Arctic Cat Prowler XTX 700: History, Specs and Key Features

The Arctic Cat Prowler XTX 700 was an early crossover utility UTV that combined serious cargo and towing capacity with more recreational capability than many work-focused side-by-sides of its era. Its 695cc fuel-injected engine, independent suspension and relatively generous ground clearance made it suitable for jobs around a property as well as trail riding, hunting and exploring.

Introduced for the 2008 model year, the Prowler XTX 700 replaced the earlier Prowler XT 650 at the top of Arctic Cat’s single-cylinder Prowler range. Arctic Cat continued refining the platform over the following years, including revised occupant restraints, an automatic-locking rear differential and eventually electronic power steering.

Arctic Cat Prowler XTX 700 Photos

Arctic Cat Prowler XTX 700 Overview

The Prowler XTX 700 occupied the middle ground between a traditional utility vehicle and the emerging recreational UTV category. It retained practical features such as a large dump box, front storage, receiver hitches and a 1,500-pound towing rating, but paired them with 26-inch tires and fully independent suspension.

Power came from Arctic Cat’s 695cc H1 single-cylinder engine. Electronic fuel injection helped the engine start consistently across changing temperatures and elevations, while its torque-focused power delivery suited towing, climbing and low-speed trail use.

The engine was connected to Arctic Cat’s Duramatic automatic CVT with high and low ranges, neutral, reverse and engine braking. Drivers could select two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with the front differential locked.

Prowler XTX 700 Driving Impressions

In our experience, the Prowler 700’s fuel-injected engine delivered good low-speed response and enough power for work and recreational trail riding. Its suspension travel and ground clearance were also strong for the period.

The tradeoff was the machine’s physical size and tall seating position. The Prowler was considerably wider and heavier than a contemporary Yamaha Rhino, and the occupants sat high in the chassis. Although the wider track helped compensate, the elevated seating position could make the Prowler feel top-heavy on side hills.

For more detailed observations and comparisons with other early UTVs, see our separate Arctic Cat Prowler XTX 700 review.

695cc H1 EFI Engine

The 2008 Prowler XTX introduced Arctic Cat’s 695cc H1 engine to the platform. The liquid-cooled, four-stroke single used electronic fuel injection and a four-valve cylinder head.

The “H1” designation referred to the engine’s hemispherical combustion-chamber design. Arctic Cat emphasized strong low- and midrange torque rather than outright high-rpm horsepower, which fit the Prowler’s combination of utility work and trail use.

Compared with the carbureted 641cc engine in the preceding Prowler 650, EFI improved cold starting and compensated automatically for temperature and elevation changes. Arctic Cat also revised the intake and exhaust systems to reduce operating noise.

Drivetrain and Four-Wheel Drive

The Prowler XTX 700 used an automatic CVT with high and low ranges. Low range provided better belt control and low-speed response when climbing, towing or carrying a heavy load.

A dashboard control allowed the driver to choose between 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with the front differential locked. That gave the Prowler a useful progression from easier steering on firm terrain to maximum traction in mud, snow or rocky conditions.

Later versions also featured Arctic Cat’s Turf Saver automatic-locking rear differential. Under normal conditions, the open rear differential reduced turf damage and steering effort. When rear-wheel slip occurred, the system could lock the rear wheels together to improve traction.

Suspension and Chassis

The Prowler XTX 700 used double-A-arm independent suspension at all four corners with 10 inches of travel. Preload-adjustable shocks allowed owners to compensate to a limited extent for cargo, accessories or changing terrain.

Early versions were promoted with as much as approximately 13 inches of ground clearance. Published dimensions and clearance figures changed during the XTX 700’s production run, so specifications should be matched to the exact model year when ordering parts or comparing vehicles.

The machine measured approximately 61.5 inches wide and rode on a 75-inch wheelbase. That made it substantially larger than a 50-inch trail UTV and too wide for trail systems restricted to 50-inch vehicles.

Cargo and Towing Capability

Utility equipment was a major part of the Prowler XTX 700’s appeal. Its composite dump box was rated to carry as much as 600 pounds, while the vehicle carried a published towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Two-inch receivers at the front and rear made it easier to use towing and work accessories. An under-hood compartment provided approximately 25 pounds of additional storage capacity and could be used for tools, hunting equipment or other smaller items.

The cab included dual bucket seats, a center console with cupholders, two 12-volt accessory outlets and a molded tool kit beneath the passenger seat. A five-position tilt steering column made it easier to adjust the driving position and enter or exit the tall cab.

Arctic Cat Prowler XTX 700 Model History

2008: The 700 H1 EFI Arrives

The Prowler XTX 700 debuted for 2008 with the new 695cc H1 EFI engine. Other notable equipment included independent suspension, 26-inch tires, hydraulic disc brakes, tilt steering and a digital information display.

The new engine gave Arctic Cat a meaningful upgrade over the earlier 641cc Prowler 650. Fuel injection, improved power delivery and reduced intake and exhaust noise made the Prowler better suited to changing elevations and longer recreational rides.

2009: XTX 700 Returns

The Prowler XTX 700 returned for 2009 without a major redesign. It remained Arctic Cat’s established single-cylinder recreational utility model while the new Prowler XTZ 1000 brought a larger V-twin engine to the lineup.

We drove the 2009 Prowler family during the Arctic Cat model introduction in South Dakota. The XTX 700 offered good engine performance and useful ground clearance, although its tall seating position remained its most noticeable disadvantage.

2010: Restraints and Rear Differential Updates

For 2010, Arctic Cat equipped the Prowler XTX 700 with three-point seat belts. Earlier machines used lap belts, making the upgraded restraint system a meaningful occupant-safety improvement.

The 2010 model also featured the Turf Saver automatic-locking rear differential. Additional equipment included 14-inch wheels, a rear sway bar, a locking front differential and front and rear two-inch receivers.

Those changes were originally detailed in our 2010 Arctic Cat Prowler XTX 700 model update.

2011: Electronic Power Steering

Electronic power steering became available on the Prowler XTX 700 for 2011. Arctic Cat’s variable-assist system reduced steering effort at low speed, when carrying cargo and when the front differential lock was engaged.

EPS addressed one of the practical challenges associated with a relatively large utility UTV. It was particularly helpful when maneuvering in four-wheel drive or working around obstacles at low speeds.

2012–2014: Continued Refinement

By 2012, Arctic Cat identified the model as the Prowler 700i XTX, with the “i” indicating electronic fuel injection. Available versions and colors included painted bodywork, aluminum wheels and electronic power steering.

The basic formula remained familiar through the later XTX 700 model years: a two-seat chassis, 695cc single-cylinder engine, selectable four-wheel drive, independent suspension and a large cargo box. Arctic Cat also offered the Prowler 700 HDX during this period, but the HDX used a longer wheelbase and a three-passenger cab and should be considered a separate model.

Prowler XTX 700 and the Baja 1000

The Prowler XTX 700 also earned an important place in early UTV racing history. In 2008, Arctic Cat Prowlers swept the UTV results at the Baja 1000, demonstrating that production-based side-by-sides could survive one of North America’s most demanding off-road races.

The result gave the XTX 700 credibility beyond its cargo and towing specifications. Read more about the race in Arctic Cat Prowlers Sweep the Baja 1000.

2012 Arctic Cat Prowler XTX 700 Specifications

Prowler XTX 700 Strengths

• Strong low-speed torque from the 695cc EFI engine
• Fully independent suspension with 10 inches of travel
• Large 600-pound-capacity dump box
• 1,500-pound towing rating
• Front and rear two-inch receivers
• Selectible four-wheel drive with differential lock
• Electronic power steering on later models
• Useful combination of work and recreational capability

Prowler XTX 700 Weaknesses

• Tall seating position can create a top-heavy feeling on side hills
• More than 60 inches wide and unsuitable for 50-inch trails
• Large and heavy compared with some contemporary two-seat UTVs
• Early models used lap belts rather than three-point restraints
• Original shocks offer limited adjustment compared with modern UTV suspension

How the XTX 700 Fits into Prowler History

The XTX 700 helped move Arctic Cat’s original Prowler beyond the carbureted 650 era. Its fuel-injected H1 engine, independent suspension and practical cargo equipment created a versatile package at a time when the UTV market was rapidly separating into dedicated work and sport categories.

It was not a pure sport machine like the Polaris RZR, nor was it as narrowly focused on utility work as some early bench-seat vehicles. Instead, the Prowler XTX 700 represented Arctic Cat’s effort to combine both roles in one platform.

The Prowler name continues today, although the current vehicles are substantially different from the original XTX 700. See the 2027 Arctic Cat Prowler lineup for the newest models, specifications and prices.