On The Trail

I am excitied to see the latest new side-by-side from Polaris. No it is not a 400 horsepower side-by-side, but an entry-level Ranger side-by-side that is starting at $9999. Now I get it, that is still a bunch of money, but considering that many UTVs currently cost more than a small SUV this is good news! There is plenty of value alongside capability in this mid-size RZR with enough power for adventure but more importantly to get small jobs around the property done. The Ranger 500 has a tilting bed that is rated to haul 300LBs and tow 1500LBs. You also get LED lights and of course the Polaris AWD system that can put power to all four wheels when the trail needs it. We are thrilled to see Polaris step up with a very capable side-by-side at a very resonable price. 

What You Want To Know

Horsepower- 28

Engine- 4-stroke single cylinder DOHC 567cc

Suspension Travel- MacPherson strut 9" front travel Dual A-arm, IRS 10" rear travel

Ground Clearance- 10-inches

Price- $9999

• Overview of the RANGER 500:
  • New mid-size utility side-by-side aimed at value-conscious buyers.
  • Designed for everyday use on small acreage and rural properties.
  • Compact, practical, and customizable with accessories.
• Market Segment
  • Geared toward users shifting to rural living with outdoor and yard projects.
  • First-time side-by-side owners seeking affordability and reliability.
• Price

Dirt Trax TV’s latest (and most extensive) review of the Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Limited/LE praises it as one of the most complete four-seat sport-utility side-by-sides in its class. With expanded rear passenger comfort, a fully functional dumping cargo bed, and premium tech like the Adventure Pro system and tri-mode EPS, Yamaha delivers on customer demands for a versatile four-passenger machine. While suspension settings may lean a bit firm and the high driver seating takes adjustment, the RMAX4 Limited/LE shines with its mix of comfort, capability, and durability — equally ready for trail adventures or utility work.

Highlights

• Tested the 2026 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Limited/LE (Canada = LE, U.S. = Limited).
• Adventure Pro 7" system integrated with a 4.3" TFT screen: Bluetooth, audio, customizable screens, pitch/roll, rear camera.
• Stretched wheelbase (118.1") and overall length (150.8") adds 7.5" more forward legroom and 40% more side-to-side space in the rear seats.
• Fixed rear row brings back full dumping cargo bed (600 lb capacity, latching tailgate).
• FOX 2.0 IQS shocks with Comfort/Medium/Firm modes (14.2" front, 16.9" rear travel).
• Tri-mode EPS (High/Medium/Low) integrated with drivetrain settings (turf, 2WD, 4WD, full diff lock).
• Higher driver seating position improves visibility; lower doors with integrated MTX speakers.
• Active D-Mode with Sport, Trail, and Crawl options.
• 30" Carnivore tires on 14" wheels — proven reliable through 100 miles of extreme terrain.
• Additional features: Suntop, rear-view mirror, premium bumper, Warn VRX 4500-lb winch.
• Powered by 999cc twin + Ultramatic CVT wit

If you're the kind of person who lives for the thrill of blasting across dunes or tearing through open desert with friends or family, the all-new Kawasaki Teryx4 H2 and Teryx5 H2 Deluxe might just be your dream machines.

Kawasaki has joined the supercharged side x side world with a 999cc in-line 4-cylinder engine that cranks out 250 horsepower. Yes, I did say 250 horsepower. This powerplant shares DNA with their legendary Ninja H2 motorcycle, tuned for off-road use. It delivers instant, smooth acceleration thanks to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that eliminates turbo lag and keeps the power flowing.

The Teryx4 seats four with high-backed bucket seats, while the Teryx5 adds a rear sport bench to fit five. Both feature an automotive-inspired cockpit that doesn’t skimp on comfort or tech. A 7-inch TFT dash keeps you informed, while Deluxe trims offer a 10” Garmin Tread infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and a premium factory audio system.

Kawasaki didn’t just make these machines powerful—they made them smart and stable. With long-travel FOX 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks, optional electronically controlled suspension (KECS), and a super-rigid frame, you're in full control at speed. Giant 33-inch MAXXIS tires, on-the-fly 4WD selection, and selectable power modes (Full, Mid, Low) let you dial in your experience.

This year's new Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 grew. It grew a dumping cargo bed along with a fullsize rear passenger area. What was previous years' RMAX4 1000 is now named the RMAX4 1000 Compact with the larger afformentioned RMAX4 1000 now taking its place. We are really excited to see this version of the RMAX4 1000 come to life specificlly because it does away with two of the main drawbacks from the RMAX4 1000 Compact: Lack of cargo and rear passenger space and a dumping bed. Our friends at Dirt Trax TV had the chance to give this new top-of-the-line Yamaha a test ride in Utah. Give it a watch to find out what they thought about the latest family member to the Wolverine lineup. You can also check the article links below for more information and a breakdown of this vehicle.

It has been nine years since Kawasaki pulled the sheet off its Mule PRO lineup with there being no significant updates since then other than cosmetic changes. Change is now upon us because Kawasaki has unveiled a significantly updated Mule PRO with a 1000 engine. Yes, we say hello to the Mule Pro 1000. No window dressing here but a significant list of updates to the platform, most significantly the obvious powertrain upgrade to a parallel twin-cylinder Kawasaki built 999cc engine. All of the laundry list of updates make what has already been a great utility-recreation side-by-side that much better with us giving all of these changes a big “thumbs up”. The list includes the new more powerful engine, longer suspension travel, more ground clearance, self-leveling rear suspension, and improved access to service points along with new front grille styling. The guts of these changes to the suspension and engine make the Mule PRO competitive with other utility-rec industry offerings. We have always appreciated the ride and capability of the Mule PRO lineup with it’s 2000 LB towing capacity and large 1000 LB cargo bed. The updates make the Mule PRO more trail capable which is a welcome thing. Still wish it had a front diff lock option though! The entire press release is below.

What You Want To Know

• Kawasaki-built 999cc parallel-twin engine with more power and torque
• Increased suspension travel range between 10 and 11 inches
• Increased ground clearance range from 11.6 and 13.2 inches
• New self-leveling rear suspension
• Easier access to service points
• New front face styling
• 2WD/4WD with electronically user controlled rear diff lock mode
• 1000 LB cargo bed capacity
• 2000 LB to

Ten years sure does go by fast. Yes, a decade ago is when Polaris introduced the RZR XP 1000 to the side-by-side world and created the sport segment of the industry in the process. The 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 was truly a revolutionary vehicle for the time with time making it the number one selling sport side-by-side on the market. Here we are a decade later with Polaris introducing a completely new RZR XP 1000 for 2024.

Polaris has annouced the recall of 2022 and 2023 RZR Pro R and Pro R 4 models. Below are the details and what to do to fix the problem.

Name of Product: Model Years 2022-2023 RZR Pro R and Pro R 4 Recreational Off-Road Vehicles

Hazard: The alternator can fail during operation, posing a fire hazard.

Can-Am announced the recall of certain Commander, Defender, and Maverick Trail & Sport models due to a defective fuel hose assembly that could cause a fire. Below are the details.

Name of Product: Model Year 2023 Can-Am side-by-side vehicles

Hazard: The recalled vehicles can have a defective fuel hose assembly which could lead to a fuel leak, posing a fire hazard.

At the dawn of 2022, Polaris made a HUGE announcement with the release of the biggest, baddest, most powerful RZR ever with the RZR Pro R. Complete with a 225 horsepower inline 4 cylinder engine, 29 inches of usable travel, a bullet-proof build quality, and a new DV DYNAMIX FOX live valve suspension, the Polaris RZR Pro R is the "most" of everything. In this video we breakdown the RZR Pro R details on a RZR Pro R 4. Look for our review video coming soon.