The 2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX brought the company’s three-passenger HDX platform to a more affordable displacement class. Introduced in August 2013, the utility side-by-side combined a 443cc EFI engine with a wide bench seat, a 600-pound-capacity cargo box and a 1,500-pound towing rating.
The Prowler 500 HDX shared its long-wheelbase utility layout with the larger Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700, but used Arctic Cat’s smaller H1 443cc single-cylinder engine. It was offered in standard, XT and Limited configurations with different levels of comfort and convenience equipment.
Three-Passenger HDX Platform
A sculpted 40/20/40 bench seat gave the Prowler 500 HDX room for a driver and two passengers. The dashboard-mounted shifter helped preserve center seating space, while a round-tube rollover protective structure surrounded the passenger compartment.
The chassis used an 85-inch wheelbase—10 inches longer than the contemporary Prowler 700 XTX—while maintaining an approximately 118-inch overall length. Arctic Cat designed this arrangement to improve ride quality, interior space and load-carrying capability without making the vehicle excessively long.
443cc EFI Engine and Drivetrain
Power came from Arctic Cat’s liquid-cooled, single-cylinder H1 engine. The 443cc four-stroke used electronic fuel injection to provide consistent starting and fuel delivery across changing temperatures and elevations.
A Duramatic automatic CVT provided high and low forward ranges, neutral, reverse and park. The transmission also incorporated engine braking. A dashboard-mounted switch allowed the driver to select two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The Prowler 500 HDX was tuned as a utility vehicle rather than a performance UTV. Its drivetrain, low range and towing equipment were intended for chores around farms, ranches, hunting properties and job sites.
Transformable Cargo Box
The composite cargo box measured approximately 41 inches long, 55 inches wide and 10 inches deep. It was wide enough to accommodate a standard pallet and included multiple tie-down locations for securing tools, feed, coolers and other equipment.
Arctic Cat rated the tilting bed to carry as much as 600 pounds. On the Limited model, removable bed sides allowed the rear platform to be converted into a flatbed for oversized cargo.
Suspension, Tires and Towing
Independent double-A-arm suspension supplied 10 inches of travel at both ends. The Prowler rode on 26-inch Duro Kaden tires mounted on 14-inch wheels and provided approximately 10 inches of ground clearance.
Two-inch receiver hitches were fitted at both the front and rear. The rear hitch supported a 1,500-pound towing rating, while the front receiver could accommodate utility accessories such as a winch mount or equipment carrier.
Prowler 500 HDX, XT and Limited Differences
Arctic Cat offered three versions of the Prowler 500 HDX for 2014. All shared the same basic engine, three-passenger cab, suspension and utility-focused chassis, but their standard equipment differed.
| Model | Notable Equipment |
|---|---|
| Prowler 500 HDX | 443cc EFI engine, three-passenger bench seat, steel wheels, 600-pound cargo box and selectable 2WD/4WD |
| Prowler 500 HDX XT | Painted bodywork, 14-inch aluminum wheels, 25-pound underhood compartment and additional side storage |
| Prowler 500 HDX Limited | Electronic power steering, five-position tilt steering, locking front differential, aluminum wheels, added storage and convertible flatbed |
2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX Specifications
| Engine | 443cc SOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Transmission | Duramatic automatic CVT with high, low, neutral, reverse and park |
| Drive system | Selectable two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive |
| Front differential lock | Standard on Limited model |
| Power steering | Variable-assist EPS on Limited model |
| Front suspension | Independent double A-arm; 10 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Independent double A-arm; 10 inches of travel |
| Front tires | 26 x 9-14 Duro Kaden |
| Rear tires | 26 x 11-14 Duro Kaden |
| Wheelbase | 85 inches |
| Ground clearance | 10 inches |
| Seating capacity | Three occupants |
| Cargo-box dimensions | Approximately 41 x 55 x 10 inches |
| Cargo-box capacity | 600 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Receiver hitches | Two-inch front and rear receivers |
| Fuel capacity | 8.2 gallons |
Where the Prowler 500 HDX Fit in the Lineup
The Prowler 500 HDX filled the gap between Arctic Cat’s smaller two-passenger utility models and the more powerful Prowler HDX 700. It retained the larger HDX vehicle’s three-person cab and versatile cargo system but used a smaller engine and carried a lower 600-pound bed rating.
That combination made it a practical option for owners who valued passenger room, towing capacity and cargo versatility more than maximum engine output. Explore additional machines and model history in the UTVGuide.net Arctic Cat archive.
