It seems that every year, both ATVs and side-by-sides get faster and faster.
That’s pretty evident by the fact that during the summer of 2023, Polaris introduced the fastest Ranger we’ve ever seen and Can Am introduced the fastest side-by-side we’ve ever seen for 2024.
Even so, there are only a handful of side-by-sides that can keep up with the fastest ATVS in the industry.
And while the newest ATV models are the fastest in the industry, you may be surprised to find that there are a number of older models that can still hold their own in the speed department.
So whether you’re into ATV racing or just want to know which model you can smoke your buddies with while out trail riding or drag racing, this guide will review the fastest ATVs for 2024, including:
- 6 Fastest New ATVs (still in production)
- 6 Fastest Used ATVs (no longer in production)
- 3 Fastest Utility ATVs that will surprise you
A handful of these models even rank as some of the best overall ATVs for the money these days.
6 Fastest New ATVs In Stock Form
#1 – Polaris Sportsman XP 1000
The Sportsman XP 1000 is the fastest, most powerful Sportsman model ever.
Powered by a 952cc V-Twin Prostar engine with a max power output of 90 HP, the Sportsman XP 1000 can reach a top speed of 80-81 mph in stock form.
It just barely takes the top spot speed-wise, but it also makes for one of the best trail riding options out there with all that horsepower, awesome acceleration and 12 inches of ground clearance.
#2 – Polaris Scrambler XP 1000S
In the second spot is another Polaris ATV in the Scrambler XP 1000S.
This model is powered by a 953 cc V-Twin Prostar engine with a max output of 89 HP, and can hit a top speed of 80 mph in the right terrain.
The design of this machine is a bit too modern and bulky for some folks’ taste, but it is built to go literally anywhere…and it can.
Reading a review of the Scrambler XP 1000S, you’ll see why a number of unique features including its long wheelbase and incredible low-end torque make it unstoppable in any terrain.
#3 – Yamaha Raptor 700
At number three is one of the most popular pure sport ATV models ever created in Yamaha’s Raptor 700.
This model is power by a 686cc single-cylinder engine with a max power output of around 47 horsepower.
It maxes out at a top speed of 80 mph, though anywhere in the 77 to 80 mph range is realistic – putting it atop the list of the quads you’ll rarely lose a race on.
The Raptor 700’s factory air intake system is known to limit the top RPM range which limits its top speed, so many owners will make the Raptor 700 Big 3 modifications and increase the speed to 90+ mph.
#4 – Can Am Outlander 1000
The Can Am Outlander 1000 is made up of four main models – the XT, XT-P, XXC, and XMR.
The XT, XT-P, and XXC models all clock in at number four on this list, each able to reach a top speed of 78 mph.
Though powered by the same 976 cc Rotax V-Twin engine, the Can Am Outlander XMR 1000 is restricted to slower top-end speed for safety reasons.
Check out this guide to see how the four Outlander 1000 models differ from each other and which ones excel in which terrains.
#5 – Can Am Renegade XXC 1000
The Can Am Renegade 1000 is made up of two main models – the XXC and XMR.
Similar to the Outlanders, the Renegade XXC is the faster of the two due to safety reasons.
The Renegade 1000 XXC can reach a top speed of 75 mph, with its engine putting out a maximum of 91 horsepower.
This model is just about unbeatable and unstoppable when it comes to trail riding, and you can see a comparison of the Renegade XXC and XMR for how the two differ.
#6 – Yamaha YFZ 450
There are a number of new ATVs that are technically tied in this spot, but the Yamaha YFZ 450 gets the nod thanks to how impressive its top speed is compared to its engine size.
It’s pretty hard to imagine a model powered by a 449 cc single-cylinder engine with a max power output of 38 horsepower can hang with the rest of the beasts on this list, but the pure sport YFZ 450 does just that.
This model tops out at 75 mph, and is one of the favorites on the ATV racing scene thanks to its lighter weight, impressive acceleration and excellent handling.
As great as it is, there are a few reasons not to go with a YFZ 450 though.
6 Fastest Used ATVs In Stock Form
#1 – Honda TRX 700
Though it’s no longer in production, if it was it would be the fastest ATV on the new ATVs list at an advertised top speed of 86 mph back in its day.
All these years later, a TRX 700 in pure stock condition likely will not reach 86 mph, but should top out at 80 mph if still in good condition.
#2 – Suzuki QuadRacer LT500R (aka “Quadzilla”)
Most commonly known as Quadzilla back in the day, the Suzuki QuadRacer LT500R was became known as Quadzilla thanks to its impressive combination of power, speed, and size.
This model is considered one of the fastest stock ATVs ever made, able to reach a top speed of 82 mph in its prime.
Though used units will likely only get you to around the 80 mph mark these days, a well-cared-for Quadzilla may still be able to top that.
#3 – Can Am DS 450
The Can Am DS 450 was in production from 2008 to 2015, and was built as a true race ATV.
It was the lightest sport quad in its class and featured one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any quad ever produced.
Its 449cc single-cylinder engine provides around 45 HP and enables it to hit a top speed between 78 and 80 mph.
#4 – Bombardier DS 650
The Bombardier DS 650, also known as the Can Am DS 650, was made from 2000 to 2007 and was the biggest and heaviest pure sport ATVs of its time.
It was also the fastest stock ATV of its time, able to top 75 mph.
The DS stands for “dune sport”, as this model was built with desert riding and sand dunes in mind, so the powerful 652cc single-cylinder engine is known not to lose power in sandy terrain.
#5 – KTM 525 XC
The KTM 525 XC is a pure racing ATV, built light but equipped with a 510cc RFC engine that is known for providing some of the best acceleration you’ll find in a quad.
In fact, from a 0 – 60 mph perspective, the KTM might take every model on this entire list.
These days it can reach a top speed of close to 75 mph, though back in its heyday it was said to be able to crack the 80 mph mark in stock form.
#6 – Yamaha Raptor 660
Before it gave way to the Raptor 700, the Raptor 660 was one of the fastest ATVs in the industry during its production run from 2000 – 2004.
Powered by a 660cc single-cylinder engine with a power output of around 36 HP, the Raptor 660 tops out somewhere between 72 and 75 mph.
These models came equipped with a speed sensor that limited their top speeds, but owners figured out a way to bypass the feature to increase the Raptor 660’s top speed by around 5 mph.
3 Surprisingly Fast Utility ATVs In Stock Form
#1 – CFMoto CForce 1000 Overland
CFMoto’s biggest and most powerful ATV is the CForce 1000 Overland, which is one of the best 1000cc ATV options on the market.
It features a powerful 963cc V-Twin engine with a max output of 79 HP, and can hit a top speed between 75 and 78 mph.
That makes for some pretty darn impressive recreational appeal on this big, bulky utility ATV.
#2 – Kawasaki Brute Force 750
The Brute Force 750 has been Kawasaki’s top utility option for a number of years, and underwent some changes to the fuel system in 2015 that saw it become even faster.
Powered by a 749cc V-Twin engine that puts out around 50 HP, the Brute Force 750 tops out at around 75 mph, making it slightly faster than the Brute Force 650.
# 3 – Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000
This model hasn’t been produced for a number of years, but it was one of the fastest overall ATVs back in its prime.
It was said to hit 80 mph back in the late 2000’s during its production run, but these days used units will likely only top out around 70-75 mph.
Still pretty impressive for an older, bulkier utility model.
