The line of Bucks are the smallest, most compact utility side-by-sides you’ll find offered by Massimo.
While the Buck 450 is the most popular of the line, the Massimo Buck 250 is the least expensive of these models, but also the smallest and least powerful.
But as you’ll see in reviews of Massimo UTVs as a whole, the Buck 250 and the rest of the line of Massimo utility vehicles make for good values when considering the performance they provide for the price.
That said, the Buck 250 is not without its flaws and doesn’t quite make the list of best cheap UTVs.
This review of the Massimo Buck 250 will detail all of the good and bad with this model, including:
- How well these models are built
- How well these models perform
- Key features and accessories that comes standard
- What Buck 250 owners like
- What Buck 250 owner dislike
- Who makes Massimo UTVs
Massimo Buck 250 Models
The Massimo Buck 250 is offered in two different models:
| Model | Price |
| Buck 250 | $5,999 |
| Buck 250X Golf | $6,299 |
The Buck 250X Golf is just slightly longer and taller than the standard model, with the key difference in the two being the rear dump bed area.
The Buck 250 offers your typical rear dump bed, while the Buck 250X Golf features a fold-down rear seat in place of the dump bed to make it a four-seater.
The rear seat area does fold down and convert into a flatbed, but it will not tilt up and dump like the standard Buck 250 does.
Aside from that, the two models are almost identical.
Build Quality & Performance
Engine
The Buck 250 models are equipped with a 177cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine.
The engine is manufactured by Linhai Industries (China) and gets a max output of around 12 horsepower.
It has plenty of pep to motor you and your riders around flatter surfaces like neighborhood roads, and can handle slight inclines fairly easily.
But this model will struggle with any steep terrain, and is not meant for anything more than very casual off-road riding.
If you plan on doing trail riding or difficult work tasks, you’re much better off looking at the Buck 450 models or the T-Boss 550 models and their more powerful engines.
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 177cc |
| Horsepower | 12 HP |
| Fuel System | EFI |
| Engine Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Fuel Capacity | 3 Gallons |
Drivetrain
The Buck 250 models are chain-driven, with the drive chain covered by a chain guard for protection.
The engine is mated to an automatic CVT transmission for easy shifting. It offers three different gear settings of Forward, Neutral, and Reverse.
There’s no High or Low gear like you’ll find in the Buck 450, only Forward.
And with no Park setting, you’ll need to make use of the dash-mounted parking brake to keep it from rolling when not in use.
| Drive System | 2WD, Chain Drive |
| Transmission Type | Automatic CVT |
| Gear Shift Pattern | F – N – R |
Suspension
Both models feature independent Dual A-Arm suspension up front and a swingarm style suspension in the rear.
The Buck 250 standard model has a 69-inch wheelbase while the Buck 250X Golf has a smaller 66-inch wheelbase.
Suspension travel is limited, as is the ground clearance at only 5.5 inches.
The suspension system is just fine for the type of driving this vehicle is intended for, but if you start getting into some off-road terrain you’ll get bumped around pretty good and the ride will be quite stiff.
| Wheelbase | 66/69 in |
| Max Ground Clearance | 5.5 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent Dual A-Arm |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm |
Tires & Brakes
Both Buck 250 models come with 24-inch off-road tires in the front and rear on 12-inch aluminum wheels.
The tires are knobby and do well off-road, but the limited power restricts this model to lighter off-road use.
Either way, the tires provide plenty of traction in most terrains and even do well on slick surfaces.
Hydraulic disc brakes up front and a singly hydraulic disc brake in the rear provide these models with plenty of ability to stop on a dime.
| Front Tires | 24 x 8-12 |
| Rear Tires | 24 x 8-12 |
| Front Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Single Hydraulic Disc |
Dimensions & Capacities
Aside from the rear bed/seating area, the other noticeable difference between the two models is that the Buck 250X Golf is slightly larger.
It’s longer to make room for the rear seating, and also offers a footrest and grab bar in back for the rear riders to brace themselves with.
At only 56 inches in width and 772 lbs of weight, these models are some of the smaller UTVs you’ll find around the industry.
This comes in handy for tight trails and wooded areas, so long as the terrain is not too technical.
The Buck 250’s rear cargo bed has a capacity of up to 441 lbs.
| Buck 250 | Buck 250X Golf | |
| Length | 92 in | 106 in |
| Width | 56 in | 56 in |
| Height | 72 in | 78 in |
| Dry Weight | 772 lbs | 772 lbs |
| Cargo Box Capacity | 441 lbs | N/A |
Key Features & Accessories
The Buck 250 models offer an appealing exterior build with a number of accessories that make them more versatile out of the box.
They come in six appealing colors including blue, red, green, quicksand, camo and tactical gray.
Most models come standard with the following accessories:
- Plastic half side-doors
- Plastic hard top roof
- Two-piece tilting full windshield
- Side mirrors
- Tilt-up steering wheel
- Diamond-plated steel carbo bed
- Small LCD display with speed/fuel gauge
- Headlights, tail lights, turn signals
These models do not offer power steering or an engine braking system.
What Owners Like
The Buck 450 isn’t considered one of the best UTVs for the money, but it does have plenty of qualities that owners like.
- Comes with a number of standard accessories considered “extras” in other models.
- Glovebox, cup holders, and storage cubbies located on the dash area.
- Adjustable tilt steering wheel lets you find a perfect driving stance.
- Lightweight and compact build makes it very easy to handle.
- Tires offer good traction and stability in most terrains and on slick surfaces.
- Rear dump bed lifts via hydraulic springs for assistance.
- Double-latching rear tailgate for added security.
What Owners Dislike
- This model is not powerful and will struggle up steep hills or in rough terrain.
- The suspension can be uncomfortable when not driving on flat surfaces.
- The stock windshield is known to bow in the middle when going fast.
- The dump bed area, roof, and windshield can rattle some while driving.
- Lack of a selectable rear differential means you can leave marks on the driveway or tear up the grass if turning too tightly.
- No power steering or engine braking system.
- Massimo customer service and warranty process can be lacking and frustrating.
About Massimo
Massimo Motors does not manufacture their vehicles, rather imports the parts and components and then assembles them in their US headquarters in Texas.
They partner with Linhai Corporation, who is a manufacturer out of China and who supplies them with the engines, key components, and most other parts for their full line of utility vehicles.
Once assembled in the US, each vehicle is inspected and tested, then sent out to dealerships or local retailers like Tractor Supply for sale.
Being assembled in America helps elevate their quality, but they’re not quite on the same level as true American-made UTVs like those from Intimidator.
Final Word
If you’re looking for a practical and simple utility vehicle to help with light working tasks and ride you around the neighborhood or easier terrain on your property, the Buck 450 makes for an inexpensive option.
While a good value at its cost, this model is probably closer to a golf cart than a true utility vehicle, though it does offer more in the way of performance.
For more on Massimo and similar off-road vehicles, check out these guides before you go:
