While many UTVs are steering away from being “utility task vehicles” and more toward being side-by-side sport ATVs or dune buggies, there are still those models focused on actually offering utility for completing tasks. Among the many priorities of prospective buyers, the capability of the vehicle’s bed is often near the top of the list. All other mechanical specifications aside, here’s what to know about bed capacity for some of the major brands true “utility” models.
UTV guide
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Can-Am Defender
Can-Am’s Defender offers among the best options for carrying a load. The 38 x 54 x 12 in. cargo box is roomy enough to carry most loads that don’t require some type of towing and trailer. When it comes to capacity, the Defender puts up better numbers than much of its closely priced competitors. The box is capable of carrying 1000 lbs and the tailgate itself can withstand 250 lbs. The Defender DPS, XT, and XT Cab models offer the same cargo box dimensions and capacity, but the payload on the XT Cab is 1200 lbs because of its enclosure, so if you choose that model and want to carry a full bed load, tell your big friend that it might be best to jog along next to the Can-Am. MSRP of $10,999
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John Deere Gator
One of the most trusted name in field equipmenet, John Deere produces a wide range of all-terrain vehicles. For a recreational UTV it brings the John Deere Gator RSX850i. Its 8.9 square feet of cargo space is capable of carrying 400 lbs along with a payload capacity of 800 lbs. They come in four different styles – standard, sport for rock and sandy terrain, trail for the backcountry ideal for hunters and midnight black special edition all starting at MSRP $12,000.
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Yamaha Viking EPS
As shown previously, price is not always reflection solely of how much a machine can carry, but if it was, we would be very confused by the $10,999 price tag on the Wolverine because it claims a bed capacity of 300 lbs. A better option may be the Viking EPS. With an MSRP of $11,999, its 600 lb load capacity makes more sense.
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Polaris Ranger ETX
The Polaris Ranger ETX is a budget machine in the UTV world because it’s priced below $10,000. The Ranger’s cargo box is notably smaller than the Can-Am at 32 x 42 x 11.5 inches. As also should be expected, the cargo load is much less, in this case half. Yes, the 500 pound box load and 1000 pound payload will not support nearly as much freight as other UTV’s, but this model is for those who only need the bare minimum. If you want something to cruise around in with a buddy, this is a good option. If your job calls for constant transportation of heavy loads, opt for the higher priced machines. MSRP $8,799
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Arctic Cat HDX
The price tag on the Arctic Cat’s HDX 500 XT is not reflexive of its bed capacity. The 600 lb cargo box capacity will cover small jobs, but little more than that. Prospective buyers can look into an aftermarket electric cargo box lift sold by Arctic Cat, because even 600 lbs is a lot for human arms. Other options include the bigger HDX 700 XT, offering a 1000 lb cargo box capacity. The Prowler 700 XT and Prowler 1000 XT only support 600 lbs in the box, but they are more performance oriented UTVs and less concerned with load size. MSRP of $11,999
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Honda Pioneers
The Honda Pioneer 700 offers serious load capacity at an affordable price., the cargo box capacity of 1000 lbs seems difficult to beat in the UTV market. While Honda’s name doesn’t suggest the industry specialization that may come with brands like Arctic Cat and Polaris, it manages to outdo its competition by offering seriously affordable machines. MSRP $10,299
