Side-by-Side Max Speed: 35 models and how fast they go


One of the biggest pulls for buying a side-by-side is how fast they go. Everybody wants the thrill of a fast vehicle and you really feel it in these open vehicles. I have provided 35 models that I think are significant to point out.

NameTop Speed
Can-Am Maverick X385 mph
Polaris RZR XP80 mph
Yamaha YXZ1000R SS80 mph
Yamaha YXZ1000R SE80 mph
Can-Am Maverick Sport75 mph
Can-Am Commander DPS75 mph
Honda Pioneer 100075 mph
CFMoto ZForce 100070 mph
Arctic Cat Wildcat XX70 mph
Polaris General70 mph
Yamaha Wolverine X2 R-Spec SE70 mph
Kawasaki Teryx70 mph
Can-Am Defender HD10 DPS65 mph
CFMoto UForce 100065 mph
Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS60 mph
Arctic Cat Prowler Pro60 mph
Kawasaki Mule Pro-FX60 mph
Kawasaki Mule Pro-MX EPS LE60 mph
Arctic Cat Havoc60 mph
Yamaha Wolverine60 mph
John Deere Gator RSX86060 mph
Arctic Cat Prowler Pro Crew55 mph
Yamaha Viking55 mph
Yamaha Viking VI EPS Ranch Edition55 mph
Cub Cadet Volunteer 4X4 EFI55 mph
Kymco UXV 700i LE Prime Edition50 mph
John Deere Gator XUV 825M45 mph
John Deere Gator XUV 825M S445 mph
Cub Cadet Challenger MX 75045 mph
Bobcat 340040 mph
Kymco UXV 400i LE Prime Edition40 mph
Kubota RTV-XG850 SIDEKICK40 mph
Bobcat UV3435 mph
Kubota RTV-X112030 mph
Kubota RTV-X114030 mph

This is a lot but I figure that will make it easier for you to visualize all of the vehicles in one place. These speeds are approximate. Speeds can vary depending on the build, tires, weight, and a myriad of other things. I have provided a little bit of information on all of the vehicles if you want more than just their speed. I have broken it up into 3 different categories as well.

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Sport Side-by-Sides

1. Can-Am Maverick Sport UTV

Top Speed: 75 mph

The Maverick Sport is one of the speed demon machines at Can-Am. They have put everything in here to make the ride worth it. Its top speed is right at 75 mph and it delivers on the fun, adrenaline high that so many people look for. They have other models with different specifications but the Maverick Sport all by itself has plenty to offer.

2. Can-Am Maverick X3 UTV

Top Speed: 85 mph

If you are looking for an even better thrill than the last one, consider looking into Can-Am’s finest sports UTV: The Maverick X3. It is faster than the Maverick Sport and its slick design is something that can’t be matched. Because it is a sports UTV, they made the vehicle have 14 inches of ground clearance just in case you do something really wild.

The X3 has had many improvements to it over the past few years. It is turbocharged and it runs cooler than it used to. The shocks are great and they hold their own. If you have not had a chance to experience this vehicle, I highly recommend it.

3. Polaris RZR XP UTV

Top Speed: 80 mph

One of the coolest looking sports UTVs on the market is the Polaris RZR Xtreme Performance. Dunes, desert, beach, and trails. You name it and this thing could ride it. It comes with Polaris’ signature DYNAMIX Active Suspension that keeps the experience real while also comfortable. It is AWD and is really responsive to your driving. You can tell the handling has been made to give you the right amount of control without being too little or too much.

There are four different models of the RZR XP and each just gets better. Generally, the top speed is 80 mph. The great thing about the RZR XP is that it picks up and goes quickly. If you are interested in quick speed gaining than you might want to check out the Polaris RZR XP.

Related Reading: Is a Polaris RZR Street Legal?

4. Arctic Cat Wildcat XX

Top Speed: 70 mph

The Wildcat is a great machine that really does 4X4 delivery well. I think it is best used for rocky terrain. That is where it shines. It handles well on rough terrain. It has a really awesome advantage with its four-wheel engine breaking. This is especially good on steep declines. I will say that it’s differential locking can be a beast to handle sometimes. For whatever reason, the electronic power steering just does not kick in as much as it should. That could be a problem for some people.

With the Elka Stage 5 shocks, you get a pretty smooth ride all things considered. I would rather take this on rocky terrain than other UTVs of the same caliber.

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arctic cat wildcat

5. CFMoto ZForce 1000 UTV

Top Speed: 70 mph

The ZForce 1000 is the best of the CFMoto sport side-by-sides. The thing I like about the CFMoto brand is it is not as expensive as some of the more well-known brands but it still delivers a good experience. It has all of the things you are looking for like 2 and 4WD front differential locking and electronic power steering. It has a winch too.

If anything, I would say that the suspension is not as good as some of the bigger names out there. It also a little slower than others. But for the price of this vehicle, you really are getting the good stuff. I think CFMoto will keep growing here in the west.

6. Yamaha YXZ1000R SS UTV

Top Speed: 80 mph

These two Yamaha models are really something great. They are great speed demons that inject the fuel faster and more efficiently with the 12 valve 998cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline 3 cylinder engine. It is an impressive vehicle. The SS is is an automatic with paddle shifting which I personally find so convenient. It is a 5 speed. This model is only slightly bigger than the next one.

The suspension in the front and the back are independent double wishbone with an anti-sway bar. The shocks on this one are FOX Podium RC2 2.5. The shocks can be adjusted to your preference. There are about 16 inches of travel on this model.

7. Yamaha YXZ1000R SE UTV

Top Speed: 80 mph

The biggest difference in this model besides slight sizing differences is that this model is a manual. It has a foot clutch just like in a car. It also is a 5 speed. Also, there is a small little bed in the back. It is hardly there and it can only hold close to 300 lbs. I felt that was weird and out of place but hey, I do not make the side-by-sides. I only drive them.

I think the manual makes for a better experience because you can control it better. The handling is really great in this vehicle. Almost everything else is the same. It is basically a decision of automatic or manual.

Utility Side-by-Sides

8. Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS UTV

Top Speed: 60 mph

The Polaris Ranger is a great vehicle for hauling anything. It has really good handling. I do not know how but they got the ratio down for the electronic power steering. It stays activated and it will adapt to your speed. This is super important while hauling stuff behind you or in the bed. You want to have control of the vehicle as much as you can.

I would say it is a little more bumpy of a ride than the Can-Am Defender but not incredibly significant. I personally would take the handling over the rest. At the end of the day, I do not want my hands and forearms to get tired while driving.

9. Can-Am Defender HD10 DPS UTV

Top Speed: 65 mph

The Defender is a simple yet powerful vehicle for hauling things around. It has a top speed of around 65 mph but I doubt you will ever use it for speed. Its main purpose is to carry stuff. It does that really well and it has really good low-end power. It is built to be strong. Most of the models have a towing capacity up to 3,000 lbs which are quite impressive.

What if you are in rough terrain? How does it hold up? It has 13 inches of ground clearance. The frame is great and it holds everything up well. There is a space for a cargo box. These Can-Am Defenders have really great storage space. It is versatile as well with different ways of configuring the interior for different kinds of jobs.

10. Arctic Cat Prowler Pro UTV

Top Speed: 60 mph

Arctic Cat makes a good utility vehicle. This one has 3 seats to fit your group. This is ideal for group work on the farm or the field. It can tow up to 2,000 lbs and has 1,000 lbs of cargo weight capacity. It comes with a powerful winch already built in. Not all brands or models will do that.

The locking differential can be either 2 or 4 wheel drive. That is useful for muddy patches and any other soft terrain you might run into. It has 10 inches of ground clearance and suspension travel. This is not as much as some others but it does what it needs to. It is not like you will be using it to climb over a ton of rocks.

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arctic cat prowler

11. Arctic Cat Prowler Pro Crew UTV

Top Speed: 55 mph

The Prowler Pro Crew is the same vehicle just with 6 seats instead. One thing that I like about the Prowler Pro Crew is the storage space. It does it well. This is a great vehicle for the family or farm or both. It has all of the things that come with the Prowler Pro like electric 2 or 4 wheel drive locking differential. It is just a bigger model. If you are looking for something for a bigger crew of people, look into this one.

12. Kawasaki Mule Pro-FX UTV

Top Speed: 60 mph

The Mule Pro-FX is an incredible vehicle in its class. It is a powerful side-by-side. The big benefit and main selling point of the Mule Pro-FX is its cargo bed size. It is the biggest in its class being 54.1″ x 53.3″ x 11″. It is big enough to hold a pallet which is great for the price you pay.

Kawasaki makes really good utility side-by-sides. You pay less than the name brands but you get a great package for what you pay. I really like the power and strength of the vehicles they create. The Mule Pro-FX is no exception.

13. Kawasaki Mule Pro-MX EPS LE UTV

Top Speed: 60 mph

The Mule Pro-MX EPS LE is a 2-seater side-by-side that really pulls its weight in gold. It’s a midsize option for about the same price as Mule Pro-FX. So what is the difference besides a 3-seat and a 2-seat? It is advertised as a work and play vehicle. A crossover of sorts.

The big thing is the focus on electronic power steering (EPS). That is where the price comes from. EPS is a must for utility side-by-sides. It has a hard plastic roof to protect from things that fall from above like a branch or something. It has all the basics you need to get the work done and possibly have a joy ride after work.

14. CFMoto UForce 1000 Side-by-Side

Top Speed: 65 mph

Don’t you just love the simplicity of these names? The UForce 1000 is actually a well-built machine and at a cheaper price than some others. Its CVTech transmission is powerful and high quality. It runs well and it puts out a lot of horsepower. The engine is a 963cc which is really amazing considering the price.

It has oil dampened shocks which are not my favorite but honestly, it does not make a huge difference. The power steering is incredible. It is almost car-like in quality. Honestly, I am impressed at what they could put into this machine. The main thing that I find is lacking in this side-by-side is the 1,000 lb capacity dump box. Other side-by-sides can handle more.

15. Yamaha Viking Side-by-Side

Top Speed: 55 mph

The Yamaha Viking is a great work UTV. It has 3 person seating (there is a Ranch Edition that holds 6 people) and there is plenty of room for all three people. Sometimes when you start adding a seat to a side-by-side, somebody gets squashed but with the Viking, you have enough room to not be uncomfortable. I really like that and I find it to be a necessity because when you are constantly riding to and from areas for work during the day, you do not want to rub shoulders with anyone anymore.

The engine does a great job of delivering on strong low-end acceleration and power. It will pull through when you have to hit a jump in speed as well. Yamaha did a great job at getting this down. You can quickly switch between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked differential 4WD. You have options and it comes in handy more often than you might think.

16. Yamaha Viking VI EPS Ranch Edition Side-by-Side

Top Speed: 55 mph

Do you know how I said there was a Ranch Edition that held 6 people? This is the one. With 6 people, the weight starts to pill up and if there is one thing I know about more weight in a vehicle it is that the vehicle is more difficult to steer. That is where the electronic power steering comes in. That is probably the most useful thing in the Ranch Edition.

Now obviously, the biggest marketing point for this side-by-side is the six seats but that is old news. What else could there be that is important to know? One of the things that I like to point out is the high volume intake. The volume of the air intake valves is bigger than average so as to let more air in to improve the performance of the engine.

17. Bobcat 3400 Side-by-Side

Top Speed: 40 mph

When you hear bobcat, you know that you are in for a heavy utility vehicle and that is exactly what you are going to get. It is not very fast. The max speed that it gets is around 40 mph. I would not even consider getting this for speed or recreation. That would be foolish. Although, what it lacks in speed, it makes up for in power.

It has 4WD to handle the weight and terrain you might be on. Speaking of terrain, they had some foresight with that. If you begin to lose some traction with the rear wheels, the front wheels will engage more and give you the torque you need to pull yourself out of a bad situation.

Bobcat wanted to make your job as easy as possible so they made maintenance super easy for you. The access to the engine compartment is easy to access. Everything within the engine is easy to access as well.

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bobcat

18. Bobcat UV34

Top Speed: 35 mph

The main difference between the 3400 and the UV34 is the latter is a diesel engine instead of gas. You can get the diesel in two different sizes as well. The diesel version is more powerful than the gas but goes slower. It has the same towing and payload capacity as the industry leading utility side-by-sides.

Once again there is an emphasis on easy and efficient maintenance. It gives you more time to focus on the projects that need to be down and less time looking in a manual for how to fix something. The chassis is strong and unwavering. It is tough and can’t get a better deal. Bobcat has made some really tough side-by-sides to get the job done that they are so good at.

19. Cub Cadet Volunteer 4X4 EFI Side-by-Side

Top Speed: 55 mph

The Cub Cadet Volunteer 4X4 EFI is a great value side-by-side if you are looking to dip your hands in the UTV market. One of the best things about the Volunteer is the number of attachments and variations you can have on your vehicle. the attachments and accessories are far cheaper than the ones you would get from big brand names.

It has a payload capacity of 1,400 lbs and it can get almost any job done. Whether that job is on campus, the yard, or in the workplace, it will get the job done for a great value price.

20. John Deere Gator XUV 825M Side-by-Side

Top Speed: 45 mph

John Deere is an American class that everyone knows. You see the classic green and yellow and you already know what it is. The question is: is it worth your money or has it been lying to you?

The reason why John Deere has stayed around for so long is that they make a quality vehicle for a moderate price. It comes with a high-powered engine that runs smoothly and responds quickly. Engine maintenance is quick and easy to access. The drivetrain has been precision-engineered to give you the most out of the side-by-side as possible when working long days.

21. John Deere Gator XUV 825M S4 Side-by-Side

Top Speed: 45 mph

This is the 4-seat variation of the last model. It has mostly the same specs with things modified for 4 seats instead of 2. The cargo box is good sized. The capacity of the cargo box is a nice, round 1,000 lbs and the towing capacity is a little higher at 1,500 lbs.

The suspension holds the added weight of 2 more people with its fully independent dual A-Arm suspension in the front and the back. The front has 8 inches of travel and the back has 9 inches. If you need an extra boost you can throw it into 4WD to help in the tough spots.

22. Kubota RTV-X1120 Side-by-Side

Top Speed: 30 mph

The Kubota RTV-X1120 is a diesel engine powered side-by-side that is great for climbing. It comes equipped with extra acceleration. It is not really fast and only hits about 30 mph. It is not meant to be fast. The powerful 24.8 HP diesel engine gets the jobs done at the speed that works best for heavy loads.

23. Kubota RTV-X1140 Side-by-Side

Top Speed: 30 mph

This is the 4-seat model. The cargo box has a hydraulic dumping system. You can transform the back seat into a longer bed. You can modify simply for the job you are doing. Right in front of that are the seats. The extra weight is carried well by the same engine as the 2-seat version.

Recreation Side-by-Sides

24. Can-Am Commander DPS UTV

Top Speed: 75 mph

The Can-am Commander DPS is a great vehicle that can do some heavy lifting but also handle rugged trail riding. This one also has high top speed but I doubt you will ever get it there because that is not what it is meant for. There are other models you can choose from like the 6-seater Commander MAX DPS. It is great for trail riding and it has a winch built in if you need to use it to get yourself or someone else out of a bind.

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Can-AM Commander

25. Polaris General

Top Speed: 70 mph

The Polaris General looks sturdy. I think the 4-seater is the best. This is a great vehicle to take friends on an adventure. Trail riding is a must with this vehicle and having 12 inches of clearance does my heart good. It is a comfortable ride for 4 people with enough room for each person.

There are plenty of accessories like hinged windows for a safer ride. It can tow over 1,000 lbs and has a payload capacity of over 1,000 lbs. The suspension will hold you through the roughest terrain with its Dual A-Arm configuration on both the front and back.

26. Arctic Cat Havoc

Top Speed: 60 mph

The big selling point for the Havoc is the 24 cubic feet of storage. Not do they have the bed but also this small little compact area right between the back of the seat and frame that connects to the bed of the side-by-side. Another thing that I really like about this vehicle is the 13 inches of ground clearance. It has a big LCD screen. I am always a fan of the bigger screen so you can see things a lot faster.

This makes for a great trail riding and recreational vehicle. It can be used for hauling stuff and it does well. I do not think that is the purpose for it as much as riding around trails and nature.

27. Yamaha Wolverine

Top Speed: 60 mph

The Yamaha Wolverine is their Recreation/off-road side-by-side that you gotta check out. This is the value model that is barely over $10,000 and it still has some great thing to offer. It is a 2-seater as per usual for the recreational UTVs. It is pretty roomy in the cab as well. It even has some pretty good headrests that I did not know I needed. It is comfortable and safe. I like it.

The suspension is independent double wishbone suspension that holds you up and makes sure you have plenty of what you need in travel and ground clearance. The KYB shocks dampen the rough terrain so you can focus on getting where you want to go. The transmission is smooth and the engine works really well. If you are looking for something to go trail riding with but at a lower cost, check out the basic model. It works really good.

28. Yamaha Wolverine X2 R-Spec SE

Top Speed: 70 mph

This is basically the upgraded version of the base level Wolverine. What else does it have to offer? One of the things that stand out is the fully adjustable suspension to fit your liking. This model takes what is works in the basic model and makes it even better for about $4,000 more. The X2 R-Spec SE comes prewired for the Adventure Pro GPS system. The Adventure Pro GPS is a tablet GPS system created by Yamaha for its vehicles to aid in trail riding so you can get a fuller and more complete experience.

The engine is smooth and powerful. it is an 847cc DOHC, eight-valve, parallel twin cylinder motor that has Yamaha’s well-known performance technology. This is the kind of advanced engines that they put in their bikes. This is a pretty prestigious engine and it is nothing to dismiss. I would not sleep on this side-by-side. It is a powerful recreational vehicle.

29. Cub Cadet Challenger MX 750

Top Speed: 45 mph

The Challenger is a great recreational vehicle for a value price. It has the ability to compete with the vehicles in its class but at a lower cost. It has all the standard features. Winch, full windshield, roof, and high-sided doors all come with the package some of those things you can’t get unless you are willing to pay extra money. That is the major draw to this vehicle. It is capable and it does well on the trials. If you want all the standard equipment for a much lower cost, I highly suggest checking this one out.

30. Honda Pioneer 1000

Top Speed: 75 mph

Honda has joined the UTV game they have released some great models that I think you should know about. Specifically the Honda Pioneer 1000. Honda prides itself in industry-leading technology. the drive system is an industry first brake-traction control system. This improves drivability and increases traction. It makes the operation of the side-by-side more user-friendly and optimizes the driving experience. The traction of the front wheels maintains despite problems with uneven or soft terrain.

31. John Deere Gator RSX860

Top Speed: 60 mph

The Gator RSX860 model is meant for a little more off-roading and a little less utility and heavy lifting. The front of the RSX860 has an automotive-type rack and pinion steering. The power steering works good and it gives you good control without overtaking. It can be hard to find the balance and this vehicle does it well.

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John Deere Gator

32. Kawasaki Teryx

Top Speed: 70 mph

Even though Kawasaki mainly makes utility side-by-sides, they have dipped their toes into making a more sporter or rather a recreational vehicle. The Teryx is great for trail riding and some offroading out back in the woods or on a rocky trail. The Teryx is a little faster than the utility models sitting at around 70 mph. It will get going up hills at a good rate and it has great power down low to get you through the rough patches.

Like all of the Kawasaki UTVs, you can trust that the vehicle works and does what it needs to do. It will not be flashy but that is not the appeal of a Kawasaki UTV. They are reliable and well built. Honestly, what more could you want?

33. Kymco UXV 450i LE Prime Edition

Top Speed: 40 mph

Kymco makes some great lower-end cost side-by-sides that have some great perks to them. This model has 2 seats and has net doors. I am not the biggest fan of net doors but it does not bother most people. The shocks are Stage 1 Elka shocks that will hold up well under different conditions. These vehicles are fairly slow though. If you are looking for speed, I would stop reading about Kymco models. If you plan on having a leisure trail ride, this will work. This side-by-side is not a speed demon.

34. Kymco UXV 700i LE Prime Edition

Top Speed: 50 mph

The 700i is the upgraded version of the 400i. It has a better interior and some upgraded features. It has a front and rear windshield which is not offered in many UTVs. It is a little faster but it does not keep up with other UTVs of its class. This model has a winch and a bed extender. There are other small things. The engine is more powerful and it gets the job done that it needs to. As I said, this is for calm trail riding and not some crazy speed demon stuff. This is not for you if you are looking to go fast.

35. Kubota RTV-XG850 SIDEKICK

Top Speed: 40 mph

This is the Kubota recreational vehicle. If you are being introduced into the recreational UTV market, this might be the one to try out. It does not go as fast as some other recreational UTVs but does go up hills confidently. The acceleration will get you where you need to go. It is on the lower end of costs for a recreational UTV. If you are looking for something simple that does not go super fast, I would check this out.

Geoff Southworth

I am a California native and I enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. My latest adventures have been taking the family camping, hiking and surfing.

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