2014 Arctic Cat ATV and UTV Lineup Preview

Lucas Cooney
by Lucas Cooney
New 500-class ATVs and Prowlers highlight Cat's 2014 lineup

Just days after Polaris punted its popular Sportsman 500 for the new Sportsman 570, Arctic Cat seems to have filled the hole left behind with its 2014 Arctic Cat 500 – now the lowest priced 500-class ATV in the industry at $6,199.

Also new for 2014 are the two-up TRV 500, three 500-class Prowler UTVs (500 HDX, 500 HDX XT and 500 HDX Limited) and two new Wildcat models (Wildcat 4 X and Wildcat 4 Limited).

Arctic Cat 500

The heart of the Arctic Cat 500 ATV is Cat’s liquid-cooled 443cc 4-stroke engine featuring Electronic Fuel Injection and a Duramatic Automatic transmission with High/Low/Neutral/Reverse and Park.

2014 Arctic Cat 500 Action

At just $6,199, the 2014 Arctic Cat 500 is the lowest priced 500-class ATV in the industry. Of course, that’s only if you consider a 443cc motor 500-class.

When the trail gets tough, flip a switch and you’re in 4WD. You can also lock the front differential for maximum traction.

COMPARISON: Read our preview of the 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570

With the goal of improving cornering, Arctic Cat lowered the center of gravity (lower profile and seat design) without sacrificing ground clearance or suspension travel. Ground clearance is a claimed 11 inches, while the front and rear suspension each offer 10 inches of travel.

Arctic Cat 500 Engine

Arctic Cat’s 443cc 4-stroke engine made its way into an array of new 2014 models.

A digital gauge features 14 information indicators: clock/hour meter, fuel level, mode button, set/reset button, odometer/trip, gear position, speedometer/tachometer, needle display, differential lock, drive select, high beam, battery condition, temperature and oil pressure.

Connecting the 500 to the ground are three-ply Duro 3 Star Kaden tires. Towing duties come courtesy of a two-inch receiver hitch with can haul up to 1,050 pounds.

2014 Arctic Cat 500 Digital Gauge

A 14-function digital gauge offers up all the necessary information.

Steel cargo racks feature built-in entry points and are rated to carry 100 pounds up front and 200 pounds in the rear.

Arctic Cat TRV 500

2014 Arctic Cat TRV 500

The two-up TRV 500 retails for $7,999.

The TRV 500 has many of the same features as its one-seat brother. Its extended chassis is where the major differences lie. While the one-seat 500 is 84.8 inches long, the two-up TRV 500 is just about a foot longer to make room for a passenger.

Speaking of the passenger, they benefit from rear seat with a backrest, passenger handles and extra footrests.

2014 Arctic Cat TRV 500 Handhold

Passengers can hang on for dear life here.

Suspension travel is also a little different on the TRV 500, with 10 inches of travel up front and 11 inches in the back.

Front rack capacity is the same as on the 500 ATV, but the rear rack holds just 50 pounds.

Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX

2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX

The Prowler 500 HDX (pictured) retails for $10,999, while the HDX XT sells for $11,699 and the HDX Limited costs $12,399.

For 2014 Arctic Cat introduced a trio of 500-class three-occupant Prowlers – the Prowler 500 HDX, HDX XT and HDX Limited.

Large enough to hold items as large as a pallet, the transformable 2-in-1 composite cargo box design tilts and can haul 600 pounds of payload. Multiple tie-down options ease securing loads. On the Limited model the box features detachable bed sides that quickly transform the HDX into a flatbed.

COMPARISON: Read our preview of the 2014 Polaris Ranger 570

Each HDX model boasts the sculpted 40/20/40 “bench” seat that delivers seating for three occupants.

2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX Limited Seat

The Prowler 500 HDX line has room for three.

Power for the new machines comes from the H1 443cc 4-stroke engine with Electronic Fuel Injection. It’s matched by the Duramatic Automatic transmission, which features High/Low/Reverse/Park and dynamic engine breaking. All three models feature electronic 2WD/4WD selectable by a dash-mounted switch.

For added luxury, the HDX XT gets painted bodywork in Emerald Green Metallic or Vibrant Red Metallic, 14-inch aluminum wheels, a 25-lb. capacity under hood storage space, plus left and right side storage compartments.

2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX XT Wheel

Both the Prowler 500 HDX XT and HDX Limited come with 14-inch cast aluminum wheels.

The HDX Limited ups the ante with the addition of five-position tilt steering, Variable Electronic Power Steering, a locking front differential, 14-inch aluminum wheels, 25-pound under hood storage and painted bodywork in either Emerald Green Metallic or Vibrant Red Metallic.

Arctic Cat Wildcat 4

2014 Arctic Cat Wildcat 4 X Red

The new Wildcat 4 X (pictured) retails for $20,999, while the base Wildcat 4 sells for $19,599 and the Wildcat 4 Limited costs $20,399.

Arctic Cat has expanded its multi-passenger Wildcat lineup for 2014. Joining the Wildcat 4 and 4 Limited is the all-new Wildcat 4 X featuring the beefed-up 93-horsepower engine and 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires.

Wildcat 4 models feature a stretched exoskeleton frame that’s 29 inches longer than the standard Wildcat to accommodate the two rear bucket seats. All four high-back seats feature three-point belts, with four tube-frame doors featuring integrated nets.

According to Arctic Cat, the driver and passengers are located near the Wildcats’ low center of gravity, leaving them less affected by the movements of the vehicle with greater confidence and control.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Can-Am Maverick MAX 1000 X rs

With an industry-leading 17/18 inches of front/ rear suspension travel and 13 inches of ground clearance, the Wildcat 4 models are built to handle all kinds of .terrain. All three models feature FOX Podium gas shocks with compression adjustment.

Power comes from the torque-tuned, liquid-cooled 951cc Arctic Cat H2 V-Twin 4-stroke with Electronic Fuel Injection.

2014 Arctic Cat Wildcat 4 X Action

With a claimed 93 horsepower on tap and the industry’s longest suspension travel, the Wildcat 4 X should be a lot of fun to toss around.

All three get an automatic transmission with TEAM Rapid Response clutches and feature electronic selectable 2WD/4WD and front differential lock.

Braking performance has been enhanced on all three models for 2014, starting with a new brake pedal that features a new lever ratio for more aggressive feel of the four-wheel hydraulic brakes.

Variable Assist Electronic Power Steering (EPS) is designed to deliver light steering input effort when negotiating tough obstacles like washouts, rocks and mud, but with enough feedback so the driver senses the tire contact patch in relation to the terrain.

Machined, cast-aluminum wheels, automotive-style paint and tilt steering complete the package.

Lucas Cooney
Lucas Cooney

I have been working exclusively in digital media since 1997. I started out with TSN.ca, spending nearly nine years creating and editing content on Canada's leading sports website. I left to join VerticalScope, Inc., one of the world's largest online publishers, to start a number of powersports publications. While at VerticalScope, I've helped create and oversee content for a wide variety of different publications, including ATV.com, Off-Road.com, ArcheryTalk.com, Tractor.com, RVGuide.com, and many more.

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