The Arctic Cat Prowler 550 evolved from a work-focused flatbed UTV into an affordable recreation-utility model during its 2009–2015 production run. Although its bodywork and operator environment changed over the years, the Prowler 550 remained centered around a 545cc EFI engine, selectable four-wheel drive, independent suspension and practical cargo capacity.
Arctic Cat Prowler 550 Model History
2009 Arctic Cat Prowler 550 Flatbed
The 550 designation first appeared in Arctic Cat’s side-by-side lineup for 2009. The Prowler 550 H1 EFI Flatbed was a work-oriented model with a flat rear cargo platform rather than the composite dump box used by the later XT.
UTV Guide saw the new machine during the 2009 Arctic Cat model introduction in South Dakota, where it appeared alongside the Prowler 700 and newly introduced Prowler XTZ 1000.
The Flatbed established the mechanical foundation of the Prowler 550 family. Power came from Arctic Cat’s 545cc H1 single-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, paired with the company’s Duramatic automatic CVT and selectable four-wheel drive.
2010 Arctic Cat Prowler 550 H1 XT EFI
For 2010, Arctic Cat introduced the more recreational Prowler 550 H1 XT EFI. In place of the flat cargo platform, the XT used a composite tilting cargo box rated to carry 600 pounds.
The two-seat cab featured sculpted bucket seats, three-point seat belts, cupholders and dual 12-volt accessory outlets. A compartment beneath the hood could hold 25 pounds of gear and was designed to double as a drainable cooler.
Independent double-A-arm suspension provided 10 inches of travel at both ends. Preload-adjustable shocks allowed owners to compensate for passengers, cargo and accessories, while a rear sway bar helped control body roll during recreational trail riding.
2011 Arctic Cat Prowler 550 XT Updates
The Prowler 550 XT received several noticeable updates for 2011. A Baja-inspired round-tube ROPS gave it a sportier appearance, while a redesigned digital gauge added a seat-belt indicator.
Arctic Cat also fitted a lighter-action throttle pedal, an automotive-style parking brake on the center console and heavy-duty 14-inch aluminum wheels. Available body colors included red, green and lime.
545cc H1 Engine and Drivetrain
The Prowler 550 was powered by Arctic Cat’s 545cc H1 engine, a liquid-cooled, SOHC single-cylinder four-stroke with four valves and electronic fuel injection. It was designed to provide manageable power and a broad torque curve for work and trail use.
The Duramatic automatic CVT provided High, Low, Neutral and Reverse ranges along with dynamic engine braking. A single dashboard-mounted rocker switch allowed the driver to select two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with the front differential locked.
Cargo, Payload and Towing
The composite tilting cargo box used on the Prowler 550 XT was rated to carry 600 pounds and featured a pickup-style tailgate. Arctic Cat listed total payload capacity at 1,000 pounds and towing capacity at 1,500 pounds.
Two-inch receiver hitches were installed at both the front and rear. The front receiver could accommodate accessories such as a winch or plow mount, while the rear receiver provided a conventional towing point.
2012 Arctic Cat Prowler 550i XT
For 2012, Arctic Cat continued the Prowler 550i XT with the same fundamental engine, drivetrain and chassis. Tungsten Metallic and Viper Blue painted bodywork provided a more upscale appearance, while heavy-duty 14-inch aluminum wheels remained part of the package.
2013–2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 550 XT
The Prowler 550 XT continued through 2013 and 2014 without a fundamental mechanical redesign. It retained the 545cc EFI engine, Duramatic CVT, selectable four-wheel drive, locking front differential and independent suspension.
By 2014, the model was equipped with Duro Kaden tires and side restraints, while automotive-style paint helped distinguish it from more basic work UTVs. Its suggested retail price for 2014 was $10,999.
2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 550 XT Redesign
The Prowler 550 XT received its most extensive update for 2015. The familiar engine, drivetrain and basic suspension layout remained, but Arctic Cat redesigned much of the bodywork and operator environment.
New Surlyn body panels gave the Prowler a more automotive appearance. The redesigned hood covered a more usable 3.0-cubic-foot storage compartment with a 25-pound capacity, weather-resistant sealing, an automotive-style latch and an integrated support.
Inside the cab, Arctic Cat added a larger glovebox, a center storage cubby and a dash-mounted shifter. A fully variable tilt steering system created three additional inches of leg clearance with the wheel raised. Revised shoulder and foot restraints made entry easier and provided additional occupant room.
The 545cc engine gained closed-loop electronic fuel injection and a catalyst-equipped exhaust. Arctic Cat claimed the system improved fuel economy while reducing emissions. Additional sound insulation around the clutch reduced operating noise, while softer shock calibration improved ride comfort.
The redesigned model retained 10 inches of suspension travel and ground clearance, a 600-pound cargo-box rating and selectable 2WD/4WD with a locking front differential. Its 2015 suggested retail price was $11,299.
End of the Prowler 550
The 2015 model year marked the end of the original Prowler 550’s production run. It did not return for 2016, leaving the Prowler 700 XT as Arctic Cat’s primary two-seat recreation-utility model in this class.
The Prowler name continued on later Arctic Cat and Textron Off Road utility vehicles, but those machines were not direct continuations of the original 545cc model. See our Arctic Cat UTV coverage and historical UTV model archive for more discontinued models.
Arctic Cat Prowler 550 Timeline
| Model year | Model | Key developments |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Prowler 550 H1 EFI Flatbed | First Prowler powered by the 545cc H1 engine; work-focused flat cargo platform |
| 2010 | Prowler 550 H1 XT EFI | Tilting 600-pound cargo box, bucket seats and recreation-utility configuration |
| 2011 | Prowler 550 XT | Round-tube ROPS, digital gauge, lighter throttle, console parking brake and aluminum wheels |
| 2012 | Prowler 550i XT | Tungsten Metallic and Viper Blue painted bodywork |
| 2013–2014 | Prowler 550 XT | Core engine, drivetrain and chassis continued with minor trim and equipment changes |
| 2015 | Prowler 550 XT | Redesigned bodywork and cab, improved storage, quieter clutch enclosure and closed-loop EFI |
Arctic Cat Prowler 550 Specifications
These specifications primarily describe the 2011–2014 Prowler 550 XT. Equipment and dimensions may vary slightly by model year.
| Engine | 545cc SOHC, four-stroke, four-valve single-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Bore and stroke | 92 × 82 mm |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling with fan |
| Transmission | Duramatic automatic CVT with engine braking and High, Low, Neutral and Reverse ranges |
| Drive system | Selectable 2WD/4WD with locking front differential |
| Front suspension | Independent double A-arm; 10 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Independent double A-arm; 10 inches of travel with sway bar |
| Ground clearance | 10 inches |
| Brakes | Hydraulic discs |
| Front tires | 26 × 9-14 |
| Rear tires | 26 × 11-14 |
| Overall width | 61.5 inches |
| Overall length | 118.75 inches |
| Wheelbase | 75 inches |
| Dry weight | Approximately 1,230 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 8.2 gallons |
| Cargo-box capacity | 600 pounds |
| Total payload capacity | 1,000 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Underhood storage capacity | 25 pounds |
| Alternator output | 25 amps |
Frequently Asked Questions
What years was the Arctic Cat Prowler 550 made?
The Arctic Cat Prowler 550 was offered from 2009 through 2015. It began with the 2009 Prowler 550 Flatbed, while the Prowler 550 XT recreation-utility version arrived for 2010.
What engine is in the Arctic Cat Prowler 550?
The Prowler 550 uses Arctic Cat’s 545cc H1 engine, a liquid-cooled, SOHC four-stroke single with four valves and electronic fuel injection.
How much can a Prowler 550 tow?
Arctic Cat rated the Prowler 550 XT to tow as much as 1,500 pounds. Two-inch receiver hitches were fitted at both the front and rear.
How much weight can its cargo box carry?
The composite tilting cargo box used on the Prowler 550 XT was rated for 600 pounds. The earlier 2009 Flatbed used a different rear cargo platform.
Was the 2015 Prowler 550 completely new?
The 2015 model received substantially redesigned bodywork, storage, controls and occupant accommodations. It retained the familiar 545cc engine, Duramatic drivetrain and basic independent-suspension configuration.
