2025 SPORT ATV BUYER’S GUIDE

2025 SPORT ATV BUYER’S GUIDE

By the staff of Dirt Wheels

In 2024, Yamaha cleaned house in every national race series—from motocross to cross-country racing—with the legendary YFZ450R. We ginter 2025, there are the usual hints that someone will answer the call to try and defeat the Yamaha bLU cRU domination with an all-new chain-driven sport quad, but we have yet to see any evidence materialize. New sport 4×4 offerings are more plausible, as we have spotted signs that this ATV segment is ripe for innovation—and possibly a new player.  We’re pretty sure Can-Am is preparing an all-new 100-plus-horsepower Renegade for 2026. And then there’s Yamaha, who’s been teasing us for a year with patent drawings of a new twin-cylinder sport 4×4 ATV. Will any of this happen? You’ll have to wait and see. Until then, here are the most recent offerings in the sport quad and sport 4×4 ATV universe.

This high-performance ATV is built for aggressive trail riding and racing. Powered by a 976cc Rotax V-twin engine with a dual-range CVT, it produces an impressive 91 horsepower, delivering unparalleled throttle response and power for challenging terrains. 2WD/4WD is selectable on the fly with the Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential, and it has EPS. Fully adjustable Fox 1.5 Podium QS3 shocks provide exceptional suspension travel of 9.2 inches in the front and 9.9 inches in the rear, ensuring smooth handling over rugged trails. It has 25-inch ITP Holeshot ATR tires on 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels, and balances muscle and agility with a dry weight of approximately 795 pounds. The 1000R X xc is the top choice for GNCC cross-country racers. 

CAN-AM RENEGADE 650: $11,049

The smaller of the two dirt-focused Renegade models is a robust mid-sized sport machine delivering a commanding 62 horsepower from its reliable 650cc Rotax V-twin engine. It has a dual-range CVT with selectable 2WD/4WD and auto-locking front differential. Built for excitement and aggressive trail riding, it features independent dual-A-arm front suspension with 9 inches of travel and a torsional trailing arm independent rear suspension offering 9.5 inches of travel, ensuring excellent shock absorption and stability. The 650 has rugged 25-inch ITP Holeshot tires mounted on 12-inch aluminum wheels for excellent traction and control. With its signature aggressive styling, advanced handling, and unmatched power-to-weight ratio, it is an excellent choice for novice and advanced skill sets looking to rack up more miles in less time. 

CAN-AM RENEGADE X MR 1000R: $17,249 &  X MR 650: $13,849

The 2025 Can-Am Renegade X mr 1000R and Renegade X mr 650 are high-performance ATVs tailored for mud enthusiasts, offering distinct capabilities. The X mr 1000R features a 976cc, V-twin, liquid-cooled engine with 91 horsepower, delivering unmatched torque and acceleration. Its chassis integrates Fox 1.5 Podium QS3 shocks, providing superior adjustability for rugged terrain. It includes a snorkeled air intake and relocated radiator for optimal performance in deep mud. In contrast, the X mr 650 is equipped with a 649.6cc, V-twin engine producing 62 horsepower, catering to riders seeking power in a lighter, more nimble package. Both models share 30-inch ITP Cryptid tires and a Visco-4Lok front differential for excellent traction. The X mr 1000R stands out with greater power and premium suspension for aggressive riders.

DENAGO DAYTONA 250: $2499

This all-new sport quad is powered by a 249cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection and a remote oil cooler.  The ATV has a manual four-speed transmission, a multi-plate wet clutch, and a reverse gear for sport-focused performance, making it a significant step up for those wanting control over shift points. Its suspension system consists of a dual-A-arm front suspension and a mono swingarm rear suspension designed to ensure stability and comfort across various terrains. The Daytona 250 is fitted with 21-inch front tires and 20-inch rear tires on 10-inch wheels. Additional features include hydraulic disc brakes on the front and rear wheels, LED lighting, and a digital display providing essential ride information.

HONDA TRX250X: $5399

This Honda is a popular sport ATV designed for riders of all skill levels but perfect for beginners. Powered by a reliable, 229cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine, it offers smooth power delivery and is ideal for trail riding. Honda’s exclusive SportClutch system provides easy shifting control of the manual five-speed transmission without the risk of stalling, making it unintimidating for beginners while still engaging for experienced riders. The TRX250X features an independent front suspension with dual A-arms offering 5.9 inches of travel and a rear swingarm suspension delivering 5.7 inches of travel, ensuring a comfortable ride over moderate terrain. This ATV has 22-inch front and rear tires, providing excellent traction and stability. Lightweight and maneuverable, the TRX250X balances performance and ease of use perfectly.

MINI RCR: $6000

The Mini RCR three-wheeler is designated as a Class 2 e-bike with an innovative design, blending electric performance and convenience. It is powered by a 750W motor delivering bountiful torque and a top speed of 20 mph to comply with e-bike regulations. The drivetrain is complemented by a single-speed transmission optimized for smooth power delivery. The vehicle features a billet chassis made and assembled in the USA, with telescopic forks up front and a swingarm setup in the rear, offering 4 inches of travel to tackle varied terrain. Rolling on traditional fat tires, the Mini RCR ensures stability and grip on any surface. Its Class 2 e-bike certification exempts it from registration with stair-step-style pedal assist or full power with a range of up to four hours, allowing 18+ legal use like a bicycle. Check out our entire trail review of the Mini RCR at DirtWheelsMag.com.

POLARIS SCRAMBLER 850: $12,999

The lesser of the two Scramblers features an 850cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine delivering 78 horsepower, providing great acceleration and power for off-road adventures. Its dual-range automatic CVT ensures smooth operation, and one-touch On-Demand AWD/2WD is selectable on the fly. The suspension includes dual A-arms up front with 9 inches of wheel travel and a rear independent suspension offering 10.25 inches, delivering a comfortable ride on rough trails. Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear provide reliable stopping power, but no EPS option exists. The 26-inch tires on 14-inch steel wheels boast 11.5 inches of ground clearance. Measuring 48 inches in width with a wheelbase of 53 inches and 736 pounds dry, the Scrambler 850 offers an agile yet stable platform that will also tow 1500 pounds.

POLARIS SCRAMBLER XP 1000 S: $17,999

Unleash the beast with the Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S, engineered to dominate open trails with unrivaled aggression. Its formidable 89 HP ProStar engine delivers exhilarating acceleration, while the industry-leading 55-inch stance ensures exceptional stability through tight corners. Conquer obstacles effortlessly with 14.5 inches of ground clearance and the robust suspension system featuring Walker Evans 3-way adjustable shocks, offering 12.5 inches of front and 14 inches of rear travel. Enhanced with multi-select electronic power steering and high-performance on-demand all-wheel drive, the Scrambler XP 1000 S provides precise control and instant traction, empowering you to master any terrain – rocks, sand, and mud – with confidence.

POLARIS SPORTSMAN XP 1000 S: $18,499

How is a Sportsman classified as a sport machine? It starts with an 89-horsepower ProStar twin-cylinder engine and gets bigger from there. A dual-range CVT includes engine braking, along with 2WD/AWD drive modes. Think of it as a Scrambler with a serious cargo rack capacity of 500 pounds combined and 1750 pounds towing. It’s massive at 55 inches wide, with front and rear independent suspensions boasting 11.6 inches and 14 inches, respectively. Long-travel Walker Evans shocks are three-way adjustable, and it’s an easy handler with electric power steering. Hardy 27-inch tires mounted on 14-inch aluminum wheels boost ground clearance to 14.5 inches, and hydraulic disc brakes at all four wheels are necessary to stop this nearly 1000-pound beast.

TGB TARGET 600 EPS: $10,276

This sport 4×4 is powered by a 561cc, single-cylinder, SOHC engine, delivering 44.8 max horsepower and 34.3 pound-feet of torque. It features a dual-range CVT automatic transmission with selectable 2WD/4WD and a locking differential for versatile terrain handling. The front suspension consists of dual A-arms with 8.6 inches of travel, while the rear suspension also utilizes dual A-arms with a sway bar, providing 9.4 inches of travel. Braking is managed by hydraulic disc calipers on the front and rear. The ATV measures approximately 76.8 inches in length and 48.8 inches in width, with a wheelbase of 50.8 inches and a ground clearance of 12.6 inches. The 25-inch six-ply tires are mounted on 12-inch aluminum wheels, and this sport 4×4 comes with a winch.

YAMAHA YFZ450R/YFZ450R SE

This multi-time MX and XC championship sport quad is powered by a 449cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke engine with five titanium valves, delivering trench-digging power. It features a five-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate assist-and-slipper clutch for smooth, chain-driven gear transitions. The front suspension consists of independent double A-arms with Kashima-coated and fully adjustable piggyback shocks, offering 9.8 inches of wheel travel. The rear suspension uses a cast-aluminum swingarm with a piggyback shock, providing 11.0 inches of travel. The 2025 Special Edition trim has a bright color scheme, unique graphics and a GYTR front bumper. If you need a new track machine that hauls the mail on the trails and in the dunes, there’s no other choice than the YFZ450R. 

YAMAHA RAPTOR 700/RAPTOR 700R/RAPTOR 700R SE

This best-selling sport quad continues its legacy as a top-performance sport ATV, powered by a 686cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke engine with a 10.0:1 compression ratio. Its five-speed manual transmission with reverse ensures precise control across diverse terrains. The 700R features premium suspension with adjustable piggyback shocks, offering 9.1 inches of front- and 10.1 inches of rear-wheel travel, delivering a smoother ride during aggressive off-road use. The base Raptor 700, while sharing the same engine and transmission, lacks advanced suspension components in the name of value. The 700R Special Edition includes all 700R upgrades, but adds exclusive-color, special-edition graphics and a GYTR front bumper. Are you looking for the best dune shredder? You won’t go wrong with this torque-loving king of the hill.

CONTACTS

CAN-AM: www.can-am.brp.com
DENAGO: www.denagopowersports.com 
HONDA: www.powersports.honda.com
MINI RCR: www.minircr.com  
POLARIS: www.polaris.com
TGB: www.americantgb.com 
YAMAHA: www.yamahamotorsports.com