Yamaha RMAX 4 Rock Crawling Review

By Jon Crowley

The 2025 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 introduces several enhancements to elevate off-road adventures. Here are a few of the new features

• Extended Wheelbase and Enhanced Chassis: The new RMAX4 platform features a longer wheelbase and a more aggressive stance, providing class-leading ground clearance and suspension travel. This design improves stability and confidence when navigating steep, rocky, or rutted terrains.
• Advanced On-Command® 4WD System with Turf Mode: The updated On-Command® system offers faster front-differential engagement and disengagement. The addition of Turf Mode, which unlocks the rear differential, allows for tighter turning radii and minimizes turf damage, enhancing versatility for various tasks.
• Selectable Electric Power Steering (EPS): The higher-output EPS now includes selectable modes—High, Standard, and Low—allowing drivers to tailor steering assistance to their preferences and driving conditions. An additional 4WD Diff-Lock map provides maximum comfort and confidence in challenging terrains.
• Enhanced Suspension System: With advanced spring rate and damping settings, the suspension system offers improved ride quality across various terrains and speeds, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable experience for all occupants.
• All-New Adventure Pro and Rearview Camera: The integrated 7-inch Adventure Pro screen provides vehicle readouts, Bluetooth connectivity, and controls for the new MTX audio system. A rearview camera, standard on Limited models, automatically displays when reversing, enhancing safety and convenience.
• Spacious Rear Cabin and Storage: The full-size rear cabin comfortably accommodates adult passengers, featuring increased legroom and full-length rear doors for easy access. A new 23-liter dry storage area with a USB port keeps devices charged and protected from the elements.

These features combine to make the 2025 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 a versatile and capable side-by-side, ready to tackle both work and recreational challenges with enhanced comfort and performance. If you need to review general features and details on the RMAX 4, check out this article:

Yamaha Announces All-New Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Adventure Side-by-Side

But can it rock crawl?

After I had the opportunity to drive the RMAX 4 at the media ride at the San Rafael Swell, I wanted to see just how versatile this trail machine was.  I had the opportunity to take a demo unit out at Sand Hollow, Utah and figured it would be a great test to run it on one of the area’s famous rock crawling trails – Double Sammy.

There are three key features I look for in a UTV to see if it will be able to handle more extreme rock crawling:

1. Front Locker Performance
2. Low Range
3. Maximum Tire Size / Ground Clearance

Likes:

• Clutch – Centrifugal Clutch showed no signs of belt-slipping
• Front Differential Lock – quicker to engage/disengage
• Power Steering (DPS) – 3 selectable modes plus higher output when in Diff Lock
• Shock Package is excellent
• FOX iQS on Limited model
• Rear-view camera

Dislikes:

• Tire size limited to about 31-inches (32-inch may fit for most circumstances except full bump in the rear)
• Low range gearing felt a bit tall, but CVT showed no signs of belt slip

Overall Thoughts

The RMAX 4 certainly isn’t the best out-of-the-box rock crawler, but that’s not really a surprise. It was designed as a trail machine that can haul four adults and it does that quite well. While the RMAX 4 has an incredible clutch and solid diff lock, tire size limitation is the biggest negative I have about the RMAX 4. One way to get around the tire-size limitation is to get a set of High-Clearance Forward Offset arms from SuperATV. This is a pretty simple modification that allows tires up to 34-inch and extends the wheelbase by 1.5-inches.

But if I was buying an RMAX 4 for trail use, and along the way, I ended up doing some rock crawling, I’d feel very comfortable with this vehicle.

More 2025 Yamaha RMAX 4 Resources

YAMAHA RMAX 4 1000 REVIEW