The 2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX brought the company’s heavy-duty HDX utility platform to buyers who did not need the larger engine found in the Prowler HDX 700. Its 443cc EFI engine, three-person bench seat, large tilting cargo box and numerous storage compartments made it a practical option for work, hunting and recreational trail riding.
2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX Overview
Rather than building the Prowler 500 as a small two-passenger utility vehicle, Arctic Cat installed its 443cc engine in the full-size HDX platform. That gave the 500 HDX the same basic work-oriented layout as the larger-displacement Prowler HDX models, including a three-person bench seat and a wide cargo box.
The result was a lower-displacement utility side-by-side intended for owners who valued carrying capacity, storage and passenger room more than outright acceleration. Its fully independent suspension also gave the Prowler considerably more trail capability than a traditional work cart.
443cc EFI Engine
Power came from Arctic Cat’s 500 H1 engine, a 443cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke equipped with electronic fuel injection. EFI automatically compensated for changes in temperature and elevation while helping the engine deliver predictable starting and throttle response.
The engine was connected to an automatic CVT with high, low, neutral, reverse and park ranges. Selectable two- and four-wheel drive allowed the driver to conserve steering effort on firm terrain and engage four-wheel drive when additional traction was required.
Three-Person Bench Seat
The full-width bench seat provided room for a driver and two passengers. This was one of the Prowler 500 HDX’s most important advantages over many smaller utility UTVs, which commonly used individual seats and accommodated only two occupants.
A certified rollover-protection structure surrounded the passenger compartment. As with any side-by-side, occupants should wear seat belts and appropriate protective equipment whenever the vehicle is being operated.
Cargo Box and Storage
The Prowler HDX was designed primarily as a working side-by-side. Its tilting rear cargo box could carry up to 1,000 pounds and was wide enough to accept a standard pallet. The box could also be converted into two separate cargo areas to help keep tools, equipment or supplies organized.
Additional storage included a 25-pound-capacity compartment beneath the hood and enclosed compartments positioned near the rear wheel wells. These storage areas allowed smaller items to be kept out of the cargo bed and protected from mud and weather.
Suspension and Capability
Independent double-A-arm suspension at all four corners delivered approximately 10 inches of wheel travel. The Prowler 500 HDX also offered approximately 10 inches of ground clearance, giving it enough clearance and suspension movement for ranch roads, uneven job sites and moderate recreational trails.
A two-inch receiver and 1,500-pound towing capacity expanded its utility for moving trailers, equipment and supplies. Owners should always confirm the vehicle’s operating limits and account for occupants, accessories and cargo before towing or loading the bed.
2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX Key Specifications
| Engine | 443cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Transmission | Automatic CVT with high, low, neutral, reverse and park |
| Drive system | Selectable 2WD/4WD |
| Seating capacity | Three occupants |
| Front suspension | Independent double A-arm; approximately 10 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Independent double A-arm; approximately 10 inches of travel |
| Ground clearance | Approximately 10 inches |
| Cargo-box capacity | 1,000 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Front storage capacity | 25 pounds |
Prowler 500 HDX XT
The Prowler 500 HDX XT added painted bodywork and additional storage features to the underlying HDX utility package. Available colors included Vibrant Red Metallic and Emerald Green Metallic.
- Three-person bench seating
- 25-pound-capacity front storage compartment
- Enclosed side storage compartments
- Tilting, configurable rear cargo box
- Painted bodywork
Prowler 500 HDX Limited EPS
The Limited EPS version added variable-assist electronic power steering and a five-position tilt steering wheel. Power steering was especially useful at low speeds, when maneuvering with a loaded cargo box or when four-wheel drive was engaged on rough terrain.
- Variable-assist electronic power steering
- Five-position tilt steering wheel
- 25-pound-capacity front storage compartment
- Enclosed side storage compartments
- Vibrant Red Metallic or Emerald Green Metallic painted bodywork
Where the Prowler 500 HDX Fit
The Prowler 500 HDX was essentially the economical engine option in Arctic Cat’s full-size HDX utility family. It retained the passenger room, substantial cargo capacity and work-focused chassis of the HDX 700 while trading some acceleration and reserve power for a smaller engine.
That made it best suited to property maintenance, hunting, farm work and moderate-speed trail use. Buyers who routinely carried heavy loads at elevation, climbed steep terrain or wanted stronger recreational performance were better served by the Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700.
For more historical models, reviews and announcements, visit the UTVGuide.net Arctic Cat archive.
