Utility vehicles offer the ruggedness of an ATV with the hauling ability of a pickup, so it’s no wonder sales for them are booming. Today you’ll find them trundling over rubble on construction sites, hauling anything that needs moving on the farm, and speeding down trails deep in the woods. Two of the most popular types of utility vehicles are the Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick and Honda Pioneer 1000. Find out what each one has to offer and which is right for you!

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick Special

Kubota’s RTV-XG850 Sidekick is likewise its top-line two-seat utility vehicle and comes in at a MSRP of $13,651. They include a 24-month warranty and include these features:

Power

The Sidekick offers quick acceleration and a top speed of 40 mph thanks to its 48HP gasoline engine. It also brings plenty of torque with its fuel-efficient CVT Plus transmission (Continuously Variable Transmission with Centrifugal Clutch). The Idle Speed Control (ISC) feature offers a stable ride across mountainous terrain thanks to its highland correction system. The Sidekick also has an abundant power supply controlled by a microcomputer in the form of its onboard regulator and shielded generator, which can power a wide range of attachments.

Performance

With the Sidekick, you’ll be able to enjoy stability and agile handling across a wide variety of terrain and obstacles. The vehicle’s sensitive 45A EPS (Electronic Power Steering) offers tight control for the driver even when used for extreme activities, such as snow plowing or carrying a maximum weight load. The Sidekick also has a high clearance of 9.8 inches in the front and comes with front and rear independent suspension systems to add exceptional stability. A one-way sprag and centrifugal clutch allows drivers to carefully navigate steep slopes and focus on steering instead of their footwork.

Capabilities

The Sidekick comes with 2,000 lbs of towing capacity and a standard trailer hitch. It also has 15.2 cubic feet of space to hold up to 1,000 pounds of cargo. The bed also has steel tie-down hooks to keep your load secure and an optional cargo bed extender that can increase its length by 25%. The Sidekick’s cargo box also comes with an optional electric lift or a standard assist damper to make it easy to unload your cargo once you reach your destination.

Honda Pioneer 1000

At an MSRP of $15,899, the Honda Pioneer 1000 is the entry-level vehicle for the companies’ line of two-seaters. It comes with a one-year limited warranty with extended coverage available and includes the following features:

POWER

The Pioneer comes with a 999cc liquid-cooled inline twin engine that uses the same Unicam® cylinder found in Honda’s motocross bikes. This means the vehicle offers a tremendous amount of torque despite its size. The vehicle can put this to good use with its dual-clutch transmission animated with Advanced Transmission Logic, which can sense which gear to shift to and when. Thanks to its front and rear drive shafts, the Pioneer can conquer any terrain with ease.

PERFORMANCE

The Pioneer has a high ground clearance of 12.7 inches and independent double-wishbone suspension with 10.6 inches of travel. It also includes Honda’s exclusive i-4WD Electric Power Steering (EPS), an intelligent brake-traction control system. This gives the Pioneer front-wheel traction even in mud and on ice, along with easy handling while speeding along winding back roads and trails. There are also four dual 210mm hydraulic discs for extra control.

CAPABILITIES

The Pioneer has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs and a cargo bed capacity of 1000 lbs (600 lbs for California models). There’s also a hydraulic assist tilt lever bed that you can access from inside the driver’s seat or outside the vehicle. It can clear obstacles easily, thanks to its high clearance of 12.7 inches and its tight turning radius of just 13.8 inches. The Pioneer can keep out in the field for a long time, as well, thanks to its 7.9 gallon fuel capacity and 1.7 gallon reserve.

Choosing the Right Utility Vehicle

Before choosing your utility vehicle, don’t be afraid to take them for a test-drive for an hour or two. You’ll want to make sure that you’re choosing the right one, whether you’re getting it for work, fun, or both. Whether you’re leaning toward Honda or want to learn more about Kubota, you’ll want to make sure that your vehicle fits your budget and specific needs. Contact Wisconsin Powersports today to speak with a Kubota and Honda dealer about buying a utility vehicle that you can count on no matter what.