Going Big For 2011: Arctic Cat 350/425/450i 4x4 Review

So what about the sporty XC 450i 4x4, you might ask? This machine is in what Arctic Cat calls its "crossover" market ATV; having 4WD makes the fun of a sport quad cross over into the versatility of a utility ATV. The power that is packed into the 443cc engine is very usable, and coupled with the Kenda tires, the delivery to the ground is exciting. Rider comfort on any machine is worth its weight in gold, and this one rides very well as the bar and control levers, such as braking and steering, are at the right spot for this rider. Being it's an automatic-CVT belt-driven machine, the only thing you have to worry about is the trail ahead. There is, however, the nagging bump-steer and twitchy steering that creeps up on the unsuspecting rider. The XC 450i 4x4 machine has plenty of potential in the suspension department but needs just a little refining to get the most out of what is offered right from the showroom. Jumping the 450i wasn't difficult, and the machine seemed to fly straight every time. Landing on the stock suspension was also a surprise, as the stock shocks seemed to soak up each hit without bottoming. Cornering the beast is fun, and even with the independent rear the back of our test machine was willing to step out and slide around any turn we made. This machine has some traits which some riders would change, but overall the fun packaged into the 4x4 rock-crawling sporty crossover ATV is abundant.

We have to give credit to Arctic Cat and its dedication to the sport of ATVing by releasing three new machines in a tough economic market. This shows the company has a true passion for this industry, and by making reliable, fun and affordable machines that consumers can enjoy without having to break the bank. While we feel some aspects of the machines could use some improvement, for the target market and price, consumers are definitely getting the bang for their buck.