How Fast Can an RTV Go? (Kubota RTV Included)


A Rugged-Terrain Vehicle (aka an RTV) is a type of Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTVs), a category of off-road vehicles used by workers in the field. The fact that they come with a steering wheel and a side-by-side seating makes them resemble a car more than an ATV. The RTVs are widely known and used for work purposes as they are more powerful, larger, and have more storage space than the classic ATVs. But how fast can an RTV go? Keep on reading to learn more about the speed you can reach driving an RTV.

The average speed of an RTV is 25mph, with a top speed of 28 mph. Some newer models can go up to 40 mph, helping the ranchers get work done a lot faster. However, you should keep in mind that RTVs are not typical quads as they are designed for different purposes. Rugged-terrain vehicles are mainly made for hauling and towing cargo, not for speeding on the trails.

Some RTV models are designed for wor around the farm, while others are for joy riding. Those are the RTVs that go fast and can reach really high top speed. Keep reading to find out more.

image showing how fast Can-an RTV go

How Fast Can an RTV Go?

If you’re thinking about buying a utility vehicle, you should probably know that while you will be able to make the most of it in the working field, you will most likely not be able to compete with any ATVs on the trails. RTVs have numerous great characteristics, but speed isn’t something that they can brag about. However, that is totally fine, that is totally fine since RTVs are designed for different activities.

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Classic RTV models ride around 20 to 25 mph, and if the conditions are favorable, they reach a top speed of 28 mph. Most ranchers who use them for work purposes say that this is more than enough. However, some people prefer faster vehicles. Luckily for them, the newest Rugged-Terrain Vehicles reach a top speed of 40 mph. This may not seem much when compared to a fast ATV, but for a vehicle that can haul and tow around 1000 lbs, it’s pretty impressive.

Which RTV is the Fastest?

a stock picture of the RTV-XG850 Sidekick

The RTV-XG850 Sidekick from Kubota is the fastest RTV on the market. Kubota released the vehicle back in 2018 with an impressive 48 hp gas-powered engine that reaches a top speed of 40 mph. This is 10 mph more than all other models Kubota produced to that date, making this RTV the fastest one yet. What makes the RTV-XG850 Sidekick one of the world’s best RTVs is the impressive acceleration and torque that it offers. Riding on steep hills or rugged trails will never be an issue.

Kubota product manager stated that: “Customers can confidently take on any task or terrain with comfortable, convenient and capable features, and with the speed to get there fast, up to 40 mph fast.”. As a result, the Sidekick is not only the fastest and most powerful RTV out there, but also an extremely safe, comfortable and, like all Kubotas are, a durable vehicle.

How fast will Kubota RTV go?

Kubota has been the leader in the diesel utility vehicle space for nearly ten years, and no wonder why. Just like they like to say, “In every Kubota RTV beats the heart of a tractor. ”. Being known for their reliable diesel tractors, Kubota uses the same philosophy when it comes to building RTVs. That’s the reason why their utility vehicles are considered one of the most durable ones on the market.

  • The RTV900

In 2004 Kubota released its first Rugged-Terrain Vehicle, the RTV900, designed by the same principles by which they used to build their famous tractors. The RTV900 quickly became one of the most used RTVs in America. Its three-cylinder, four-cycle diesel overhead cam engine produces 21.6 horsepower at 3,200 revolutions per minute (RPM), reaching a top speed of 25 mph.

  • The RTV1100

The RTV1100 came next in line being the first A/C factory cabin model in the industry. This model offered everything the previous model did, plus a greater level of comfort even in harsh environments provided by the A/C cabin. However, speed-wise, there hasn’t been much improvement, as the RTV1100 can only reach 28 mph.

  • The RTV500

The year 2008 brought a revolutionary model on the market, and I’m talking about Kubota’s first mid-size model, the RTV500. The Kubota RTV500’s two-cylinder water-cooled petrol engine produces 15.8 horsepower, minimizing the noise and vibration and therefore, offering its driver a smoother ride.

The engine on this model benefits from an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), making it much easier to start on cold winter days. It also provides on-demand power, better acceleration, and improved engine serviceability with a top speed of 25 mph.

Do you want to buy a Kubota RTV? If that is the case, you should make sure to check out this article where I present the pros and cons of buying a Kubota vehicle. The price is not the only con!

Which is the Latest RTV Model?

a stock photo of the rtv520 kubota

We already discussed the fastest RTV on the market, the Kubota’s Sidekick. But what about the latest RTV model they released? The all-new RTV520 was released in 2020, and it is definitely a game-changer when it comes to RTVs. The RTV520 is built upon the success of its older brother, the RTV500, with a few upgrades. It comes with a new look, improved suspensions, increased energy displacement, and an optional cabin for cold or rainy days. If you are wondering if this model is fasters than the RTV-XG850 Sidekick, the answer is no. The top speed when it comes to RTVs remains 40 mph and can be reached riding the RTV-XG850 Sidekick, as well as the RTV520 series.

Final Words

If you are looking to buy an RTV for entertainment purposes, it might not be the best choice for you. But if you need a compact and powerful utility vehicle to help you get work done in the field, an RTV is definitely what you need. Whether you choose the classic, older models like RTV 1100 or the RTV500, or you want to go all the way and spend your money on an RTV-XG850 Sidekick for those extra miles, it will most certainly get the job done.

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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