Best all around UTV

[Ghost Hunter]

Looking to buy a side by side for work/hunting activities.  Missed a deal on a Polaris Ranger at beginning of hunting season.  First priority use for work on property.  Hauling and towing capabilities are important to me.  Planning on staying with single row seat for now.  What's the best for durability and keeping away from breakdowns, recalls, dealer & services needs?  Not interested is RZR sport type, etc. 

[Magnum_Willys]

Do you need to go on usfs trails? In CO its 52” max width just something to check.

[bustedoldman]

I bought a 2011 Can-Am Commander 1000, as mentioned if using on some trails with restricted width use it would be to big (62"). But it is a sport/ute cross, 4x4, sport mode, safety features so you can tone it down for inexperienced riders, dump bed. Has plenty of power for plowing or towing. The only thing I would recommend would be to do the clutch mod on it right away as it was a night/day difference, and I smoked 3 belts before I did it. I believe you can buy second row seating with roll cage for most any UTV these days if you decide you need them.

[Ghost Hunter]

Do you need to go on usfs trails? In CO its 52” max width just something to check.

Don't think I'll worry about trail width requirements at this point.

[kirkl]

I just bought a 2019 Yamaha Wolverine X2 Rspec. Great machine so far. 10 year warranty on their belt. Think they have the best CVT in the industry. Dump bed, LED hi/low headlights, good shocks. Worth a look since your looking. Sold my honda pioneer 500 to get this one.

[Mfowl]

Textron Stampede X or Havoc X is what I would be shopping if I were in the market.

[Mudman]

There is no question the KAWA TERYX is the one.  Massive storage, good tow and bed size.  power steering standard.  Good fuel economy, and comfort.  Good torque power.  Hands down more reliable than a Honda and that's why it has a 3 year warranty from Kawa standard and they will stand behind it too!  I put mine through a lot and it was great.  Other peoples Can ams and RZR broke but all I ever did was lose a valve stem.  Tanks.  Great build and design for work and some play.  Research em and you will see why they have not changed in years and still sell many units.

[Shannon]

I have a 2008 Ranger and I swear by it. I haven't had any problems and I use it often. Just a little maintenance every year and she keeps running perfectly.

[jrebel]

Honda Pioneer 1000 is what I have and love.  It has plenty of power and will carry a lot of weight.  No belt to worry about and you also have a manual shifter if needed.  Owned it for two years now and couldn't be happier.   

[Bofire]

if you are looking for work not fun, have you looked at John Deere Gators? not sporty at all, work horses

[Ridgeratt]

Ghost

This might interest you.

https://spokane.craigslist.org/snw/d/utvarctic-cat-prowler/6765943995.html

Or

https://spokane.craigslist.org/snd/d/2016-yamaha-viking-700-utv/6760145718.html

[KFhunter]

I like to listen to guys who use them the hardest, day in day out where time in the shop means business isn't getting done.

We have two Yamaha Viking VI and one Yamaha Rhino, all extremely reliable. One of the Vikings has close to 2000 miles on tracks and not a single issue, the other Viking has 5000 miles on tires, had to replace one front axle boot, otherwise no issue. The Rhino has had a voltage regulator, stator, and I think we did brakes on it, all typical repairs, no problems with engine, tranny, etc. We have a Kodiak with the 700 engine too. My next machine will probably be a standard Viking for 3, I'm hoping they offer their newer 1000 motor in the Vikings before I buy. Their 700 engine is an excellent motor, but it would be nice to have a 1000 in a Viking with tracks.

I have heard of some transmission issues when using tracks on the honda 1000, otherwise I've heard all good. Heard mostly good on CanAM and Kawasaki. I wished i didn't have to say it, but avoid Polaris and Arctic Cat and you'll probably be fine with anything else. Some of them run fine but there are more problems with either Polaris or AC than all the others put together. If you have doubts talk to a service manager in a shop that sells multiple brands. 

Since we got rid of all our Polaris and AC, I haven't had to walk out of the mountains! We used to have 1 or 2 machines in the shop every fall and again in the winter, crazy, all those problems are gone now.

[kellama2001]

Honda Pioneer 1000 is what I have and love.  It has plenty of power and will carry a lot of weight.  No belt to worry about and you also have a manual shifter if needed.  Owned it for two years now and couldn't be happier.   

  X2 on the pioneer. Early tranny problems were fixed with a factory recall. Had ours 2 years on the farm, jobsites  (construction), camping/trail riding, and hunting. Best all around machine IMO.

[Ghost Hunter]

I like to listen to guys who use them the hardest, day in day out where time in the shop means business isn't getting done.

We have two Yamaha Viking VI and one Yamaha Rhino, all extremely reliable. One of the Vikings has close to 2000 miles on tracks and not a single issue, the other Viking has 5000 miles on tires, had to replace one front axle boot, otherwise no issue. The Rhino has had a voltage regulator, stator, and I think we did brakes on it, all typical repairs, no problems with engine, tranny, etc. We have a Kodiak with the 700 engine too. My next machine will probably be a standard Viking for 3, I'm hoping they offer their newer 1000 motor in the Vikings before I buy. Their 700 engine is an excellent motor, but it would be nice to have a 1000 in a Viking with tracks.

I have heard of some transmission issues when using tracks on the honda 1000, otherwise I've heard all good. Heard mostly good on CanAM and Kawasaki. I wished i didn't have to say it, but avoid Polaris and Arctic Cat and you'll probably be fine with anything else. Some of them run fine but there are more problems with either Polaris or AC than all the others put together. If you have doubts talk to a service manager in a shop that sells multiple brands. 

Since we got rid of all our Polaris and AC, I haven't had to walk out of the mountains! We used to have 1 or 2 machines in the shop every fall and again in the winter, crazy, all those problems are gone now.

I like the layout, load, and tow specs for the Ranger but this type of review concerns me.  I did ask for it.     

[MtnMuley]

Has Bearpaw owned a Ranger though? Big difference between them and many other Polaris offerings in years before. Not saying they're the best, but about the only problem I've experienced is the belt when being worked hard. Just a thought....   

[Mudman]

Po Po's are Much improved and I now own one yet I would not compare em to Japanese quality yet.  Like a Toyota/Honda vs a GM or Ford car.  Close no cigar.  Im telling ya guys Kawasaki T-rex is rock solid if that's what ya need.  Sorry but Can ams are NOT tough.  Seen it too many times.  Break all the time if abused a little.  Honda and Yammy would be up there as well in quality.  Honda Trans worries me.  How much are ya gonna spend when it breaks?  $$$.  Belts are $100.  Clutches are wear item as well.

[Russ McDonald]

I like seeing this.  I am going with a Honda Pioneer.  Have family that have them in Minnesota and they work them hard.  Plowing snow, hunting, trailing riding and haven't  had a lick of problems.  I think they have had them for going on 3 years now.  Uncke had a Polaris Ranger and got rid of it within a year.  Clutch problems and tranny problems right out of the box.  My family have been solid Polaris and Honda buyers.  A smattering of Suzuki's thrown in for motorcycles.

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[JWEBB]

Pioneer 500

[Skyvalhunter]

Why?

[Mudman]

Here is a decent deal.. https://www.paulsonsmotorsports.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventoryDetail&id=5913915&p=2&make=kawasaki&s=Year&d=D&vt=utility%20vehicle&fr=xNewInventory

[Wacenturion]

Yamaha Viking....a good choice.   I have the Viking VI.  Great machine.  New Wolverine is worth the look as well.

[Mudman]

I don't have any experience with the Viking but I do know I would check em out, it seems that it is another real good machine.

[Ghost Hunter]

Pioneer 500

Want to stay in the 700 - 1000 cc class.  If I get one I plan on working it.

[3dvapor]

New honda talon would be fun same honda motor only a 100hp!!!

[2labs]

Pioneer 500

Fits in the back of my truck and is a blast with the paddle shifters. 👍

[Matth]

I have a pioneer 1000 i may put up for sale this week. I have had it for 2 years and it may have 300 miles on it.

[Mudman]

Pioneer 500

Want to stay in the 700 - 1000 cc class.  If I get one I plan on working it.

Teryx and ya wont touch it for 3 years.  Warranty is tops in class.  Most are 6m or 12month.  My PS acted up once and then was fine again.  Kawasaki replaced whole system.  I think I just had water in a connection??  They said under warranty lets just fix it right.  Ok. 3 weeks and done.  I pd $10k for mine on sale at the time.  Such a good buy and rig.  The room and storage behind seats are awesome.  Noisey and cab heat in summer are only negatives.

[Tundra]

Another vote for the Teryx.  I've seen them do some amazing things in Alaska and they are well built, capable, dependable machines. 

[Russ McDonald]

I have a pioneer 1000 i may put up for sale this week. I have had it for 2 years and it may have 300 miles on it.

I might be interested in that.  Is it a 5 seater?

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[Matth]

I have a pioneer 1000 i may put up for sale this week. I have had it for 2 years and it may have 300 miles on it.

I might be interested in that.  Is it a 5 seater?

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Yep 5 seats, dump bed, and roof, and windshield.

[jrebel]

Sounds like my exact side by side.....great machine.  I have 1100 miles on mine and it is running strong.  I plow all winter and play all summer.  The plows are amazing!!!!

[Matth]

Sounds like my exact side by side.....great machine.  I have 1100 miles on mine and it is running strong.  I plow all winter and play all summer.  The plows are amazing!!!!

Mine has been a great machine, i just don't use it all that much. they are to expensive to just have sitting around.

[CAMPMEAT]

The Can am Commanders run very hot in the summer, I had one and got rid of it for that reason.


First off, what are you going to use it for ?


I have a 2018 RZR XP 1000 and absolutely love it. You have the power, can use for hunting and just plain ol' cruising the backroads...

[Ghost Hunter]

Po Po's are Much improved and I now own one yet I would not compare em to Japanese quality yet.  Like a Toyota/Honda vs a GM or Ford car.  Close no cigar.  Im telling ya guys Kawasaki T-rex is rock solid if that's what ya need.  Sorry but Can ams are NOT tough.  Seen it too many times.  Break all the time if abused a little.  Honda and Yammy would be up there as well in quality.  Honda Trans worries me.  How much are ya gonna spend when it breaks?  $$$.  Belts are $100.  Clutches are wear item as well.

Going to take a hard look at the Kawasaki Mule.  Work/utility is going to be bigger focus that sport/recreation.

[CAMPMEAT]

Don't forget fellas, if you don't have a trailer to fit these HUGE machines you're looking at, new trailer too.

[Russ McDonald]

Sled deck I am getting

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[aer212]

So the consensus is the Polaris are garbage? I was thinking about getting a ranger 1000 northstar. What is breaking on them? Common problems?

[bornhunter]

A buddy of mine is the local honda dealer and he gave me some good advice also. These side by sides are not like 4 wheelers. You just dont push them out of the mud. Highly recommends a winch for each one he sells.

[jrebel]

So the consensus is the Polaris are garbage? I was thinking about getting a ranger 1000 northstar. What is breaking on them? Common problems?

We have two polaris at my work and we have replaced axles in both and had to upgrade the cold air intake on one.  They are slugs to say the least and if you have any weight in the back with a grade to pull...you have to 100% make sure you are in 4 low or the belt will slip.   Do they work....Yes?  Would I buy one....No!  They have been money pits for us and have been broke down way to many times. 

Keep in mind these are the polaris ranger 900's AKA a utility SxS.  I am not well versed in their sport line. 

[Mudman]

I used to hate Polaris, a lot.  Always broke on people.  Local dealer at loads of em backed up in service for repair and warranty work.  That said sometime around5-7 years ago they started improving.  For sure they have caught up in tech and reliability.  I had a RZR and it was a good machine.  Others have had better reliability with new ones as well.  I now am trying the quads out but I am impressed so far.  Not junk, much better.  If Can Am was as well  built it would likely top Polaris due to leading in tech and design but now they struggle with reliability.   My older Honda atv's and Kawa Teryx were very well built and tough/reliable.  Newer honda and Suzuki atv's close second.  Polaris 3rd so far but good.  I have witnessed both Artic Cat Wildcat and Canam Maverick fall apart in pieces on trails and road.  Trans, belts, front diffs, A arms, bearing/joints, axles and more axles.  Did I mention Canams squeak all the time.  Yes WINCH is required!!

[aer212]

In September 2014 I bought a new Polaris 550 sportsman brand new and never did a thing to it except put gas in. I mean nothing, no oil changes, air or oil filters or filters of any kind. I sold it with around 400 miles this spring, admittedly not much use but fairly hard use and I couldn’t be more happy with it, that’s why it surprised me that the utvs may not be so good.