What is the Toughest ATV? Durability, Power, and Price


While all ATVs are made for rugged terrains, there are some models better suited than others to take on challenging trails. These models are dubbed as tough ATVs and they stand out with premium features like durable suspension systems and steel frames.

Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition is the toughest ATV. The ATV uses a ProStar 850cc 4-stroke twin-engine that delivers 85 horsepower and it sports a durable build. Some notable features that make the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition the toughest ATV on the market are its shielded clutch and intake ducting, 30-inch mud specific tires, independent rear suspension and 13.5-inch of ground clearance.

Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition is the toughest ATV on the market, but it’s not the only durable four-wheeler you can get. Keep reading to see the ATVs that came on second and third place.

image describing what is the toughest ATV

What is the Toughest ATV?

First Place: Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition

stock photo of a gray and yellow Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition

Hands down, the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition is one of the toughest ATVs ever built. Polaris is a popular brand that is renowned for making some of the best quads on the market. The Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition is not an exception to that rule falling into the “premium” category.

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If you pay attention to the design and the specifications of the ATV, you will quickly realize that every component has been designed to make the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition the toughest ATV available on the market. The designers equipped the four wheeler with 29.5-inch high lifter outlaw tires so that you can go over any type of obstacle. That’s not all!

The ATV is equipped with a shielded clutch and engine intake ducting. As a result, you can even go through to water and never have to worry about getting the quad flooded. Obviously, you need to be careful when riding through bodies of water not to let go of the gas. Nonetheless, this feature does add up to the credits that make Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition the toughest ATV on the market.

If power is what you are looking for, you might want to check out this new article where I present the top 5 fastest ATVs in 2021.

The powerful ProStar 850cc 4-stroke twin engine is liquid-cooled and delivers 85 horsepower. Since this is an ATV that we are talking about, 85 horsepower is more than anyone needs for an adrenaline-fueled experience. Most sedans are slower than this. What’s cool about having such a powerful engine is the fact that you don’t need to worry about going through mud or riding on hills. You will be able to get on top of anything without an issue.

Second Place: Honda Fourtrax Rancher 420 4×4

stock photo of the 2023 Honda Fourtrax Rancher 420 4×4

If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative, you can never go wrong with the Honda Fourtrax Rancher 420 4×4. Honda makes some of the world’s toughest ATVs, and this model is the perfect example. The four wheeler can tow up to 848 lbs. and it is fueled by a 420cc engine that delivers up to 26 horsepower. Yes, this is much slower than the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition, but it’s way more than enough to have a good time while riding trails.

Even though the Honda Fourtrax Rancher 420 4×4 is almost half the price of the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition, you shouldn’t be fooled by this and think that it’s not a durable ATV, quite the opposite. The Honda Fourtrax Rancher 420 4×4 stands out with its automatic DCT transmission that delivers excellent control, fast shifts, and an automatic program that downshifts so that you can focus on enjoying the ride.

Honda used steel construction for the racks when designing the Honda Fourtrax Rancher 420 4×4, and you can feel this right from the moment you get on top of it. The four wheeler is designed to go through rugged terrain. You can be sure that it won’t break after a couple of hours of hard riding. It’s also important to mention that the ATV uses independent double-wishbone front suspension with 6.69 inches of travel and a swingarm with a single shock on the rear side with 6.69 inches of travel.

Third Place: Yamaha Kodiak 450 4WD

a stock photo of a blue Yamaha Kodiak 450 4WD

For the third spot, I saved the iconic Yamaha Kodiak 450 4WD. This is a mid-size ATV that showcases Yamaha’s engineering prowess and commitment to making the best four-wheelers on the market. The reason why I placed the Yamaha Kodiak 450 4WD on my list of the toughest ATVs is that it features a robust steel frame and compact body, combined with independent double-wishbone suspension and generous ground clearance. These features ensure that the ATV can take a beating and not require repairs. You don’t have to stress after hitting a couple of potholes with the Yamaha Kodiak 450 4WD. The premium tires and suspension system can take a hit!

The four-wheeler boasts a 421cc fuel-injected engine that, while might not be as powerful as the previous two ATVs on my list, still delivers enough power and speed to tackle any terrain with ease. Since the engine was engineered by Yamaha, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it provides strong, consistent performance whether you are cruising along a trail or using the ATV for work. I should mention that the ATV uses an Ultramatic transmission system (automatic) which makes shifting a breeze. You can focus on riding and less on shifting gears, making it perfect for beginners.

Another feature that makes the Yamaha Kodiak 450 4WD a fantastic ATV for people who enjoy riding on tough trails is the on-command 4WD system. You can switch between driving with the push of a button. Therefore, you will be ready for any condition. Even though the ATV falls in the third spot, I firmly believe that it’s one of the toughest ATVs you can get. It’s more affordable than the top models and the smaller engine makes it easier to control.

How Did I Select the Toughest ATVs on the Market?

You might be wondering how did I select the top three toughest ATV models on the market. While it might be obvious that I made sure they have a premium build quality that can withstand shocks and hits, there are a bunch of other factors I checked. Here are the key features a tough ATV needs to have:

Premium Build Quality

Without a doubt, build quality is paramount. A sturdy build is indicative of how well an ATV can endure rigorous off-road conditions. Look for frames made from tough, high-strength materials such as steel. The Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition, for example, boasts a steel frame that’s designed to withstand high impacts without incurring damage.

Powerful Engines

A powerful engine is essential to propel your ATV across a variety of landscapes and gradients. The Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition’s ProStar 850cc 4-stroke twin engine is a testament to that. It delivers 85 horsepower, providing an adrenaline rush like no other, and makes riding through mud or scaling steep hills an effortless task.

Large Tires

Large tires can provide excellent grip and traction, vital for navigating through challenging terrains. The Honda Fourtrax Rancher 420 4×4 is a fantastic example shipping with a large set of 4×4 tires that can handle any terrain. These large tires enable the ATV to maneuver over various obstacles smoothly.

Enhanced Suspension System

A top-tier suspension system can greatly enhance the ATV’s ability to navigate harsh landscapes while also providing a comfortable ride. Both the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition with its Double A-Arm suspension system and the Honda Fourtrax Rancher 420 4×4 with its independent double-wishbone front suspension and rear swingarm excel in this aspect.

Additional Durability Features

Consider ATVs that offer additional features for durability. For instance, the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition comes with a shielded clutch and engine intake ducting, ensuring the quad isn’t flooded even while traversing through water bodies.

Final Words

As we can see above, Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition is the toughest ATV on the market right now. If you have the money and can afford to make such a big investment, I can’t recommend the ATV enough. You can use it for all sorts of activities. Starting with trail riding and ending with hauling cargo, the quad will not disappoint.

On the other hand, the Honda Fourtrax Rancher 420 4×4 is also an excellent option. The ATV sells for half the price of the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition, and despite that, it still falls into the premium category. This is because Honda didn’t shy away from equipping the quad with durable parts and a powerful engine. On the final spot, we have Yamaha Kodiak 450 4WD, which is the best tough ATV for beginners.

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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