Fastest ATVs in 2023: Top Speeds and Key Features


There are many perks to writing for the ATV Outdoors blog and getting to compile a list of the fastest four-wheelers in the world is a huge one! In 2021, Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 took the title, while Yamaha Raptor 700 came out on top in 2022. Today, we will compare the best quads in 2023 to find out which one gets crowned as the fastest.

Can-Am Renegade 1000R is the fastest ATV in 2023 maxing out at 89 MPH (144 kilometers). The ATV is equipped with one of the most powerful Rotax engines ever made. The 1000R V-Twin engine offers 91 horsepower, and it gives riders the option to choose multiple differentials: 2WD, 4WD, and an auto-locking front differential. The second fastest quad in 2023 is the Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 with a max speed of 85 MPH (137 kilometers).

  1. Can-Am Renegade 1000R – 89 MPH
  2. Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 – 85 MPH
  3. Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000 – 80 MPH
  4. 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700 – 75 MPH
  5. 2023 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 – 73 MPH

While Can-Am Renegade 1000R is the fastest four-wheeler in 2023, this isn’t the only model you can get if you are looking for speed. There are other 2023 ATVs designed for speedsters and I will present them all below.

chart presenting the fastest ATVs in 2023

The Top 5 Fastest ATVs in 2023

#1 Can-Am Renegade 1000R – 89 MPH (144KM)

man riding a Can-Am Renegade 1000R

Hands down, the Can-Am Renegade 1000R is the fastest four-wheeler you can get in 2023. The ATV impresses with a top speed of 89 MPH (144 KM). This is so fast that your helmet might fly off if you don’t have it secured properly. The ATV can reach top speeds like 89 MPH thanks to its massive Rotax 976cc V-Twin engine. This is a liquid cooled engine that delivers 91 horsepower and uses an electronic fuel injection (EFI) to ensure that throttle is never a problem.

What I really like about the Can-Am Renegade 1000R is the fact that it doesn’t just give riders an adrenaline-fueled experience when they pull on the throttle. This a premium ATV that also offers features such as selectable 2WD/4D that feature an auto-locking front differential. That’s not all. The Renegade 1000RD differentiates itself from the other premium ATVs by offering next-level suspensions and ergonomic seating. Thanks to this, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this is one of the most comfortable ATVs ever made.

Key Features:

  • A Rotax 976cc V-Twin engine that offers 91 horsepower;
  • Intelligent throttle control and EFI;
  • Selectable 2WD and 4WD;
  • Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering;
  • LED headlights;
  • 3,500-lb (1,588 kg) winch;

The YouTube video below will showcase the top speed of a Can-Am Renegade 1000R:

#2 Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 – 85 MPH (137 KM)

Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 in the woods

Surprise, surprise. Another four-wheeler from Can-Am makes an appearance on 2023’s fastest ATVs list. This time, we have the Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000, which goes as fast as 85 MPH. Furthermore, the ATV comes equipped with all the premium features that all Can-Am fans have grown to love. Features such as a liquid cooled engine, intelligent throttle control, EFI, selectable 2WD/4Wd, and smooth suspension system.

The Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 has a dry weight of 826 lb (375 kg). This is not a lightweight ATV by any means. However, you will certainly feel the power of the Rotax 976cc V-Twin engine when you pull on the throttle. Just like the previous Can-Am model, this engine delivers 91 horsepower. As a result, riding on difficult terrains where power is required will always be a smooth experience. Whether you are planning on putting snow tracks and climbing mountains or riding through muddy trails, the Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 can handle it all.

Key Features:

  • A Rotax 976cc V-Twin engine that offers 91 horsepower;
  • Intelligent throttle control and EFI;
  • Selectable 2WD and 4WD;
  • Premium suspension system that uses an arched double A-arm bar with front sway;
  • Ventilated disc breaks with hydraulic twin-piston caliper (rear and front).

Click play on the YouTube video below to see the top speed of this ATV.

#3 Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000 – 80 MPH (128 KM)

Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000

If you are a fan of American made ATVs, then you will love Arctic Cat Thunder 1000. The ATV uses a 951cc V-Twin engine that helps it reach a maximum speed of 80 MPH. Even though 80 MPH might be a big step down from the fastest ATV in 2023, you can rest assured that it’s considerably faster than the average ATV. In fact, I promise that Arctic Cat Thunder 1000 is powerful enough to get on any type of terrain and not leave you hanging. Whether you are a beginner in the ATV world and are looking for the fastest model you can get in 2023 or are a pro, you will love the fact that Arctic Cat Thunder 1000 uses an automatic CVT transmission. Shifting gears will always be smooth.

Some other notable feature that makes the Arctic Cat Thunder 1000 stand out is its double A-arm suspension system designed to provide maximum comfort. While riding on rugged roads is not usually the most comfortable experience, the suspension system that the Arctic Cat Thunder 1000 uses does a fantastic job of keeping the rider safe. I also want to highlight that this four-wheeler has a 11 inch ground clearance and 52.5 inch wheelbase. This matters because it shows you can go over big obstacles easily.

Key Features:

  • The ATV reaches a max speed of 80 MPH;
  • 951cc V-Twin, SOHC, 4-Stroke, 4-Valve engine;
  • Automatic CVT clutch (smooth gear shifting);
  • Double A-Arm front and rear suspension system designed for comfort;
  • Hydraulic brakes.

#4 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700 – 75 MPH

stock photo of 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700

 

If you ask me, the 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700 is one of the top 5 best ATVs ever made. Don’t believe me? The ATV is the fastest quad you can get in 2022 and the best ATV for mountain terrain! This means that if you choose to go with the 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700, you certainly not regret the decision. Nonetheless, the four-wheeler reaches a top speed of 75 MPH and it impresses us with its unique YFI (Yamaha Fuel Injection) system. As the name implies, this system is exclusive to Yamaha ATVs, and it excels at providing consistent engine performance.

The sports quad uses a 696cc engine that stands out with a maximum RPM of 9,000. Thanks to this, you can push every gear to the max. For example, you can use the first gear to get as much torque as possible in order to get out of sticky situations such as getting stuck in the mud. It’s not all about speed with the 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700. The ATV also has great braking power. The manufacturers have equipped it with dual aluminum-piston hydraulic disc brakes that make it easy to stop, even when going downhill. Additionally, the seating is designed for riders of all sizes. Whether you are 5’5 or 6,4, you will sit comfortably on the 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700 and have easy access to the foot pegs.

Key Features:

  • A 696cc engine that has a maximum RPM of 9,000;
  • Access to the exclusive Yamaha Fuel Injection system;
  • A top speed of 75 MPH;
  • Dual aluminum-piston hydraulic disc brakes;
  • Comfortable seating position for riders of all sizes.

#5 2023 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 – 73 MPH

2023 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 on a dirt road

Even though the 2023 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 is featured last on my list of 2023’s fastest ATVs, this doesn’t mean that it’s slow by any means. The four-wheeler reaches a top speed of 73 MPH. This is super impressive, especially when considering that ATVs are designed for rugged terrains. I will link a YouTube video below that shows you how it feels like to max the speed on this ATV. You will see that it’s an adrenaline-fueled experience that any quad enjoyer will love.

The 2023 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 has an estimative dry weight of 970 lb (440 kg). This is the main reason why it sits in the last spot on my list. There are some advantages of riding a heavier quad, but it doesn’t help at all when it comes to speed. On a brighter note, I want to mention that the 2023 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 uses automatic shifting, and that is paired with a 55-inch wide suspension to make riding a smooth experience.

Key Features

  • A 55-inch wide suspension that makes it easy to get over obstacles;
  • PIN-activated security;
  • The 952 liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine delivers 89 horsepower;
  • Selectable 2WD/4WD mode;
  • Automatic shifting with low and high gears (alongside park, reverse, and neutral);
  • LED lighting.

Check out the YouTube video below if you want to see the POV of someone riding the 2023 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 at max speed:

Bob Kelly

Hey there, my name is Bob and I've been riding ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs for most of my life. Going on outdoor adventures has always been my passion. I love sharing tips and tricks with beginners who are getting ready to join the world of outdoor enthusiasts. You can reach me at bobtheatvguy@gmail.com if you want to get in touch.

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