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The Test
The surge in popularity of side-by-side utility ATVs compelled us to expand this category to two Best of the Best Awards: traditional (ATV) and utility (UTV). We rode models in California, Missouri, and Texas. Tests were adapted to local terrain, with machines climbing grades, running on windy trails, negotiating mudholes, climbing over logs and rocks, and operating for long periods in searing temperatures. Ultimately, one company emerged as the winner in both categories. --Peter Mathiesen

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Best of the Best Awards: The Best New Hunting ATVs of 2008
On the test crew were Jeff Lampe of Cocoon ATV Bags; Zach Bevins, an engineer, riding enthusiast, and hunter; John Konersmann, an ATV mechanic; and contributing editor and long-time ATV rider Peter Mathiesen.

 

Best Traditional ATV
Yamaha 2009 Grizzly 550 FI Auto. 4x4 EPS
$7,799.
F&S GOT A look at the Grizzly 550 FI in California just before it was released to the ATV press. The unit has all the attributes of the Grizzly 700, which won Best of the Best in '06. Power steering helped the 700 to its victory; the 550 carries on that tradition. Acceleration is smooth, and the 550 is only marginally slower than its big brother. This vehicle climbs like a goat and has outstanding downhill braking, plus an independent suspension and smart features such as a digital dash. It was the clear winner. 800-962-7926 www.yamaha-motor.com

Engine
Displacement (cc): 558
Engine Type: Single-Cylinder
Cylinders: 1
Stroke: 4-Stroke
Valve Configuration: SOHC
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Transmission
Transmission Type: Continuously Variable (CVT)
Number of Speeds
Primary Drive System: Shaft
Reverse: Yes
Driveline
Driveline Type: Selectable 4X2 / 4X4
Number of Driveline Modes: 2
Limited Slip Differential: Standard
Differential Lock: Standard
Brakes
Front Brakes: Dual Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brakes: Dual Hydraulic Disc
Tires
Front Tire(s): Dunlop® AT25 x 8 - 12
Rear Tire(s): Dunlop® AT25 x 10 - 12
Specifications
Wheelbase (in / mm): 49.2/1249.68
Dry Weight (lbs / kg): 600/272.2
Fuel Capacity (gal / L): 5.3/20.1
Seat Height (in / mm) 35.6/904.2
Number of Seats: 1
Features
Halogen Headlight(s): Standard
Front Rack: Standard
Rear Rack: Standard

Best Utility ATV
Yamaha/Rhino 700 FI
$10,499
THE OLD RHINO gets an upgrade with the new 700 FI. Along with reduced vibration and noise, this model offers exceptional power and torque, thick bucket seats, doors to protect your legs, and more handholds. All wheels have disc brakes. These features combine with exceptional downhill engine braking to create a UTV that can negotiate steep terrain. The 686cc fuel-injected racing engine is smooth and snappy. A low reverse gear helps you back out of poor trail decisions; power steering makes it easy to steer. 800-962-7926 www.yamaha-motor.com

Engine
Displacement (cc): 686
Engine Type: Single-Cylinder
Cylinders:1
Stroke: 4-Stroke
Valve Configuration: SOHC
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Transmission
Transmission Type Continuously Variable (CVT)
Number of Speeds
Primary Drive System: Shaft
Reverse: Yes
Driveline
Driveline Type: Selectable 4X2 / 4X4
Number of Driveline Modes: 2
Limited Slip Differential: Standard
Differential Lock: Standard
Brakes
Front Brakes: Dual Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brakes: Dual Hydraulic Disc
Tires
Front Tire(s): Maxxis® 25 X 8-12 NHS
Rear Tire(s): Maxxis® 25 X 10-12 NHS
Specifications
Wheelbase (in / mm):75.2/1910.1
Dry Weight (lbs / kg): /
Fuel Capacity (gal / L): 7.9/29.9
Seat Height (in / mm) /
Number of Seats: 2
Features
Halogen Headlight(s): Standard
Front Rack: Optional
Rear Rack: Not Available

John Deere/ Gator XUV 4x4 Camo$10,099
With a 620i Kawasaki twin-cylinder fuel-injected power plant, the Gator boasts good pickup and quiet operation. A comfortable independent suspension handles all offroad tasks with confidence. 309-765-8000. deere.com

Engine
Displacement (cc): 617
Engine Type: Parallel Twin
Cylinders: 2
Stroke: 4-Stroke
Valve Configuration: OHV
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Transmission
Transmission Type: Continuously Variable (CVT)
Number of Speeds
Primary Drive System: Belt
Reverse: Yes
Driveline
Driveline Type: 4X4
Number of Driveline Modes: 3
Limited Slip Differential: Not Available
Differential Lock: Standard
Brakes
Front Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
Tires
Front Tire(s): 25 x 10-12 (AT489)
Rear Tire(s): 25 x 11-12 (AT489)
Specifications
Wheelbase (in / mm): 79/2007
Dry Weight (lbs / kg): 1383/627
Fuel Capacity (gal / L): 5.3/20.1
Seat Height (in / mm) /
Number of Seats: 2
Features
Halogen Headlight(s): Standard
Front Rack: Not Available
Rear Rack: Not Available

Kawasaki/ Terex $10,999
The Teryx is Kawasaki's first step into the offroad performance category. At the heart of the unit is a 749cc 90-degree V-twin power plant. Four-wheel-drive is activated with a switch, and you can select your preferred amount of wheel engagement. The machine does not have electronic fuel injection. 800-661-7433. kawasaki.com

Engine
Displacement (cc):749
Engine Type: V Twin
Cylinders: 2
Stroke: 4-Stroke
Valve Configuration: SOHC
Carburetion Type: Carburetor
Transmission
Transmission Type: Continuously Variable (CVT)
Number of Speeds
Primary Drive System: Shaft
Reverse: Yes
Driveline
Driveline Type: Selectable 4X2 / 4X4
Number of Driveline Modes: 2
Limited Slip Differential: Standard
Differential Lock: Standard
Brakes
Front Brakes: Dual Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brakes: Sealed Oil Bath Multi-Disc
Tires
Front Tire(s): Maxxis® 26 X 10-12
Rear Tire(s): Maxxis® 26 X 11-12
Specifications
Wheelbase (in / mm): 75.8/1925.3
Dry Weight (lbs / kg) /
Fuel Capacity (gal / L): 8/30.3
Seat Height (in / mm) /
Number of Seats: 2
Features
Halogen Headlight(s): Standard
Front Rack: Not Available
Rear Rack: Not Available

Cub Cadet/ Volunteer Tracker $9,999
All of us were pleasantly surprised with the Cub Cadet. Its ride is smooth, and it moves quickly with heavy loads. The 748cc EFI engine was particularly strong on hill climbs. cubcadet.com

Engine
Displacement (cc): 748
Engine Type: V Twin
Cylinders: 2
Stroke: 4-Stroke
Valve Configuration: OHV
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Transmission
Transmission Type: Continuously Variable (CVT)
Number of Speeds
Primary Drive System: Shaft
Reverse: Yes
Driveline
Driveline Type: 4X4
Number of Driveline Modes: 2
Limited Slip Differential: Standard
Differential Lock: Standard
Brakes
Front Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
Tires
Front Tire(s): Trail 25 X 10 - 12
Rear Tire(s): Trail 25 X 11 - 12
Specifications
Wheelbase (in / mm): 78/1981.2
Dry Weight (lbs / kg): 1650/748.4
Fuel Capacity (gal / L): 7/26.5
Seat Height (in / mm) /
Number of Seats: 2
Features
Halogen Headlight(s):Standard
Front Rack: Optional
Rear Rack: Not Available

Polaris/ Ranger Crew $11,299
A 700cc fuel-injected power plant is the right choice for this hardworking UTV, which can carry five people and 750 pounds in the bed. The handling was especially responsive at low speeds. 800-765-2747 polarisindustries.com

Engine
Displacement (cc): 683
Engine Type: Longitudinal Twin
Cylinders: 2
Stroke: 4-Stroke
Valve Configuration: OHV
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Transmission
Transmission Type: Continuously Variable (CVT)
Number of Speeds
Primary Drive System: Shaft
Reverse: Yes
Driveline
Driveline Type: Selectable 4X2 / 4X4
Number of Driveline Modes: 2
Limited Slip Differential: Standard
Differential Lock: Standard
Brakes
Front Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
Tires
Front Tire(s): Carlisle PXT 26 X 9-12
Rear Tire(s): Carlisle PXT 26 X 11-12
Specifications
Wheelbase (in / mm): 108/2743
Dry Weight (lbs / kg): 1460/664
Fuel Capacity (gal / L): 9/36
Seat Height (in / mm) /
Number of Seats: 6
Features
Halogen Headlight(s): Standard
Front Rack: Optional
Rear Rack: Not Available

BRP Outlander 400 HO EFI $7,099
This was the fastest small machine in the test, with smooth handling for a unit without power steering. The Visco-Lok four-wheel-drive system allows you to climb practically any obstacle. • brp.com

Engine
Type: 400cc, 4-stroke, single, liquid-cooled, 4-valve SOHC
Bore & Stroke: 91 x 61.5 mm
Torque/Net Power: 33 nm @ 5.750 RPM
Carburetion/EFI: EFI, 46mm Throttle Body, 2 Siemens‡ VDO injectors
Starting system: Electric with auxiliary recoil
Transmission: CVT, sub-transmission with high, low, park, neutral & reverse
Drive train: Selectable 2w/4w shaft driven with Visco-Lok front differential
Chassis
Frame: SSTTM
Front suspension type: MacPherson
Front suspension travel: 7 in (178 mm)
Rear suspension type: TTITM independent
Rear suspension travel: 8 in (203 mm)
Front brake: 2 inboards hydraulic discs
Rear brake: 1 inboard hydraulic disc
Front tires: 25 x 8 x 12 in. (635 x 203 x 305 mm)
Rear tires: 25 x 10/11(XT) x 12 in. (635 x 254/279(XT) x305 mm)
Dimensions
L x W x H in: 86 x 46 x 45
L x W x H meter: 2.184 x 1.168 x 1.143
Wheelbase: 49 in. (1.244 m)
Dry weight: 615 lbs. (279 kg)
Ground clearance: 9.3 in. (236 mm)
Seat height: 35 in. (877 mm)
Rack capacity (front & rear): 100 lbs. (45 kg), 200 lbs. (90 kg)
Towing capacity: 1.1 lbs. (500 kg)
Fuel capacity: 5.3 US gal. (20 L)
Features
Instrumentation: Digital gauge: Speedometer, odometer, trip and hourmeters, gear position, 4x4 indicator
Electrical: Prewired for winch
Lighting: 2 fender mounted headlamps (35W) with tail light/brake light
DC outlet: Lighter type in console, standard connector in the back (15A)
Xt package content available: BRP XL3000 winch, roller fairlead, wired remote control, cast aluminum rims, aggressive tread Carlisle ACT radial tires, heavy-duty front & rear bumpers, handlebar wind deflector
Available colors: Laurentian Green or Viper Red


Comment on This Article

At 11:01 AM, 2008-11-19, Daniel Perry said:
Way To Go Yamaha Took It All. Yes!!!! Mark comment offensive


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