machine has the muscle you need to motor through the muscle you need to motor through ugly terrain or maintain a good pace on ugly terrain or maintain a good pace on steep mountain trails, but there’s not so much power that you have to have great throttle control to avoid mistakes. The UXV 700i’s power delivery could be more responsive, but we like its smoothness in challenging terrain, like slick rock ledges terrain, like slick rock ledges and slippery off-cambers beside big drop-offs.

WHAT KIND OF SUSPENSION DOES IT HAVE?
Double A-arms front and rear Double A-arms front and rear with preload adjustable shocks. A rear with preload adjustable shocks. A rear sway bar keeps body roll in check. sway bar keeps body roll in check. The shocks have racing-type locking The shocks have racing-type locking rings on the threaded shock body to set the spring preload, which is better for fine adjustments but not as quick and convenient as simpler stepped adjusters. Seven and a half inches of travel at both ends gives the 700 enough stroke for big bumps at typical trail-riding speeds.

HOW DOES THE SUSPENSION WORK?
It’s comfortable for cruising speeds, and it’s able to handle a pretty quick trail pace. Sport utility UTVs often have to cover a lot of territory quickly, and the Kymco suspension doesn’t bottom on rough, rocky terrain when it’s being rushed down the trail. The ride isn’t quite as smooth and refined as Kawasaki’s Fox-suspended Teryx, but it’s impressive. Long drives are a pleasure, even on rugged trails.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
The Kymco corners easily and accurately, which is reassuring on twisty trails lined by trees or treacherous drops. It’s also very stable and predictable. We overcooked a few turns and ran across some steep, tilted sections of trail that really tested the 700’s composure and it never felt unsettled. In normal driving conditions, it has a relaxing, nicely planted feel.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE HILLS?
It’s a sure-footed climber. We took the 700 up some steep trails that were mostly loose, traction-less rocks and the machine never struggled or got stuck. In really ugly terrain, having the ability to lock the front differential is handy, like when a vehicle ahead gets stuck in a steep section and you have to start from a dead stop on a hill. With no power steering, steering effort is heavy with the front differential locked. The Kymco’s engine braking acts on all four wheels in 4WD, and the machine’s strong brakes make sure you don’t go downhill any faster than you want.

HOW IS IT IN MUD AND WATER?
The Kymco has 12.2 inches of ground clearance, and being a sport utility UTV, its bodywork offers far better splash protection than sport UTVs. Plenty of power and 4WD with a lockable front differential keep the 700 moving through deep crossings and bogs, and the engine and transmission are well-waterproofed.

HOW ARE THE DETAILS?
What’s there is well-done. The Kymco’s side nets are good, but they’re not as solid and easy to use as the doors that come on some machines. The glove box, a big storage bin under the hood and a storage box beneath the driver’s seat give you plenty of places for your gear. The seats are comfortable and removable for use as camp chairs. The instrumentation is easy to read, and the 2WD/4WD/front differential-lock switch are easy to use.

WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
Kymco’s UXV 700i has the performance and most of the features we expect from a 700-class sport utility UTV at an unexpectedly low price.

SPECS
KYMCO UXV 700i
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type …..Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve, 4-stroke
single cylinder
Displacement ……………………………………….. 695cc
Bore x stroke …………………………..102mm x 85mm
Compression ratio ……………………………………9.3:1
Lubrication system …………………………….Wet sump
Fuel metering ……………………….38mm Synerject EFI
Starting/back-up ……………………………. Electric/none
Starting procedure ………….. In neutral or any gear w/
brake engaged
Choke ……………………………………….. Left handlebar
Air filter access ……. Remove seats, engine cover and
4 clips on airbox lid
Transmission ……… Dual range fully automatic CVT w/
reverse and EBS
Reverse procedure………..Move range selector to “R”
Drive system ……… Selectable 2WD/4WD w/ lockable
front diff
Final drives: f/r ………………………………… Shaft/shaft
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity …………………………………….. 8.45 gal.
Wheelbase ……………………………………………..75.2”
Overall length/width/height ……………. 113”/59”/72.8”
Ground clearance ……………………………………..12.2”
Dry weight ………………………………………… 1137 lb.
Hitch ……………………………………………………… Yes
Towing limit……………………………………….. 1200 lb.
Bed capacity ……………………………………….. 440 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame …………………………………… Round steel tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front …. Double A-arms w/ preload adj. shocks/ 7.5”
Rear …. Double A-arms w/ sway bar and preload adj.
shocks/7.5”
Brakes:
Front ……………………………………… Hydraulic discs
Rear …………………………………………Hydraulic disc
Parking brake ……………….. Dash mounted hand lever
Tires:
Front ……………………………………………… 25×8-12
Rear …………………………………………….. 25×10-12
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet ……………Waterproof automotive-style plug
Lighting
Front …………….. Two 30W grill-mounted headlights
Rear ……………………………….. Dual tail/brake lights
DETAILS
Instruments ……..Speedometer, odometer, clock, fuel
gauge,
neutral, reverse, hi-temp indicator
Colors ………………………… Red, Green, Blue, Orange
Suggested retail price …………………………..$10,099
Contact …………………….Kymco, www.kymcousa.com