Kubota’s current RTV lineup is built around work rather than outright recreational performance. These utility vehicles prioritize hauling, low-speed control, durability and year-round productivity for farms, ranches, construction sites, municipalities and large properties.
The lineup ranges from the compact gas-powered RTV520 to the faster RTV-XG850 Sidekick and a family of full-size diesel RTV-X models. Within the diesel range, buyers can choose a conventional two-seat work vehicle, a factory-enclosed HVAC cab, a convertible Crew configuration or the RTV-X LONG BED.
This guide explains the current Kubota RTV models, their major differences and which configuration is best suited to each type of work.
Current Kubota RTV Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Engine | Seating | Primary Advantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kubota RTV520 | Gasoline | 2 | Compact 54.7-inch width | Smaller properties, tight access and lighter work |
| Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick | 54-hp gasoline twin | 2 | Up to 40 mph | Work combined with faster transportation and recreation |
| Kubota RTV-X | 23.3-hp diesel | 2 | Full-size diesel work capability | Farms, jobsites, hauling and implement use |
| Kubota RTV-X CAB | 23.3-hp diesel | 2 | Factory heat and air conditioning | Year-round work in extreme weather |
| Kubota RTV-X CREW | 23.3-hp diesel | 2 or 4 | Convertible passenger and cargo layout | Crews needing flexible seating and bed space |
| Kubota RTV-X LONG BED | 24.8-hp diesel | 2 | Six-foot ProKonvert cargo bed | Large, long or awkward cargo |
The RTV-X is the foundation of Kubota’s full-size diesel RTV-X family. It combines a 23.3-horsepower, three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine with the company’s VHT-X Variable Hydraulic Transmission.
Specifications and available configurations can vary by trim, equipment package and operating conditions.
Kubota RTV520 compact gas utility vehicle
Kubota RTV520: Compact and Easy to Operate
The Kubota RTV520 is the smallest model in the current RTV lineup. Its 54.7-inch width makes it easier to maneuver through narrow gates, confined jobsites, barns and established landscaping where a full-size utility vehicle may feel cumbersome.
A liquid-cooled Kubota gasoline engine produces more than 17 horsepower. Rather than using a conventional belt-driven CVT, the RTV520 uses Kubota’s Variable Hydrostatic Transmission. Its single-pedal operation and hill-hold characteristics make it approachable for inexperienced operators while providing controlled performance on grades and around obstacles.
The RTV520 includes a dump cargo bed and is rated to tow up to 1,168 pounds. An available modular cab, snow blade, work lights and other accessories can expand its usefulness for property maintenance and seasonal work.
Who Should Buy the Kubota RTV520?
The RTV520 is the best Kubota choice for buyers who need a compact utility vehicle for landscaping, grounds maintenance, livestock chores and general property work. It is not intended to match the cargo capacity, diesel torque or heavy attachment options of the larger RTV-X models.
Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick gas utility vehicle
Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick: The Faster Gas-Powered RTV
The Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick occupies a distinct position in the lineup. It combines meaningful cargo capability with substantially more speed than Kubota’s diesel RTV-X work vehicles.
Its 851cc, two-cylinder gasoline engine produces 54 horsepower and gives the Sidekick a claimed top speed of up to 40 mph. That makes it better suited to covering larger properties, moving between distant jobs and handling recreational transportation when the workday ends.
The Sidekick uses a CVT+ transmission instead of the variable hydraulic transmission found in Kubota’s other current RTV families. Speed-sensitive electronic power steering, four-wheel independent suspension and selectable four-wheel drive help make it more responsive at higher speeds.
Work capability remains an important part of the package. The steel cargo box can hold up to 1,000 pounds and 15.2 cubic feet of material. Kubota rates towing capacity at up to 2,000 pounds on flat ground and 1,550 pounds on slopes.
For a closer look at its 54-horsepower gasoline engine, CVT-Plus transmission, suspension, trim levels and work capability, read our complete Kubota RTV-XG850 SIDEKICK guide.
Who Should Buy the Kubota Sidekick?
Choose the Sidekick if travel speed and acceleration matter almost as much as hauling. It is the most natural Kubota option for a large property owner, rancher, hunter or land manager who wants one vehicle for both work and recreational use.
Buyers focused on controlled low-speed work, diesel fuel, dynamic braking or hydraulic implement compatibility will likely be better served by an RTV-X diesel model.
Kubota RTV-X full-size diesel utility vehicle
Kubota RTV-X: The Core Full-Size Diesel Work Vehicle
The RTV-X is the foundation of Kubota’s full-size diesel utility vehicle range. It uses a 23.3-horsepower, three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine paired with the company’s VHT-X Variable Hydraulic Transmission.
The VHT-X is an important difference between Kubota’s diesel RTVs and the belt-driven CVTs used in many competing UTVs. The hydrostatic design provides controlled acceleration, precise low-speed operation and dynamic braking when descending hills. It also eliminates the conventional drive belt and centrifugal clutches found in a typical UTV CVT.
Kubota equips the RTV-X with four-wheel independent suspension, a limited-slip front differential, a locking rear differential and hydraulic power steering. It offers up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance and eight inches of suspension travel.
The standard two-seat configuration provides a full-size steel cargo box with up to 1,100 pounds of capacity. A hydraulic cargo-box lift is included on select trims, while front and rear two-inch receivers support a rated towing capacity of 1,300 pounds.
Who Should Buy the Kubota RTV-X?
The standard RTV-X is the most direct choice for farms, construction sites, landscaping companies and property owners who want Kubota’s diesel drivetrain without paying for a factory HVAC cab or convertible passenger arrangement.
Kubota RTV-X CAB with factory heat and air conditioning
Kubota RTV-X CAB: Factory HVAC for Year-Round Work
The Kubota RTV-X CAB combines the diesel RTV-X drivetrain with a factory-installed enclosed cab featuring heat and air conditioning. The integrated cab also includes defrosting capability, making this model particularly useful for snow removal, winter feeding, summer grounds maintenance and commercial operations that cannot stop for extreme weather.
Power comes from the same 23.3-horsepower Kubota D1105 three-cylinder diesel engine used elsewhere in the current full-size range. Kubota lists 51.4 pound-feet of torque, a 1,300-pound towing rating and up to 1,102 pounds of cargo-box capacity.
Premium configurations are available with Kubota’s ProKonvert cargo box. The sides and tailgate can be opened independently, and the cargo box can be converted into a flatbed without tools. LED low- and high-beam headlights are also part of the updated RTV-X CAB design.
Who Should Buy the Kubota RTV-X CAB?
The RTV-X CAB is the best fit for operators who work throughout the year and place more value on weather protection than passenger capacity. It is particularly relevant for municipalities, commercial properties, livestock operations and snow-removal contractors.
See how Kubota’s enclosed diesel work vehicle compares with other climate-controlled side-by-sides in our factory-equipped HVAC UTV guide.
Kubota RTV-X CREW convertible four-passenger utility vehicle
Kubota RTV-X CREW: Convertible Seating and Cargo Space
The Kubota RTV-X CREW is designed for operators who sometimes need to carry additional people but do not want to permanently give up the long cargo area of a single-row utility vehicle.
Kubota’s K-Vertible bed system allows the vehicle to change from a two-seat configuration with a larger cargo box to a four-seat configuration with two rows of seating and a shorter bed. Kubota says the transformation can be completed in less than a minute.
The distinction is important: the RTV-X CREW is not simply a long-wheelbase UTV with a fixed second row. Its adaptable layout lets an owner prioritize cargo capacity or passenger space based on the day’s job.
The CREW uses the 23.3-horsepower diesel engine and VHT-X transmission found in the rest of the full-size diesel family. Its maximum cargo-box rating is up to 1,102 pounds in the single-row position and 661 pounds when configured with the second row. Towing capacity is rated at 1,300 pounds.
Who Should Buy the Kubota RTV-X CREW?
The RTV-X CREW makes sense for farms, ranches, construction operations and large properties where the same vehicle may carry equipment in the morning and additional workers or family members later in the day.
If four seats are required nearly all the time, buyers should confirm that the smaller bed in the passenger configuration provides enough usable cargo space.
Kubota RTV-X1130 with six-foot ProKonvert cargo bed
Kubota RTV-X LONG BED: Six-Foot Bed for Maximum Cargo Versatility
The Kubota RTV-X LONG BED is the cargo specialist in the current diesel lineup. Unlike the RTV-X CREW, it does not convert between one and two rows of seating. Instead, it uses a fixed two-seat layout and devotes the space behind the occupants to a six-foot-long ProKonvert cargo bed.
The steel bed can carry up to 1,212 pounds and approximately 26 cubic feet of material. Its sides and tailgate can be opened independently, allowing equipment and supplies to be loaded from multiple directions. The sides can also be removed without tools to create a flatbed for bulky or irregularly shaped loads.
A standard hydraulic lift simplifies unloading dirt, mulch, gravel, feed and other loose material. Stake pockets integrated into the bed provide additional options for dividers, racks and taller cargo structures.
The RTV-X LONG BED uses Kubota’s 23.3-horsepower diesel engine, VHT-X transmission, four-wheel independent suspension and front and rear hitch receivers. Towing capacity is rated at 1,300 pounds.
Who Should Buy the Kubota RTV-X LONG BED?
The RTV-X LONG BED is the strongest choice for buyers whose work regularly involves lumber, fencing supplies, tools, landscaping material or other loads that are difficult to fit inside a conventional UTV cargo box.
Choose the RTV-X CREW when flexible passenger capacity is the priority. Choose the RTV-X LONG BED when bed length, side access and flatbed conversion matter more.
For a closer look at the six-foot ProKonvert bed, diesel powertrain, complete specifications and potential fire, EMS and rescue applications, read our complete Kubota RTV-X LONG BED guide.
Gasoline or Diesel: Which Kubota RTV Is Better?
Kubota’s gasoline and diesel RTVs are designed for different operating priorities.
- Choose the RTV520 for compact dimensions, simple operation and lighter property work.
- Choose the Sidekick for faster acceleration, a 40-mph top speed and a blend of work and recreation.
- Choose an RTV-X diesel for low-speed control, diesel durability, dynamic braking, heavy daily use and access to Kubota’s larger work attachments.
The Sidekick is the better machine for covering distance quickly. The diesel RTV-X models are more purpose-built for controlled work with a load, particularly on hills or around jobsites where precise vehicle speed matters more than maximum speed.
Understanding Kubota’s Current RTV-X Model Names
Longtime Kubota owners may be more familiar with individual designations such as RTV-X900, RTV-X1100C, RTV-X1120 and RTV-X1140. Those names remain common in used listings, parts catalogs and accessory compatibility information.
Kubota’s current consumer lineup increasingly groups the newest configurations under the simpler RTV-X, RTV-X CAB, RTV-X CREW and RTV-X LONG BED names. Individual model codes (eg. RTV-X1130 vs. RTV-X LONG BED) can still appear in technical documentation, so owners should verify the complete model and serial number before ordering parts or attachments.
Which Kubota RTV Should You Buy?
- Best for tight spaces: Kubota RTV520
- Best for speed and recreation: Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick
- Best all-around diesel work model: Kubota RTV-X
- Best for year-round enclosed-cab work: Kubota RTV-X CAB
- Best for flexible passenger capacity: Kubota RTV-X CREW
- Best for long cargo, fire/EMS upfits and specialized equipment: Kubota RTV-X LONG BED
The right choice ultimately depends on access width, passenger requirements, operating speed, cargo dimensions, climate and the attachments the vehicle will need to support. Local dealer availability and service support should also be considered, especially for vehicles that will be used daily in commercial or agricultural operations.
A Brief History of Kubota RTV Utility Vehicles
Kubota entered the utility-vehicle market in 2004 with the diesel-powered RTV900. Its heavy-duty construction, hydrostatic transmission and controlled low-speed performance established the work-focused formula that continues across today’s RTV-X family.
Kubota expanded that formula with several important models. The RTV1100 introduced a factory-installed cab with heat and air conditioning, while the RTV1140CPX added a convertible passenger-and-cargo layout. The compact gasoline-powered RTV500 made the platform practical for smaller properties and tighter spaces.
Those ideas continue in the current lineup. The RTV520 succeeds the compact RTV500, the RTV-X CAB carries forward Kubota’s factory-HVAC concept, and the RTV-X CREW develops the convertible layout introduced by the RTV1140CPX. The gasoline-powered RTV-XG850 SIDEKICK added greater speed and recreational versatility, while the RTV-X1130 expanded the diesel platform with a six-foot cargo bed.
Although individual models have changed, Kubota RTVs have remained centered on hauling, durability, low-speed control and year-round work rather than outright recreational performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kubota RTVs
What is the fastest Kubota RTV?
The gasoline-powered Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick is the fastest model in the current lineup, with a claimed top speed of up to 40 mph. Kubota’s diesel RTV-X models are designed around controlled work performance rather than high travel speed.
Which Kubota RTV has heat and air conditioning?
The Kubota RTV-X CAB has a factory-installed enclosed cab with heat, air conditioning and defrosting capability.
Which Kubota RTV carries the most cargo?
The RTV-X1130 provides Kubota’s largest cargo platform. Its six-foot ProKonvert bed carries up to 1,212 pounds and can be converted into a flatbed without tools.
Does the Kubota RTV-X CREW seat four people?
Yes. The K-Vertible system allows the RTV-X CREW to change between a two-seat configuration with a larger cargo bed and a four-seat configuration with a smaller bed.
Does the Kubota RTV-X LONG BED have a second row of seats?
No. The RTV-X LONG BED is a two-seat utility vehicle. Its ProKonvert system changes the cargo box into a flatbed; it does not convert cargo space into passenger seating.
Do Kubota diesel RTVs use a drive belt?
The current full-size diesel RTV-X models use Kubota’s VHT-X Variable Hydraulic Transmission rather than a conventional belt-driven UTV CVT. The gasoline Sidekick uses Kubota’s CVT+ transmission.
More Kubota RTV News and Model Information
Kubota continues to update its utility vehicle range with new configurations, cargo systems, cab packages and work accessories. Browse the UTVGuide.net Kubota archive for additional RTV news, model information and historical coverage, or explore our complete UTV model guide by manufacturer.
