This category refers to side-by-side vehicles designed for recreational riding. These vehicles offer a fun ride and a comfortable cabin, equipped mainly with bucket seats, but their work capabilities remain limited. The cargo area consists of a flatbed with low load capacity, and towing is not its strong point.
5th place: Polaris RZR Trail
The Polaris RZR Trail 900 and RZR Trail S 1000 share a common purpose: to offer a sporty, agile, and reliable vehicle for the trails.
The Trail 900 features an 875 cc twin-cylinder engine with 75 hp and a width of 60 inches, ideal for technical trails. Lightweight, responsive, and comfortable, it emphasizes maneuverability and ease of driving. Its suspension travel (12 inches front/13 inches rear) ensures good shock absorption. Its more moderate power will still allow you to ride at a very good pace.
The Trail S 1000, on the other hand, has a 999 cm³ 100 hp engine and retains the same width. It offers more powerful suspension (Walker Evans shock absorbers) and superior equipment such as a Ride Command display, audio system, and increased comfort. However, it comes with a higher price tag. If you’re interested in the 1000 engine and less concerned about the level of equipment, you might want to take a look at the XP 1000 Sport.
In summary: the Trail 900 excels on narrow, affordable trails, while the Trail S 1000 appeals to riders looking for more power and high-end equipment.
4th place: Yamaha Wolverine X2
Yes, the Yamaha Wolverine X2 is equipped with a dump bed, but in our opinion, it belongs in this category. It stands out for its maneuverability and its 847cc twin-cylinder engine (or 999cc on the 1000 version) offering solid torque and excellent response. Its Ultramatic CVT transmission—renowned for its durability and backed by Yamaha’s 10-year warranty—and well-calibrated suspension provide a smooth ride, whether on technical trails or for recreational use. The vehicle is compact, stable, and versatile, suitable for both work and leisure, with a comfortable cabin and predictable handling. The four-passenger X4 version offers welcome versatility in this segment. However, the X4 is only available with the modest 850 engine.
The cabin is slightly narrow for larger individuals, but once on board, there is plenty of space. However, the price increases on better-equipped versions such as the 1000 XT-R.
In short, the Wolverine X2 remains a balanced, durable, and enjoyable SxS, ideal fo trails. With its 1000cc engine, it’s similar to the RMAX.
3rd place: CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 Sport
On the market for two years, this vehicle ushers in the second generation of recreational ATVs. Beyond the abundance of standard equipment, it’s clear that CFMOTO is learning and now offers serious products. Overall performance is satisfactory, and few users complain about it on social media. The interior is spacious and comfortable. The materials are of good quality, and the suspension absorbs shocks well. The engine and transmission work together to deliver acceleration and The price is still reasonable, but tends to rise as the model evolves.
2nd place: Can-Am Maverick Sport
Can-Am has solidified its position in the market with the Maverick Sport, which combines performance and versatility. It is equipped with a 976 cc Rotax twin-cylinder engine producing 100 hp and has a width of 60 inches. This allows it to combine agility on trails with stability and make it easier to navigate narrow walkways. The independent suspension with A-arms on all four wheels, combined with SHOWA 2.0 shock absorbers, provides a good compromise between comfort and handling.
The Maverick Sport offers a wide variety of specialized versions, such as the X Rc, which is designed for rocky terrain, and the X Mr, which is designed to conquer deep mud. You can also opt for a four-passenger version.
On the other hand, the cabin is narrow and legroom is limited. This is something to consider in your purchasing process. Prices rise quickly as you move up to the higher-end versions.
In short: the Maverick Sport is a robust and enjoyable ATV for technical or open trails, but without the extreme radicalism of an ultra-sporty machine.
1st place: Polaris RZR XP 1000
The RZR name is one of the oldest in the world of recreational ATVs, and it was the first model launched by Polaris. The XP1000 has been redesigned last year and is definitely designed for the pleasure of riding on trails. The cargo bed is minimal for carrying luggage, but it’s all about what’s behind the wheel. First, the 25% stiffer chassis allows the suspension to be more effective. It features Walker Evans gas shocks and 20.5 inches of travel. The steering is also incredibly effective. The revised engine also contributes to the equation, developing 114 HP without a turbo. The driver and passenger sit in wraparound bucket seats in a new user-friendly environment that includes a central color LCD screen for the Ride Command app and rearview camera. With the RZR XP 1000, driving pleasure takes precedence over function. It’s not as versatile as a Swiss Army knife, but the price-to-pleasure ratio is hard to beat.
