For the purposes of this ranking, we’re going to exclude the very high-performance SxS that are the Can AM Maverick R and the Polaris RZR Pro S and Pro R. Not because they aren’t exciting vehicles, but because they would inevitably occupy the top 2 places on the podium. As these exceptional vehicles are not in the purchasing plans of the vast majority of buyers, we decided not to consider them.
5th position: Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000
The Teryx KRX is the performance SxS that Kawasaki introduced a few years ago, in 2-passenger and extended 4-passenger versions. This year, the Lifted version has been added to the range, designed for rolling around in the mud.
The Teryx KRX is an imposing vehicle powered by a 999 cm3 parallel twin-cylinder engine that develops approximately 116 hp and 77 lb-ft of torque, which is in the upper range of non-turbocharged engines. Its well-calibrated suspension allows you to drive the machine with confidence. Bumps and bumps are absorbed without reproach, keeping you at a very comfortable level. The KRX’s weak point is the interior layout, which features a lot of dated black plastic. Some competitors, including Polaris, Yamaha and CFMOTO, have begun to offer more refined interiors.
4th place: CFMOTO ZFORCE Z10
Few people have driven CFMOTO’s ZFORCE Z10. But this model is an important milestone in the manufacturer’s development. First of all, the ZFORCE Z10 has an aggressive body line that’s unmistakable in its intended use: performance. The wide wheel arches in the fenders are necessary to let the long-travel suspension work (20 inches at the rear). The suspensions are also fitted with FOX QSE gas-charged shock absorbers, adjustable via the steering wheel controls. CFMOTO also offers a new engine: a 998 cm3 three-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 143 hp.
The interior is no less innovative. The quality of the materials is obvious, demonstrating CFMOTO’s commitment to manufacturing quality. The dashboard layout is innovative: firstly, the driver is presented with a slim, elongated LCD display that provides all the usual driving information. In addition, a 12.3-inch color LCD touchscreen in the center is used for navigation, adjusting vehicle parameters, the rearview camera and Carplay connectivity. The promises are great, and we can’t wait to see if the vehicle really delivers.
3rd place: Yamaha YZX1000R
Yamaha never does anything like the others, and designs its models according to its own philosophy of performance. The YZX1000R is a thoroughbred dedicated to riding pleasure. The engine is the three-cylinder 999 cm3 Genesis that is omnipresent in Yamaha’s vehicle ranges. Although the horsepower figure isn’t staggering, the Genesis is lively and smooth thanks to its generous torque. The transmission is a sequential type that can be controlled at the driver’s fingertips by joysticks behind the steering wheel. It’s a bit like a motorcycle transmission with a quickshifter. The vehicle itself can also manage automatic gear changes. The independent suspensions are fitted with FOX 2.5 Podium gas-charged shock absorbers, which effectively control body movements with a minimum of roll.
The YZX1000R is an uncompromising vehicle designed for aggressive riding pleasure. Even without overflowing power, its liveliness and nervous handling on the trail provide a “fun factor” that’s hard to beat. If you find the engine too shy, you can add Yamaha’s GYTR turbo kit to boost horsepower to 170 hp. Now we’re serious.
2nd place: Polaris RZR Pro XP
Not so long ago, the RZR Pro XP was the pinnacle of Polaris technology. Although the RZR Pro S and RZR Pro R have stolen its crown, the Pro XP is still a big name. Its Prostar turbo engine produces 181 hp, which is transmitted to the ground via a CVT-type transmission and Xtreme Performance four-wheel drive. With all versions, the efficient suspensions have a very wide 22-inch travel and are dampened by sturdy Walker Evans gas-charged shock absorbers. With the Ultimate version, the semi-active Dynamix 2.0 suspension takes over, taking dynamic behavior to a new level by controlling wheel movement in real time.
In the cabin, the layout resembles that of a car: wrap-around seats, steering-wheel-mounted controls and a central 7-inch color LCD touchscreen that provides the driver with a wealth of information: rearview camera, Dynamix suspension behavior, Ride Command navigation system and Forsgate 4.0 radio.
1st place: Can Am Maverick X3
The Can Am Maverick X3 offers a very wide range of variations to meet the needs of the most demanding customers, with an equally wide price range. First of all, you can opt for a width of 64 or 72 inches, in just about every version. The 900 cm3 three-cylinder engine is turbocharged and can deliver 135 hp or 200 hp, depending on the version. At 200 hp, needless to say, the vehicle is so quick that the power reserve seems endless. Suspension comes as standard with SHOWA HPG piggyback 2.5 gas-charged shock absorbers and excellent wheel travel on the 20-inch wheels. They are obviously calibrated for performance, and control the vehicle’s dynamics to perfection. However, they are drier at low speeds. Like Polaris, Can Am offers an active suspension called Smart-Shox, which continuously monitors wheel movement and adjusts bounce according to rider-selected parameters.
There’s also 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 Maverick X3 feels like it’s on rails, giving the driver confidence. The interior design is a step back from the Polaris RZR Pro XP, with a lot of black plastic, not to mention the door latches, which are operated with a simple nylon strap. It looks primitive on a vehicle of this stature. On the other hand, the layout of the controls is impeccable and easy to operate.
Finally, the Maverick X3 offers versions equipped for specific environments. The X Mr is equipped for a romp through the mud, with its huge 30-inch ITP Cryptid tires, snorkels to supply air to the transmission and engine, 4500-lb winch and bumpers. Also, the X Rc version is designed to crawl over rocky surfaces like Montana’s Moab. To this end, the differentials and transmission are specially calibrated for this demanding environment. In short, there’s an X3 to meet the needs of everyone looking for performance.
