Finding The Fastest ATV
Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S vs Can Am Renegade X XC
When it comes to the fastest ATV on the market, it’s largely a battle between the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S and the Can Am Renegade X XC.
Of course, there are other fast, strong, capable ATVs with powerhouse engines, but these other ATVs are built primarily with touring/trail riding in mind not speed.
There are also other fast, capable sport models, but with less powerful engines.
So, when it comes to the fastest, it’s no contest, these two sport ATVs are at the top of the pack.
Sport ATV = Speed + Handling
Touring ATV = Comfort + Overall Performance
Sport ATV vs Touring ATV
The Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S and the Can Am Renegade X XC are classified as sport ATVs.
This means they are built specifically for performance with speed and handling at the forefront. Big engines, nimble handling and a strong transmission that can handle a wide open throttle are all essential for performance and speed.
Sport ATVs are also typically less long than most traditional touring ATVs.
A shorter length = better handling / cornering.
A shorter length also helps shave off weight, so sport ATVs are usually lighter than traditional touring ATVs. Shaving off vehicle weight is one way to increase speed.
However, in the case of the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S, it’s actually heavier than it’s comparable touring model the Sportsman Touring XP 1000 Trail, so this isn’t 100% true with all fast ATVs.
Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S
Unmatched stability, performance and terrain capability
Starts @ $15,599
- Horsepower: 89 HP
Capabilities
- Engine: 952cc ProStar SOHC 4-Stroke Twin Cylinder
- L x W x H: 82.5” x 55” x 49.5”
- Payload Capacity: 715 lbs
- Rack Capacity: 500 lbs
- Towing Capacity: 1,750 lbs
- Tires: 27” Duro Powergrip
- Ground Clearance: 14.5″
- Suspension:
- Front: Sealed Dual A-Arm 11.6” Travel
- Rear: Sealed Dual A-Arms Rolled IRS, 14” Travel
Features
- Standard 2” Receiver Hitch
- Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
- LED Pod & Bumper Lights
- 3,500 lb Winch
- Lock & Ride 4 Gallon Front Storage, 2 Gallon Rear Storage
- All Digital Gauge
- Front & Rear Bumpers
- LED Bumper Lights
- Dual LED Brake Lights/Taillights
The Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S is a big heavy beast.
It’s actually heavier than it’s comparable touring model the Sportsman Touring XP 1000 Trail.
So, why is the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S heavier?
And, more importantly, how is it still one of the fastest ATVs if it’s so heavy?
Polaris beefed up the XP 1000 S to make it stronger, so that it could handle rough terrain without sacrificing speed. They made the main frame tubing of the chassis 31% larger
They used the same front differentials and half shafts that they use in their utility UTV, the Ranger XP 1000. This increased component strength 15%.
To top it off, they built the transmission with 25% stronger components to handle increased throttling.
All three of these improvements inevitably increased the weight.
But, another big reason for increased weight is a bigger engine with twin cylinders vs a single cylinder.
This is the secret sauce for increasing the weight while also increasing the speed.
Extra Wide 55″ Stance
One interesting feature of the Sportsman XP 1000 S is it’s extra wide stance of 55″ for increased stability.
Depending on where you ride, this extra width could potentially be a deal breaker. A lot of ATV trails have a max trail limit of 50″.
However, with the increasing popularity of SxS, a lot of trail systems are widening trails for improved access to larger vehicles. So, over time I think this will become less of an issue.
Polaris does a good job balancing speed with overall functionality with the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S.
With a big powerful engine, you still get 89 HP for a fast ride without sacrificing trail riding capability. You still get excellent rack capacity, incredible ground clearance and a winch for when you get in over your head.
Guinness World Record
Fastest ATV – Modified Yamaha 700 Raptor
Can Am Renegade X XC
Most powerful sport ATV in the industry
Starts @ $13,199
- Horsepower: 91 HP
Capabilities
- Engine: Rotax 976 cc V-twin, Liquid Cooled
- L x W x H: 86” x 48” x 49”
- Payload Capacity: N/A
- Rack Capacity: 35 lbs rear rack
- Towing Capacity: 1,300 lbs
- Tires: 25” ITP Holeshot ATR
- Ground Clearance: 10.5″
- Shocks: FOX 1.5 PODIUM RC2
- Suspension:
- Front: Arched Double A-arm With Front Sway Bar 9.2” Travel
- Rear: Torsional Trailing Arm Independent 9.9” Travel
Features
- RF Digitally Encoded Security System
- Prewired For Available Winch
- 4 Fender Mounted Projector Beam Headlamps
- Front Bumper
- Aluminum Tapered Handlebar With Full Wrap Handguards
- 4.5” Digital Display
- Front & Central Skid Plate
Can Am bills the Renegade X XC as “the most impressive and powerful sport ATV family in the industry”.
In most cases, this could be chalked up to chest thumping marketing, but when it comes to the X XC, believe the hype. There really is no faster, more powerful ATV on the market.
Believe The Hype
Everything about the Renegade X XC is made to support it’s quest for speed.
116 lbs separates this sport model from it’s touring Can Am comparison model.
Keep in mind, this weight reduction comes at a price, you’re not getting a winch or high capacity racks.
This is in sharp contrast to the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S which went heavier to throw in some extra bells and whistles.
The tires are also two inches smaller than the Polaris XP 1000 S, so you’re sacrificing some ground clearance. Overall, this ATV has 4″ less ground clearance.
However, when it comes to speed these are the mods you want. Not only does riding closer to the ground give you a more exciting dynamic ride, it also increases stability.
Lower to the ground also means that that Renegade X XC can come in at a lean 48″ wide while maintaining excellent stability.
This also means that you can easily haul it with most pick up trucks.
If speed is what you’re after, there is no faster stock ATV on the market than the Can Am Renegade X XC.