Hello:

New to the forum...great stuff here

I am new to the world of ATV buying and have a decision to make between
2013 Honda Rancher 420 4x4 and
2013 Polaris 400 sportsman 4x4

Both are within $200 of each around 4800-5K

Which would be the choice to make...they will be used for light farm work, pulling small wagon or trailer, spraying fence rows, some trail riding...both adults and teens will be riding and driving it.

Any assistance in helping decide would be appreciated....

maybe I am looking at the wrong two machines for the needs????

Thanks

 

Both machines will do what you're asking of them. Polaris has a more comfortable ride, more on-board storage, true all wheel drive, and more articulation. Honda is pretty reliable, and because of less wheel travel a bit better in corners. Honda only has a limited slip in the front. Not an issue other than climbing rocky hills, deep mud, and deep snow. Have had a few occasions where that little bit of extra traction got me through instead of getting stuck.

 

The Sportsman has a lot more power if that's important to you.

 

The 400 Sportsman is in a different league, Its really a 500 H.O Sportsman just a smaller carb and 45cc less displacement.

The Sportsman is a full size ATV chassis with 25"wheels the Rancher is Mid size chassis with smaller 24"wheels.
The Sportsman has low range and much higher Towing and load capacity .
The Sportsman has true AWD the Rancher is 3x4.
The OHC 455cc makes 30hp the OHV 420cc has 26hp.
The sportsman has IRS with disc brake the rancher has both. Straight axle version has rear drum. brakes
The sportsman has "Much" more suspension travel and ground clearance.

I think the sportsman 400H.O is better compared to the more expensive "full size" Honda 500 Foreman or Rubicon let alone the smaller cheaper Rancher and even then the 400H.O has the Foreman beat in power and both in suspension,brakes,comfort and Traction.

I rode a 2008 420 Rancher and it reminded me of my 350 Grizzly.
I rode the 450 Sportsman(Same as newer 400H.O) and it reminded me of my 500 Sportsman.
I sure can,t compare my two ATVs together in anyway.

 

i drove my friends rancher 420 yesterday and it was a blast! it will do anything you want it to do! but IMO i would get the polaris (nothing against the honda) we bought a polaris a few weeks ago...and if i had an extra $3000 just laying around, i would go get a rancher 420 off of craigslist with even thinkin twice. but for a more well rounded beast of a machine...go with the polaris!

 

Here is a good shoot out video, its made by Polaris but,really there not tooting there own horn and it really is the facts and Honda's own Specs are right.
Even the older Mid size Sportsman 400 H.O with no low range and smaller chassis and wheels beat the 420 Rancher in this shootout ATV Comparison - Budget 4x4 ATVs Reviewed.
So its really going to get it handed to it against the new Full size 400H.O.

Smaller is not bad though,there are fun tight trails where I have much more fun on my Midsize Grizzly then my Full size Sportsman.

Same would go for a 455 Sportsman and 420 Rancher.

 

yeah that rancher is so light and quick that its just a blast to ride on haha my friend always tries to do tricks on his! its just a fun ride, but the polaris can handle a whole lot more in the woods and mudholes tho!

 

I thought the 400 being an H.O. had a bit more power than that but it's still a good 15% more than the Honda.

 

when you only talking about 26 to 30 hp a extra 4hp is a differance. The 400 is a H.O because it uses the 500 H.O higher duration cam but it kept the smaller 34mm carb while the 500s switch to a larger 40mm.

 

i am a honda guy and love my rancher, but if i were buying new, it is very tough to beat the sportsman 400 HO for the amount of features for the money. you wont be dissappointed with either, but if it were me and i want my hard-earned money to stretch and get the most out of it, i'd get the polaris. just be sure to keep up with standard maintenance. good luck!