This category refers to side-by-side vehicles designed for recreational trail riding. These vehicles deliver driving enjoyment and a comfortable cabin, primarily equipped with bucket seats, but their work capabilities remain limited. Cargo space consists of a small bed with limited payload capacity, while towing is not one of their main strengths.
5th place: Polaris RZR Trail
The Polaris RZR Trail 900 and RZR Trail S 1000 share the same mission: to offer a sporty, agile and reliable vehicle for the trails.
The Trail 900 relies on an 875 cc twin-cylinder engine producing 75 HP and has a width of 50 inches, ideal for technical trails. Light, lively and comfortable, it emphasizes maneuverability and ease of driving. Its suspension travel (12 inches front / 13 inches rear) provides good shock absorption. Its more moderate power still allows it to maintain a very good pace.
The Trail S 1000, meanwhile, moves to a 999 cc engine producing 100 HP and is 60 inches wide. Its equipment level has been substantially reduced this year to lower its price, as it was squeezed by the more powerful and spacious RZR XP 1000.
In short, the Trail 900 excels on narrow trails, while the Trail S 1000 appeals to riders looking for more power.
4th place: Yamaha Wolverine X2
Yes, the Yamaha Wolverine X2 is equipped with a tilting cargo bed, but in our opinion it still belongs in this category. It stands out for its maneuverability and its 847 cc twin-cylinder engine (or 999 cc in the 1000 version), which delivers strong torque and excellent response. Its Ultramatic CVT — renowned for its durability and backed by Yamaha with a 10-year warranty — and its well-calibrated suspension provide a smooth ride, whether on technical trails or during recreational use. The vehicle is compact, stable and versatile, capable of serving both work and recreational needs, with good cabin comfort and predictable handling. The four-passenger X4 version adds welcome versatility to the segment. However, the X4 is available only with the more modest 850 engine.
The cabin is slightly narrow for larger occupants, but once aboard, there is enough room. However, the price climbs on better-equipped versions such as the 1000 XT-R.
In short, the Wolverine X2 remains a balanced, durable and enjoyable SxS, ideal for Quebec trails. With the 1,000 cc engine, it moves closer to the RMAX.
3rd place: CFMOTO CFORCE 950 Sport
On the market for two years, this vehicle introduces the second generation of recreational UTVs. Beyond the abundance of standard equipment, it is also clear that CFMOTO is learning and now offers serious products. Overall performance is satisfying, and few users complain about it on social media. The cabin is spacious and comfortable. Material quality is good, and the suspension absorbs impacts well. The engine and transmission work together to deliver acceleration. The price is still reasonable, but tends to rise as the model evolves.
2nd place: Can-Am Maverick Sport X
Can-Am has firmly established its position in the market with the Maverick Sport X, which combines performance and versatility. It is equipped with a 976 cc Rotax twin-cylinder engine producing 100 HP and is now 64 inches wide. This allows it to combine trail agility with stability while making it easier to negotiate narrow bridges.
In addition to the four-inch increase in width, suspension travel grows by three inches. These changes significantly raise the Maverick Sport X’s capabilities and should satisfy a buyer who wants power without the more extreme character of the Maverick X3. The Maverick Sport X is intended to cover a much broader range of uses. This year’s decision to equip the UTV with all the features of the X package, including 30-inch tires and FOX gas shocks, will help it fulfill that mission even better.
On the other hand, the cabin is narrow and legroom is limited. This is something to check during your buying process. Prices rise quickly as you move up to higher-end versions.
In short, the Maverick Sport X is a robust and enjoyable UTV for technical or open trails, without the extreme character of an ultra-sport machine.
1st place: Polaris RZR XP 1000
The RZR name is one of the oldest in the recreational UTV world and was the model that started it all for Polaris. The XP 1000 is revised this year and is clearly designed for the pleasure of trail riding. The cargo bed is minimal for carrying luggage, but everything happens behind the wheel. First, the chassis is 25% stiffer, allowing the suspension to work more effectively. It uses Walker Evans gas shocks and offers 20.5 inches of travel. The steering is also remarkably effective. The revised engine contributes to the equation as well, producing 114 HP without a turbo. Driver and passenger sit in supportive bucket seats within a new, user-friendly environment that includes a central colour LCD screen for the Ride Command application and rear-view camera. With the RZR XP 1000, driving enjoyment takes priority over utility. This is not a vehicle as versatile as a Swiss Army knife, but its price-to-fun ratio is hard to beat.
