2017 Suzuki KingQuad 500 AXi vs. Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4: By the Numbers

Honda may have the bragging rights to the first commercial ATV with the invention of the Honda ATC 90 back in 1969, but the first modern four-wheeled ATV title goes to Suzuki with the 1983 QuadRunner LT125. Three wheelers have sadly gone the way of the dodo bird, but four-wheeled ATVs are still going strong. Suzuki and Honda are still competing for market share, especially in the recreation/utility market. Suzuki has the KingQuad 500 AXi, a model that has been around for a few years and offers the features of its 750 model at a lower price and reduced engine size. Honda unveiled an all-new Foreman Rubicon in 2015, showing a serious commitment to the 500-class market with an extremely capable machine. How well do these two stack up? Let’s compare them, by the numbers.

Both machines have similar engines on paper. The Suzuki runs a 493cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder powerplant that has been around for a while now. The Honda Rubicon runs a 475cc liquid-cooled, longitudinally-mounted, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine that is basically the same as their pre-2015 model upgrade, with some improvements of course. Though neither company releases official horsepower numbers, a little Internet sleuthing shows the Rubicon boasts just shy of 29 horsepower, while the KingQuad churns out just over 38 ponies.

What really differentiates these two engines is how the power gets to the wheels. Suzuki uses the industry standard CVT transmission, which provides seamless shifting with good power delivery. Just about every company out there runs a CVT system in their automatic ATVs and UTVs. Everyone, that is, except Honda. Honda runs a dual clutch transmission, or DCT. This provides a noticeable shift between gears, and with the option of allowing you to select the gear you’re in. This gives the Honda five gears plus reverse in both high and low range. With no power loss via the CVT, the Honda feels more powerful than horsepower numbers and has exceptional engine braking.

Both machines have some great features that are very similar. The Suzuki has its T-shaped seat and Honda uses a very thick seat, making both comfortable-to-sit-on rides. If you opt for the Rugged package on the Suzuki, you get a brush guard, front and rear. The Honda comes standard with a brush guard. Both come with steel racks, although Suzuki coats its racks in a grippy, non-slip material.

Both machines also have a locking differential for extra traction. This can be activated from the handlebar controls. The Suzuki has an advantage of about a gallon more fuel capacity over the Honda with a 4.6-gallon tank, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go a little further with the Suzuki. It is also set up for an easy winch installation, if you need to add one.

If you really want to compare these two middleweight machines, the best thing to do is go to your local dealership and take a look at them. We’re sure your dealer would love to talk to you.

Due to options, prices of both of these ATVs will vary. The Suzuki KingQuad 500 AXi EPS retails for $8,299, but if you want the Special Edition with the Rugged Package, the price jumps to $8,999.

The Honda Foreman Rubicon EPS carries a base price of $8,599. But if you opt for the Dual Clutch Transmission, expect to see a price tag of $9,199.

Learn more about the Suzuki KingQuad 500 AXi EPS here.

Learn more about the Honda Foreman Rubicon 4×4 EPS here.