The epic desert fest known as King of the Hammers returned to Johnson Valley OHV Area this year for two more weeks of hardcore off-road racing. After venturing out into the cold to watch the same event last year, I knew at least a little bit more of what to expect this time around when I received an invitation from Can-Am to check out Thursday’s UTV Hammers Championship race, which combines high-speed desert running with some of the gnarliest rock-crawling known to man.

Side-by-sides might sound less intimidating than the unlimited 4400-class Ultra4 trucks that made King of the Hammers famous, but keep in mind that the Miller Brothers set out last year to pit UTVs against unlimited trucks and prove to the world what a prepped Can-Am can do. And the world clearly took notice, as the traffic headed into Johnson Valley this year started building up before I even rolled east from Victorville, California, with the sun starting to peek over the desert horizon.

After watching maybe 40 out of a total of 107 competitors entered in the UTV Hammers Championship—a huge number, to say the least—we jumped back in the Maverick and sprinted over to the canyon known as Turkey Claw to catch some on-course racing action. Up among the fans, even this early in the morning, the popularity of side-by-sides as off-roading toys for the general public reared up again, since only the most rugged trucks reached the same viewpoints as the purpose-built machines.

This year, I knew to use OnX as my main map for getting around King of the Hammers in the hopes of avoiding so many missed viewpoints as the year before. I made sure to download an offline map before getting anywhere near Johnson Valley, since the cell reception typically fades and then dies out 100% for most of the event.

Read more: Side-By-Sides Draw Huge Crowds At 2023 King Of The Hammers UTV Rock Race

For 2023, the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 sport side-by-side lineup is back and ready to take on any adventure. In addition to the class-leading Teryx KRX 1000, Kawasaki will once again return with the Teryx KRX 1000 Trail Edition, Teryx KRX 1000 Special Edition and Teryx KRX 1000 eS models with factory-equipped accessories, special color and graphics and performance upgrades to offer a broader selection for adrenaline-filled adventure enthusiasts.

KAWASAKI TERYX KRX 1000
2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000
The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 sport side-by-side is engineered for high adrenaline adventures and conquering tough terrain. Powered by a durable 999cc parallel-twin engine, paired with a CVT transmission and centrifugal clutch, the Teryx KRX 1000 has the power to tackle a whooped-out trail and the torque to conquer technical rock crawling sections.

It features on-the-fly electronically selectable 4WD and front differential lock as well as two power modes (Full and Low) that allow the driver to set power delivery to suit preference and conditions. A high-rigidity frame with integrated Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) positions the wheels as far apart as possible to provide a sure-footed stance, superb cornering and straight-line stability.

Obstacles on the trail are soaked up by FOX 2.5 Podium LSC shock units, which combined with long suspension arms give the Teryx KRX 1000 the longest suspension travel in its class. Large 31-inch MAXXIS Carnivore tires were chosen to ride over obstacles with greater ease, while 15-inch aluminum wheels feature bead-lock rims to hold the tires in place in off-road riding situations.

A roomy cockpit features half doors and adjustable high-back bucket seats to deliver outstanding rider comfort no matter the terrain. A large all-digital instrumentation screen offers at-a-glance information to the driver including a CVT temperature readout and low voltage-warning lamp. The roomy, rear carrier space is large enough to accommodate up to a 32-inch spare tire with a load capacity of 350 pounds. Every aspect of the Teryx KRX 1000 has been engineered with Kawasaki’s dependable, proven performance to outmuscle anything that stands between you and an adventure of a lifetime.

Read more: 2023 side-by-side models revealed

Polaris isn’t simply paying lip service when it talks about the future of electrification in powersports. The Minnesota-based leader in powersports vehicles has already unveiled its first next-gen electric UTV and now has shown off several test vehicles for electric Polaris ATVs, side-by-sides, and snowmobiles.

Last year was full of carefully titrated leaks and teasers surrounding the highly anticipated all-new electric RANGER UTV from Polaris.

The work was made possible through a partnership with Zero Motorcycles that saw Zero’s electric powertrain combined with Polaris’s vehicle expertise and is expected to result in even more models in the future.

Unveiled in December as the new RANGER XP Kinetic, the new model was described by Polaris as the most powerful UTV on the market, gas or electric. Polaris is set to begin deliveries this year after the new EV sold out within hours of its launch.

Polaris certainly sees electrification as part of its growth strategy, as the company explained:

We listen and learn directly from our customers to deliver high-quality products, experiences, and services that matter most to them. While innovation has been part of our DNA from the beginning, our electrification and connected vehicle initiatives represent an incredible opportunity to exceed customers’ expectations in powersports and the recent launch of the Ranger XP Kinetic is the first example of how we plan to lead in these areas.

But the company isn’t stopping there. At a recent investor meeting, Polaris revealed additional images of electric test vehicles that could represent the next stage in electrification at Polaris.

Despite making it clear that these were test vehicles and “not vehicles that Polaris has committed to bring to market at this time,” it’s quite obvious that Polaris is at least keenly interested in exploring the direction.

Among the test electric vehicles shown off in the investor presentation were electric ATVs for both the adult and youth markets, an electric RZR side-by-side, and an electric snowmobile.

These vehicles would greatly expand Polaris’s electric focus from purely utility vehicles to more recreational and dual-use vehicles.

Read more: Polaris shows off test vehicles for electric ATVs, RZR side-by-side, and even electric snowmobile

A unique cross-promotional event at Gunsite Academy in Arizona this summer put on by Glock, Nosler, Shoot United, and Yamaha Motorsports brought together a combination of journalists from the firearms, outdoor adventure, and automotive industries. As much fun as I had during the John Wick-style firearms training, my real job at Gunsite involved testing out every model in the Yamaha UTV lineup, highlighted by the high-performance YXZ side-by-side.

Unlike most SxS manufacturers, Yamaha eschews the more easily accessible CVT automatic transmission in favor of a sequential gearbox on the YXZ. Controlled via paddle shifters that allow the YXZ 1000R SS’s inline triple to rev right up to 12,000 RPMs, the sequential setup left me grinning from ear to ear after the first lap around Gunsite’s extensive compound.

Glock, Nosler, and Shoot United brought the fun factor, without a doubt, and our group of journalists learned a ton about firearm safety during quick-draw technique exercises. Then, Yamaha pulled out the UTV lineup to show off the capabilities of the YXZ, Grizzly ATV, and the Wolverine in R Max, X2, and X4 layouts. While the fun Grizzly and more utilitarian Wolverines do employ a CVT, the YXZ drew my full attention simply because of that sequential shifter.

Though down on power compared to many other brands—notably, Polaris with the Pro R’s 225 horsepower—the YXZ offers a unique combination of a shorter wheelbase and aggressive design to go with adjustable shocks and knobby tires.

Read more: Yamaha YXZ 1000R SS Review: The Sequential Paddle Shifters Every Side-By-Side Deserves

Enter the 2021 Polaris RZR Trail S 1000, the narrowest machine of its family, and at the same time, the one with the shortest wheelbase. 60 inches (152 cm) is the track width of the thing; a quite small number, but enough to give riders the ability to “manoeuvre in tight trails” without having to fear about the off-roader fitting on them.

With a weight of 651 kg (1,435 pounds), the new RZR gets its power from a 999cc double overhead cam twin-cylinder engine. It’s ready to take on pretty much everything nature has to throw at it, thanks to the 31.8 centimeters (12.5 inches) of ground clearance. The suspension system helps in that respect too, providing 31.1 cm (12.2 inches) of travel for the front gear and 33.5 cm (13.1 inches) for the one at the rear.

Polaris presented the RZR Trail S 1000 as it will sell it in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In these markets, the machine in its premium version comes equipped with LED headlights, electronic power steering, and adjustable two-inch Walker Evans Needle shocks, among other things.

The Trail S 1000 is part of the RZR family of side-by-side machines that have been rolling off Polaris’ lines ever since 2007. On the American market, the RZR lineup comprises no fewer than 16 variants, with prices ranging from $5,299 for the RZR 170 EFI to $25,699 for the RZR Pro XP 4.

Read more: Trail S 1000 Launches as Narrowest Polaris RZR Side-by-Side

If your dealership’s customers are interested in checking out the 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX4 1000, direct them to some seat time on one of the remaining stops on the demo tour. Word on the street is that the street-focused demos being hosted by dealerships with the Kawasaki rig on hand have been a grand slam this summer. The PSB editor got to experience the Kawasaki side-by-side demo display in all its glory last week on an ultra-exclusive visit to MidAmerica Outdoors in Jay, Oklahoma, home of the UTV Takeover.

A couple of supreme rides in the new 4-seater was an ideal way to spend a cloud-covered summer day. Alongside Derrek Sigler from ATV.com, we managed to get a feel for all of the settings of the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS). Enthusiasts we talked to on site apparently did as well.

“The Teryx KRX 1000 Tour welcomes the all-new Teryx KRX4 1000 to its lineup of Good Times at side-by-side events and rallies across the nation for 2022,” said Chris Brull, vice president of Marketing and Racing. “Each stop of the tour will provide participants a firsthand experience of the power, performance, capability and comfort of the Teryx family. The incredibly versatile lineup has something to offer for all individuals and families.”

The 2022 tour kicked off last month at Monster Jam in Nashville and Cleveland and continues cross-country attending many of the best riding destinations and side-by-side rallies the U.S. has to offer such as the UTV Takeover, Brimestone Paragon and Trail Hero SxS Rally.

In addition to the adrenaline-pumping side-by-side events, participants will experience the thrill of navigating through multiple obstacles aboard the all-new Teryx KRX4 1000 four-passenger sport side-by-side as well as the widely-popular Teryx KRX 1000 two-passenger model and learn first-hand how these game-changing machines are built to outmuscle the most challenging terrain.

Read more: Kawasaki Teryx KRX4 1000 demo ride? We’re in!

The performance side-by-side market has quickly become one of the most fiercely competitive segments in the automotive marketplace. These unique vehicles combine supercar power-to-weight ratios with the off-road performance of a premier-class desert racer. For the 2022 model year Polaris has taken the high-performance UTV class to another level with the introduction of the all-new 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R and Turbo R models. Polaris recently invited us to join them in the desert outside of Las Vegas for a chance to jump behind the wheel of both the 2022 RZR Pro R and RZR Turbo R. Both were two-seat vehicles, and both were top-tier Ultimate trims. Follow along as we dig into what makes these two amazing vehicles tick, as well as what makes them both strikingly similar and distinctly different. Let’s go!

Engine Power And Performance
One of the biggest differentiators between the 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R and Turbo R models is the engines that power them. For 2022 the RZR Turbo lineup has been reduced to just one model, the Turbo R, which now receives its motivation from the same 181 hp turbocharged two-cylinder engine that was previously only found in RZR XP models. The all-new 2022 RZR Pro R received the industry’s first four-cylinder engine, a 225 hp naturally aspirated 2.0-liter sourced from the company’s Slingshot on-road vehicle.

With a 44 hp disparity between the two drivetrains, to say that the difference is noticeable would be an understatement. The power delivered by the new 2.0-liter engine in the RZR Pro R is simply unbelievable. With more horsepower-per-ton than a 702 hp Ram 1500 TRX, the RZR Pro R is a rocket ship off-road. Helping to control all this power are a set of three drive modes: Sport, Rock, and Race. Sport mode works as a sort of “normal” driving position. We found the RZR Pro R to have very controllable throttle response in this mode, giving us a composed driving experience when powering out of a corner or navigating tight and winding terrain. Rock mode dials throttle sensitivity back quite a bit, allowing for precise engine control when crawling over challenging obstacles. Finally (and most fun) there’s the full-kill Baja mode. With the dash-mounted switch flipped to Race, the RZR Pro R feels like an unstoppable ball of acceleration. Throttle tip-in is incredibly sensitive and the full power of the 2.0-liter engine comes on fast and hard. We especially enjoyed this driving mode on long, straight stretches of desert trail and when pushing hard through large whoops. It also worked best during those situations where we needed to get the front end light in a hurry when navigating sudden obstacles. To say the RZR Pro R is an adrenaline rush would be putting it mildly.

Read more: The Best Side-by-Sides Ever? 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R vs. RZR Turbo R

For 2023, the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 sport side-by-side lineup is back and ready to take on any adventure. In addition to the class-leading Teryx KRX 1000, Kawasaki will once again return with the Teryx KRX 1000 Trail Edition, Teryx KRX 1000 Special Edition and Teryx KRX 1000 eS models with factory-equipped accessories, special color and graphics and performance upgrades to offer a broader selection for adrenaline-filled adventure enthusiasts.

The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 sport side-by-side is engineered for high adrenaline adventures and conquering tough terrain. Powered by a durable 999cc parallel-twin engine, paired with a CVT transmission and centrifugal clutch, the Teryx KRX 1000 has the power to tackle a whooped-out trail and the torque to conquer technical rock crawling sections.

It features on-the-fly electronically selectable 4WD and front differential lock as well as two power modes (Full and Low) that allow the driver to set power delivery to suit preference and conditions. A high-rigidity frame with integrated Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) positions the wheels as far apart as possible to provide a sure-footed stance, superb cornering and straight-line stability.

Accelerate Conference now just six months away
Obstacles on the trail are soaked up by FOX 2.5 Podium LSC shock units, which combined with long suspension arms give the Teryx KRX 1000 the longest suspension travel in its class. Large 31-inch MAXXIS Carnivore tires were chosen to ride over obstacles with greater ease, while 15-inch aluminum wheels feature bead-lock rims to hold the tires in place in off-road riding situations.

A roomy cockpit features half doors and adjustable high-back bucket seats to deliver outstanding rider comfort no matter the terrain. A large all-digital instrumentation screen offers at-a-glance information to the driver including a CVT temperature readout and low voltage-warning lamp. The roomy, rear carrier space is large enough to accommodate up to a 32-inch spare tire with a load capacity of 350 pounds. Every aspect of the Teryx KRX 1000 has been engineered with Kawasaki’s dependable, proven performance to outmuscle anything that stands between you and an adventure of a lifetime. The 2023 Teryx KRX 1000 is available in Lime Green / Metallic Onyx Black and Sunbeam Red / Metallic Onyx Black color schemes with an MSRP of $23,199

Read more: 2023 side-by-side models revealed