CFMOTO has positioned itself as one of the most dynamic players in the off-road vehicle market. One of its flagship models for 2025 is the all-new CFMOTO UFORCE U10 PRO. It features an all-new engine, surprising work capabilities and, above all, a huge list of standard equipment. The ATV Trail Rider team has tested it for you, and here are our impressions.
Style, equipment and ergonomics
When we met the CFMOTO UFORCE U10 PRO in person, we were impressed by its generous dimensions. Its rugged adventurer look, with its prominent grille, commands respect. The light signature running across the grille gives it a high-end look, as does its metallic red color.
It’s impossible not to notice the excellent quality of the finish, which has improved steadily over the years. The manufacturer can now pride itself on playing in the big league, competing with the market leaders. The arrangement of components is impeccable, and attention to detail particularly meticulous.
All-in equipment.
On our test model, we were entitled to the “Highland” version. This is the version that sits at the top of the range in terms of equipment. A very long list of options is included. Some of these features are even surprising to find on an off-road vehicle. To put this in perspective, CFMOTO is tackling the Can-Am Defender Limited/LoneStar. Or the Polaris Ranger and Xpedition in NorthStar versions.
You’ll probably have noticed that we’re entitled to full doors with electric windows. And a complete heating and air-conditioning system. We’re getting closer and closer to a car that can move freely on the road. Maybe it’s gone too far? We’ll let you make up your own mind.
Let’s return to the many features available, and note the presence of some that particularly stand out:
- A glass front windscreen that opens and lifts with electric cylinders. Of course, there’s a windscreen wiper with liquid distribution available to keep it clean.
- The rear bucket with electric assistance to lift it without forcing.
- A 4500-lb winch with joystick for working or getting out of awkward positions.
Top-of-the-range interior
The interior is simply incredible. You’re practically inside a car. With a full dashboard and a huge 8” touchscreen in the center. The infotainment system clearly provides basic information. It also provides access to a sound system (AM/FM radio, Bluetooth), air conditioning and CFMOTO RideSync.
The interior is well presented, and the textures of the various controls impress with their high quality. Truly, CFMOTO has pulled out all the stops to take things to the next level.
All-new powertrain
With the arrival of this all-new model, we’re also treated to a new engine for the Chinese manufacturer. It’s a liquid-cooled in-line three-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection. Its 998 cm3displacement delivers 88 horsepower and a generous 69 lb*ft of torque. The engine is very quiet and revs up smoothly. The advantages of a three-cylinder engine are drastically reduced vibration and smooth running. What’s more, the manufacturer has gone to great lengths to soundproof the cabin and ensure quiet cruising.
Start the vehicle with the push-button, and you have a choice of three driving modes (Work, Normal and Sport). These modes adjust throttle responsiveness and fuel injection mapping. In other words, you opt for performance in Sport mode, with a responsive throttle. Conversely, you don’t want a vehicle that’s too reactive for low-speed manoeuvring in Work mode.
CFMOTO CVT transmission
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is now manufactured directly by CFMOTO. In the past, CVTech-IBC was the official supplier for their vehicles. More recently, the automaker has decided to produce the vast majority of these components itself. This is the case for the transmission, but we know that CVTech-IBC is still behind the calibrations. In this respect, we must mention the clutch smoothness and optimum performance delivered by the transmission. As for the transmission’s long-term reliability, only time will tell.
Another really interesting aspect is the electric gear selector with push-buttons. It’s as simple as pressing “H” to start driving in “High” gear. Note that the vehicle must be at a complete standstill to make gear changes. This is perfect for ensuring a smooth ride, and at the same time, the automaker makes sure to preserve its system. This avoids breakdowns when shifting gears in motion. Two birds with one stone!
Driving impressions
It’s time to get aboard the CFMOTO UFORCE U10 PRO. First of all, the seats are comfortable and upright. The view inside the vehicle is excellent, even when seated high up. Press the electronic transmission selector and start driving. The first thing to mention is how smooth and quiet the ride is.
In general, the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps. Suspension travel is 11“ at the front and 10” at the rear, offering good comfort. The 13” ground clearance makes it easy to get over obstacles without worrying about catching the underside. This eliminates the “boat effect” too often found on this type of vehicle. Of course, these aren’t exactly high-performance shock absorbers either. You have to be careful not to push the vehicle too hard in sporty maneuvers. You’ll also feel a lot of the pitching imposed by a closed cabin with a high center of gravity. In short, the vehicle can handle trails very well. But that’s not where it shines.
Ready for work
The CFMOTO UFORCE U10 PRO excels in utility use. Its towing capacity of 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) can be fully exploited. The dump bed offers a capacity of 454 kg (1000 lbs). That’s what you need for a full-size work vehicle. All the while giving it a strong competitive edge.
Another aspect worth mentioning is its tight turning circle. The expression “turning on a dime” takes on its full meaning. This is an essential consideration for a utility model. It makes maneuvering much easier. On the other hand, it reduces steering precision and makes high-speed driving a little blurry.
Another new feature worth mentioning is the Dynamic Downhill Assist. This device is really effective when maneuvering at very low speeds on downhill slopes. Simply activate it on the dashboard. The vehicle then manages itself for a smooth descent. We no longer have to worry about keeping the belt engaged to use the engine brake. Everything happens automatically now.
Let’s get back to the fun stuff…
For exploring trails, the U10 PRO lets you have fun at moderate speeds. It’s fair to say that power is transmitted efficiently through the gear ratios and riding modes. Power delivery is progressive and the vehicle feels solidly built. It’s not a very sporty vehicle, but acceleration and throttle response are more than adequate for trail use. Although ZFORCEs are much more suitable. All in all, the CFMOTO UFORCE U10 PRO is above all an excellent work vehicle with the ability to have fun too.
Highlights
- Innovative 3-cylinder engine with adequate power and, above all, generous torque. All this, with superior smoothness of operation and minimum vibration.
- A very long list of standard equipment, making this an “all-dressed” vehicle.
- Tight turning circle, a must for an off-road work vehicle.
- A style that leaves no one indifferent, with exemplary assembly quality.
Areas for improvement
- The suspension does a good job, but it’s not fully adjustable. Given the premium aspect, we’d have liked to see something a little more plush in this respect.
- In certain situations, we hear vibrations from parts inside. Obviously, this is a major challenge with all the equipment. It’s something to keep an eye on for the manufacturer who wants to offer a vehicle in this high-end niche.
Conclusion
The arrival of the new CFMOTO UFORCE U10 PRO demonstrates the manufacturer’s know-how. A vehicle brimming with standard equipment and an impressive powertrain. A new milestone has been reached for the selling price of a CFMOTO at over $32,000… It remains to be seen whether users will be prepared to pay such a sum. On the other hand, when compared to its equivalents from Can-Am and Polaris, it’s less expensive. In short, if you’re looking for this type of fully-equipped utility vehicle, take the time to consider it.
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The Planète Quad team thanks CFMOTO Canada for this test drive. Visit their website or your nearest dealer for more details.
Photo credits: Dominic Boudreau
