Many buyers who plan to purchase an ATV to ride with two people study the medium-displacement two-seater class. In these periods of financial restrictions, this category of ATV is very popular.
Reasonably priced, the performance of these machines is adequate for the vast majority of situations during rides on trails, or even when things get tough. In addition, the budget required for their acquisition is reasonable.
We thought that comparing them methodically could be interesting and help you in your purchasing process. We contacted five ATV manufacturers and three responded. The CFMOTO CFORCE 600 was loaned at the last minute by the Maniac Moto dealership in Montmagny, who was kind enough to help us out at the last minute. Argo declined the invitation from ATV Trail Rider. To make the comparison as fair as possible, we asked to get the most equipped version available, which we got from all manufacturers.
The quads in the running are therefore: Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV LTD, Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT, CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring, Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium.
The comparison method
To ensure the best possible objective evaluation, the editorial team has created an evaluation grid with points. This includes nine criteria on which the team worked together in order to assign a score for each model. The criteria are:
- Bodywork, finish and equipment (10 pts)
- Driver ergonomics (10 pts)
- Passenger ergonomics (10 pts)
- Behavior on trail (15 pts)
- Engine and transmission (10 pts)
- Braking (10 pts)
- Four-wheel drive system (0 pt because not evaluated) Suspension (10 pts)
- Easy maintenance and protection (10 pts)
- Budget (15 pts)
- Total: 100 points
We evaluated the mechanical components and general appearance with a team of five evaluators. Subsequently, four teams made up of a driver and a passenger drove on a 200 km route while swapping vehicles. Here are the results of the comparison match.
Bodywork, finishing and equipment (10 points)
The following are evaluated: the general finish, the equipment offered, the lighting, the storage spaces, the style and the protection against splashes.
Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV: 6 points
The Alterra has a robust appearance, highlighted by its beautifully made tires and large, prominent bumpers. The quality of the plastics and the fit are good. However, the driver faces an eco-flavored cockpit due to the dial and controls taken from previous generations of Alterra. Compared to competitors, it lacks good-sized closed storage spaces. The headlights are halogen while competitors offer LEDs. Also, the style is drab and does not strike the imagination. The splash protection is the worst of the group, especially for the passenger, especially because of the wide tires that extend beyond the fenders.
Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT: 9 points
The assembly of the vehicle is of a good standard and the finish of the plastics is very smooth. Storage is plentiful with a closed, waterproof trunk at the front and a storage compartment in the fake fuel tank in front of the driver. The latter is equipped with a USB socket for charging devices. Efficient lighting is standard LED. The splash protection is very good. It should be mentioned that the XT version comes standard with front and rear bumpers as well as an electric winch.
CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring: 8 points
As always, equipment is abundant at CFMOTO. Turn signals, horn, mirrors, hand guards, 3000 lb winch, bumper all standard. There is also a USB plug on the left fender, Work and Normal engine management modes. The presentation is flattering with motorcycle-style handlebar controls and an LED dial. The headlights and taillights are LED and are very effective. Also, the LED strip that circles the rear of the vehicle “à la Dodge Charger” is a great effect. Splash protection is good.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium: 5 points
The Sportsman has been with us for 10 years and its looks are starting to date. Metallic paint on plastics looks great. In terms of storage, there is a closed trunk at the front under the luggage rack and another at the rear with a smaller capacity. This is a good advantage of the Sportsman. However, Polaris is sparse with the equipment of its Premium version and, unlike competing models, the buyer will not have a winch or bumper. Concerning protection against splashes, the pilot gets copious amounts of water on his right foot when passing puddles.
Ergonomics for the driver (10 points)
The following are evaluated: the driving position, the control of noise and vibrations, the operation of the controls, the saddle.
Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV Limited: 6 points
The driving position is high and upright and will suit all driver sizes. They will have all the room necessary to make the desired weight transfers while moving. However, the saddle is hard, the 4×4 selector button is easy to operate by accident and the gear selector which is low and far has imprecise selection.
Can-Am Outlander 700 XT MAX: 8 points
The Outlander 700 MAX is a fairly imposing machine that offers plenty of room and comfort for both occupants. The riding position is high and clear, the handlebars wide and high. The saddle is the softest of the group and contributes a lot to comfort. The gear selector is well positioned and gear selection is easy.à
CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring: 6 points
The seating position is low and the pilot could have his legs bent and older people have less ease in transferring weight. The handlebars are wide and the saddle is correct. The brake controls are separate and it is confusing at first. The front brakes are operated by the handlebar grip and the rear brakes by the brake pedal. This is too high, which is exacerbated by the low driving position.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium: 7 points
The driving position is comfortable for all rider sizes. It is more advanced than the other mountain bikes in the group. The saddle is comfortable and well padded, the handlebars are wide and the driver has plenty of space to transfer weight. We note the gear selector which is placed in the right place, but which is still as stubborn (imprecise).
Passenger ergonomics (10 points)
The following are evaluated for the rear passenger: the room available, the comfort and retention in place of the saddle, the comfort of gripping the handles and the footrests.
Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV Limited: 6 points
The seat is comfortable and stable. The room allocated to the passenger is good. The handles are difficult to grip and, above all, come into contact with the hips/thighs during bumps. This causes discomfort and even pain on long journeys.
Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT: 9 points
The seat is comfortable and holds the passenger well. The handles are comfortable and do not cause undue fatigue. Passenger room is very good.
CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring: 8 points
The comfort of the saddle is excellent and the passenger slips little. The handles are well designed and grip well. There is enough room on the ATV for two passengers. However, the footrest is very high and too short. The passenger will therefore have his legs folded.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium: 3 points
The passenger is not spoiled on a Sportsman Touring. The saddle is well padded, but the width of the tank requires you to spread your legs wider than normal. In addition, the handles prove to be deficient, being poorly oriented and difficult to grip. Finally, room is tight on the vehicle because the passengers are touching each other.
Handling on the trail (15 points)
The following are evaluated: steering precision, power steering efficiency, cornering stability at high and low speeds, roll control, etc.
Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV Limited: 9 points
The Alterra has precise steering at high speeds but we observed some wobble in the handlebars. We think this may be due to a poorly balanced tire, therefore specific to our test vehicle. Cornering stability is very good. The ATV holds its position well as well as the desired heading. No counter-shock returns to the handlebars when passing crevasses. The unique point of the Alterra is that the driver sitting in a high position knows very well what is happening under his wheels. The return of sensations from the mechanical elements is very satisfactory. However, the turning radius is the longest and making a U-turn on a tight path is difficult.
Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT: 12 points
The Outlander delivers the performance you expect from a touring machine without problems. Its precise direction does not give any backlash depending on the ruts of the trail. Cornering stability, heading at high speed as well as roll control are very adequate regardless of the speed set. We feel the Outlander a little heavy, but imperturbable. And despite the size of the ATV, the turning radius is average for the group.
CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring: 10 points
The handling of the CFORCE 600 Touring is very correct overall. The steering proves precise, the control of vehicle movements is satisfactory both in turns and at high speed. The turning circle is a tad long, but overall doesn’t hurt. In fact, the CFORCE 600 doesn’t really do anything wrong, but the delivery remains a bit lackluster.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium: 13 points
The Sportsman 570 Touring offers the most playful handling of the group. Considering its 10-year presence on the market, this is remarkable. The steering is precise and places the vehicle exactly where you want it. The steering is imperturbable and it is very maneuverable on the trail.
Engine and transmission (10 points)
The following are evaluated: acceleration, hill holding (torque), transmission efficiency, engine braking, general homogeneity of the powertrain.
Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV Limited: 7 points
The Alterra’s 600 cc engine develops 44 hp. Its acceleration is correct and the transmission works well. It always places the engine at the optimal speed depending on the effort required. On a good hill with two passengers, it maintains its speed but accelerates with difficulty. Its engine braking works efficiently. In short, the performance is correct and uneventful.
Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT: 8 points
The large single-cylinder of the Outlander 700 develops 50 hp, making it the most powerful of the group. The engine brake is well applied and on an upward slope with a passenger, the pilot can accelerate if he wishes. Acceleration and pick-up are excellent but you feel the machine hampered by the weight. It feels a bit like driving a big, powerful Cadillac.
CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring: 6 points
The CFORCE 600 engine delivers 40 horsepower, putting it head to head with the Alterra. During standing starts, the vehicle launches but the first meters are dampened. Acceleration and pick-up are the weakest of the group, but they are still suitable for touring use. The engine braking is adequate and on an upward slope with a passenger, the vehicle will maintain its speed, nothing more.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium: 9 points
The Sportsman 570‘s engine only develops 44 hp. But the excellent symbiosis with the transmission makes it the liveliest quad of the group. In fact, it is the fastest in acceleration and on steep slopes with a passenger, it can accelerate without problem. His playful character is always a pleasure.
Braking (10 points)
The following are evaluated: braking distances, stability and the impression given to the driver.
Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV Limited: 7 points
The braking has good bite and is easy to modulate. The vehicle is stable and brakes in a straight line.
Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT: 7 points
The braking has good bite and is easy to modulate. The vehicle is stable and brakes in a straight line.
CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring: 6 points
The braking has good bite, the vehicle is stable and brakes in a straight line. The separate braking controls require some practice to achieve optimal modulation.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium: 7 points
The braking has good bite and is easy to modulate. The vehicle is stable and brakes in a straight line.
Suspension: (10 points)
Are evaluated: the ability to absorb bumps and crevices, control of body movements, control of rebounds, etc.
Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV Limited: 7 points
The Alterra has an effective suspension that controls roll well in corners and vehicle dive when braking hard. The steep setting of the shock absorbers means that you feel more bumps when passing the wheels. This does not mean that the vehicle is poorly suspended, but it is the price to pay to have a better feeling of what is happening under the wheels.
Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT: 8 points
The Outlander has a stiff suspension that needs to be well loaded to work through its full travel. We noted effective control of rolling and rebound movements which ensures good comfort for passengers.
CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring: 5 points
The CFORCE 600 has less refined cushioning than its competitors, but it is not uncomfortable. The roll is a little more pronounced when cornering and small bumps are more felt.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium: 9 points
It’s well known that suspensions have made Polaris’ reputation and that of the Sportsman 570 Touring is no exception. The ride is very flexible and smooths out the bumps in the trail well. When you push hard, the roll is very well controlled and there is little rebound. In short, the best of both worlds.
Ease of maintenance and protection of mechanics (10 points)
Are evaluated: the ease of accessibility of the elements to be checked or maintained as well as the protection of the mechanical elements under the vehicle
Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV Limited: 3 points.
This low score is explained by the technical choices of the manufacturer which do not simplify the task for the owner. In fact, the air filter is inaccessible without dismantling a body part, the oil gauge is difficult to access. Under the vehicle, the wiring is poorly protected. And what about the choice to place the battery under the front fender, exposed to flying debris, mud and slush without having provided protection?
Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT: 8 points
Full access to the air filter, oil gauge, fuse panel or battery can be achieved without any tools. The belt is even accessible for repairs on trails without too much effort. The underside of the vehicle is well protected with its well-located wires and plastic protection plates. Note that holes have been placed there to carry out oil changes without dismantling the skid plate.
CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring: 6 points
The air filter is easily accessible under the seat and the oil dipstick is accessible. The battery is also with a little work, that is to say by dismantling a bolted metal part. Otherwise the protection under the vehicle is correct and does not give rise to any particular criticism.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium: 7 points
The air filter is easily accessible under the seat. The fuses are placed under the front luggage rack which can be removed with two quick releases that can be activated without tools. The battery is less convenient, being placed in front of the rear wheels in the center of the chassis. It is not as exposed as that of the Alterra, but is more difficult to access for a boost. For protection under the vehicle, note the presence of protection plates and large CV joints guards.
Budget (15 points)
Are compared: retail prices including transport and preparation costs but excluding sales taxes. We also consider the manufacturer’s warranties that cover the vehicles.
Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV Limited: 9 points
Total price: $15,750, 12-month parts and labor warranty. This is the most expensive vehicle in our test.
Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT: 12 points
Total price: $14,700, 6-month parts and labor warranty. The level of equipment is good and the price is well targeted, being the second cheapest in the group.
CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring: 15 points
Total price: $12,650, 12-month unlimited mileage warranty and 48 months/5,000 km for the powertrain. As expected, it is the least expensive and best guaranteed of the group. The amount of standard equipment on board also increases its value.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium: 11 points
Total price: $15,089, 6 month warranty. The asking price is strong when you consider how long it has been on the market. Also, it does not offer a winch or bumper on the Premium version, which is the most upscale, while the other competitors do.
The ranking
Before revealing the results, it is important to understand that the four machines tested are competent and could be your first choice depending on your specific needs. None represent a bad purchase.
4th with 60 points: Arctic Cat Alterra 600 TRV Limited
The Alterra gives the feeling of being more in direct contact with the terrain. Lots of great engineering solutions in the design (they were the first to mount the motor facing backwards to control heat). On the other hand, it seems that the design team cut short the focus group stages to make the machine more desirable to the buyer. Also, the asking price, which is the highest, does not help its cause.
3rd with 70 points: CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Touring
Only one point distances him from second position. Obviously it hits hard with the budget and the standard equipment delivered with the vehicle. The general services are correct and the vehicle appears competent. Only, everything is less refined than the tenors. As CFMOTO is constantly working on its products, this will soon come with experience. Is it recommendable? Yes, without reservation.
2nd with 71 points: Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring Premium
Already 10 years old on the market, it continues to perform well thanks to the homogeneity of the integration of its mechanical elements. The Prostar 570 engine is still very lively and comfort is still excellent. But the general presentation is starting to date and the equipment offered is limited for the asking price.
1st with 81 points: Can-Am Outlander 700 MAX XT
The new Outlander entered the scene this year and we have to admit that Can-Am has done its homework. The general features are of a very good level, both from an engine performance point of view and from a comfort, handling, etc. point of view. In addition, the storage spaces offered are very well designed and spacious. This ATV has no weaknesses. It is somewhat placed between the class of medium displacement quads and the largest: it is powerful, heavy and bulky. In addition, its price is well adjusted.
Conclusion:
We would like the purchase of an ATV to be rational, but there are a lot of emotions that come into play during the process. This test allows us to make a ranking, but also to see that there are no bad options among the four models evaluated. No matter which one you choose, it will allow you to live your passion in the woods and trails.
The Raven Media team would like to warmly thank the manufacturers for making this test possible by making the requested quads available. Also, a big, special thank you to the Maniac Moto dealership in Montmagny who caught the situation at the last minute.
