John Deere Gator XUV560 and XUV560 S4: Specs and Features

Originally published June 21, 2016. Updated August 21, 2026, with additional specifications, historical context and information about the current XUV560E.

The John Deere Gator XUV560 joined Deere’s crossover utility vehicle lineup in 2016 as an affordable mid-size alternative to the company’s larger and more powerful Gators. Offered as the two-passenger XUV560 and four-passenger XUV560 S4, it combined a compact footprint with four-wheel drive, independent suspension and practical hauling capability.

The original XUV560 has since evolved into the XUV560E, but the basic formula remains familiar: a relatively simple gasoline-powered Gator designed primarily for property maintenance, farm work, hunting and lower-speed trail use. It continues to occupy the entry-level position in John Deere’s Mid-Size XUV family.

John Deere Gator XUV560 Overview

John Deere developed the XUV560 for buyers who wanted more off-road capability and comfort than a traditional low-speed work vehicle without moving into a full-size Gator.

At its introduction, the XUV560 used a 570cc air-cooled V-twin gasoline engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. The carbureted engine was tuned to provide smooth low- and midrange power, dependable cold-weather starting and a maximum speed of approximately 28 mph.

That modest top speed reflects the vehicle’s intended mission. The XUV560 was not positioned as a high-performance recreational side-by-side. It was designed to transport people, tools and supplies around farms, rural properties and jobsites while remaining small and maneuverable.

XUV560 and XUV560 S4 Specifications

Specifications can vary by model year, configuration and installed equipment. Confirm specifications for an individual vehicle before purchasing or towing.

Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

One of the XUV560’s most important features was its four-wheel independent suspension. Adjustable coil-over shocks allowed each wheel to react independently to uneven terrain, providing a more controlled and comfortable ride than a simpler solid-axle utility vehicle.

The suspension, selectable four-wheel drive and relatively compact dimensions made the XUV560 useful on rough properties, wooded trails and uneven farm roads. It was still a work-oriented vehicle, but its ride quality helped place it within Deere’s crossover XUV family rather than the traditional Gator Work Series.

Composite Cargo Box and Storage

The XUV560 used a one-piece composite cargo box designed to resist rust and dents while producing less noise than a conventional steel bed. Rounded interior corners made loose material easier to remove when the box was tilted.

The tailgate could be operated with one hand, removed when carrying longer items or opened for easier cleanout. Available accessories included a cargo-box power lift, wall extensions, racks, guards, lighting and a spare-tire carrier.

Sealed storage under the hood provided space for smaller supplies, while the operator area included cup holders, a glove box and a 12-volt power outlet.

XUV560 S4 Adds Four-Passenger Seating

The XUV560 S4 extended the platform to accommodate four occupants with a second row of seating. This made it better suited to transporting a work crew, family members or hunting partners.

The S4’s additional seating also made the vehicle longer and less compact than the standard two-seat model. Buyers who rarely need more than two seats may prefer the maneuverability of the regular XUV560, while the S4 offers significantly greater passenger versatility.

How the XUV560 Became the XUV560E

John Deere subsequently updated the model and adopted the XUV560E name. The “E” identifies it as the value-oriented entry in the Mid-Size XUV range.

The current XUV560E and XUV560E S4 retain the original vehicle’s basic mission and 28-mph performance level while incorporating later control and convenience updates. They remain the affordable choices in John Deere’s mid-size crossover family.

The faster XUV590M and XUV590M S4 occupy the next step up. Their 586cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine produces approximately 32 horsepower and provides a top speed exceeding 45 mph. That substantial performance difference makes the XUV590M better suited to owners who cover longer distances or place greater emphasis on recreational trail use.

Who Is the John Deere XUV560 Best For?

The XUV560 platform makes the most sense for buyers who prioritize compact size, four-wheel-drive capability and practical work features over horsepower and speed. Typical uses include:

• Property and grounds maintenance
• Farm and ranch transportation
• Hunting and access to remote areas
• Moving tools, feed and supplies
• Lower-speed recreational trail riding
• Transporting up to four occupants in the S4

Buyers expecting frequent high-speed trail riding may find the XUV560 underpowered compared with newer recreational UTVs. For its intended role, however, its controlled speed, manageable dimensions and useful cargo capacity can be advantages rather than limitations.

An Important Mid-Size Gator

The 2016 XUV560 helped broaden John Deere’s Gator range by providing a clear middle ground between traditional work vehicles and the company’s larger crossover machines. Its combination of four-wheel drive, independent suspension, a composite cargo box and two- or four-passenger configurations created a practical package for owners who did not need full-size capability.

That original concept remains relevant in the current XUV560E. It is still the Gator for buyers who want an affordable, compact 4×4 utility vehicle and are willing to trade higher speed and stronger acceleration for simplicity and lower cost.

See how the XUV560E compares with Deere’s other utility vehicles in our current John Deere Gator lineup guide. For a broader look at how models such as the XUV560 fit into the brand’s development, read the history of the John Deere Gator.

Find additional model information, reviews and news in the John Deere Gator section on UTVGuide.net.