The new Cub Cadet Challenger 750 utility vehicle

The new Cub Cadet Challenger 550 utility vehicle

Cub Cadet has launched the Challenger 550 and Challenger 750 utility vehicles as they continue to expand the Challenger product line, which already includes the 400, 400 LX, 500, 700 and 750 Crew. The new models continue Cub Cadet’s theme of providing a value oriented offering with a solid set of standard features.

The Challenger 550/750 comes standard with what is essentially a partially enclosed cab with high-sided sealed doors, standard roof and sealed ROPS. Optional upper doors and a rear window are available to create a completely weather-sealed cab. The interior cab design features interior and exterior door handles, a tilting steering wheel, open storage, closed glove box and premium sculpted seats.

The new models are designed for customization with a front accessory mounting panel above the windshield and a rear mounting rack. The cargo bed has integrated attachment points or “T” slots for purpose built accessories. The vertical slots accept standard ¾-inch plywood for partitions and slots on top of the side rails to accommodate standard 1 x 3-inch furring strips.

“Customization of utility vehicles is extremely important according to the customers we continually talk with,” said Tom Mielke, UV Product Marketing Manager, Cub Cadet. “We’ve designed the Challenger Series with exclusive features that give owners the power to customize their utility vehicle for the challenges they face – at the farm, ranch, off-road or in the woods. These new additions continue to raise the bar on standard features, designed around what people want to do with their UV while also improving style, comfort and convenience.”

A growing list of accessories will be available in 2017 to customize the vehicle including:

• Upper Doors (Pair)
• Scratch-Resistant Vented or Folding Polycarbonate Windshields
• Rear Window
• Spare Tire Mount
• Dual 11.5-Inch LED Light Bar Kit
• Four Cube LED Light Kit
• Rock Sliders
• Rear Bumper
• Front and Rear Turf Tires
• 72-Inch Snow Blade

Key specs and features for the the Challenger 550 and 750 are as follows:

• 546cc, 27.5 hp EFI engine (550); 735cc, 35.8 hp EFI engine (750)
• Top speed 45 mph
• On-demand 2WD/4WD and automatic CVT
• Selectable locking front/rear differential
• 3-way adjustable shocks
• 12″ of ground clearance
• 26″ tires
• 500 lb. capacity dump bed
• 1,200 lb. towing capacity
• 3,500 lb. winch
• Sealed windshield
• High-sided doors
• Roof
• LED headlights
• Available colors:  Cub Yellow, Blue, Red, Black and Camo
• MSRP:  Challenger 550 – $9,999; Challenger 750 – $10,999

A quick comparison between the Challenger 750 and 700 shows that the 750 has a more powerful engine, larger capacity cargo box by 150 lbs., improved doors and windshield, LED rather than halogen headlights, slightly more ground clearance and a better drivetrain. The differences between the Challenger 550 and 500 are similar.

The new UTVs are available at local Cub Cadet dealers. Learn more:  Cub Cadet

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com