2017 Maverick X3 Reviews

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The Maverick X3 X ds package features different shocks, slightly larger wheels and different paint options (Shown here in Triple Black)

In August, 2016 Can-Am introduced their new Maverick X3, the latest salvo in the battle for supremacy in the sport/high performance recreational side-by-side market. Continuing the horsepower wars, this latest model is powered by a 154 hp, three-cyclinder, 900cc, turbocharged Rotax ACE engine with EFI. It delivers 113 lb-ft. of torque at 7,000 rpm and propels the X3 from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds according to Can-Am. Another key feature of the lineup is the large amount of suspension travel, from 20″ to 24″ depending on the model. Besides the base model X3, there is Maverick X3 X ds and the top-of-the-line Maverick X3 X rs designed for dune riding. The MSRPs are $22,999, $24,999 and $26,999 respectively.

Not surprisingly I was able to find a number of expert reviews of the new Maverick X3. They were uniformly very positive about the vehicle and believed it has set a new standard in the industry. Some of the common positive impressions across the reviews include:

Powerful engine
Great suspension
Good handling
Comfortable and adjustable seating
Good cockpit ergonomics

The following are some of the key impressions from the reviews. Some of the reviews were based on a limited test run at a dealer event, while others were based on a lengthier one or two day events with many hours of riding.

UTV Underground – Based on short ride at dealer event on demo track

Comfortable and highly adjustable seats with both fore and aft adjustment and the ability to lower the seat another two inches
Excessive chassis roll but still feels planted in the corners
Handles very deep and rough terrain better than any factory side-by-side

UTVguide.net – Extended test of the Maverick X3 X rs at UTV Invasion event in Idaho.

Low seats and plenty of legroom but shorter drivers may have issue with over-the-hood visibility
Comfortable seats, good pedal position but somewhat long steering wheel reach
4-point harness would be better
Rear rack would need accessories to add storage but inside storage good
Slight delay as turbo spins up but powerful when it does
The torque is silky-smooth, allowing you to drive hard with your right foot while still maintaining traction easily under hard cornering loads.
Lots of power
The steering feel produces zero feedback through the wheel
Steering is neutral with only some understeer
The suspension is great providing a solid ride under even extreme conditions
“We have officially entered a new era of suspension performance with the X3, as the X rs packs as much usable wheel travel as the Commander and original Maverick COMBINED.”

UTVGuide.net – Tested all three Maverick X3 models in Mexico over two days.

Quick ratio steering and Dynamic Power Steering great
“I found myself using the power often during the next two days to lighten the front end instead of stabbing the brakes for an obstacle. … Anywhere from 30 MPH to 70 MPH acceleration is violent and addictive.”
CVT worked well in transferring power
CVT and engine intakes are behind the driver’s head which may be annoying after several hours because of the noise.
The front differential lock is not good for rock crawling.
“Can-Am has raised the bar in the sport UTV market segment, especially when you look at the Maverick X3 X rs. Factory long travel with 22/24 inches of travel is amazing in a 102-inch wheelbase for the desert. And although the horsepower comparison between the RZR XP Turbo at 144 HP and the Maverick X3 Turbo at 154 HP isn’t all that much on paper, when you get behind the wheel of the X3 you can feel the difference and it is exhilarating.”

ATV.com – Short test run at dealer event.

Standing on the gas pedal gives a thrilling response
“This rig just seems to soak up the impacts one right after the other”
Braking seemed a little soft but more than adequate
“The suspension of the new Maverick X rs Turbo R is unlike anything else offered on a factory UTV.”
“On the few slick, flat surface corners we experienced, the Maverick likes to stay semi-flat, but you definitely feel the flexing of the super long travel of the suspension.”

Gearopen.com – Tested all three Maverick X3 models in Mexico over two days

Good power transfer
The power literally puts you back in your seat if you stab the throttle pedal hard.
Very well balanced suspension.
Can easily adjust to the three compression settings on the shocks.
“It was the Maverick X3 X RS that really stood out as a game changer. This is the first factory long travel UTV that measures 72 inches wide.”
Like with the other X3’s, the car feels planted, tracks straight and is ultra plush.
Good steering wheel feel
Predicatable cornering
Good rock crawler
“Vehicle feels solid, it’s fast and it feels glued to the ground”

Rockymountainatvmc.com – Tested all three Maverick X3 models in Mexico over two days

“Simply put, the turbocharged engine is perfectly suited to the demands of sport UTV driving. It produces instantaneous boost off idle, equating to an absurdly wide powerband…”
“The X3 pulls hard at any speed, with no lag or flat spots through its rpm range”
“It’s the X3’s handling that really triggers elevated levels of euphoria.”
Handles rough terrain very well and the driver feels in control.
The vehicle has some chassis roll.
The CVT is noisy in the cabin and you will need to replace the transmission belts occasionally.
It can handle many types of terrain very wel.l
“If you’ve never driven a side-by-side that’s truly “wowed” you, then test drive Can-Am’s latest Maverick.”

Ridenow TV video – The 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 review was the topic of this week’s RideNow TV episode. We had an exclusive opportunity to have first dibs at test riding the Maverick X3 before they were available to the public and we had an absolute blast! Every single one of us was extremely impressed at the over all package delivered by Can-Am.

Comfortable and adjustable seat
Smaller steering wheel
Fastest side by side
Good throttle response – immediate
Sleeker looking than previous Mavericks
Low center of gravity
Great suspension
Good through the whoops and smooth as butter,
Couldn’t bottom out the suspension

Ridenow TV Walkaround video – Vehicle walkaround and interviews with Can-Am engineers and off-road racers who have test driven the new Maverick X3

Trailing arm suspension a big improvement nearly like a trophy truck
Excellent driver comfort and ergonomics
Different and cool body lines
Longer wheelbase and rear placed engine allows you to lower seat, also dropped the cage
Designed to be close to a race vehicle right out of the box
Used a new high strength alloy to make a lighter but more rigid frame to handle the high horsepower.
Other parts beefier as well
3 models for different riding condition including 72″ wide version for dune riding

Rider impressions

Amazing
As a racer great out of the box, could race with little changes
Handling matches the increased power
In its own class as a side by side
Near ready race car
Great lines
Race ready

Off-Road Racer BJ Baldwin

Really comfortable to drive
Goes through obstacles really well
Ride really well, much better than other UTVs when going from a trophy truck
Even at really fast speeds it still handles well
Ergonomics are good as well
Did a really good job

4ekolka: A 3D Printed LSV

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 4ekolka, a prototype electric powered city car.

The 4ekolka is a 3D printed, electric powered vehicle out of Prague from Petr Chladek. The estimated cost to build this prototype vehicle was $12,000 with half of that for the batteries and battery management system. The vehicle is designed for a top speed of 55 km/h or approximately 34 mph. The 9.6 kWh battery pack consists of LiFePO4 batteries with a capacity of 200Ah @ 48V and the estimated range per charge is 200 km or 124 miles. The 4ekolka is expected to consume about 100 Wh compared to 200-300 Wh for most electric vehicles.

The expected market is for intra-city driving and as a secondary car. The designer is also investigating commercial uses. The vehicle is currently being tested on roads in Prague. Learn more: Electrek.co

Kawasaki Reveals 2017 Mule Pro-FX Ranch Edition

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Kawasaki expands their Mule Pro-FX line for 2017 with a Ranch Edition model.

A side view of the new Mule Pro-FX Ranch Edition.

Kawasaki announced their 2017 Mule Pro-FX Ranch Edition side-by-side. This addition to the Mule Pro-FX line includes special features that add styling and functionality such as:

Metallic Titanium paint finish with unique Ranch Edition badging
Two-tone seat cover with embossed Ranch Edition logos
Standard equipment 4000 lbs WARN winch with dash mounted rocker switch, corded remote control and integrated fuse kit
Composite sun top
Aluminum wheels
Auxiliary high-intensity LED headlights

Similar to other Pro-FX models, the 3-passenger Ranch Edition is powered by 812cc engine with 48 lb-ft of torque and has four wheel independent suspension and speed-sensitive electronic power steering. Other features include:

Switch selectable 2WD/4WD with dual mode rear differential
1,000 lb. capacity, pallet sized cargo bed with integrated steel cargo rails
Integrated 2-inch hitch receiver with 2000lb towing capacityTilt steering
10.2″ of ground clearance
Hydraulic disc brakes
Spacious cabin
Thick-cushioned bench seat
Two 12V power outlets
Multi-function digital display

The MSRP for the Mule Pro-FX Ranch Edition is $14,999 and the vehicle comes with a three year limited warranty. Learn more: ATVconnection.com

Polaris Unveils New RZR XP Turbo Models

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 2017 RZR XP Turbo EPS raises the bar with 168 hp.

The four passenger RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS.

Polaris announced their new model year 2017 RZR XP Turbo EPS and RZR XP Turbo 4 EPS. Both models feature the new ProStar Turbo H.O. engine with 168 hp, which is 15% more than last year’s models and the most of any model on the market. In conjunction with the increased horsepower, Polaris improved engine cooling with a more powerful fan, larger front grill and larger radiator, and strengthened the driveline. Other key features include:

FOX Podium Internal Bypass Shocks (3″ in front, 2.5″ in rear) with five compression zones and three rebound zones
Front and rear stabilizer bars
Electronic power steering with a new 1.5-turn steering rack
248-mm Hydraulic disc brakes with triple piston front calipers and double piston rear calipers
29″ Maxxis Bighorn wheels
14″ cast aluminum wheels
Both models will be available in late 2016 in Titanium Matte Metallic and Cruiser Black
MSRPs: Two-seater – $24,999; Four-seater – $27,499

Polaris also lowered the prices for the model year 2016 RZR XP Turbo and RZR XP 4 Turbo. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: The horsepower battles continue as Can-Am recently released their Maverick X3 with a 154 hp turbocharged engine. While the battle is most prevalent in the sport/high performance segment, it is prominent in other segments as well. One question is if there is a limit to how much horsepower can be put into these vehicles given the terrain and type of riding for which they are used.

CFMoto Reveals 2017 UTVs

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new 2017 ZForce 1000 EPS sport utility vehicle from CFMoto. Photo credit: Powersportsbusiness

At a dealer meeting at company headquarters in Hangzou, China, CFMoto revealed new utility vehicles for model year 2017. The highlight of the line-up is the new sport side-by-side, the ZForce 1000 EPS with an MSRP of $13,999. Key features include:

77 hp
82 foot-pounds of torque
CV Tech clutching
27″ mud tires
14″ aluminum wheels
New seats

The rest of the 2017 sport line-up includes the following models:

ZForce 500 HO Trail EPS, $8,999
ZForce 800 Trail EPS, $10,799
ZForce 800 EX EPS, $11,599

The 2017 utility line-up includes the following models:

UForce 500 HO EPS, $8,999
UForce 500 HO EPS TT Camo/Hunting, $9,449
UForce 800 EPS, $10,799
UForce 800 EPS TT, $11,249

Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

Nikola Motor Reveals Electric UTV Prototype

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Marc Cesare

A prototype of the Nikola Zero all electric UTV from Nikola Motor.

A view of the Nikola Zero cockpit.

In May, Nikola Motor, known more for developing an electric powered long-haul truck, also announced that it was developing an impressive electric powered UTV, the Nikola Zero. Now, in September the company has unveiled a prototype vehicle. According to the company, here are some of the key specifications for the vehicle:

100% electric powered vehicle
Range up to 200 miles
400 volts
Up to 520 hp
Up to 467 ft-lbs of torque
72kWh Battery
All-wheel Drive
Instant torque in < 1 sec
0-60 mph in 3 seconds
20″ suspension
32″ tires
14.5″ of ground clearance
Optional 10 degree rear steering box
Waterproof motor and gearbox
Two 7″ displays or one optional 15″ display
Seats 4

A 2-seat version will also be offered according to management. The vehicle will be priced at $37,000 and the target date for deliveries is Q3 2017. A model can be reserved with a $750 deposit. Learn more: Electrek.co

Comment: From the pictures, the Nikola Zero appears to also have solar panels on the roof. At 72kWh the battery pack for the Nikola Zero is very large. By comparison the Ranger EV Li-Ion battery pack features a 30v 8.3 kWh battery and a 15v 4.1 kWh battery. The price point also seems to be on the low side given the size of the battery pack. The Ranger EV Li-Ion with a much smaller battery pack sell for a $11,700 premium over their standard Ranger EV. Given that high performance UTVs sell for $25,000 or more, the price premium of a similar vehicle with a large lithium ion battery pack should place the Nikola Zero at a price point well above $37,000. It will be interesting to see if the vehicle can make it to market. In any case, the vehicle is another indication of a continuing trend of electric UTVs being purposefully built for more demanding applications and uses other than hunting.

Arctic Cat Recalls Arctic Cat 700 HDX UTVs

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 2016 Arctic Cat 700 HDX Hunter Edition is part of the recall.

The XT models like the 2016 Arctic Cat 700 HDX XT shown in Team Arctic Green are included as well.

The 2016 Arctic Cat 700 HDX XT in black.

The 2017 Arctic Cat 700 HDX Crew model is also part of the recall.

Arctic Cat announced a recall of approximately 4,500 utility vehicles involving all model year 2016 Arctic Cat 700 HDX and model year 2017 Arctic Cat 700 HDX Crew models. This includes the 2016 Arctic Cat 700 HDX XT variations as well. The throttle cable can stick and prevent the throttle mechanism from returning to an idle position upon release of the throttle and cause the rider to lose control, posing a crash hazard and risk of injury. So far only one injury has been reported, a wrist injury. The following information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units: About 4,500

Description: This recall involves all model year 2016 Arctic Cat 700 HDX models and model year 2017 Arctic Cat 700 HDX CREW models within the vehicle identification number range of 300001 through 301280. The recalled utility vehicles have four wheels with side-by-side seating for three or six people. They were sold in a variety of colors including green, black, fire red, true timber camo and other colors. “Arctic Cat” is printed on the sides, front and rear of the utility vehicles. “HDX” is printed on the sides of the front fenders. The vehicle identification number on the 700 HDX CREW models is stamped into the upper frame tube under the rear of the cargo box.

Incidents/Injuries: Arctic Cat has received 14 reports of the throttle cable malfunctioning, including one report of a wrist injury.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled side-by-sides and contact an Arctic Cat dealer to schedule a free repair. Artic Cat is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Sold at: Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from April 2015 through July 2016 for between $14,500 and $16,000.

Manufacturer(s): Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn.

Manufactured in: U.S.

Learn more: CPSC.gov

Martex Global Launches War Horse Line of Electric UTVs

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new War Horse 4×4 All Electric is part of a new electric product line from Martex Global Enterprises.

There is also a crew version of the 4×4 All Electric.

Martex Global Enterprise, LLC of Fort Worth, TX, is introducing an all-electric and hybrid line under the War Horse™ brand. The company, under the direction of Ben King, President and CEO,has for many years manufactured and sold the HuntVe™ line of all-electric 4 X 4 hunting vehicles. The War Horse is similar to the HuntVe, as a four-wheel drive vehicle, but as King explains, “Unlike the HuntVe 4×4 line which is marketed to, and targets only, the hunting industry, the War Horse 4×4 has a broader appeal and speaks to commercial/ industrial/ government applications as well as the general trail riding and outdoor loving consumer.” There are four models in the line, two all-electric, one of which is a crew-type vehicle, seating four, and two are hybrid vehicles, a two-seater and a four-seater crew model.

The War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx features a 64 volt electric power train and 460cc gas engine for range extension.

There is a hybrid crew version as well with theWar Horse 4×4 Hybrid Crew Maxx.

The hybrid models, as well as the all-electrics, feature dual, 38 hp, direct drive motors. As King explains, “We considered moving to a single motor with drive shaft like most of the electric 4×4 competitors, but despite the cost savings, found that a single motor electric 4×4 will not perform to our expectations, and it makes so much more noise.” The expected range extension comes from a 480 cc gas generator, which can extend the range by approximately 30 miles. The War Horse specs call for a 20 mile off-road range in electric mode which looks very conservative for the vehicle when not in an off-road environment. Via the convenient on-board charger, the generator will keep the batteries charged for the extra mileage and can be used to recharge the batteries when not driving. In fact, the recharge time from a flat state of charge is only two hours, according to King.

The all electric models feature:

72-volt high performance electric system
38 hp dual direct drive motors
On-board charger
4-wheel independent suspension
Switch on the fly 2WD/4WD
4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
Protective side doors
Head, tail and brake lights
11″ of ground clearance

The hybrid models feature:

64-volt high performance electric system
38 hp dual direct drive motors
460cc gas engine
4-wheel independent suspension
Switch on the fly 2WD/4WD
4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
Protective side doors
Head, tail and brake lights
11″ of ground clearance

The MSRPs for the models are as follows:

War Horse 4×4 All Electric $14,799
War Horse 4×4 Crew All Electric $15,799
War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx $16,499
War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx Crew $17,299

To learn more about the vehicle’s development see our article in our Buying Guide section.

Hisun Motors Introduces Electric UTV With 45 Mile Range

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new Sector E1 electric UTV from Hisun Motors.

HISUN Motors takes a big step forward with the announcement of the all-new Sector E1 electric Utility Vehicle, adding yet another quality vehicle to their line-up. Building on the success of the Sector UTV line’s performance and modern advancements in electric technology, HISUN is excited to enter the growing electric UTV market. The Sector E1 4×4 is a mid-size UTV which provides quiet performance thanks to its powerful 48 volt 36hp AC drivetrain. The Sector E1 starts at an MSRP as low as $10,199.

HISUN’s Sector E1 features 4-wheel independent nitrogen suspension, 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, and an industry best run time. The Sector E1 is the first electric UTV on the market with the Discover EV Traction Dry Cell Battery technology that is maintenance free and designed for longer run times and a longer life. The Discover EV Traction Dry Cell Battery is also recyclable, built from recycled parts, and will deliver an estimated 45 miles on a single charge. HISUN has leveraged superior North American technology for integral components such as the Kinetek Motor, Delta Q IC1200 Chargers, and 450 Amp Sevcon Gen IV controllers. Dealer and customer feedback has helped refine the end product of the vehicle resulting in the Ultimate Electric Utility Vehicle.

The introduction of the Sector E1 will strongly position HISUN into a segment of the UTV market which has grown year over year in comparison to the gas UTV market. “We felt like with the improvements in battery technology coupled with the North American sourced supply chain of critical drivetrain components will lead to a much more reliable product and runtime that is “first in its class” compared with price,” said Shane Wilson, VP of Engineering and Operations. Learn more: Hisunmotors.com

Comment: Whereas in the past electric utility vehicles have mainly been targeted at the hunting market, newer models like the Sector E1 are looking for a broader appeal for work or recreation applications. In part the trend is because the hunting segment has turned out to be a niche market, but advances in battery and powertrain technology is also increasing the range and potential end use applications for electric UTVs.

John Deere Recalls RSX860i Gators

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The RSX860i utility vehicle being recalled by John Deere.

John Deere has announced a recall of their RSX860i Gator utility vehicles. The fuel hose could leak or separate when the fuel system is pressurized, posing a fire hazard. No injuries have been reported related to this issue. The recall is small, involving only about 240 vehicles manufactured in June 2016.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Recall Summary

Name of product: Utility vehicles

Hazard: The fuel hose could leak or separate when the fuel system is pressurized, posing a fire hazard.

Recall Details

Units: About 240

Description: This recall involves John Deere High-Performance Gator™ RSX860i TB and RSX860i TE utility vehicles manufactured in June 2016 with serial numbers beginning with 1M0860T. The recalled utility vehicles are four-wheel with side-by-side seating for two people and have a green hood and yellow rims. A complete list of serial numbers included in this recall is on the firm’s website. The model number is printed on the hood and John Deere is printed on the cargo box. The serial number is located on the frame at the rear of the machine above the hitch.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact a John Deere dealer for a free repair. John Deere is contacting all registered owners of the recalled utility vehicles directly.

Sold at: John Deere dealers nationwide from June 2016 through July 2016 for between $12,300 and $14,000.

Manufacturer(s): Deere & Company, of Moline, Ill.