2018 Polaris Outlaw 110 vs. Honda TRX90X: By the Numbers

Derrek Sigler
by Derrek Sigler
While the full sized ATVs and UTVs get most of the attention, we thought we’d look at how a couple of Youth ATVs compare – the 2018 Polaris Outlaw 110 and Honda TRX90X.


We always seem to be excited about the newest ATVs each season. There is a rush to learn about which brand will have the highest horsepower, or the latest whiz-bang feature. What gets lost in the shuffle are the Youth ATVs. The Youth models, while lacking in the latest features or higher horsepower numbers, do hold one thing over the majority of full-sized ATVs on the market – they sell. In fact, they often sell out all of the production run every year. Granted that production run is smaller for sure. Still, the manufacturers have to love a machine that requires little development, yet promises to continue to have solid sales numbers. Let’s see how two popular models, the Honda TRX90X and the Polaris Outlaw 110, compare by the numbers.

2018 Honda TRX90X2018 Polaris Outlaw 110
Price$3,049$3,099
Engine86cc air-cooled SOHC single-cylinder four-stroke112cc four-stroke EFI
Horsepower4.36.7
Driveline/DifferentialAutomatic clutch2WD
TransmissionFour-speedAutomatic PVT F/N/R
Wheelbase38.7 in41.5 in
Overall Dimensions (LxWxH)58.6 x 35.2 x 36.5 in61.25 x 36.75 x 38.5 in
Weight262 lbs (curb weight)278 lbs (dry weight)
Front Tires20×7-819×7-8
Rear Tires19×8-819×9.5-8
Ground Clearance3.9 in4.0 in
Fuel Capacity1.7 gal1.6 gal
Front Suspension2.6 in. independentSingle A-arm 5 in.
Rear Suspension2.6 in. swingarmSwingarm 6 in.
Front /Rear BrakesDrumDrum

Mighty Motors

The Honda powerplant is not what you would call new. Not even close. In fact, the 86cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke has been around for a long time. That’s actually a good thing though. Can you say bulletproof? These little motors can push your kids around with some zip, and can handle the abuse a kid is going to dish out and keep on smiling. Not being fuel-injected, the Honda is, shall we say, cold blooded. If the engine is cold, be prepared to sit there for a bit to get it to warm up before you try to ride. Once it’s running, however, it doesn’t stop.

2018 Polaris Outlaw 110 Action

Polaris runs a slightly bigger engine in the Outlaw, with a 112cc engine powering your child around the yard. The Polaris runs on electronic fuel injection, so starting is a breeze. This is a reliable engine as well and is loads of fun for your younger riders. With there being a bit more pep, the Polaris Outlaw 110 may have a little more motor than you’re beginning rider right at the lower age limit may need. No worries, though, as there are speed governors in place.

Transmissions

This is a major difference between these two machines. The Honda has a four-speed, manual shift transmission with an automatic clutch. Your child will have to manually shift using the left-sided foot shifter. This really helps control things with beginning riders, as they can simply stay in lower gears until confidence builds. However, there is no reverse gear.

2018 Honda TRX90X Olive

The Outlaw has Polaris’ CVT belt system and has forward and reverse gearing. The trade off with having an automatic transmission is that your child can get into a hairy situation with the throttle, but there is also the benefit of reverse gear.

Both machines are driven by sealed O-ring chain drives. They also both run sealed drum brakes front and rear.

On the Bright Side

2018 Polaris Outlaw 110 Pink

Both of these pint-size machines are great ways to get your kids out on the trail and away from things like video game systems and smartphones. It will help build a sense of character and responsibility as your kid learns independence from riding on his/her own machine. And another plus for parents, these machines will hold their value, so when your kids outgrow them, the resale value will certainly make things easier. That is, unless you have to turn around and buy them an adult-sized machine. But, that’s what paper routes and babysitting gigs are for, right?

Retail price for the Honda TRX90X is $3,049, while the Polaris Outlaw 110 comes in just $50 more expensive at $3,099.

Derrek Sigler
Derrek Sigler

Derrek's love for all things ATV started when he was a mere 11 years old, growing up on his family farm. His mom gave him and his sister a choice - get a horse, or a three-wheeler. The sister wanted the horse, and Derrek wanted the ATV. Luckily he won out, and was soon burning up the trails on a Yamaha Tri-Moto 200. By the time he was 14, he had saved enough of his own money by working on the farm and in his folks restaurant to buy a new 4-wheeler. That happened the day he and his mom were driving past the dealership and saw 1987 Banshee. His mom had no idea what he was buying, and he never looked back. He's been riding ever since, and been writing professionally for many years. He has ridden all over North America and been behind the controls of just about every machine out there. And yes, he still has his 1987 Yamaha Banshee.

More by Derrek Sigler

Next