Although the powersports market slowed during 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 2022 turned out to be a big surprise as UTVs became difficult to find due to excessive demand.
If you’re looking for a UTV, it is important to note that not all UTVs are great, and some can have serious problems, such as overheating issues, starting problems, sticky transmission, inadequate power, and stalling. Let’s find out which UTV had the least problems in the 2022 test. According to Los Angeles motorcycle lawyer Michael Ehline, “sometimes you can sue for your injuries based on a manufacturing claim, or another negligent rider, and others, they are assumed as a risk of riding.”
Let’s take a look at the best UTVs for 2022 and some of their problems as well.
The Top Six UTVs for 2022
We’ve evaluated and assessed the different types of UTVs, and the following are our top six recommendations that had the least problems in our 2022 test.
Can-Am Maverick Trail
Designed for tight trails, the Can-Am Maverick Trial comes in three different variants.
700 Trail base model is the standard model with a 650 CC engine that is sufficient to help you navigate the trail and comes at a lower price tag.
The 700 Trail DPS trim model has the same features and specs as the Can-Am’s Maverick Trail base model but adds dynamic power steering allowing for greater handling capability.
Can-AM Maverick 1000 Trail DPS comes fitted with a 1,000 CC engine offering an additional 25 horsepower with a Quick Response System (QRS) automatic CVT transmission, 12-inch aluminum wheels, better ventilation, and a 10-gallon fuel capacity.
You may also want to consider the Can-Am Commander MAX XT 1000R, which has a 1,000 CC engine and produces 100 hp, allowing you to hammer a trail any time of the day!
Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec
The Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec is the oddball here as it’s neither an aggressive sporty machine nor a dedicated utility vehicle.
Equipped with a 708 CC engine and adjustable KYB suspension system, the Wolverine R-Spec offers a smooth ride with excellent handling prowess. It can easily belt out a test course and reign victorious, but the undersized cargo box is a serious letdown.
Intimidator GC1K
Featuring a 997 CC engine, the Intimidator packs 83 horsepower, a top speed of 65 mph, and a liquid-cooled engine allowing for quick acceleration and a 2,500 lbs towing capacity.
Engaging 4WD is simple, and the Intimidator offers phenomenal grip on rocky terrains, and the plush seats feel great, offering the comfort you need while traversing uncomfortable environments.
Although the Intimidator GC1K is a great UTV, it does have its fair share of setbacks, such as transmission issues, and changing the oil filter is tedious.
Polaris RZR Trail Sport
With an 875 CC engine, Walker Evans needle shocks, and 11-inch ground clearance, the Polaris RZR Trail Sport packs a punch with its class-leading power-to-weight ratio, making it seriously fast with a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. It offers comfort, and the two full doors provide sufficient safety for the driver.
The Polaris RZR Trail Sport has fantastic features such as electric power steering, True On-Demand AWD/2WD (Sport), a 4-wheel hydraulic disc, and an engine braking system. However, it does lack in the suspension department, which can make the ride unstable during high speeds on rough terrains.
If you’re looking for something a little less pricey, maybe under $12,000, you could consider the Polaris Ranger 570, which has a 44 horsepower engine, differential lock, and decent towing and cargo box capacity.
Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXR
With great ground clearance and an 812 CC engine, the Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXR is the shortest, lightest, and most aggressive in the Kawasaki Mule lineup. The Mule Pro-FXR can carry up to 1,000 in its cargo bed and has a ton towing capacity.
Although many dual-range continuously variable transmission UTVs lack engine braking, the Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXR comes fitted with one that helps slow the vehicle down in off-throttle situations and kicks in the 4WD.
The Mule Pro-FXR comes with most goodies UTV owners crave, such as under-seat storage, full doors, automatic transmission, good towing capacity, and many more, making it a great buy.
Honda Pioneer 1000/ Deluxe/LE/Special Edition
Honda has made a name for itself in building reliable machines, and the Honda Pioneer 1000 stands up to the reputation. It has four variants, all offering an automatic 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, paddle shifters, and multiple driving modes.
With the deluxe variant, you get LED headlights, while the LE provides a four-wheel drive, powerful suspensions, and A-arm protection. If you’re looking for a UTV with a strong winch, you may want to consider the Honda Pioneer SE, which can winch up to 4,500 lbs. Also, the absence of engine noise and vibration in the Honda Pioneer SE is unbelievable.
If you have a budget of less than $10,000, you may want to consider the Honda Pioneer 520, which comes fitted with a 518 CC four-stroke single-cylinder engine and a dump bed while offering the reliability of the Honda brand.
Even If You Buy the UTV with the Least Problems, It Could Still Lead to Accidents
No matter how much you spend on your UTV or the safety features it offers, UTV riding is a dangerous recreational activity that can increase the risk of injuries. When signing up for UTV sports or getting behind a UTV, you assume the risks associated with the recreational activity.
Under the law, the property owner may not be responsible for injuries or death arising from using the land for recreational purposes. This is a legal concept known as recreational immunity, whereby the property owners are not responsible for keeping their premises safe or warning about hazardous conditions when the visitor enters the property for a recreational purpose.
Due to recreational immunity, injured UTV riders cannot pursue an accident claim against the property owner to recover the damages. However, holding another driver responsible for the damage under negligence law is still possible if you’ve suffered injuries in an accident caused by another vehicle.
It’s best to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights and legal options as an injured victim.
