8 Of the Best UTVs to Buy in 2023 [Video]

There are many great UTVs in the marketplace, but 8 of the best models to buy in 2023 are as follows:

1. Polaris General XP 1000
2. Polaris RZR Pro R
3. Honda Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew
4. Honda Talon 1000XS-4
5. Can-Am Defender
6. Can-Am Maverick X3 RS TURBO RR 72
7. Arctic Cat Wildcat XX SE
8. Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R

If you want to find out more about these popular UTVs, you’ve come to the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled the key specs and info about these models under one roof!

8 Of the Best UTVs in 2023

1. 2023 Polaris General XP 1000

Polaris reportedly has the largest market share in the UTV industry, and with good reason. The American brand has built its reputation on delivering high quality and reliability.

One of the best Polaris UTVs in 2023 is arguably the popular General XP 1000.

Marketed as “the most capable crossover side-by-side,” this machine comes with a responsive 4-stroke, 999cc, fuel-injected, ProStar 1000 engine rated at 100 HP.

Key specifications:

• Engine: ProStar 1000; 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder
• Cooling: Liquid
• Drive System Type: On-Demand True AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode
• Engine Braking System (EBS): Engine Deceleration Assist (EDA)
• Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
• Horsepower: 100 HP
• Displacement: 999 cc
• Transmission/Final Drive: Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H
• Length: 118.2 in
• Width: 64 in..
• Height: 76.5 in.
• Ground Clearance: 13.5 in.
• Wheelbase: 83 in.
• Box Capacity: 600 lb.
• Dry Weight: 1,654 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 9.5 gal.
• Hitch Towing Rating: 1,500 lb.
• Payload Capacity: 1,100 lb.
• Person Capacity: 2

2. 2023 Polaris RZR Pro R

If you are looking for the flagship Polaris UVT, the RZR Pro R is for you.

This high-end machine is designed with a turbocharged 1997cc, 225 HP engine paired with an outstanding 29″ of usable suspension travel.

Thanks to its high-performance engine and features, the RZR Pro R delivers exceptional handling and power.

Key specifications:

• Engine: 4-Stroke, DOHC, Inline-4
• Cooling: Liquid
• Drive System Type: Pro Performance True 2WD/4WD/4WD Lock
• Engine Braking System (EBS): Not Equipped
• Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
• Horsepower: 225 HP
• Displacement: 1997 cc
• Transmission/Final Drive: Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H
• Length: 136.5 in.
• Width: 74 in.
• Height: 72.8 in.
• Ground Clearance: 16 in.
• Wheelbase: 104.5 in.
• Dry Weight: 2,114 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 12 gal.
• Payload Capacity: 740 lb.
• Person Capacity: 2

3. 2023 Honda Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew

If passenger capacity is an important consideration for you, the Honda Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew deserves a serious look.

As the name suggests, this utility UTV is rated for six passengers and is also equipped with a full-size tilt bed.

Due to its massive chassis and 999cc twin engine, the towing capacity of this machine is an impressive 2,500 pounds.

Key specifications:

• Engine: 4-Stroke, longitudinally-mounted, twin-cylinder
• Cooling: Liquid
• Bore And Stroke: 92.0mm x 75.2mm
• Valve Train: Unicam SOHC; four valves per cylinder
• Induction: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 44mm throttle body
• Displacement: 999cc
• Compression ratio: 10:1
• Transmission: Fully Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with six forward gears
• Driveline: Direct front and rear driveshafts
• Length: 152.2 in.
• Width: 63.0 in.
• Height: 76.1 in.
• Ground Clearance: 12.6 in.
• Turning Radius: 18.7 ft.
• Wheelbase: 115.2 in.
• Towing Capacity: 2500 lb.
• Curb Weight: 1936 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gal.
• Bed Capacity: 1000 pounds (49 states); 600 pounds (CA model)
• Person Capacity: 6

4. 2023 Honda Talon 1000XS-4

The 4-seater Honda Talon 1000XS-4 is also a widely popular sport UTV rated for 4 people.

Just like the entire Honda Talon family, the 1000XS-4 enjoys a 4-stroke, 999cc, liquid-cooled engine paired with a Honda-exclusive i-4WD technology and a super quick, gear-driven automatic DCT transmission.

Key specifications:

• Engine: 4-Stroke, longitudinally-mounted, parallel-twin
• Cooling: Liquid
• Displacement: 999 cc
• Bore And Stroke: 92.0mm x 75.1mm
• Compression ratio: 10:1
• Valve Train: Unicam OHC; four valves per cylinder
• Induction: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 46mm throttle body
• Ignition: Full-transistorized with electronic advance
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) with high/low subtransmission. Two drive modes with 2WD and I-4WD.
• Driveline: Direct front and rear driveshafts
• Length: 152.5 in.
• Width: 64.0 in.
• Height: 78.5 in.
• Ground Clearance: 12.8 in.
• Turning Radius: 21.3 ft.
• Wheelbase: 116.4 in.
• Curb Weight: 1735 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 7.7 gal.
• Bed Capacity: 299 lb.
• Person Capacity: 4

5. Can-Am Defender

The Can-Am Defender is a heavy-duty utility UTV that comes with class-leading storage and towing capacities.

It’s available with either a fuel-efficient 650cc, 52 HP, single-cylinder, or a 976cc, 65 HP, V-twin engine. Both of these power sources are manufactured by the European Rotax, a subsidiary of BRP.

The affordable and economical Can-Am Defender is great for farming, exploring, and other recreational activities.

Key specifications:

• Engine (HD7): 52 hp / 41 lb-ft, Rotax® ACE, 650cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled
• Engine (HD9): 65 hp / 59 lb-ft , Rotax® 976 cc, V-twin, liquid-cooled
• Fuel Delivery System: Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC™) with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
• Drive Train: Selectable Turf Mode / 2WD / 4WD with Visco-Lok† auto-locking front Differential
• Driving Assistance: Electronic Hill Descent Control ECO™ / ECO Off / Work modes
• Transmission (HD7): pDrive primary CVT with engine braking and Electronic Drive Belt Protection L / H / N / R / P
• Transmission (HD9): PRO-TORQ CVT with Quick Response System (QRS), high airflow ventilation, and Electronic Drive Belt Protection Extra-L / H / N / R / P
• Length: 121 in.
• Width: 62 in.
• Height: 76 in.
• Ground Clearance: 11 in.
• Wheelbase: 63 in.
• Dry Weight (HD7): 1456 lb.
• Dry Weight (HD9): 1479 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 10.6 gal.
• Total Storage Capacity: 3.1 gal.
• Cargo Box Capacity: 1,000 lb / California only: 600 lb
• Towing Capacity: 2,500 lb.
• Payload Capacity: 1,500 lb.
• Person Capacity: 3

6. Can-Am Maverick X3 RS TURBO RR 72

The Can-Am Maverick X3 RS TURBO RR 72 is arguably one of the best UTVs to buy in 2023.

Powered by a high-performance Rotax ACE Turbo RR engine, the Maverick delivers 200 HP along with precise handling.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that this machine has won many prestigious off-road races including the Baja, Dakar, and the Vegas to Reno.

Key specifications:

• Engine: Turbo RR (Rotax ACE 900 Turbocharged Triple-cylinder
• Displacement: 900cc
• Horsepower: 200 HP
• Fuel Delivery System: Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC™) with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
• Transmission: pDrive primary and Quick Response System X (QRS-X) CVT with high airflow, (L/H/N/R/P)
• Drive Train: Lockable front Differential with exclusive Smart-Lok * technology. True 4 modes traction system: 2WD / 4WD with front diff. lock / 4WD TRAIL ACTIV / 4WD TRAIL
• Power Steering: High torque Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS™)
• Length: 132 in.
• Width: 72.4 in.
• Height: 68.5 in.
• Ground Clearance: 16 in.
• Wheelbase: 102 in.
• Dry Weight: 1673 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 10.5 gal.
• Total Storage Capacity: 2.5 gal.
• Rack Capacity: 200 lb. with LinQ™ quick-attach
• Person Capacity: 2

7. Artic Cat Wildcat XX SE

The Arctic Cat Wildcat XX SE is designed with the most challenging terrain in mind.

It houses a 4-stroke, 998cc, liquid-cooled, triple engine and comes standard with rock sliders, a front bumper, a 3500 lb. Warn winch, and color-matched suspension and ROPs.

Key specifications:

• Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 3-cylinder
• Displacement: 998cc
• Horsepower: 130 HP
• Fuel Delivery System: EFI
• Transmission: 2WD / 4WD Electric Actuation, with Selectable Front Diff Lock
• Drive Train: ADAPT CVT
• Gear Selection: H/L/N/R/P
• Length: 136 in.
• Width: 64 in.
• Height: 67.4 in.
• Bed Dimensions (LxWxH): 34 x 32 x 9 in.
• Ground Clearance: 15 in.
• Wheelbase: 95 in.
• Dry Weight: 1816 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 10 gal.
• Glove Box Capacity: 4 gal.
• Total Capacity: 730 lb.
• Bed Capacity: 300 lb.
• Person Capacity: 2

8. Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R

Yamaha UTVs have built their reputation on providing great comfort and reliability.

One of the best models in the 2023 Yamaha UTV lineup is arguably the YXZ1000R SS XT-R, designed for sports and adventure purposes.

It enjoys a high-revving, 4-stroke, 998cc, liquid-cooled, inline-3 engine and comes standard with unique Special Edition paint, and Yamaha‑exclusive Maxxis Carnage tires.

Key specifications:

• Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder; 12 valves
• Displacement: 998cc
• Fuel Delivery System: Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI); three 41mm Mikuni throttle bodies
• Transmission: Yamaha Sport Shift, paddle shift with auto clutch; 5-speed sequential with reverse
• Final Drive: On-Command; 3-way locking differential; selectable 2WD and 4WD with diff lock; shaft drive
• Length: 128 in.
• Width: 64.4 in.
• Height: 69.4 in.
• Ground Clearance: 12.4 in.
• Wheelbase: 90.5 in.
• Curb Weight: 1625 lb.
• Person Capacity: 2

Conclusion – Which UTV is the Best in 2023?

There are many great UTVs to buy in 2023, but our picks for this season are as follows:

1. Polaris General XP 1000
2. Polaris RZR Pro R
3. Honda Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew
4. Honda Talon 1000XS-4
5. Can-Am Defender
6. Can-Am Maverick X3 RS TURBO RR 72
7. Arctic Cat Wildcat XX SE
8. Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R

If you want to find out more about these models and their features, don’t hesitate to visit the manufacturers’ websites through these links:

References:

can-am.brp, powersports.honda, yamahamotorsports, polaris, arcticcat