2009 Sport UTV Model Review
After driving all of the 2009 Sport Utility Vehicles seen below,
I have ranked them from my favorite to my least favorite. On thing is for sure -
the sport UTV market is much more exciting for 2009 than it was for 2008.
Kawasaki Teryx Sport
The 2009 Teryx is simply the best all-around UTV on the
market right now. The addition of EFI and better shocks for 2009 have
really refined this UTV into a great side x side.
The Kawasaki Teryx is widely accepted by aftermarket
manufacturers that build roll cages, bumpers, long travel and performance
parts.
2009 Teryx Sport
Review
Polaris RZR S
Polaris adds factory long travel with adjustable Fox shocks
for their RZR S. The RZR S is a great machine for more of a pure sport
environment. Fast and nimble, the RZR S is very much at home in the
dunes. If you are looking for a great dune/trail UTV, and you aren't
worried about being able to haul much in the bed, the RZR S is a top pick.
The Polaris RZR S is widely accepted by aftermarket
manufacturers that build roll cages, bumpers and performance parts.
2009 Polaris RZR S Review
Arctic Cat Prowler 1000
The 2009 Prowler 1000 is a completely new model this year
and features the biggest engine with the most horsepower. If you are
looking for pure engine performance, look no further. The v-twin 951
cc Prowler XTZ is fast. I am not a fan of the roll cage, and even though the
Prowler 1000 sits 2 inches lower than the Prowler 700, it still feels like
you are sitting up too high.
I can see inexperienced drivers getting into trouble behind
the wheel of this UTV. It just goes way too fast for the stock roll cage and
seat belts.
The Arctic Cat Prowler 1000 just hit dealer showrooms in
December 2008, so it will take a while for aftermarket products to be
designed and produced. But from what I has heard, there will be quite a few
long travel kits and roll cages available by Spring 2009. And since the
Arctic Cat Prowler 1000 has the biggest engine, expect the performance parts
to be a big hit.
2009 Arctic Cat Prowler
100 Review
Yamaha Rhino 700
Not much new for the 2009 Yamaha Rhino, and the Rhino has
been passed up by several models. The 2009 Rhino is still a very
versatile and time tested UTV, but it is time for an update.
The Yamaha Rhino is widely accepted by aftermarket
manufacturers that build roll cages, bumpers, long travel and performance
parts. The Rhino set the stage for all other sport UTVs to follow and it has
been a pretty stable vehicle so aftermarket parts are plentiful.
Yamaha Rhino Review
Redline Riot
The Redline Riot is a new entry that is different that all
the other UTVs. There isn't anything utility about the Riot, it
is all sport. The Riot does not have four-wheel drive and no low
range, so it is not as well suited for work, mud or rock crawling. Think of
the Riot as a mini-buggy that is at home in the dunes.
I really like the Weber MPE 750 engine and sport suspension
on the Riot, but the whole package needs a little more refinement.
Great concept, but I would give it a little time before I bought one.
Redline Riot Review
Polaris RZR
The Polaris RZR is a nice sport UTV, especially if trail
width is important in your area. The 50" wide RZR is by far the
narrowest UTV on the market. Not much carrying capacity, and the
ground clearance isn't great, but horsepower is decent.
The Polaris RZR is widely accepted by aftermarket
manufacturers that build roll cages, bumpers, long travel and performance
parts.
Polaris RZR Review
Polaris Ranger XP
More of a utility based UTV, but plenty capable of being
used for recreation. The 2009 Ranger XP is completely different from
the 2008 model. Changes include new plastic, new front end suspension,
better ergonomics, lots of storage. If I was looking for a more work
oriented UTV, but still wanted to have some fun on weekend, the Ranger XP
would be high up on my list.
The Polaris Ranger XP saw a huge redesign for 2009 that made
it a more viable platform for sport use (new front end suspension). Expect
to see the 2009 Ranger XP more widely accepted by manufacturers that build
long travel kits, but it will take a while for aftermarket products to be
designed and produced.
Polaris Ranger XP
Review
Arctic Cat Prowler 700
The Prowler 700 hasn't really changed for 2009. The
700 EFI performs well. Ground clearance is good, but the vehicle sits
very high and feels tippy. The Prowler is also a very big vehicle.
Quite a bit larger than a Rhino.
Arctic Cat Prowler
Review
Kymco UXV 500
The Kymco is a decent UTV for the budget-minded person. The
UXV 500 is underpowered for anything serious, but light utility and easy
trail rides, it would do just fine.
Diamo Discovery
The Diamo copies a lot of technology from the Rhino, but
doesn't do the best job at doing it. The fit and finish is poor and it
does not perform nearly as well as a Rhino.
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