5th position: Arctic Cat Prowler Pro
The Arctic Cat Prowler Pro isn’t the newest model on the market, but it’s a competent machine for the job, and at a very competitive price. The XT and LTD versions come with everything you need. You can get the vehicle with a bench seat for three passengers or six passengers to transport a team of workers.
The 812 cm3, three-cylinder engine is not the most spirited at 50 hp, but it’s remarkably quiet, so much so that you can hear the tires rolling rather than the engine. The suspension was also overhauled a few years ago to improve comfort on the trail. Not exceptional, but very acceptable.
4th place: Polaris Ranger XP 1000
The Polaris Ranger is a flagship model in the world of off-road vehicles, especially the XP1000. It’s a real all-rounder, with its 999cc Prostar engine developing 85hp. With its 29-inch tires and 14-inch ground clearance, this vehicle is capable of towing 2500 lbs. Several accessory packages are available to adapt the vehicle to your needs. The vehicle can also be fitted with an air-conditioned and heated Northstar cab to protect you from the elements.
3rd place: CFMOTO UFORCE U10 Pro
This year, CFMOTO introduces the UFOCE U10 Pro, which has nothing in common with the familiar UFORCE 1000. First of all, it introduces a new 998 cm3 three-cylinder engine that develops a very respectable 88 hp and 69 lb-ft of torque. This vehicle can tow 2500 lbs or load 1000 lbs in its bed. The cabin is designed to accommodate 3 passengers, or 6 in the XL version. The materials used are of good quality, and the 8-inch LCD screen is unusual in this segment. CFMOTO also offers the Highland version, which boasts an enclosed, air-conditioned and heated cabin.
2nd place: Can Am Defender
The Can Am Defender is a very sharp model that has been on the market for several years. In fact, it’s one of Can Am’s most versatile models, due to the unrivalled variety of possible configurations in which it’s available. The Defender covers a very wide range of needs with its three engine options: the 650 cm3 (42 hp) HD7 single-cylinder, the 976 cm3 (69 hp) HD9 V-twin and the 976 cm3 (82 hp) HD-10 V-twin. The model configurations are almost infinite: three-passenger single cab, six-passenger MAX, with air-conditioned enclosed cab, and more. You can also have specialized editions like the X MR designed for deep mud, the extended PRO version that gives a 6-foot-long cargo bed unique in the industry, and a 6×6 version also unique in UTVs.
The Defender’s capacities are among the best in the industry, with a load capacity of 1,000 lbs in the bed and a towing capacity of 2,500 lbs for the HD10 engine (3,000 lbs for the HD10 Pro 6×6). Finally, a word about the Limited version, which represents the luxury niche in utility vehicles for Can Am, with air-conditioned cab, power windows, opening windshield, 30-inch tires, embroidered seats, etc.
1st position: Polaris Ranger 1500 XL
This Polaris is virtually alone in its niche. In fact, Polaris has used technical solutions that make this vehicle a machine with uncommon capabilities. First of all, the 1500 cm3 tricylinder engine develops 100hp, but above all a solid 105 li-pi of torque. Polaris has coupled this engine with a metal-belt CVT transmission that is unique in the industry. This allows the Ranger 1500 XL to accept 1500 lbs in its bed (which is better than a full-size 1500 pickup) and 3500 lbs of towing capacity. A beast!
The vehicle is available in 2- or 5-passenger versions, with or without the Northstar enclosed cab. In the case of the latter, the interior layout is close to that of a standard car, with air-conditioning, power windows and tilting windscreen, JBL audio system, heated seats, 7-inch LCD central screen with multiple functions (Ride Command, rearview camera, sound system).
