Kawasaki has announced the new Mule SX 4×4 Fleet Edition and the return of other FE models to its 2023 line up of Mule side by side utility vehicles.

The Mule line up of UTVs is a range of models with 2WD or 4WD options, capable of seating between two and four passengers.

MULE 4010 TRANS4X4
The 4010 UTV models offer versatility for either passenger space or hauling. By using Kawasaki’s Trans Cab system, the UTV has the ability to convert from four to two passenger seating by removing the second row of seats — with no tools required — turning it into a cargo hauler.

This UTV features a 617cc, V-twin, 4-stroke engine, and a 1,200 pound towing capacity. Additionally, its steel cargo bed has a 800 pound capacity in two-passenger mode.

MULE SX

The Mule SX are two passenger models and make for compact workhorse UTVs, small enough to fit in the bed of a full-size pickup truck for transportation. The smaller size also means these models have a tight, 10.8 foot turning radius. The 2023 model of the SX is now offered in five configurations, including a fuel-injected, 4WD model.

The SX models have a nearly 400 pound capacity in their steel cargo beds, and a towing capacity of 1,100 pounds with the optional hitch attachment.

Read more: KAWASAKI’S NEW TRANSFORMING UTV

Honda has announced the Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew, a new side-by-side featuring a full-size, six-person cab, for the 2023 model year.

The 1000-6 is receiving all the features and updates found in Honda’s 2022 Pioneer 1000, as well as some model-specific features.

“We’re excited to add the Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew to our lineup of multipurpose side-by-sides,” says Brandon Wilson, manager of sports and experiential for Honda. “Since 2016, the Pioneer 1000 platform has set the standard for flagship rec-utility side-by-sides, and the all-new Crew continues to raise the bar with additional capability and performance. With Honda’s renowned reliability and a long list of functional, innovative features, the Crew is a versatile workhorse that doesn’t compromise performance on the trail.”

COMFORT FOR THE CREW

The most apparent of the new upgrade’s is the six-person cab. The second row of seats has 28 inches of legroom, giving space for a comfortable ride and easy entry and exit from the vehicle.

The 1000-6 also comes with tilt steering to adjust to different body sizes, with a padded foam seat designed for durability in all driving conditions. The UTV is equipped with six-ply OTR Dirt Master tires mounted on 14-inch wheels. The 1000-6 also has fully-independent front and rear suspension, while self-leveling rear suspension helps the UTV maintain stable handling by automatically adjusting according to the load in the vehicle.

The added seats don’t sacrifice utility — the 1000-6 features a full-sized cargo bed with 1,000 pound capacity, and front and rear under-seat storage compartments designed to transport tools and supplies. A 12-volt accessory outlet in the bed enables use of electrical devices like coolers, work lights, air compressors — whatever you need for the job.

Acceleration has been improved from previous Pioneer 1000 models as a result of engine revisions, and towing capacity has been increased by 25% to 2,500 pounds. Honda was also able to revise the transmission gear ratios to be wider, giving more pulling power at lower speeds.

Read more: HONDA’S NEW PIONEER 1000-6 UTV

Polaris just dropped the new Ranger SP 570 line-up that brings something for everybody, from 2-seaters to special editions, all boasting upgrades for even better mid-size UTV (utility terrain vehicle) capabilities. For those who expect the best, the jewel in the crown comes in 2 trims that give the words “trail boss” a whole new meaning.

One of the chances you have to take when going off-road is getting yourself exposed to water, dust and debris. But not if you’re riding in the Ranger NorthStar Edition Premium, which is built with a tight sealing cab system that effectively keeps all of that away. Not to mention that this factory-installed Pro Shield system also keeps away the noise, making for more pleasant rides.

The Ranger NorthStar is also built for maximum protection, fending off rocks or stumps and handling rough terrain, thanks to the rigid one-piece chassis, full-body skid plate with 14” of ground clearance, and impressive front bumper. Like any champion, it boasts unmatched power and capability. The 999cc ProStar engine delivers 82 Hp, with 2,500 lb towing and 1,500 lb payload capacity.

Stepping inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the premium HVAC with a variable AC compressor that quickly cools or raises temperatures, for all-season comfort. Add to that new, contoured seats that are designed for extra-comfort, and you’ve got one of the best trail companions out there.

If you want to step it up a notch, the Ultimate trim comes with Ride Command, a 7″ infotainment system that includes speakers, cameras, GPS mapping and other features that come in handy when you’re off the road. The Ultimate is just as powerful as the Premium, but adds 29″ 8-ply Pro Armor X-Terrain tires, for those extra heavy-duty tasks.

Read more: 2022 Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Edition Is a Whole New Kind of Off-Road Beast

The Honda Pilot was developed by the Japanese company in the late 1980s and released in 1989. At the time it was the only UTV (utility terrain vehicle) in production by a major manufacturer.

The slew of features that had been baked into the Honda Pilot were impressive and it became an influential UTV within the still young genre. Honda only kept the model in production for two years and now they’re highly collectible.

Fast Facts – The Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot was released in 1989 as the successor to the earlier Honda Odyssey line of off-road buggies, known as ATVs or UTVs depending on who you talk to.
The 1980s were a tumultuous time in the ATV world, constant accidents had led to the shutdown of three-wheel ATV sales and manufacturers were looking for the next big thing.
Honda had pioneered the original three-wheeler craze and they wasted no time in developing both four-wheel “quad” ATVs and buggy-like ATVs like the Honda Odyssey and Honda Pilot series.
The Honda Pilot is powered by a 400cc two-stroke engine, it has a fully automatic CVT with forward, neutral, and reverse, independent front and rear suspension, and a steering yoke that controls all driving functions (there are no pedals).

The ATV Is Dead – Long Live The ATV
By the mid-1980s the rising death and injury toll attributed to three-wheeled ATV had ensured that the very existence of the ATV may be in question. Ultimately the manufacturers would agree to cease production and shift their focus to safer types of all-terrain vehicles – like the quad bike.

Honda had been the key earlier pioneer of the three-wheeler and the largest manufacturer of them, so they stood to lose significant revenue following the demise of the market.

They had already developed a line of quads of course, but these were only somewhat safer than three-wheelers, and there were concerns that public sentiment may swing against them in the not too distant future.

With all of this in mind it was decided to develop what might have been the safest production ATV (or UTV) available for sale in the United States, if not the world – The Honda Pilot.

The Short Life Of The Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot was developed with two key criteria in mind – performance and safety.

Safety would be such a paramount concern that the steering yoke was even fitted with two wrist tethers – so your hands would stay attached to it in the event of a roll over accident and not go flying out the sides where they could be crushed by the roll cage.

Read more: An Original Honda Pilot “UTV”

The first Ranger debuted 22 years ago as a purpose-built 6×6 utility vehicle. Since then, a lot has changed for the lineup, which became a top choice for North American hunters because of its outstanding versatility.

Recently, Polaris announced that they would release two special editions purpose-built for big game and waterfowl hunting environments.

Called Ranger XP 1000 Big Game and Ranger XP 1000 Waterfowl, the new editions will be available in both three-seat and Crew models.

Both are factory-equipped to deal with the toughest terrain, even when loaded with gear and game, providing a host of premium features that range from special camo patterns to high-powered LED headlights.

The Big Game Edition was developed for extreme terrain to help hunters get to remote places where the biggest trophies live.

It comes equipped with arched A-arms and 29-inch Maxxis tires that provide 14 inches (35.5 cm) of ground clearance, increased traction, and cornering stability.

For enhanced capabilities, Polaris has fitted the UTV with a self-leveling suspension system that adjusts the rear automatically to maintain ride height over difficult obstacles or when hauling gear and game.

Additionally, those who need to navigate through hilly or mountainous terrain will benefit from the active descent control (ADC) that works with the engine braking system (EBS) to engage all four wheels for maximum traction on descents.

As standard, the Big Game Edition comes with an exclusive Polaris Pursuit camo that covers the entire vehicle and features a unique mix of birch, oak, and pine elements.

The exterior is also enhanced with a larger, heavy-duty front bumper and a Pro HD 4,500-lb (2,041-kg) winch mounted in a higher position for easier access when recovering game. The special edition is also equipped with full LED headlights that are 90% more powerful than conventional halogen versions.

In addition, the manufacturer also launched the Big Game Accessory Collection, which includes hunt-specific storage and added lighting solutions. It is curated by renowned big game hunters Lee and Tiffany Lakosky.

For those who prefer to hunt ducks and geese, Polaris has developed the Waterfowl Edition that is equipped to power through wet and muddy conditions.

Read more: Polaris Launches Limited Edition Ranger UTVs for Big Game and Waterfowl Hunters