5th position: Polaris General 1000
The Polaris General has been on the market for almost a decade and has created its own cross-over niche. It’s a UTV that combines the recreational side, with a comfortable cab and well-calibrated suspension, and the practical side, with a tipping body for transporting lots of equipment.
The General is powered by a 1000cc parallel twin-cylinder engine that develops 100 hp in all its variants. Equipment levels are Basic and Premium. The latter offers a good base with its FOX gas suspension. The XPs feature Walker Evans gas suspension, huge 30-inch tires and plenty of standard equipment. All General models offer a spacious, comfortable cab, a pleasant ride, good engine efficiency and versatility of use. The recipe was right 9 years ago, and that’s why it’s still popular. But the competition is getting sharper.
4th place: CFMOTO CFORCE 950 Sport
On the market since last year, this vehicle inaugurates the second generation of recreational UTVs. Beyond the abundance of standard equipment, we can also see that CFMOTO is learning and now offers serious products. Overall performance is satisfactory, and few users are complaining about it on social networks. The interior is spacious and comfortable. Materials are of good quality, and the suspension absorbs shocks well. The price is still reasonable, but will tend to rise as the model evolves.
3rd place: Yamaha Wolverine RMAX
The Wolverine RMAX gets an update this year. The RMAX 4 we knew with the 2 extra passengers seated in the bed is still offered, but is now called RMAX 4 Compact. The RMAX 4 is now equipped with a dumper behind the four-passenger cab. The Wolverine RMAX 4 is powered by a 1000cc parallel twin-cylinder engine developing 108 hp, putting it at the top end of the recreational UTV range. It’s imperturbable on the trail, with its well-calibrated independent suspension with gas shocks and large 29-inch tires. Passenger comfort is top-notch, thanks to well-shaped bucket seats. This year, the Wolverine RMAX Limited edition introduces a central color LCD screen for navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
Also, if the RMAX stretches your budget too far, the little brother Wolverine X2 1000 SE is not without its qualities.
2nd place: Can Am Commander 1000R
Can Am’s second Commander is also a highly versatile vehicle, with a tilt bucket behind the 2-passenger or 4-passenger MAX cabin. It can be powered by the more reserved 700 cm3 HD7 single-cylinder engine, or the 1000 cm3 V-twin engine, which is the engine of choice. The Commander is a fun-to-drive vehicle with a sporty touch to the ride, which means that trail handling is inspired, but the suspension is a little stiffer than the competition. The seats are supportive and the cabin well appointed, although the driving position is a little low for some. Also noteworthy is the Trail Activ function, which calibrates the four-wheel drive system so that the front wheels pull the vehicle more in curves. With this function activated, the Commander seems to run on rails.
1st place: Polaris RZR XP 1000
The RZR name is one of the oldest in the world of recreational SxS category, and it’s the one that got the ball rolling at Polaris. The XP1000 is revised this year and is resolutely designed for trail riding pleasure. The bed is minimal to carry luggage, but it’s all behind the steering wheel. First of all, the 25% stiffer chassis makes the suspension more efficient. These are fitted with WalkerEvans gas-charged shock absorbers and have 20.5 inches of travel. The steering is also devilishly efficient. The revised engine also contributes to the equation, developing 114 hp, without turbo. Driver and passenger sit in wraparound bucket seats and a new user-friendly environment, including a central color LCD screen that serves the Ride Command application and rearview camera.
