5 Most Powerful Sport UTVs of 2018 + Video

It wasn’t all that long ago that a 60-horsepower UTV was unheard of. Fortunately for all of us, the Sport UTV industry quickly took off and there has been no-holds-barred horsepower war going on for the last five years or so.

The results have been incredible for performance junkies. To show you just how far the industry has come, we’ve put together a list of the five most powerful Sport UTVs available for the 2018 model year.

Polaris RZR XP 1000

Coming in at number five are the Polaris RZR XP models, which are powered by a 999cc ProStar 1000 H.O. Twin that produces a claimed 110 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and offers 71 lb-ft of torque. This engine is available in a variety of two and four-seat models, include the Polaris RZR XP 1000 and RZR XP 4 1000.

Yamaha YXZ1000R

Number four on our list are the Yamaha YXZ1000R family of Sport Side-by-Sides, which feature the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the industry. Yamaha’s 998cc Inline Triple produces a claimed 112 horsepower and has a screaming redline of 10,500 rpm. These are also the only Sport UTVs available with a sequential five-speed transmission, though Sport Shift models, which use steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, are also available.

Can-Am Maverick Turbo

In the Number three position are the Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo models. New for 2018, these models are powered by a 900cc turbocharged Rotax Triple that produces a claimed 120 horsepower without an intercoole. You’ll find this engine in a host of two- and four-seat models, including the Maverick X3 Turbo, Maverick X3 MAX Turbo and Maverick X3 X RC Turbo.

Sitting in the Number two spot on our list are the Polaris RZR XP Turbo models. These speed demons feature a 925cc ProStar turbocharged Twin that produces an eye-watering 168 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. You’ll find this engine in models like the new RZR XP Turbo Dynamix Edition we tested earlier this year.

Can-Am Maverick Turbo R

Finally, we get to the most powerful Sport UTV engine available for 2018 – at least so far. The Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R models feature a 900cc Rotax turbocharged Triple that churns out an incredible 172 horsepower at 7,250 rpm. If that’s not enough, this motor offers up 124 lb-ft of torque at 6500 rpm. Can-Am also boasts a ludicrous 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. You’ll find this engine in models like the Maverick X3 Turbo R, Maverick X3 MAX Turbo R and the flagship Maverick X3 X RS Turbo R.

Though the Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R models currently wear the crown as Horsepower King, we’d be awfully surprised if Polaris didn’t have something in the works to challenge for the title. Textron Off Road also seems poised to make some noise in the coming months. And if we ever see a turbocharged YXZ1000R from Yamaha, well things could get very interesting. Regardless, the list of the most powerful Sport UTVs is likely to look different this time next year.