50-Inch Trail UTVs: 2017 Model Comparison

Fifty-inch UTVs were built for riders who wanted access to width-restricted trails without giving up the comfort and capability of a side-by-side. In 2017, the category included everything from sport-oriented trail machines to compact recreation and utility models.

The arrival of the 2018 Can-Am Maverick Trail expanded the field to four major contenders: the Can-Am Maverick Trail 1000, Polaris RZR 900, Textron/Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail and Honda Pioneer 500. Although all four measured approximately 50 inches wide, they offered very different combinations of power, suspension, wheelbase, transmission design and price.

This historical comparison looks at those machines as they were offered when the article was published in 2017.

2018 Can-Am Maverick Trail

As the newcomer to the group, we’re anxious to see how this new trail ready Maverick is received by the masses.  Like other models in the Can-Am lineup, the Maverick Trail is available in two different engine configurations, an 800 and 1,000.  For the purpose of our comparison we’re using the 1,000 model’s specs so that we can compare apples to apples but it’s worth mentioning the available option.

2018 Can-Am Maverick Trail 1000

2018 Can-Am Maverick Trail

In the horsepower department, the Maverick Trail puts out 75 ponies from it’s 976cc Rotax V-twin engine.  It offers the same Visco-lok auto locking front differential that can be found on most Can-Am ATVs and UTVs and includes electronic descent control for controlling speeds when traveling downhill.  Trail riders will appreciate the extra low “Low” drive gear in instances that require some extra low end grunt to overcome an obstacle.

Twin tube gas charged shocks matted to dual A-arm independent suspension provides 10 inches of front suspension travel and Can-Ams Tortional Trailing Arms provide 10.5 inches in the rear.  On the flip side, you’ll find impressive full length body armor should you find the 10 inches of ground clearance to be insufficient.  At 90.6 inches, the Maverick Trail features the longest wheelbase in class and is the longest overall at 118 inches.  A ten gallon fuel tank is the largest of the four machines and will ensure you don’t have to stop your fun to refuel frequently.  In the cockpit you’ll find a multifunctional digital display, over five gallons of storage space and an adjustable tilt steering wheel.  MSRP $12,999

We later spent time behind the wheel for our complete Can-Am Maverick Trail review, where its unusually long wheelbase proved to be one of its defining characteristics.

Polaris RZR 900

Polaris RZR 900

Tied with the Maverick Trail, the Polaris RZR 900 puts out 75 horsepower from its ProStar 900 twin cylinder engine.  ZF Sachs front and rear shocks provide the damping and dual a-arm front and rear suspension offer 10 inches of suspension travel on all four corners.  Obviously Polaris engineers felt that engine breaking is a priority to trail enthusiasts because the RZR 900 model offers it where several of the larger displaced Extreme Performance models do not.

The RZR 900 has the highest ground clearance of any these models at 11 inches and a 9.5 gallon fuel tank.  It’s 79 inch wheel base is significantly less than the Maverick Trail but if space comes at a premium in your toy hauler, you’ll appreciate the 105 inch overall length.  MSRP $12,999.

Our original Polaris RZR 900 review takes a closer look at how the compact RZR performed on width-restricted trails.

Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail

Textron Wildcat Trail SE

Though slightly underpowered at just over 60 horsepower, the Arctic Wildcat Trail is still big fun, due largely in part to its FOX Shocks.  The Wildcat ties the Maverick for best in class suspension with 10 inches up front and 10.5 inches in the rear and offers the same 10 inches of ground clearance.  A Rapid Response clutch with electronically selectable 2WD/4WD and differential lock lets you decide how the power gets to the ground.  Although slightly underpowered, the Wildcat Trail offers the best in class power to weight ratio thanks to its trimmed down figure.

Smaller 25 inch tires can be found on the Wildcat Trail as opposed to 26’s found on both the Maverick and RZR.  If you’re one that commonly runs your machine out of fuel, be mindful of the smaller 7.5 gallon fuel tank so you don’t end up stranded.  The Wildcat Trail offers a wheelbase of 86 inches which is just about right between the RZR and the Maverick and drivers will appreciate the infinitely adjustable tilt steering wheel.  MSRP $11,499

Our original Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail review takes a closer look at its FOX-shock-equipped suspension, lightweight chassis and handling on narrow trails.

Honda Pioneer 500

Honda Pioneer 500

The Honda Pioneer 500 is sort of the odd man out in this comparison but as a 50 inch contender, we wanted to include it in our comparison.  For the consumer who wants to hit the trails but has a tight budget, this might be the easy go to.  Although the Pioneer 500 shares the same 50 inch stance as these other models, it’s “smaller” in just about every capacity.

For starters, the single cylinder 475cc engine puts out just over 28 horsepower.  Independent dual wishbone front and rear suspension supplies 5.9 inches of front and rear travel and ground clearance measures 8.5 inches.  The Pioneer 500 is significantly shorter at 102 inches long with a wheelbase of 73 inches; thats 17 inches shorter than the Maverick Trail.

A couple of features that set the Pioneer apart however are its five speed speed automatic transmission with optional paddle shift manual transmission.  Honda was the first OEM to put paddle shifters on a side by side and while the Pioneer 500 might not set any land speed records, controlling when the vehicle shifts provides an entirely different, and very sporty experience. MSRP $8,999

As discussed in our Honda Pioneer 500 review, its compact dimensions, geared transmission and ability to fit in many full-size pickup beds gave it a very different mission than the sportier machines.

50-inch Maximum

How the 2017 50-Inch UTVs Compared

Many public trail systems in the United States and Canada used 50-inch width restrictions, making overall vehicle width one of the most important specifications in this category. Staying within that limit allowed these compact UTVs to access trails that were closed to wider 60-, 64- and 72-inch side-by-sides.

The Can-Am Maverick Trail 1000, Polaris RZR 900 and Wildcat Trail were the sport-oriented choices. All three delivered approximately 10 inches of suspension travel, at least 10 inches of ground clearance and considerably more performance than the Honda Pioneer 500.

The Maverick Trail paired 75 horsepower with the longest wheelbase and roomiest cockpit of the group. The RZR 900 matched its claimed horsepower while using a much shorter chassis that was easier to maneuver through tight turns. The lighter Wildcat Trail produced less power but offered FOX shocks and a competitive power-to-weight ratio.

The Pioneer 500 occupied a different part of the market. Its 475cc single-cylinder engine and 5.9 inches of suspension travel could not match the sport machines, but its compact dimensions, geared five-speed transmission and lower price made it an appealing option for recreational riding and light utility work.

Base versions of the four machines did not include power steering, although upgraded configurations of the Maverick Trail, RZR 900 and Wildcat Trail were available with electronic power steering and other equipment.

2017 50-Inch UTV Specifications

Which 50-Inch UTV Was Best in 2017?

There was no single best 50-inch UTV for every rider in 2017. The Can-Am Maverick Trail 1000 offered the most spacious cockpit and longest wheelbase, making it comfortable and stable over rough terrain. The Polaris RZR 900 combined strong power with a shorter chassis that was well suited to tight, technical trails.

The Wildcat Trail appealed to riders who valued its FOX shocks, light weight and playful handling. Meanwhile, the Honda Pioneer 500 provided a more affordable and versatile alternative for buyers who prioritized compact dimensions, a geared transmission and light-duty utility capability over outright speed.

Looking back, this group shows how varied the 50-inch category had become. These machines shared the same trail-friendly width, but their performance, handling and intended uses were substantially different.