Killer UTVs – Top 5 Hunting UTVs

The Ultimate Side-by-Sides to Have on Your Side
by Jason Giacchino

When it comes to the red-hot kingdom of UTVs, all of the hype and hoopla of late seems to center on performance oriented editions, which are pushing the limits of what’s thought possible in side-by-side competition. Engines are coming tuned for maximum output, suspension travel numbers are increasing steadily, and top-speed figures are surpassing what was thought possible outside of the realm of off-road trucks and rally cars.

However, the U in UTV does stand for “utility” after all, and when it comes to the specific demands of hunting, a lot of the charms of the latest batch of hyper side-by-sides are lost. When it comes to hunting, areas such as storage capacity, the ability to tow game, passenger accommodations, fuel economy and the traction to get through the soupiest forests and back again become top priorities.

We spent some time studying the absolutely overwhelming list of 2012 UTVs available so as to assemble our top picks for the dedicated woodsman. The hardest part by far was narrowing down the plethora of viable options to just five entries. Without further ado:

#5) Can-Am Commander 1000 XT

The Commander features the most powerful engine in the side-by-side industry with the 85 HP Rotax 1000 EFI V-Twin powerplant and brings a host of innovative features to the industry like: Dual-Level cargo bed; throttle-by-wire Intelligent Throttle Control system (iTC), a 2-inch diameter, high-strength steel cage that is ROPS approved; Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI) rear suspension design, removable, free-standing full-bolster driver and passenger seats; a driver seat that requires no tools to adjust; quick-attach side nets. It also features the industry’s first cargo box with two levels separated by a removable, water-resistant panel. It offers the possibility to have an upper and a lower bed with an independent tailgate. Carrying capacity of the box is 600 lbs. total capacity. (400 lbs. upper, 200 lbs. lower) and has the most volume capacity in the market.

1,500 lbs. (680 kg) towing capacity, 1,928 cubic inches (31.6 liters) cockpit storage, and a Visco-Lok front differential rounds out the goodies.

The XT package includes additional perks such as a factory installed 4,000-pound winch, 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, 14-inch cast aluminum wheels, analog/digital gauge, heavy-duty front bumper, rugged bed rails, mud guards and a leather steering wheel. Additionally the XT variation can be ordered in NEXT G-1 Vista camouflage motif.

More information can be found at: http://www.canamoffroad.com/side-byside/commander/commander-xt/1000/key-features.aspx

#4)Yamaha Rhino 700 FI 4×4

This wild beast boasts a comfortable interior with automotive-type controls, stylish steering wheel, three-point seat belt with anti-cinch shoulder belt, left-side foot brake pedal/right-side foot accelerator pedal, center mounted console shifter and parking brake lever, turn-to-start ignition switch, indicator lights and 12-volt accessory outlet. The Rhino comes equipped with a 686cc liquid/oil-cooled, four-stroke engine and light weight, which adds up to an excellent power-to-weight ratio. An industry-exclusive fully automatic Ultramatic transmission with dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive and reverse is the most advanced drive system available. Maintains constant belt tension reducing wear, gives great throttle response and provides industry exclusive all-wheel downhill engine braking works with a three-position On-Command In/Out 4WD feature that allows you to switch between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked differential 4WD.

A standard center-mounted, heavy-duty 2-inch receiver-style hitch can tow more than 1200 pounds and a tamped steel dump bed is rated to haul 400 pounds of gear, with a latch that opens from either side.

Sealed drive case keeps out water and debris, and a hand-operated side cover drain is available in extreme circumstances.

More information can be found at:
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/590/0/home.aspx

#3) John Deere Gator XUV 550 S4

The Gator XUV550 S4 Crossover Utility Vehicle is designed for customers who desire comfort, customization, multi-passenger capability, and 4WD for a great value. With its roomy occupant station, independent four-wheel suspension, and availability of over 75 attachments, the Gator XUV550 provides an unparalleled balance of performance and work capability in the mid-duty class.

The 16-hp, 570 cc, air-cooled, v-twin gas engine provides greater speed and horsepower than most vehicles in its class, and the cargo box can carry up to 400 lbs of gear. In addition, the 550 is small enough to fit in the bed of a standard pick-up truck.

The Gator XUV 550 is available in Realtree Hardwoods HD Camo and additional features include best-in-class sealed storage volume of 1.82 ft3 (0.052m3) with a large in-dash glove box and under hood storage; four-wheel independent suspension, which keeps all four wheels on the ground for superior traction and vehicle control; best-in-class 10.3-in. (26-cm) ground clearance allows you to clear more obstacles on the trail without getting hung up; all-terrain capable 4WD system with lever engagement; four-wheel hydraulic disk braking with stainless steel rotors; and sealed CVT drive case with high engine and CVT air intakes to keep water and debris out and prevent overheating.

More information can be found at: http://www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/products/equipment/gator_utility_vehicles/gator_utility_vehicles.page?

#2) Kawasaki Mule 4010 Trans4x4

The Mule 4010 Trans4x4 transforms from a short-bed four-passenger vehicle to a long-bed two-passenger cargo hauler with just a few easy steps. Two-passenger mode is as easy as folding the rear seat down and extending the cargo bed into the cab. Have extra passengers? The Trans4x4 can be turned back into a four-passenger carrier by reversing those same easy steps.

Its selectable four-wheel drive, electric power steering system and fuel injected engine work in conjunction with a fully automatic transmission and locking rear differential to make the Mule 4010 Trans4x4 an outstanding choice for just about any utility vehicle need.

The Mule 4010 4×4’s liquid-cooled four-stroke V-twin features digital fuel injection that provides smooth and consistent engine starting, crisp throttle response and more precise fuel metering, helping reduce fuel consumption. The electronic control unit regulates maximum engine speed, eliminating the need for a mechanical governor.

The dual-mode rear differential can be locked to maximize traction, or unlocked to improve handling and minimize ground disturbance when making tight turns. Mule 4010 Trans4x4 drivers can also engage four-wheel drive for extra traction in difficult conditions. Speed-sensitive electric power steering makes the rack-and-pinion steering system even easier to turn. Inputs from vehicle speed and torque sensors help the system determine how much assistance is needed from the system’s electric motor.

The cab is surrounded by a large-diameter steel tube frame structure. A parking brake, dual sealed glove boxes, plus retractable rear seat belts and a padded rear-passenger grab handle round out the cab features.

With the bed extended, the Trans4x4 has an 800-pound cargo capacity, or a 400-pound cargo capacity in four-passenger mode. In addition, the Mule 4010 Trans4x4 can tow up to 1,200 pounds with an optional draw bar.

More information can be found at: http://www.kawasaki.com/products/product-specifications.aspx?id=471

#1) Polaris Ranger 6×6 800

The 2012 Ranger 6×6 800 is built with unmatched traction and capacity. Key features include a 40 HP 760cc twin-cylinder EFI Engine, independent six-wheel suspension, on-demand true six-wheel drive (6WD) and 2,000 lbs (907.2 kg) of payload/towing capacity. Cab ergonomics deliver outstanding driver and passenger comfort, including tilt steering with the highest range of motion (10″), extra legroom, and easy cab slide-through design for three adults to get in and out quickly.

When it comes to traversing the nastiest of terrain, we usually live by the idea that 2-wheel drive is good, 4-wheel drive is better, and 6-wheel drive better still!

More information can be found at: http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/polaris-defense/2011/ranger/ranger-6×6-800/pages/overview.aspx

Should we add more names to the list? Let us know in the Forums:
http://forums.atvconnection.com/hunting-trapping-game-management/340792-top-5-utvs-hunting.html#post3074089