The new 2018 Yamaha Wolverine X4, a 4-passenger UTV designed to be more compact and nimble for recreational use.

Yamaha introduced the model year 2018 Wolverine X4 last year. The recreational utility vehicle features a new 847cc, twin-cylinder engine and stowaway full-size rear seats for flexible cargo space. To improve efficiency, the engine features a dry-sump design for a more compact layout, and an offset cylinder block to reduce friction loss, while rubber engine-mounts and a geared counterbalancer are designed to greatly reduce vibration at idle and throughout the RPM range, as well as reduce noise. The X4 also includes the new Yamaha Chip Controlled-Throttle (YCC-T®), a drive-by-wire system providing precise throttle control, and a key controlled speed system for restricting the vehicle’s top speed to 25 mph. The dimensions (59.8″ wide and 82.7″ wheelbase) of the new Wolverine X4 are purposely on the compact end of the scale to provide a more nimble vehicle for more technical trail riding. Other key features and specs include:

• Ultramatic V-belt transmission with all-wheel engine braking
• Yamaha On-Command 3-way locking differential; 2WD, 4WD, full diff-lock 4WD
• 8.7″/8.9″ of front/rear suspension travel
• 10.7″ of ground clearance
• Rear self-leveling shocks
• 26″ Maxxis tires
• Electronic power steering
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• 600 lb. cargo bed capacity
• 2,000 lb. towing capacity
• Full underbody skid plates
• Fully enclosed doors
• Wide fenders
• LED headlights and taillights
• Two 12V DC outlets
• Four pre-wired accessory switches
• MSRP $15,999 in Graphite

Model variations include the Wolverine X4 in:

• Yamaha Blue with overfenders and cast aluminum wheels (MSRP $16,499)
• Realtree Xtra camo with overfenders and cast aluminum wheels (MSRP $16,899)
• Matte Silver and Matte Carbon Special Edition (SE) models with overfenders, painted bodywork, color-matched interior and shock springs, and cast aluminum wheels (MSRP $17,249)

According to Yamaha managers they are trying to deliver a 4-seat UTV with some of the handling and size characteristics of a two seater and a high degree of versatility. They believe this segment of the market is currently underserved.

Below are highlights from various reviews of the Yamaha Wolverine X4. Similar competitive vehicles would be the Kawasaki Teryx4 and the Honda Pioneer 1000-5. The reviews are mostly positive. Some of the common positive aspects across the reviewers include:

• Quiet cabin
• Comfortable seating front and rear with enough legroom for most riders
• Good and smooth power from the new engine
• Smooth transmission
• Handles well
• Self-leveling suspension works well
• Light and precise power steering but still provides enough feel
• Good sight lines for front and rear passengers

Negative comments include:

• Driver legroom may be insufficient for taller riders
• Rear leg position is slightly compromised by engine hump
• Cargo bed can fit small to medium size coolers/boxes but is not designed for loose material and is limited with four passengers
• Ingress and egress is a little tricky

UTVDriver.com – Yamaha sponsored test drive at the Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park in Taylorsville, NC. Tight trail conditions.

• Comfortable seats and ergonomic cockpit
• Open sightlines
• More comfortable redesigned seat belt and retractor system
• Quiet cabin
• “peppy yet smooth” acceleration and predictable takeoff
• Good CVT system with no belt concerns no matter the obstacle
• Top speed in low range of 29 and low 50’s in high gear
• Non-dump cargo bed is not made for loose material like gravel but can carry small to medium size gear
• X4 handling “really shines”
• Very precise and predictable in corners
• Light steering
• Smooth gated shifter
• Self-leveling shocks worked “great” and provided greater than expected comfort in the back seats
• Comfortable back seats with well-placed angled footrests and grab handles

UTVGiude.net – Yamaha sponsored test drive at the Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park in Taylorsville, NC. Tight trail conditions.

• Comfortable seats for someone 6` 1″
• Self-leveling suspension handled a range of different load conditions, from one to four passengers, well
• Ultramatic CVT worked well even on tight trails, hills, low speeds and in High gear
• “Wolverine X4 is probably the quietest on the market”
• Performed well in east coast trail conditions for which it is designed

UTVsportsmag.com – Yamaha sponsored test drive at the Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park in Taylorsville, NC. Tight trail conditions.

• “Quietest UTV on the market in our minds, bar none.”
• Torquey new engine
• Smooth transmission with centrifugal clutch that removes belt lag
• “really great” engine braking
• Comfortable seats but footwell area cramped for 6` 3″ driver.
• Good sight lines
• Back seats are adjustable for more cargo space or legroom and slightly rasied for stadium-style view
• Impressed with backseat legroom
• Interior door handles keep them free of mud and debris
• “…the X4 goes where you want it to go, even with 4 people aboard.”
• No pushing in corners
• Great feedback from power steering and nice ‘feel’
• Ingress and egress for front and back seats is a “challenge”
• Limited storage area with four passengers
• Front seats could sit higher for more legroom

ATV.com – Yamaha sponsored test drive at the Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park in Taylorsville, NC. Tight trail conditions.

• Comfortable seats
• New engine with more power throughout RPM range
• Really smooth throughout the throttle pedal range
• Torquey response
• Quiet cabin
• Easy to shift
• Handling gives confidence in many trail conditions
• Self-leveling suspension provides a nice ride
• Comfortable back seats with ample room and raised position gives good sight lines

Enthusiast Video and Review – jay_man81 – Local dealer demo event. Walk around video and separate ride video.

Walk around video

• Most comfortable front seats in a UTV that I’ve ridden in
• Door latch piece makes ingress difficult
• Shoulder bolster and padded grips in back seats are nice but engine hump moves your legs slightly to the side
• Nice and comfortable adjustable steering wheel and good cockpit ergonomics
• Like the parking brake and switch blanks
• Glovebox has no rubber seal to keep water out
• One lever auto-style tailgate latch is better than previous tailgate latches
• Easily accessible air filter
• Better comfort than my Honda Pioneer 1000 but less power

Drive video

• Quiet even in low and can converse in the cabin
• Smooth power delivery
• Soaks up the bumps and stays planted
• Seat belt cutting into my neck a little bit
• Power steering “spot on”. Light but gives enough trail feel
• 0 – 30 in 5.58 seconds
• Power in between Pioneer 500 and 1000-5.
• Good enough power to put a grin on your face
• Cannot feel any engine heat in the cabin
• “Quite an impressive machine”

Capital Powersports in North Carolina – Video with comments from customers taking demo drives

• Handles well
• Adjustable seats
• Bigger steering wheel is comfortable
• Rear seats fold-up
• Good on the trail
• Comfortable seats
• Smooth suspension on all sorts of terrain
• Good engine braking
• Good power at higher speeds but some hesitation at lower speeds