If the Grizzly is Yamaha’s standard bearer when it comes to ATVs, the Kodiak, for its part, is designed for work or hunting. Its capabilities are more utility and less refined, as an effort has been made to keep its cost low to deliver a competent mid-range machine that provides a lot for the price.
On the other hand, its development is closely linked to the Grizzly, and you will benefit from the same engine, transmission, and chassis. Below are a few differences that can be seen as determining the quality of the driving experience and the buying choice between the Grizzly and the Kodiak.
The Kodiak stays very flat in turns. The lower position of the quad and the seats make it more accessible to shorter riders and ladies. The headlights are halogen, not LED. The Kodiak 700 gives the same feeling of being solid on the ground, thanks to small 25 in (63.5 cm) Maxxis tires providing precise steering. The ground clearance is a little lower.
Several equipment items on the entry-level Kodiak have been selected to keep its retail price as low as possible. For example, the base Kodiak’s 2WD or 4WD mode selection is made by a mechanical cable with a small lever that’s no more difficult to operate than the electric button. However, the differential remains limited-slip and cannot lock. To benefit from the locking differential, you will have to upgrade to the higher version with power steering. There is also no auxiliary headlight on the handlebars, and the analog instrumentation is in a style worthy of the 1990s.
The Kodiak is offered in three versions: the Base model, very stripped down, the EPS version, and the EPS SE version. For $1500 more, the EPS version offers the electric 4×4 system with locking differential, power steering, CV joint guards on the suspension arms, a 2-inch receiver for the trailer, revised digital instrumentation, and a handlebar headlight. The EPS SE version additionally offers aluminum rims and metallic paint for another $1300 extra.
This ATV looks like the Grizzly and offers the proverbial Yamaha reliability. Without being as refined as the Grizzly, the Kodiak is a very capable vehicle overall.
WHAT’S NEW?
- Nothing for 2025.
Pros:
- The legendary reliability and consistent performance that represents the Yamaha Kodiak 700 is a hard-to-beat value for money.
- The Kodiak excels at work and play.
- If you are interested in the Kodiak, you should choose the intermediate EPS version because the extra $1,800 is well worth it.
Cons:
- The basic version whose price has risen considerably since the return of the Kodiak 450.
Skills:
