For most of us, our introduction into the off-road world came atop an ATV of some form. Whether that was a youth machine, a quad, or for us old timers, a three-wheeler, ATVs have played an important role in our outdoor lifestyle for many years. Each manufacturer is always looking for a new innovation that will bump its machine to the top of the list of best ATVs, which makes some truly amazing machines for us to have the opportunity to play with. You know, we do all this for you, our readers. It really is a job! OK, it’s a really fun job, but… If we had to pick the best ATV for 2022, we don’t think we could. There are just too many machines we really enjoy. Instead, we have compiled a list of what we think are the top five ATVs to buy in 2022, in no certain order. Don’t see your favorite on the list? Don’t worry. This is our opinion. WHat works best for you may be entirely different.
Honda Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon 520 DCT Deluxe
ABout the only thing we don’t like about the Rubicon is the fact that the name is just too long. Nobody calls it that. It’s the Rubicon, plain and simple. This machine has had two revisions over the past few years that have made it into one of our favorite ATVs. The latest version got a bump in displacement, making it a 520, with a 518cc longitudinally-mounted motor. You will find a nice bump in felt horsepower if you rode the older machine. They also greatly improved the action needed to get the machine into reverse. There’s no CVT with the DCT Dual Clutch Transmission system and you have a full range of selectable gears in both low and high range, making this machine a true workhorse. Traxlok locking diffs mean you’re not going to want for traction, too. What really sets this machine apart for us is that it doesn’t feel like a 500-class ATV when you’re riding it. It is extremely capable and comfortable, making it a machine we all like to ride. We only have two gripes about this machine and they aren’t big ones. It doesn’t come with a receiver hitch for towing, which would have been a nice touch. The other is the airbox. It’s super easy to clean and swap the filter, but it is also quite easy for small critters to get in there and make a mess of things. We’ve gone through a couple of air filters because we spent a couple weeks testing other machines during the winter months. Beyond that, if you want a great do-it-all ATV, the Honda Rubicon DCT is a great pick.
Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 Ride Command
If you haven’t been able to tell, we like to ride trails around here, so when there are some machines designed to be the ultimate trail riders’ machine, we take notice. Polaris took the amazing Sportsman XP 1000 and added Ride Command to it along with some other select accessories and have made what may well be the ultimate big-bore trail-cruising ATV. It’s big ProStar twin-cylinder motor produces an amazing 90 horsepower, but it’s how that power is delivered that is truly great. If you’ve ever driven an electric car, or read about the experience, you know how the power is described as instant, but smooth. That is how we’d describe the XP 1000 power – It feels electric and endless. Very cool stuff and there is nothing you couldn’t do with one of these machines. Then you add in Ride Command with it’s full navigation, communication and all the machine information you’d ever need, and you’ve got a cool package. On top of that, you get full LED lighting, extreme bumpers and a 3,500lb winch. If you want the biggest ATV with the smoothest power delivery, and all the technology, here it is.
Yamaha Raptor 700R
OK, so Yamaha has done little to change the Raptor 700 for a little while now, but there is a big reason that we have included it in this list – They still make these awesome machines! When it seems every other OEM has abandoned the sport ATV market, Yamaha is still going strong, with both the Raptor 700 and the YFZ450R. WHy did we pick the 700 over the more advanced 450? Simply put, why not? It’s a 700 sport quad! If you can’t get excited over a sweet big-bore sport machine, well… It’s powered by Yamaha’s 686cc single cylinder four stroke, fed by a 44mm fuel injection system. It has a 5 speed plus reverse manual clutch transmission and a chassis that is designed for fun times. We love blasting down the trails on these fun machines, and really like it when we get to hold it wide open and hold on. If you just want to have fun and forget all that work stuff, this is a great option for you and the biggest sport quad made. Enjoy!
Can-Am Outlander MAX XT
We love most all of the Can-Am Outlander machines, and the Outlander MAX XT is a standout due to the comfort level it creates for the rear passenger. A two-up ATV is the only legal and safe way to carry a passenger on an ATV, and Can-Am went to great lengths to ensure the rear passenger can see the trails and scenery, and also enjoy the most comfort possible. A contoured seat and bolstered back support matchup with wide floorboards and great handholds so the rear passenger feels secure without interfering with the driver’s actions. You can pick from a 62hp 650, a 78hp 850 or a 91hp 1000R motor, all of which are great-sounding Rotax V-twins. The XT package adds handguards, front and rear steel bumpers, aluminum wheels with 26-inch tires and a winch. Whichever engine package you go with, you really can’t go wrong. There is ample horsepower for most tasks and the ride is smooth and fantastic for all involved. The longer wheelbase does decrease the turning slightly, but you’ll still carve the corners quite well. When riding solo, the rear rider’s floorboards give you a leverage option for clearing obstacles. This is a great machine that you both will enjoy.
CFMoto CForce 1000 Overland
CFMoto has been on their game lately and the machines they are producing are really something you should be looking into. The CForce 1000 Overland packs everything into a package made for adventure with so much value added that it is a hard one to pass by. It has a 76hp 963cc motor and a chassis that handles quite well. But it’s the accessories that set this ride apart. It has gas shocks all the way around, a 3,000lb winch, full bumpers front and back and a full-length skid plate to protect the underside of the machine. The Overland also comes with a massive set of storage boxes, along with integrated handguards on the bars, a fairing and rearview mirrors. The 14-inch aluminum wheels with beadlocks are a sweet touch, too, making it harder to get flat tires along the trail. This machine has the best warranty going and an ever expanding dealer network to help you out.
There you have it, our top ATVs for 2022. These machines represent a wide range of machine types to fit everyone’s riding style. Keep in mind that this list is made up of just five machines. Are there more we could add? Sure. Like we said, if your favorite machine isn’t on here, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad ride. Not at all. Anything that gets you out on the trail is a winner in our eyes. We look forward to seeing you out there.
40 Responses
Great read. Nice to see cfmoto’s ongoing effort to compete with the bigs…is starting to payoff a little bit.
Zhejiang Chunfeng Power Co., Ltd., commonly known by its trade name CFMoto, are making a name for themselves in high-end motorcycles and ATVs. The Chunfeng CF650-2 and CF1250J models produced by the company are police vehicles used by public security agencies in many provinces and cities. I try not to by Chinese goods, although much or what is in the US is imported from China.
For reliability though, I put my dollars into Honda. Those machines a utilitarian workhorses, but expensive and somewhat underpowered compared to the big bore ATVS from Polaris and Can-Am.
polaris? lol
Yea lol. Everything outside of Polaris is dog shit.
I don’t agree with that comment, but whatever
Nobody cares what your opinion is
I agree with you. They may be cheaper than some brands and have lots of features not found elsewhere – but they have been plagued with unreliability and recall issues.
Polaris ATVs are dog shit bud. They can build great sxs, but pure junk in the ATV world
I couldn’t agree more….my last ATV. was a Polaris. raggedy piece of crap…damned thing stayed in the shop. I still hadn’t recouped the $9000 I spent on that POS. Never again. also, my brother bought a Can Am, it’s been a bigger POS than my Polaris was..think I’ll stick to the japanese ATV… at their proven reliability..
Are u dumb? Polaris and can am are the leader in terms of performance. Cf moto is going there.
Absolutely correct. Nothing but problems. 2 fuel pumps with in 4 months and Polaris doesn’t warranty their electronic replacement parts. Also I’ve had ignition issues along with a few other problems all within 3 years.
Agreed. Massive recalls, Unreliable. Would never use on my land.
Polaris is good…for third position on the scenario.
Good luck. CanAm #1!!!!
I agree I have had some very bad experiences with Polaris
I agree I have had some very bad experiences with Polaris I’ve had two break down one lasted 2 years one lasted 3 years
Lol is right!
Are u dumb? Polaris and can am are the leader in terms of performance. Cf moto is going there.
No one is dumb. People like to by cheap. So Polaris may have more sales due to prices but clearly a lot of people on here have had major issues with Polaris. Here’s the latest recall:
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Polaris-Recalls-Sportsman-All-Terrain-Vehicles-Due-to-Fire-and-Crash-Hazards-Recall-Alert
Brute force 750 is a monster in all phases. Fact
My 1995 Suzuki king quad 350 drug my uncles brute force 750. Not saying the brute force is a bad 4 wheeler but I love the king quad and wish I could get a 2022 version of it.
Correct. No doubt. But not Polaris. And Kawasaki 700 was the KING.
I can say Honda has allways been great ATV but Yamaha 700 Grizzly has the Top Spot , this site review is pay to play some got paid … Can am and Polaris are far from a dependable machine !
You guys are full of shit and just joshing saying Polaris or Can am isn’t the best ATV’s money can buy! Honda is up there as well!
Yep https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Polaris-Recalls-Sportsman-All-Terrain-Vehicles-Due-to-Fire-and-Crash-Hazards-Recall-Alert
CF MOTO? Chinese made, remember the folks that gave us Covid-19? And shut us down for 2+ yrs? Oh and let’s not forget the slave underage (your daughters) labor force, Yea… that’s CF MOTO.
We should all ignore this Ass of a country no matter how cheap and good there products have become.
Just say no to Chinese goods folks.
Good luck with that
While you type this on some sort of electronic device made in China or with some sort of China parts. I get what you’re saying but covid should be blamed on everyone involved including the USA
Correct. No doubt. But not Polaris. And Kawasaki 700 was the KING. And – by the way – you may see your neighbors girls by the corners smoking proudly US products, athough of foreing row materials. Slave underage is a tale addressed for guys as you, open your eyes? the corners are full of blond teenagers with blue eyes…that for a tenner. God bless America…it need it.
And USA gave us drugs, weapons and school shootings…..
nice !! loyalty is Boss !!
shut up please
Correct. No doubt. But not Polaris. And Kawasaki 700 was the KING. And – by the way – you may see your neighbors girls by the corners smoking proudly US products, athough of foreing row materials. Slave underage is a tale addressed for guys as you, open your eyes? the corners are full of blond teenagers with blue eyes…that for a tenner. God bless America…it need it.
up here in Canada, nothing beats the reliability of a Honda.
Fuck China. Gooks will slash your throat
While selling us all their garbage.
Wake up
I have a Yamaha grizzly 2009.thats a 700 !! I put a set tires on it 3 years ago. had to replace battery for the 1st time 2 moths ago !! I use it for my snow plow with 55 inch blade. have not had any problems. I do keep battery tender hooked up it all times unless it’s moving snow.
My Honda rancher , has worked hard for me. It’s a 2012. I’ve done the maintenance. Replaced tires in 2022. Use it every week.
I have a 2019 Polaris 570 Sportsman and no issues whatsoever….sad to see so many people dislike them or have issues. Maybe I got lucky! But been a great machine so far!
if you want to go broke buy a polaris
As much as I hate Communist China, the CFMoto lineup is the only lineup that really gets my attention here in Canada. I considered the Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki, which are all good machines to be fair, but the Cforce Overland took my dollar. I have heard too many horror stories about Can-Am and Polaris to consider them, and the build quality, reliability, features, and price of the CFMoto was simply better than the big 4 Japanese manufacturers. As much as I dislike China, I like to get a better machine for less cash. CFMoto for the win, and I’d buy one again. Nothing but good things to say about mine. Incredible dealer near me, great service, super easy to work on, and no dumb engineering choices anywhere on that machine, and its a 2up. Only con is damned communist China.