So maybe like me, and you like the nuts and bolts of off-road machines and were wondering what all the different engine size options were in Side by Side vehicles. After a little research, I quickly realized that a lot of side by side manufacturers were pushing their engines right up to a 1000cc limit.
So why are UTVs limited to 1000cc? UTVs are limited to 1000cc because the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association defined the vehicle to meet certain restrictions so that state and federal agencies can enforce land access, registration, and tax laws. Because of these guidelines put in place by the ROHVA, race associations have also adopted the engine size limit to stay within their definition.
Contents
- 1 What is an ROV and How is it Defined?
- 2 1000cc UTV Comparison Guide
- 2.1 Yamaha 1000cc side by side
- 2.2 Honda 1000cc side by side
- 2.3 Can-am 1000cc side by side
- 2.4 Polaris 1000cc side by side
- 2.5 Kawasaki 1000cc side by side
- 2.6 Arctic Cat (Textron) 1000cc side by side
- 2.7 Hisun 1000cc side by side
- 2.8 Coleman 1000cc UTV
- 2.9 Roxor Mahindra (Jeep) 1000cc UTV
- 2.10 Massimo 1000cc UTV
- 2.11 Odes 1000cc UTV
- 3 Comparing MSRP – Here are some Tips
- 4 Now the Real Question: Does Having the 1000cc Engine Limit Lessen my Off-Road Experience?
- 5 Fastest 1000cc UTV
- 6 Cheapest 1000cc UTV
- 7 1000cc Turbo Side by Side
- 8 UTV 1000cc Diesel
- 9 Which 1000cc UTV are 50” wide?
- 10 What is the Best 1000cc Side by Side?
To further explain this limit we have to understand what these agencies define a UTV or ROV as.
What is an ROV and How is it Defined?
So real quick, the acronym ROV stands for Recreational Off-highway Vehicle and is commonly interchanged with terms like UTV, Utility Terrain Vehicle, Utility Task Vehicle, Side by Side, SxS, MOHUV, multipurpose off-highway utility vehicle and yes, these are all the same vehicle class. They are just different names for the same machine.
The ROHVA defines an ROV as a vehicle meeting almost ALL of these specs:
- Designed for off-highway use
- 4 or more tires
- Steering wheel
- Non-straddle seating
- Seat belts
- Roll over protective structure
- Max Speed greater than 30Mph
- Less than 80 inches in width
- Engine displacement less than 1,000cc
- 17 character VIN or PIN
A UTV manufacturing company could technically have a larger engine in one of their side by sides but then it would possibly be placed in a whole new class of Off-Highway Vehicle. In most states, the next class up would be the dune buggy and rock crawler class.
Which Side by Sides are 1000cc?
We took some time diving into the top Side by Side manufactures and found over 110 different models for you to compare some specs on. Most of these stay around the 1000cc limit or are a little under. However, we did find some that are larger than the 1000cc and are still considered UTV’s.
1000cc UTV Comparison Guide
Yamaha 1000cc side by side
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 YXZ1000R (4 models) | $18,999 – $21,799 | 998cc | 112hp* | Performance | liquid-cooled DOHC inline 3-cylinder; 12 valves |
*3rd party horsepower stats
Honda 1000cc side by side
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 Talon 1000 (4 models) | $TBD | 999cc | 104hp* | Performance | 999cc liquid-cooled Unicam® parallel-twin |
2020 Pioneer 1000 (5 models) | $15,799 – $22,099 | 999cc | 72hp* | Recreation | 999cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder Unicam® four-stroke |
*3rd party horsepower stats
Can-am 1000cc side by side
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 Maverick (23 models) | $13,399 – $29,999 | 976 cc / 900cc with Turbo | 75hp / 100hp / 120hp / 172hp / 195hp | Performance | Rotax V-twin, / Turbocharged 3-Cylinder |
2020 Defender (12 models) | $16,899 – $26,899 | 976cc | 82hp | Utility | Rotax HD10 V-Twin |
2020 Commander (6 models) | $14,599 – $22,099 | 976cc | 92 hp | Recreation | Rotax V-twin, liquid cooled |
Polaris 1000cc side by side
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 RZR family (22 models) | $14,999 – $30,999 | 925cc / 999cc / 1000cc | 100hp / 110hp / 168hp | Performance | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder / Turbo |
2019 Ranger (11 models) | $15,899 – $27,299 | 999cc | 82hp | Utility | 4-Stroke Twin Cylinder DOHC |
2019 General (8 models) | $16,799 – $23,999 | 999cc | 100hp | Recreation | 4-Stroke Twin Cylinder DOHC |
Kawasaki 1000cc side by side
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 MULE PRO DIESEL (3 models) | $14,099 – $15,099 | 993cc | 24hp | Utility | 4-stroke, 3-cylinder, OHV, liquid-cooled, diesel |
Arctic Cat (Textron) 1000cc side by side
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Wildcat XX | $18,899* | 998cc | 130 hp | Sport | 3-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated EFI Engine |
| 2020 Havoc | $16,199* | 957cc | 100 hp | Hybrid | 4-Stroke, Twin Cylinder Single Overhead Cam |
*3rd party pricing information
Hisun 1000cc side by side
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Strike (3 models) | $11,999 – $16,999 | 924cc, 976cc, 978cc | 65* | Recreation | 4-Stroke V-Twin Cylinder OHC |
2019 Sector 1000 / 1000 Crew | $14,999/ $17,299 | 976cc | 65* | Utility | 4-Stroke V-Twin Cylinder OHC |
*3rd party horsepower stats
Coleman 1000cc UTV
Coleman’s largest UTV engine is an 800 cc engine.
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outfitter 800 | $13,999.00 | 800cc | 55 | Utility | V-Twin 4 stroke |
Roxor Mahindra (Jeep) 1000cc UTV
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 Roxor (3 models) | $15,999 – $27,7483 | 2498cc | 62hp | Utility | TURBO DIESEL M2DICR |
Massimo 1000cc UTV
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-BOSS 1100 (2 models) | $15,199 – $17,999 | 1123cc | 24.8hp | Utility | Kubota Diesel D1105-E3B, 3-Cylinder |
WARRIOR 1000 (2 models) | $15,995 / $22,985 | 1000cc | 72hp / 85hp | Utility | Four Stroke 2 Cylinder V-Twin |
Odes 1000cc UTV
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 X-F series (3 models) | $22,295 – $25,495 | 1000cc | 85* | Utility | V-Twin |
2019 Ravager LT Zeus Special Edition | $18,095 | 1000cc | 85* | Sport | V-Twin |
*3rd party horsepower stats
Komodo 1000cc side by side
*Chironex Motorsports Inc. is no longer in business*
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 Chironex Komodo | $10,999.00 | 1000cc | 67hp | Recreation | 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid cooled |
Comparing MSRP – Here are some Tips
The above Pricing table shows the newest model years, specs and the MSRP for those units. The MSRP may not include destination fees or dealer fees and taxes.
However, if you were to go to the manufacturer’s website or walk into a dealership there’s a good chance the UTV company will be offering special rebates, low-interest rate financing options, additional warranty coverage or other dealer incentives.
Consider these when comparing the different UTV models.
Another thing to consider about this comparison data is that these are the newest possible side by sides you can get right now so this doesn’t take into account last year’s model or even the model before that that might still be brand new at your local dealership and might be a cheaper way to go.
So keep those things in mind when price shopping.
Now the Real Question: Does Having the 1000cc Engine Limit Lessen my Off-Road Experience?
The Quick answer: No not really! See, the Performance of these smaller sized engines pack a lot of punch! The High-performance UTV’s have max speeds of 85 mph and considering they only weigh around 1450 – 1850 lbs they really do get up and go! Especially on dirt, sand, hills, and trails going 80 mph can be a pretty intense experience considering the terrain.
Now to elaborate, it really does depend on what you are used to driving, and how you are using the off-road vehicle! Are you an experienced ATV rider or have you had the pleasure of driving a high-performance dune buggy or rock-climbing rig?
Plain and simple if you are used to driving a larger machine with a bigger engine and pushing the pedal to the medal then you might want to stay with the rides you are used to. So if you have a 5 seat long travel sand rail with Corvette LS1 engine, you might be a little disappointed with the switch.
However, you could test drive a side by side at a local dealership or if you are really getting serious you could always go to a jamboree which usually offers a variety of manufactures and they even provide and borrow you riding gear for your demo ride. Keep in mind you will have to sign some waivers and go through their safety ahead of time but it’s well worth it.
If you are used to driving a smaller ATV in and out of 50” narrow trails then chances are you have seen some of these UTVs on some of the trails with you but keep in mind, not all of them fit. Most of the higher-performance side by sides are 64” inches or wider.
Of course, the pros of a UTV are that they carry more people and provide you with physical cover from the elements and provide extra safety measures like a roll cage and seat belts.
Here is a 4 wheeler example that compares to a 1000cc UTV with similar specs and of course there are plenty more examples out there.
| Picture | Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | 4 Wheeler type | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2019 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition | $12,199 | 952cc | 90 HP | Sport | ProStar SOHC 4-Stroke Twin Cylinder |
Fastest 1000cc UTV
The Top three fastest UTVs are the: Yamaha YXZ1000R, Can-AM Maverick X3 Turbo, and the RZR XP Turbo S models have a top speed locked in at 80-85 mph.
One aspect of UTV top speed is that the UTV manufactures actually have factory top speed limiters that govern these machines to stay under a set speed.
Having a speed-limiter helps protect the engine so that it lasts longer, and I’m sure having lower speed also helps reduces the severity of the crash and or chances of a crash.
Some people reprogram their speed limiters (ECU), like on the Yamaha YXZ1000R and can reach speeds of 100 mph or greater.
Cheapest 1000cc UTV
We did a lot of research, hours and hours and what we found might shock you…. (see 2nd place)
- 1st Place:
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine | |
 | Hisun Strike 900 | $11,999 | 924cc | 65* | Sport | 4-Stroke V-Twin Cylinder OHC |
*3rd party pricing information
- 2nd Place:
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine | |
 | 2020 Can-am Maverick Trail 1000 | $13,399 | 976 cc | 75hp | Sport | Rotax V-twin, liquid cooled / Rotax Turbo- charged 3-Cylinder |
- 3rd Place:
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine | |
 | 2020 Kawasaki MULE PRO- DX-EPS | $14,099 | 993 | 24hp | Utility | 4-stroke, 3-cylinder, OHV, liquid-cooled, diesel |
1000cc Turbo Side by Side
If these bad boys weren’t already fast enough for you, the big names all have some UTVs with turbo offerings or add-ons.
- Polaris offers 10 turbocharged models ranging from $21k all the way up to $31k
- Can-am offers 15 turbocharged models ranging from $19k all the way up to $30k
- Yahama offers a factory turbo kit that can be added to their 4 non-turbo SxS models ranging from $24.5k all the way up to $27.3k
Yamaha GYTR has a new Turbo kit that, when installed by Yamaha dealers, retains the factory warranty! The $5499.99 kit includes a Garrett GT860RS Turbo and gives you a 60% increase in power.
Polaris UTVs with Turbos
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | Engine | |
 | 2019 RZR XP 4 Turbo S | $30,999 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
 | 2019 RZR XP 4 Turbo Dynamix | $28,499 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
 | 2019 RZR XP 4 Turbo S Velocity | $28,399 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
 | 2019 RZR XP Turbo S | $28,199 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
 | 2019 RZR XP Turbo Dynamix | $25,999 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
 | 2019 RZR XP Turbo S Velocity | $25,399 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
 | 2019 RZR XP 4 Turbo LE | $24,899 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
 | 2019 RZR XP 4 Turbo | $23,699 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
 | 2019 RZR XP Turbo LE | $21,999 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
 | 2019 RZR XP Turbo | $20,999 | 925cc | 168hp | ProStar 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder with turbo |
Can-am UTVs with Turbos
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | Engine | |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 Turbo | $18,999 | 900cc | 120hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 DS Turbo R | $20,999 | 900cc | 172hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 RS Turbo R | $22,499 | 900cc | 172hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR | $24,999 | 900cc | 195hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 X RS Turbo RR | $27,499 | 900cc | 195hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 X RC Turbo | $23,999 | 900cc | 120hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 X RC Turbo RR | $29,599 | 900cc | 195hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 X MR Turbo | $23,199 | 900cc | 120hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 X MR Turbo RR | $26,399 | 900cc | 195hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 Max Turbo | $21,999 | 900cc | 120hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 Max DS Turbo R | $23,699 | 900cc | 172hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 Max RS Turbo R | $25,199 | 900cc | 172hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 Max X DS Turbo RR | $27,499 | 900cc | 195hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 Max X RS Turbo RR | $29,999 | 900cc | 195hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
 | 2020 Maverick X3 Max X MR Turbo RR | $28,899 | 900cc | 195hp | Rotax ACE Turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, liquid cooled |
Yamaha UTVs with the GYTR Turbo add-on ($5499.99)
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | Engine | |
 | 2019 YXZ1000R SE | $26,099 with Turbo Kit | 998cc | 179hp* | liquid-cooled DOHC inline three-cylinde; 12 valves |
 | 2019 YXZ1000R | $24,499 with Turbo Kit | 998cc | 179hp* | liquid-cooled DOHC inline three-cylinde; 12 valves |
 | 2019 YXZ1000R SS SE | $26,099-$27,299 with Turbo Kit | 998cc | 179hp* | liquid-cooled DOHC inline three-cylinde; 12 valves |
 | 2019 YXZ1000R SS | $24,499 with Turbo Kit | 998cc | 179hp* | liquid-cooled DOHC inline three-cylinde; 12 valves |
UTV 1000cc Diesel
If you are looking for a diesel Side by Side with a 1000cc engine then here are the options:
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | Engine | |
 | 2020 MULE PRO-DX EPS DIESEL | $14,099 | 993cc | 24hp | 4-stroke, 3-cylinder, OHV, liquid-cooled, diesel |
| 2020 MULE PRO-DXT DIESEL | $14,299 | 993cc | 24hp | 4-stroke, 3-cylinder, OHV, liquid-cooled, diesel |
 | 2020 MULE PRO-DXT EPS DIESEL | $15,099 | 993cc | 24hp | 4-stroke, 3-cylinder, OHV, liquid-cooled, diesel |
 | 2019 Mahindra Roxor | $15,999 | 2498cc | 62hp | Turbo Diesel 4-stroke, 4-cylinder |
 | 2019 Mahindra Roxor Nugent Edition | $20,999 – $27,748 | 2498cc | 62hp | Turbo Diesel 4-stroke, 4-cylinder |
 | 2019 Mahindra Roxor A/T | $19,599 | 2498cc | 62hp | Turbo Diesel 4-stroke, 4-cylinder |
 | Massimo T-BOSS 1100LE | $17,999 | 1123cc | 24.8 HP | Kubota Diesel D1105-E3B, 3-Cylinder |
 | Massimo T-BOSS 1100D | $15,999 | 1123cc | 24.8 HP | Kubota Diesel D1105-E3B, 3-Cylinder |
Which 1000cc UTV are 50” wide?
| Model | MSRP | CC | Horse- power | UTV type | Engine | |
| 2020 Can-am Maverick Trail 1000cc | $13,399 | 976cc | 75hp | Sport | Rotax V-twin, liquid cooled / Rotax Turbo- charged 3-Cylinder |
The next closest 50″ UTV is the Polaris is RZR 900 at 875cc.
And in case you are wondering Yamaha currently does not have a 50″ trail-sized UTV. Yamaha’s 1000cc YXZ lineup is 64 inches and the Wolverine X2 comes in at 59.1 inches wide at 847cc.
What is the Best 1000cc Side by Side?
Best Value 1000cc UTV:
2020 Can-am Maverick Trail 1000cc I mean come on it’s got the 1000cc engine, it’s Turbocharged and is around $13k. That’s a lot of CCs for the money!
Best Performance 1000cc UTV:
Yamaha YXZ1000R Steering wheel paddle shifting 5 speed and ECU Reprogrammable Speed 100MPH
Best Utility Diesel 1000cc UTV:
Kawasaki MULE PRO-DXT DIESEL Switches between 3 or 6 passenger seating in about a minute with a 1-ton towing capacity
Best Turbo 1000cc UTV:
Yamaha YXZ1000R with a GT860RS Turbo Kit and with Dealer install it remains under Factory Warranty ($5499.99 kit)
