6 Awesome 2017 Special Edition UTVs

While it might cause a few headaches for OEMs and their engineers, for the end user it means more options to choose from, better features and more competitive pricing. Here are six of the best Limited Edition/Special Edition UTVs on the market for 2017.

Can-Am Maverick X3 Daytona Package
To commemorate the Canadian manufacturer’s collaboration with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Can-Am assembled a fully loaded Maverick X3 with a host of goodies from reputable off-road industry aftermarket companies. Dubbed the “Daytona Package,” this Maverick X3 includes a long list of protection products from Lonestar Racing including rock sliders, front and rear bumpers, front and rear intrusion bars, an aluminum roof, LED light bar rack and special holders for a number plate, fire extinguisher and spare tire. A Baja Designs 40-inch LED light bar and custom SCS Daytona graphics kit round out the package. Other add-ons said to be coming are a Yoshimura slip-on exhaust system, four-point harnesses for both driver and passenger, as well as a complete MTX Audio Sound system.

Although the Maverick X3 Daytona Package isn’t available right off the showroom floor, every item is available for purchase through Can-Am dealers nationwide.

Polaris RZR XP 1000 Gold Metallic
With more models and variations of models than any other manufacturer, you can rest assured that Polaris is doing everything in their power to meet the unique demands of its ever-growing user base. New for 2017 is an anticipated unit aimed directly at the rock-crawling crowd. With its taller, more aggressive, 8 Ply Pro Armor Crawler XG tires, true 14-inch beadlock wheels, high-clearance suspension and optimized gearing featuring a 55% lower Low gear, the RZR XP 1000 Gold Metallic SE might as well have been called the “Rock Crawler” edition. This special edition features strengthened front half shafts and a full coat of trail armor, including rock sliders, front bumper and a UHMW skid plate to ensure that you’re ready to do battle with virtually any obstacle in your path. Should you find yourself a little in over your head, an included 4500-pound Polaris Engineered winch provides a little peace of mind. If rock crawling is your cup of tea, the Polaris RZR XP 1000 Gold Metallic can be yours for $23,999.

Honda Pioneer 1000-5 LE
Just prior to Christmas, Honda announced that its flagship side by side, the Pioneer 1000, is getting a bit of an upgrade. The Pioneer 1000-5 takes aim at the user who needs a capable workhorse to get things done around the farm but who also enjoys an occasional, more spirited venture down a trail. The Pioneer 1000-5 LE ups the ante for the sport-minded enthusiast with its new adjustable Fox QS3 shocks and selectable Sport driving mode. A Matte Gray Metallic paint scheme, beefy front bumper, full aluminum skid plate and lower a-arm guards round out the protection package and set this LE model apart from other members of the Pioneer family.

Two entirely new features available on the Pioneer 1000-5 LE are Hill-Start assist and the industry-first I-4WD. Both are advanced brake traction control systems aimed at utilizing the vehicles brakes to optimize power and traction at all times. The new Honda Pioneer 1000-5 LE retails for $21,599 and will be available in February of 2017.

Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE
Several years ago, Yamaha made a bold claim that it would be releasing a new side-by-side model every year for the next six years. While it seemed almost too good to be true, now a few years in it’s obvious that Yamaha was prepared to back up its claim. The Yamaha YXZ1000R took the industry by storm, offering an industry-first triple-cylinder engine configuration and manual transmission. A short while later, Yamaha unveiled the YXZ1000R SS (sport shift) model, ditching the manual clutch in favor of an automatic clutch and paddle shifters.

The YXZ1000R SS SE sees an upgrade in the suspension thanks to the twin-wall Fox 2.5 Podium X2 internal bypass shocks, and gets an aggressive new Matte Black paint scheme with color-matched beadlock wheels and color-matched seats embroidered with the Yamaha logo. If the new Fox X2 shocks and aggressive paint scheme strikes your fancy but you still like the idea of a manual clutch, the Yamaha YXZ1000R SE comes with all the same niceties but includes the manual clutch and sequential shifter on the center console. The YXZ1000R SS SE is priced at $22,399, while the YXZ1000R SE is priced at $21,599.

Kawasaki Teryx LE
While we’re still waiting (and crossing our fingers) for a big green machine that breaks the 1000cc barrier, that doesn’t mean Kawasaki is sitting idly by and leaving their side-by-side lineup untouched. In 2016, the Teryx and Teryx 4 models received a host of upgrades designed to improve the look and feel of the already tried-and-true platform. The Teryx and Teryx4 LE models take it a step further with LED headlights, taller, 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires and several vibrant color options including Candy Matte Burnt Orange and Candy Lime Green. The Teryx4 LE is available in a third option, Metallic Stardust White. Like all Teryx side by sides, the LE models feature the same Kawasaki Strong three-year warranty, which is the longest in the industry. MSRP on the Teryx is $14,999, and if you’re looking to carry a few extra passengers the Teryx4 LE goes for $16,999.

Arctic Cat RG Pro Wildcat X Limited
Thanks to Arctic Cat’s partnership with off-road racing great Robbie Gordon, the Wildcat platform has seen some significant upgrades in recent years. Most recently, a long list of performance enhancements including an all-new rear suspension system featuring KING shocks dubbed the RG PRO series. While all Wildcat X models will receive the suspension upgrade in 2017, the Wildcat X Limited gets a handful of race-inspired improvements over the standard Wildcat X EPS model. Full aluminum doors provide an extra measure of protection for the occupants, and a molded roof will block the sun on those hot days in the desert. The desert is where this vehicle was meant to shine, and all-new front and rear bumpers included from the factory ensure this machine is ready to do battle with anything it might come across. The Wildcat X Limited retails for $19,499.

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