Review of the Arctic Cat Prowler 700 HDX Limited 2014 all-terrain vehicle
All-season work machine
We've been riding models like the Polaris RZR 900 XL LE and Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs a lot lately, but it's time to break the habit a little and test out Arctic Cat's new utilitarian 2014 Prowler 700 HDX Limited.
At first glance, the Prowler makes a good impression. The HDX Limited comes with iridescent green paint, Duro Kaden tires and polished aluminum wheels. The design, although not distinguished by freshness and novelty, is exactly what a utilitarian working machine should have - stern and bold.
The Limited trim level of the Prowler HDX features automotive grade paint and aluminum wheels.
The Prowler 700 HDX Limited is powered by an Arctic Cat 700 H1 four-stroke engine: a single cylinder, 695 cc liquid cooled engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). Four valves and a tent-shaped combustion chamber design make this engine more powerful than other single-cylinder engines with a standard chamber. The 700 H1 is assembled at the Arctic Cat plant in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The car was test driven in late autumn in the Rocky Mountains. This allowed for a real test of the Arctic Cat single cylinder engine. Often, along with high altitude, low autumn-winter temperatures and fluctuations in humidity have a negative impact on engine performance, but the 700 H1 coped surprisingly well with all these factors. Of course, due to altitude and thin air, all engines lose power, be it two-stroke or four-stroke; Only superchargers and turbochargers save you from this. The engine power of the 700 H1 is more than enough for a car of this class, and fuel consumption is very economical.
The engine is paired with a Duramatic Automatic Transmission. It has high and low gears, reverse and a parking brake. The transmission uses a wet clutch, which extends drive belt life and is easy to engage. Another nice feature of the Prowler HDX is the easily switchable all-wheel drive (4WD) system with an electric locking front differential, which is especially helpful on snowy or muddy difficult sections of the road.
Thanks to the locking front differential, the Prowler HDX has no problem traversing snow.
Let's move on to the suspension - it is completely independent on the Prowler. The double A-arm design provides 254 millimeters of vertical suspension travel (both front and rear). There is also a powerful anti-roll bar at the rear. In truth, we did notice some body roll when cornering, but nothing major.
As written above, the Prowler HDX Limited is equipped with Duro 3 Star Kaden tires and aluminum wheels. Front tire dimensions are 26x9R14, rear tire dimensions are 26x11R14. We think this is an excellent option for a car of this type. And the wheels look nice.
The Prowler HDX Limited lives up to its status as a utilitarian car: the model weighs 618 kilograms, and the wheelbase (2159 mm) is 250 millimeters longer than the Prowler XTX. This wheelbase made it possible to install a spacious cargo platform like on a dump truck, which can transport up to 453 kilograms. In addition, the car can tow up to 680 kilograms - impressive figures.
Also worth mentioning are the two-inch trailer hitches front and rear on the Prowler. It’s nice when the manufacturer includes them in the basic package, and you don’t have to buy them separately as an accessory.
To test the HDX's capabilities, we attached a hydraulic, gas-powered log splitter to the rear hitch, and loaded the cargo bed with chainsaws and cans of fuel and oil. The machine handled the load extremely well, making one wonder, “How did we ever get by without a Prowler HDX Limited on the farm?”
The Prowler HDX easily towed split firewood with the cargo bed loaded with tools and fuel.
In the process of transporting the log splitter and tools, we found out that the engine and transmission are easier in first gear. The Prowler HDX Limited Edition suspension features Fox Float shock absorbers with coilovers. She coped well even with maximum load.
Of course, the car's handling and ride change when it's loaded. Over rough terrain and with a load, the Prowler HDX moved forward best in low gear.
One of the main features of the Limited Edition package is the presence of electric power steering (EPS). The system automatically adjusts to reduce or increase input depending on speed: the power steering provides more assistance at low speeds and less intervention at high speeds. EPS works perfectly, no matter whether the machine is loaded or not, high speed or low. Light steering and predictable clutch engagement make travel easy and enjoyable.
There are such convenient side compartments under the cargo platform.
Under the hood, the Prowler has a large storage compartment, the perfect place to keep your essentials protected from the elements. The manufacturer also added two containers under the cargo platform near the rear wheels. The 2-in-1 platform itself, by the way, can easily be converted into a flatbed for large loads. Moreover, it tilts: lower the tailgate, unlock the platform and lift it. Comfortable!
The Prowler HDX model is equipped with a 40-20-40 three-person bench seat. Even the middle seat has a full seat belt. It may be a little cramped for three adults, but no worse than, for example, in an airplane cabin. It is better for the smallest passenger to sit right in the middle.
Three adult men can sit in the Prowler HDX Limited, but it will be a bit cramped. Just perfect for two.
Arctic Cat designed the Prowler HDX Limited to be a powerful utility vehicle for tough jobs. Operating costs for the Prowler HDX are much lower than for a diesel pickup truck. The car is easy to drive, fun and copes with all tasks.
Speaking of fun, while the Prowler HDX is a utility vehicle, don't underestimate its potential as a side-by-side recreational vehicle. Bench seats and ample cargo storage allow you to take friends and everything you need for fishing, hunting or camping.
Arctic Cat also paid great attention to the safety of the driver and passengers of the Prowler HDX. The Limited GDX is equipped with headrests, leg restraints and comfortable side nets. At first, the leg restraints seemed uncomfortable and cumbersome, but after learning how to step out of the cabin with the outer leg heel first, we got the hang of it. Remember that they are made to protect both the driver and passengers.
The driver and passenger leg restraints take a little getting used to, but are there for protection.
Many might say that the Prowler HDX Limited is a bit pricey for a purely utilitarian model (which it is not, as stated above). And in some ways it is: a Kawasaki Teryx or a Yamaha Viking are probably better buys for work. But if a buyer decides to upgrade to things like electric power steering, aggressive all-terrain tires, Fox Float shocks with coilovers, aluminum wheels and trailer hitches, the total purchase price will be essentially the same as the Prowler HDX Limited. Are all these upgrades worth the cost? You decide. As a three-seater for work and play, that's a fair price tag.
For extreme activities like desert riding, dune jumping and rock climbing, the Prowler HDX Limited is certainly not a good fit. Will the car be on par with the 1000 Wildcat Extreme Limited? No. The shorter tires, shorter-travel shock absorbers and cargo-bed chassis aren't designed for high-speed jumps and the like, but if the driver understands the model's limitations, there are a few "wow" moments guaranteed. And by the way, back in the days before high-performance sport models hit the market, the Prowler was the first side-by-side in history to win the Baja 100.
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As you might guess, the comparison is dedicated to ATVs, which were created by the American company Arctic Cat.
Arctic Cat 500XT
Number of strokes 4 Number of cylinders 1 Number of valves per cylinder 4 Displacement 443 cm³ Bore and stroke 89×71.2 mm Maximum power 32.1 hp at 8000 rpm Maximum torque 30.6 N•m at 7000 rpm Intake type Injector Cooling system Liquid Starting system Electric starter Transmission Gearbox type CVT Drive Full Dimensions and weight Length 2154 mm Width 1207 mm Height 1219 mm Wheelbase 1270 mm Road ground clearance 279 mm Dry weight 306.6 kg Fuel tank capacity 21.6 l Chassis and brakes Suspension Front Independent double wishbone Front suspension travel 254 mm Rear Independent double wishbone Rear suspension travel 254 mm Brakes Front Hydraulic disc Rear Hydraulic disc Tires Front 25×8-12 Rear 2 5× 10-12
Arctic Cat 550 XT
Number of strokes 4 Number of cylinders 1 Number of valves per cylinder 4 Displacement 545 cm³ Bore and stroke 92×82 mm Maximum power 38.9 hp at 6850 rpm Maximum torque 42.7 N•m at 6350 rpm Intake type Injector Cooling system Liquid Starting system Electric starter Transmission Gearbox type CVT Drive Full Dimensions and weight Length 2154 mm Width 1207 mm Height 1219 mm Wheelbase 1270 mm Road ground clearance 279 mm Dry weight 313.4 kg Fuel tank capacity 21.6 l Chassis and brakes Suspension Front Independent double wishbone Front suspension travel 254 mm Rear Independent double wishbone Rear suspension travel 254 mm Brakes Front Hydraulic disc Rear Hydraulic disc Tires Front 25×8-12 Rear 2 5× 10-12
Arctic Cat TRV 700 XT
Number of strokes 4 Number of cylinders 1 Number of valves per cylinder 4 Displacement 695 cm³ Bore and stroke 102×85 mm Maximum power 44 hp at 6000 rpm Maximum torque 52.4 N•m at 5270 rpm Intake type Injector Cooling system Liquid Starting system Electric starter Transmission Gearbox type CVT Drive Full Dimensions and weight Length 2489 mm Width 1207 mm Height 1278 mm Wheelbase 1473 mm Road ground clearance 279 mm Dry weight 346.5 kg Fuel tank capacity 20.1 l Chassis and brakes Suspension Front Independent double wishbone Front suspension travel 254 mm Rear Independent double wishbone Rear suspension travel 254 mm Brakes Front Hydraulic disc Rear Hydraulic disc Tires Front 25×8-12 Rear 2 5× 10-12
Arctic Cat Super Duty Diesel 700
Number of strokes 4 Number of cylinders 1 Number of valves per cylinder 4 Displacement 686 cm³ Bore and stroke 89×71.2 mm Maximum power 18 hp at 4300 rpm Maximum torque 40 N•m at 2200 rpm Intake type Direct injection Recommended fuel DT Cooling system Liquid Starting system Electric starter Transmission Gearbox type CVT Drive Full Dimensions and weight Length 2362 mm Width 1207 mm Height 1219 mm Wheeled wheelbase 1473 mm Ground clearance 279 mm Dry weight 382.8 kg Fuel tank capacity 20.1 l Chassis and brakes Suspension Front Independent double wishbone Front suspension travel 254 mm Rear Independent double wishbone Rear suspension travel 254 mm Brakes Front Hydraulic disc Rear Hydraulic disc Tires Front 25 ×8- 12 Rear 25×10-12
Arctic Cat TRV 700 Limited
Number of strokes 4 Number of cylinders 1 Number of valves per cylinder 4 Displacement 695 cm³ Bore and stroke 102×85 mm Maximum power 44 hp at 6000 rpm Maximum torque 52.4 N•m at 5270 rpm Intake type Injector Cooling system Liquid Starting system Electric starter Transmission Gearbox type CVT Drive Full Dimensions and weight Length 2565 mm Width 1207 mm Height 1397 mm Wheelbase 1473 mm Road ground clearance 279 mm Dry weight 353 kg Fuel tank capacity 20.1 l Chassis and brakes Suspension Front Independent double wishbone Front suspension travel 254 mm Rear Independent double wishbone Rear suspension travel 254 mm Brakes Front Hydraulic disc Rear Hydraulic disc Tires Front 25×8-12 Rear 25 × 10-12
Arctic Cat TRV 1000 Limited
Number of strokes 4 Number of cylinders 2 Number of valves per cylinder 4 Configuration V-shaped Displacement 951 cm³ Bore and stroke 92×71.6 mm Maximum power 65.8 hp at 6870 rpm Maximum torque 75.2 N•m at 5660 rpm Intake type Injector Cooling system Liquid Starting system Electric starter Transmission Gearbox type CVT Drive Full Dimensions and weight Length 2565 mm Width 1207 mm Height 1397 mm Wheelbase 1473 mm Road ground clearance 279 mm Dry weight 361.7 kg Fuel tank capacity 20.1 l Chassis and brakes Suspension Front Independent double wishbone Front suspension travel 254 mm Rear Independent double wishbone Rear suspension travel 254 mm Brakes Front Hydraulic disc Rear Hydraulic disc Tires Front 25×8-12 Rear 2 5× 10-12
Arctic Cat MudPro 700 Limited
Number of strokes 4 Number of cylinders 1 Number of valves per cylinder 4 Displacement 695 cm³ Bore and stroke 102×85 mm Maximum power 49.1 hp at 6650 rpm Maximum torque 56.8 N•m at 5520 rpm Intake type Injector Cooling system Liquid Starting system Electric starter Transmission Gearbox type CVT Drive Full Dimensions and weight Length 2197 mm Width 1206 mm Height 1316 mm Wheelbase 1270 mm Road ground clearance 356 mm Dry weight 363 kg Fuel tank capacity 21.6 l Chassis and brakes Suspension Front Independent double wishbone Front suspension travel 254 mm Rear Independent double wishbone Rear suspension travel 254 mm Brakes Front Hydraulic disc Rear Hydraulic disc Tires Front 28×9-14 Rear 28 × 11-14
Arctic Cat MudPro 1000 Limited
Number of strokes 4 Number of cylinders 2 Number of valves per cylinder 4 Configuration V-shaped Displacement 951 cm³ Bore and stroke 92×71.6 mm Maximum power 65.8 hp at 6870 rpm Maximum torque 75.3 N•m at 5660 rpm Intake type Injector Cooling system Liquid Starting system Electric starter Transmission Gearbox type CVT Drive Full Dimensions and weight Length 2400 mm Width 1207 mm Height 1316 mm Wheelbase 1473 mm Road ground clearance 356 mm Dry weight 386 kg Fuel tank capacity 20.1 l Chassis and brakes Suspension Front Independent double wishbone Front suspension travel 254 mm Rear Independent double wishbone Rear suspension travel 254 mm Brakes Front Hydraulic disc Rear Hydraulic disc Tires Front 28×9-14 Rear 28 × 11-14
