The UTV market is steadily growing each year, and along with it are the number of worthy contenders on the UTV scene.
Several newer models have begun to make their mark in an industry long dominated by bigger names such as Kawasaki, Polaris, and Can-Am.
There are Hisun’s little-known line of sport and utility side-by-sides.
There are Tracker’s line of impressive utility UTVs, sold through Bass Pro Shops.
And then there are the ever-improving Massimo UTVs.
The T-Boss 550 is one of Massimo’s most popular, and can be found on the list of beast cheap side-by-sides for this year AND the best UTVs for the money.
This guide will include a detailed review of this model, including:
- Build quality and performance
- Different models
- Top speed
- Exterior features and accessories
- Cost of new and used models
- What you’ll like about the T-Boss 550
- What you won’t like about the T-Boss 550
- Types of driving best and least suited for
- About Massimo
About Massimo T-Boss 550 UTV
The Massimo T-Boss 550 is a utility vehicle introduced in 2018 by Massimo Motors.
Boasting a compact design, rugged body styling, on-demand four wheel drive, and many standard features that are considered “extras” with other brands, it is considered one of the top values in the UTV market among riders who want a work-focused vehicle with lighter recreational abilities, but who don’t want to pay top dollar.
As a machine made from Chinese parts, it was (and still is) looked at skeptically by plenty of consumers and members of the off-roading community.
But for those who given models like the T-Boss 550 and the Massimo Buck 450 a chance to earn their approval, many have not come away disappointed.
Massimo T-Boss 550 Specs, Features, Build Quality & Performance
Engine
The T-Boss 550’s 493cc engine and claimed 33 Horsepower is tuned for torque rather than get-up-and-go acceleration and speed, so it won’t win you any races.
But there’s still plenty of oomph to get through sandy or muddy terrains and up steep ascents.
And although carburetors typically last longer, the fact that the engine is fuel injected offers a number of advantages when it comes to fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance, and overall reliability.
The engine is manufactured in China by Linhai Industries, who also collaborates with Yamaha and also supplies the engines for Massimo’s underrated line of ATVs.
| Engine Type | Four-Stroke SOHC |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Forward-inclined single-cylinder |
| Displacement | 493 CC |
| Torque (ft-lb.) | 28.6 |
| Horsepower | 33 HP |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 87.6 x 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid Cooling |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.9 Gallons |
| Ignition | ECU (Engine Control Unit) |
| Battery | 12V 30Ah |
Drivetrain
Though the T-Boss 550 is shaft-driven, there is still an encased belt that drives the shaft. Being encased helps to keep the belt clean of water, mud, and other debris prolonging the belt life.
As the clutch is centrifugal, when stopped and leaving the machine in gear it is essentially in neutral and can roll, so use of the cable-operated parking brake is a necessity.
Some things to keep in mind with a wet clutch:
- Driving in high gear too often at low speeds, or hauling heavier loads in high gear can lead to wet clutch failure
- You need to ensure you use a wet clutch compatible oil, such as Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic. Failure to do this will result in failure of the clutch.
The gear shifter is right-hand operated and located on the dash. There is both a Low and High gear, along with Neutral and Reverse, but no Park setting in the transmission.
| Drive System | Shaft Drive w/ On-Demand Four Wheel Drive And Locking Differentials |
| Transmission Type | Automatic CVT |
| Gearshift | R-N-L-H |
| Clutch | Wet, Centrifugal |
Tires and Brakes
The factory tires are constructed of heavy duty 6-ply nylon, and the non-directional tread pattern and .79 inch treads provide sufficient grip and stability.
And these smaller tires help to make the standard manual steering less demanding.
The T-Boss 550’s four hydraulic disc brakes are more than capable of slowing the vehicle in any terrain.
| Front Tires | 25 x 8-1/2 |
| Rear Tires | 25 x 10-12 |
| Tread Depth | .79 in |
| Wheels | 12-inch cast aluminum |
| Front Brake Type | Dual Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Dual Hydraulic Disc |
Suspension
The Massimo T-Boss 550 UTV’s suspension system makes use of Double-A Arm suspension and coil springs with preload-adjustable tension.
It offers a smooth ride with 6.9 inches of travel in the front and 6.5 inches in the rear.
While its ground clearance of just over nine inches lends the ability to traverse some rocky and bumpy terrains, you’re not going to want to be rock climbing in this bad boy.
The lengthy wheelbase offers easy cornering and good stability.
| Turning Radius | 9.8 feet |
| Wheelbase | 72 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 9.25 inches |
| Front Suspension | Independent Double A-Arm |
| Rear Suspension | Independent Double A-Arm |
Dimensions and Capacities
As a compact UTV, the Massimo T Boss 550 offers impressive agility and maneuverability. Its slender 54-inch width and weight of 1,157 lbs give it an edge on tight, winding trails.
This lighter weight also assists with the lack of power steering in most models.
The machine’s 400 lbs cargo bed capacity and 1,200 lbs towing capacity lend to its work-oriented functionality.
| Length | 103.5 in |
| Width | 54 in |
| Height | 76 in |
| Seat Height | 33.5 in |
| Cargo Bed (LxWxH) | 28 in x 41.5 in x 12 in |
| Dry Weight | 1,157 lbs |
| Load Weight Capacity | 750 lbs |
| Towing Capacity | 1,200 lbs |
| Cargo Bed Capacity | 400 lbs |
Massimo T-Boss 550X
The Massimo T-Boss 550X is almost an exact replica of the T-Boss 550, only differing in that it contains a foldable rear bench seat and measures in a bit longer at 120 inches in length.
Massimo T-Boss 550 Top Speed
Known more as work-focused vehicles than recreational vehicles, the Massimo T-Boss 550 can reach a top speed of 45 mph. The 2018 model can only reach a top speed of 35 mph.
Exterior Features
The Massimo T-Boss 550 features an appealing and functional exterior. They are offered in eight different colors including green, white, blue, camo, red, tactical gray, quicksand, and orange.
And many of the “extras” that are included with other brands’ upgraded models come standard with the T-Boss 550.
These standard features include side mirrors, a flip out windshield, hard top roof, front brush guard, front auto-controlled winch (steel cable – 3,000 lbs), turn signals, head lights, running lights, brake lights, seatbelts and independent suspension.
The inclusion of these features make the vehicle street legal in most states.
Cost of a Massimo T-Boss 550
The list price of a Massimo T Boss 550 falls between $10,500 and $12,500 depending upon the model.
As these models only stretch back to 2018, there is not much fluctuation in price for used models.
Many of the used models you will find listed are priced between $8,000 and $11,000.
The few units you will find priced less than that generally mention a non-cosmetic issue that affects their running condition and will need to be fixed. Others have accumulated heavy mileage or hours.
Massimo T-Boss 550 UTV Pros and Cons
Plenty of supporters across different rider forums, groups, and social media platforms boast of their positive experiences with their Massimo T-Boss 550.
That said, there are some who have had the opposite experience. Let’s examine some of what current owners like and dislike about the Massimo T-Boss 550 across these different channels and rider reviews.
What You’ll Like About The T-Boss 550
- One of the top values in the UTV space, the T-Boss 550 offers more benefits at a lower cost than most of its bigger name counterparts.
- Side Mirrors, attached three-setting windshield, hard top roof, front brush guard, winch, turn signals and brake lights come standard with the vehicle unlike with most other UTVs.
- The T-Boss 550 is street legal in most states.
- Models have evolved since 2018 from full-coverage door nets and a vented windshield to now include plastic outer doors and a full flip-up windshield.
- Newer models include a seven-inch touchscreen display with front and rear cameras, and GPS with preloaded trails and the ability to upload additional trails via USB.
- Newer models’ top speed has increased from 35 to 45 MPH.
- Ample storage areas including a good-sized glovebox and underseat compartment.
- Hydraulic springs to assist with lifting the dump bed.
- Tailgate is sturdy and features a one-handed tailgate release.
- Quiet engine and idling.
What You Won’t Like About The T-Boss 550:
- Gear shift tends to be stiff and sometimes sticks on newer models, but will eventually break in.
- Stock battery tends to drain fairly quickly, especially when supporting added electronic accessories.
- The windshield will bow in the middle at higher speeds and rattle in some terrains.
- Headlights tend to be too dim and may need to be replaced by a lightbar for better visibility when driving at night.
- After 100 or so miles, owners have reported a grinding noise in their T-Boss 550 when shifting gears due to the shift linkage needing an adjustment.
- Fuel injected Massimo UTVs like the T Boss 550 don’t have an inline fuel filter, only a screen cover, which can lead to issues with the fuel injector.
- Factory replacement parts can be hard to come by for the T-Boss 550.
- Lack of assistance with troubleshooting issues from Massimo customer service.
- Service centers, and even individual mechanics who will work on Massimo machines, can be few and far between depending upon location.
- The one-year warranty does not cover some of the items that are more susceptible to regular abuse and prone to failing.
- The oil dipsticks in Massimo’s are not quite adequate, meaning you will need to remember to refill your oil to half a quart over “full” for peak performance.
For more detail on some of these drawbacks, check out the guide to common problems with Massimo UTVs.
Types of Driving the T-Boss 550 is Best Suited For:
The Massimo T-Boss 550 offers a comfortable ride, even across bumpy terrain, and newer models can hit close to 45 mph on solid ground.
With a lighter load, it has enough power to get you to the top of a steep climb, but not much more.
Its compact size and maneuverability make it adept at maneuvering through tight, twisty trails.
All this considered, The T-Boss 500 is best suited for more casual driving, work-related activities, and transporting one or two people to a hunting spot or fishing hole.
It can be easily operated by drivers of all experience levels.
Types of Driving The T-Boss 550 is Least Suited For:
Though the T-Boss 550 does come with solid factory tires that handle well in most terrains, its ground clearance of 9 inches is on the lower side, making it susceptible to bottoming out over large rocks, boulders, logs, or steep gullies.
And while it is one of the more narrow UTVs at 54 inches, it’s still not going to be able to maneuver those really lean trails.
Its recreational abilities mirror more closely those of the Kawasaki Mule than those of the sportier Polaris and Can-Am models.
About Massimo
Until 2018, Massimo UTVs were made by China-based manufacturer Hisun Motors Corporation.
That partnership was then ended and replaced by a collaboration with Linhai Corporation, another China-based manufacturer.
This move was made, according to Massimo Motors, with a focus on better engine performance and customer service in mind.
The engines and other parts for Massimo’s UTVs, including the T-Boss 550, are manufactured in China.
The UTVs are then assembled and tested at Massimo’s headquarters in Garland, Texas, just outside of Dallas.
They’re not American-made like Intimidator UTVs, but being assembled in the United States has seemed to assist in improving their quality in recent years.
Conclusion – Massimo T-Boss 550 Review
The T-Boss 550 makes a solid selection for the practical consumer who is looking for a UTV that can assist in performing everyday working tasks while offering some lighter recreational ability when work turns to play.
Offering a comfortable ride and coming better equipped than many brands’ specialty models, while at a lower price than most of them, make it one of the top values on the UTV market.
Although its price point, easy handling, and assortment of included features make it an excellent entry level option, the fact that it’s tougher to troubleshoot some of the more commonly experienced issues due to shortcomings with Massimo customer service and a lack of service locations should have owners factoring in their own ability to make repairs when considering this machine.
That said, although there are an assortment of flaws voiced by owners, there are plenty more strengths voiced by others.
Overall, the Massimo T-Boss is a reliable UTV that finds the perfect middle ground between work and recreation.
