Honda FourTrax Rincon 680
This utility features a unique combination of very large, single-cylinder powerplant with EFI and automotive-type transmission. With a torque converter, the quad doesn't have a low range, and while it went through the rocky test section OK, it did have that distinctive coolant smell at the end. In auto mode, the transmission picks the gear for you depending on load, speed and throttle position, but it generally gave a very uninspiring ride compared to the rest here. It tended to upshift early and was very flat on power output. In ESP mode, you could force it to rev, but the 675cc engine just went flat and hit the rev-limiter, producing negligible performance gains. While very easy to use, and potentially more durable than a CVT tranny with no belt slipping, the performance of the package was somewhat underwhelming. The suspension setting, with coil-overs, was all-around decent, but the steering had a lot of feedback and, on the whole, the chassis felt dancy in the whoops, darting around a lot. The nighttime riding, however, was extra fun on this unit as the lights were exceptional. For a sport-ute, we expected more performance than the Rincon delivered. Retailing at $7849, the Rincon is in the middle of the pack, pricewise.
Suzuki KingQuad 450 4x4
The new Suzuki comes in at $6499-a lot cheaper than any of the rest. Yet it has EFI, independent double-wishbone, coil-over suspension all around, selectable high/low ranges and a low-vibration engine. The power, of course, is a lot softer than the others, but with good user-friendly controls and decent, high-revving top. The suspension is also pretty competent-smooth but a little tippy in the corners. Like all but the Polaris, the King requires a stand-up style for any speed in the whoops but doesn't punish the rider with overly harsh feedback through the bar. The stock tires were very slippery on the hardpack downhills and wore out quickly-they'll need replacing often. Overall, it offers a fairly light and nimble feeling on the trail, easily controllable power and smooth suspension in an affordable package.
Can-Am Outlander 500 H.O. EFI 4x4
Having resurrected the Can-Am nameplate for its ATV line, BRP introduced the $8099 Outlander 500 V-twin as the extremely short-stroke version of the 500/650/800cc engine family. Power was surprisingly good, with smooth bottom and high-revving top-end power. Not really fast, though user-friendly, the engine-combined with the CVT transmission-was competent on the trails and in the test section. The front of the machine felt low and somewhat heavy, and gave a lot of steering feedback. In 2WD, the rear tires seemed to spin a lot, as if there were too much weight on the front. Driving in 4WD was generally better, though it required more steering effort. The brake system is foot pedal and left handlebar only, with no independent front-brake control. Going downhill with no front brake was a little dicey on the slippery, hard-packed trails, but the brakes were the strongest of the bunch. This unit uses MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent rear, and exhibited some feedback through the bar but still provided a decent ride in the whoops.