2020 ATV BUYER’S GUIDE: SPORT

By the staff of Dirt Wheels

Dirt Wheels started 40 years ago featuring the best handlebar-controlled three- and four-wheeled machines in the industry. We haven’t let that tradition go, and neither have the great ATV manufacturers in our industry. We put together 100 machines, and their variations, from 14 different companies in this “2020 Buyer’s Guide.”

Can-Am and Polaris keep things interesting with the most available models in their lines. Polaris shocked the industry by announcing the impressively wide and stable Scrambler XP 1000 S and Sportsman XP 1000 S with 55-inch widths. These machines offer more travel than ever before. Honda made some changes in their 4×4 line, which included a few models with a bigger 518cc engine. Yamaha’s impressive Grizzly 700 comes in the all-new XT-R edition with a winch and great styling. Tracker Off-Road joined the industry for 2020 and offers a youth model and a few recreational utility 4x4s.

Thankfully, some of our favorite sport quads are sticking around, and new color schemes appeared for many unchanged models. We love riding four wheels of any flavor, and it is our pleasure to put together a great guide to help you pick your next machine!

POLARIS SCRAMBLER XP 1000 S

A 55-inch-wide stance sets this Scrambler apart from all competition. It is the widest stock ATV made with suspension travel numbers to match. Polaris strengthened the frame, added to the body, increased the tire size and gave the ProStar parallel twin-cylinder engine two power modes through the EFI system.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke twin, Displacement: 952cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.25 gal., Wheelbase: 57.4”, Length/width/height: 82.5”/55”/49.5”, Ground clearance: 14.5”, Claimed wet weight: 881 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/12.5”, Rear: IRS/14.0”, Tires: f/r 27×9-14/27×9-14, Retail price: $14,999.

APEX 250F/450F

Racing runs in the veins of the Apex 250F and 450F. They are powered by potent Yamaha single-cylinder engines and can be outfitted with top competition components. You can add nerf bars, different stages of shocks, bumpers and much more when you order an Apex.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, Displacement: 449cc/250cc, Transmission: 5-speed, Final drive: Chain, Fuel capacity: 2.5 gal., Wheelbase: 51.0”, Length/width/height: 71.0”/31.0”/49.0”, Ground clearance: 10.8”, Claimed wet weight: 340 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/ 11.5”, Rear: Single shock/12.0”, Tires: f/r 20×6-10/18×10-8, Retail price: Starting at $7,500.

CAN-AM DS 250

Can-Am keeps a wide range of machines in their lineup. That allows riders to grow into more power and handling. The DS250’s 249.4cc single-cylinder engine is smooth yet potent enough to ride for years. The cockpit is roomy enough for taller riders to enjoy this Can-Am.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke, Displacement: 249.4cc, Transmission: CVT, Final drive: Chain, Fuel capacity: 3.3 gal., Wheelbase: 47.0”, Length/width/height: 72.0”/40.5”/43.5”, Ground clearance: 10.2”, Claimed wet weight: 429 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/5.5”, Rear: Single shock/6.7”, Tires: f/r 22×7-10/20×11-9, Retail price: $3,199.

CAN-AM RENEGADE 570/850

Can-Am sells no base-model Renegade 1000R for 2020, but the base 570 and 850 are still riding strong. Sport-tuned Fox Podium shocks, and suspension that was widened for 2019 helps the Renegade corner well and ride smooth and stable over rough terrain. Liquid-cooled V-twin engines offer great torque and power for this ATV.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-twin 4-stroke, Displacement: 570cc/854cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.4 gal., Wheelbase: 51.0”, Length/width/height:  6.0”/48.0”/49.0”, Ground clearance: 10.5”, Claimed wet weight: 628 lb./681 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/9.2”, Rear: IRS/9.9”, Tires: f/r 25×8-12/25×10-12, Retail price: $8,347/$10,299.

CAN-AM RENEGADE X XC 850/1000R

Take on the roughest terrain with the well-equipped, sport-performance Renegade X xc line. Beadlock wheels, handguards, Fox Podium RC2 shocks, Dynamic Power Steering and more are standard features. The Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential makes sure you get through tough trails.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-twin, 4-stroke, Displacement: 854cc/976cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.4 gal, Wheelbase: 51.0”, Length/width/height: 86.0”/48.0”/49.0”, Ground clearance: 10.5”, Claimed wet weight: 686 lb./710 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/9.2”, Rear: IRS/9.9”, Tires: f/r 25×8-12/25×10-12, Retail price: $12,799/$13,749.

CAN-AM RENEGADE X MR 570/1000R

Going deep in mud takes a machine that is built for that swampy task. The Renegade X mr 570 and 1000R are outfitted with snorkel kits, massive mud-clawing tires, heavy-duty bumpers and a sturdy skid plate. A grab handle added to the handlebar ensures you can pilot these Renegades deep in the muck.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-twin, 4-stroke, Displacement: 570cc/976cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.4 gal, Wheelbase: 51.0”, Length/width/height: 83.0”/50.0”/56.0”, Ground clearance: 12”/12.5”, Claimed wet weight: 865 lb./991 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/9.2”, Rear: IRS/9.9”, Tires: f/r 28×8-12/28×10-12; 30×9-14/30×9-14, Retail price: $10,899/$15,249.

CAN-AM OUTLANDER X XC 1000R

Can-Am’s recreational/utility line doesn’t shy away from high-performance packages. The Outlander X xc may have cargo racks, but it’s built to tackle the wilds of off-roading at a quick clip. Beadlock wheels are standard, along with Fox Podium 1.5-inch RC2 shocks and a front sport bumper. This model is equipped with iTC.

Engine type : Liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-twin, 4-stroke, Displacement: 976cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.4 gal., Wheelbase: 51.0”, Length/width/height: 86.0”/48.0”/49.5”, Ground clearance: 11.0”, Claimed wet weight: 826 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/9.2”, Rear: IRS/9.9”, Tires: f/r 26×8-14/26×10-14, Retail price: $14,599.

CAN-AM OUTLANDER X MR 570

The smaller sibling of the Outlander line can be ordered with X mr equipment. A relocated radiator, snorkel kit, mud-specific tires and heavy-duty bumpers are standard equipment. Can-Am’s Dynamic Power Steering allows you to adjust the assist level on the fly. Yes, 48-horsepower is enough to dig deep.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-twin, 4-stroke, Displacement: 570cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.4 gal, Wheelbase: 51.0”, Length/width/height: 83.0”/46.0”/49.0”, Ground clearance: 11.7”, Claimed wet weight: 843 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/9.0”, Rear: IRS/8.8”, Tires: f/r 28×8-12/28×10-12, Retail price: $8,799.

CAN-AM OUTLANDER X MR 650/850/1000R

If digging through pits of mud and muck excites you after a solid day’s work on the ranch with an ATV, then the Outlander X mr line is for you. It comes with a large rear cargo rack, and can tow up to 1,650 pounds. It also has a relocated radiator, snorkels and beadlock wheels with mud-terrain tires installed.

Engine type: liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke V-twin, Displacement: 649.6cc/854cc/976cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.4 gal, Wheelbase: 51.0”, Length/width/height: 88.0”/48.5”/50.5”, Ground clearance: 11.75”, Claimed wet weight: 759 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/9.2”, Rear: IRS/9.9”, Tires: f/r 28×8-12/28×10-12; 30×9-14/30×9-14, Retail price: $10,299-$14,599.

HONDA TRX250X

How we miss the TRX400X and TRX450X, but Honda keeps us content with their worthy 250X. The engine comes longitudinally mounted, shaft-driven and paired with Honda’s SportClutch transmission. It requires you to shift the sequential gear box, but you can keep your hand off the clutch and never stall.

Engine type: Air-cooled, OHV, 4-stroke, Displacement: 229cc, Transmission: 5-speed w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 2.5 gal., Wheelbase: 44.3”, Length/width/height: 68.5”/41.8”/42.6”, Ground clearance: 5.7”, Claimed wet weight: 384 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Single A-arm/5.9”, Rear; Single shock/ 5.7”, Tires: f/r 22×7-10/22×10-9, Retail price: $4,949.

KYMCO MONGOOSE 270

Kymco’s sportiest ATV is the Mongoose 270. It comes in black or red for 2020. Dual-A-arm front suspension comes standard with a swingarm-style rear system. Riders aged 14-and-up can pilot this sport quad, and Maxxis Razr tires give them traction to have a great time on the trails.

Engine type: Air-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke, Displacement: 270cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Chain, Fuel capacity: 3.4 gal., Wheelbase: 42.0”, Length/width/height: 76.0”/45.0”/42.0”, Ground clearance: 10.5”, Claimed wet weight: 392 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/5.7”, Rear: Swingarm/6.5”, Tires: f/r 21×7-10/20×11-9, Retail price: $3,899.

POLARIS SCRAMBLER XP 850

Power is potent on this Scrambler, thanks to an 850cc, liquid-cooled four-stroke, twin-cylinder engine. Independent dual-A-arm suspension offers a smooth ride for sport riding. An aggressive appearance and riding position will make you feel confident enough to tackle the tough stuff. Unfortunately it isn’t equipped with EPS.

Engine type : Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke twin, Displacement: 850cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.25 gal., Wheelbase: 53.0”, Length/width/height: 82.3”/48.6”/48.4”, Ground clearance: 11.5”, Claimed wet weight: 735 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/9.0”, Rear: IRS/10.25”, Tires: f/r 26×8-12/26×10-12, Retail price: $10,299.

POLARIS SPORTSMAN XP 1000 S

Cargo racks and a healthy towing capacity don’t stop the all-new Sportsman XP 1000 S from gaining a sport performance title. It shares the 55-inch-wide stance with the new Scrambler. It comes with a winch and heavy-duty bumpers as standard features. The front differentials of both machines are out of their UTV lineup.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-twin, 4-stroke, Displacement: 952cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.25 gal, Wheelbase: 53.0”, Length/width/height: 82.5”/55.0”/49.5”, Ground clearance: 14.5”, Claimed wet weight: 881 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/11.6”, Rear: Dual A-arm/14.0”, Tires: f/r 27×9-14/27×11-14, Retail price: $14,999.

POLARIS SPORTSMAN 850/XP 1000 HIGH LIFTER EDITION

Mud is no match for this pair of Polaris High Lifter Edition machines. The XP 1000 comes with aluminum wheels, an extra handlebar-mounted handle and a front bumper/winch combo. Both HLs are equipped with rack-mounted radiators, with dual fans to keep their engines running cool. Big mud tires are ready to go deep.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-twin, 4-stroke, Displacement: 850cc/952cc, Transmission: CVT w/ reverse, Final drive: Shaft, Fuel capacity: 5.25 gal, Wheelbase: 53.0”, Length/width/height: 88.0”/50.0”/50.4”, Ground clearance: 13.5”, Claimed wet weight: 974 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/7.4”, Rear: Dual A-arm/6.7”, Tires: f/r 29.5×9.5-14/29.5×9.5-14, Retail price: $10,199/$14,199.

YAMAHA YFZ450R/SE

Yamaha thankfully continues to support sport quads. The YFZ450R is an impressive solid-rear-axle machine with a powerful sport-tuned engine. No new upgrades were announced for 2020, but the YFZ did come in new color schemes on the base and Special Edition models. You get a few extra GYTR parts with the SE version.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, Displacement: 449cc, Transmission: 5-speed, Final drive: Chain, Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal., Wheelbase: 50.0”, Length/width/height: 70.7”/48.8”/41.9”, Ground clearance: 4.5”, Claimed wet weight: 405 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/ 9.8”, Rear: Single shock/11.0”, Tires: f/r 21×7-10/20×10-9, Retail price: $9,099/$9,499.

YAMAHA RAPTOR 700

The Raptor is a mainstay of Yamaha’s 2020 lineup. The big, fire-breathing four-stroke engine produces a ton of torque. Dual -A-arm suspension up front and a solid-axle swingarm rear lets you carve corners. On trails the engine is as smooth and subtle as you want it to be. Multiple versions are available.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke, Displacement: 686cc, Transmission: 5-speed w/ reverse, Final drive: Chain, Fuel capacity: 2.9 gal., Wheelbase: 50.4”, Length/width/height: 72.6”/46.1”/44.5”, Ground clearance: 4.4”, Claimed wet weight: 422 lb., Suspension/wheel travel: Front: Dual A-arm/9.1”, Rear: Single shock/10.1”, Tires: f/r 21×7-10/20×10-9, Retail price: $8,099-$9,299.

CONTACTS

Apex: www.apexatv.com, (480) 507-5050

Arctic Cat: www.arcticcat.com

Argo: www.argoxtv.com

Can-Am: www.can-am.brp.com, (715) 848-4957

CFMoto: www.cfmotousa.com, (888) 823-6686

Hisun: www.hisunmotors.com, (972) 446-0760

Honda: www.powersports.honda.com, (310) 783-2000

Kawasaki: www.kawasaki.com, (949) 770-0400

Kymco: www.kymcousa.com, (864) 327-4744

Odes: www.odesindustries.com

Polaris: www.polarisindustries.com, (888) 704-5290

Suzuki: www.suzuki-cycles.com, (714) 996-7040

Tracker: www.trackeroffroad.com, (877) 394-6727