Wildcat Trail Limited

Wildcat Trail Limited

A  50-inch-wide UTV may be the best fit for your budget and the trails you ride, but it's only natural to wonder if it can be as much fun as larger, more expensive machines. We tested Arctic Cat's Wildcat Trail XT to find out.

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HOW DOES THE PRICE COMPARE?
The $12,999 Wildcat Trail XT EPS is the mid-priced 50-inch UTV in Arctic Cat's lineup. The base Wildcat Trail is $11,999 and the Wildcat Trail Limited EPS is $14,499. The RZR 900 starts at $12,999 and the RZR 900 EPS is $14,799. The RZR 570 is $10,299 or $12,299 with power steering. Arctic Cat's big sport UTV, the Wildcat X, starts at $17,499.

The double-overhead-cam, 700cc, eight-valve inline twin makes a bit more than 60 horsepower, but the Wildcat's light weight makes it feel like more.
The double-overhead-cam, 700cc, eight-valve inline twin makes a bit more than 60 horsepower, but the Wildcat's light weight makes it feel like more.

WHAT POWERS IT?
A 700cc, eight-valve, doubleoverhead-cam inline twin. The 700 makes just over 60 horsepower, which may not sound massive, but the 60 horses only have to move about a thousand pounds of machine, one of the best power-to-weight ratios in sport UTVs of any size.

WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION DOES IT HAVE?
A fully automatic, belt-type, dual-range continuously variable transmission. It's a Team Industries Rapid Response transmission with roller-actuated clutches instead of slower-acting sliding elements, so the transmission backshifts and upshifts instantly. The transmission doesn't have automatic engine braking, but it's so sensitive to throttle that the transmission engages anything above zero throttle.

The Wildcat Trail isn't only less expensive to buy than larger machines, it's less expensive to transport, because it fits in most fullsize pickups.
The Wildcat Trail isn't only less expensive to buy than larger machines, it's less expensive to transport, because it fits in most fullsize pickups.

HOW FAST IS IT?
It's quick. The Wildcat Trail's sporty power-to-weight ratio is obvious any time you stab the gas pedal, and it pulls strongly to a 60-mph top speed. The sensation isn't quite as eye-opening as with the big 100-plus-horsepower UTVs, but the Arctic Cat is about 150 pounds lighter than the 75-horsepower RZR 900, so the feeling of acceleration is similar.

HOW IS THE POWER ON THE TRAIL?
The Trail's smooth, free-revving engine and quick-clutch response work perfectly together, especially in the tighter conditions this UTV was built for. Combined with the machine's light feel, the Wildcat has a point-and-shoot personality that's actually more fun than a big, wide, heavy, high-horsepower rig in twisty conditions. Control is good in tough, technical trail obstacles, too, once you get used to the responsive engine and clutching. The engine pulls well off the bottom, and the power keeps coming at high revs.

The Fox gas shocks don't need reservoirs or compression or rebound clickers to deliver a quality ride.
The Fox gas shocks don't need reservoirs or compression or rebound clickers to deliver a quality ride.

WHAT KIND OF SUSPENSION DOES IT HAVE?
Double A-arms front and rear with front and rear sway bars. Travel is 10 inches up front and 10.5 in the rear. The non-reservoir, preload-adjustable Fox gas shocks are simpler than the more adjustable units many machines have, but they are high-quality units, and simple is good on a fun trail machine. The stock settings are spot-on for trail riding, and they are re-valvable and rebuildable if you feel the need for different settings or you want to service them to keep them performing at their peak.

Double-Aarm rear suspension with 10.5 inches of travel works well for trail speeds.
Double-Aarm rear suspension with 10.5 inches of travel works well for trail speeds.

HOW DOES THE SUSPENSION WORK?
It's impressively plush, with good bottoming resistance for jump landings and unexpected bumps, though too aggressive or over 200-pound riders can find the suspensions limits. You can't get away with the speeds big long-travel machines manage in whoops, or disregard ledges and G-outs when you're deep in the throttle, but the suspension works very well at trail speeds and conditions.

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HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
On twisting trails the Wildcat is one of the most fun UTVs made. This thing isn't about flattening whoops at freeway speeds, but in its element, it's so accurate and connected with the driver it will make owners of big machines envious. Yeah, you can get the Trail on two wheels if you really overcook a corner, but it's tough to beat the feel of a machine that is truly light, balanced and corners flat. The XT's power steering helps, but the base model without power steering feels nearly as agile. The way the Arctic Cat's seating keeps the driver's and passenger's weight low really helps the handling and makes the machine feel planted too.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE HILLS?
The Arctic Cat climbs like it actually has claws. Great balance and a very effective four-wheel-drive system with front differential-lock mode give this machine true, go-anywhere traction. There's no engine braking in off-throttle situations, but the four-wheel disc brakes have impressive power and feel.

The cabin is basic, but all the important stuff is there and it works well. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the shift lever has a smooth, positive action.
The cabin is basic, but all the important stuff is there and it works well. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the shift lever has a smooth, positive action.

HOW ARE THE DETAILS?
We like most of them. The Wildcat Trail XT's half doors are much nicer than nets. We've seen some inside door handles break due to rough use, but the doors and latches are solid and well made. The three-position 2WD/4WD/differential-lock toggle switch could be more positive, but the instrument display reminds you of the mode you're in. The instrument display is easy to read and offers plenty of useful info, but the kind that are directly in front of the wheel are even better.

The rest is very good. The seats are comfortable, and the Wildcat is easy to get in and out of. The passenger gets two good handholds. The shift lever has a smooth, high-quality action. Access to the air filter, drive belt, drain plug and oil filter are among the easiest on any UTV. Thanks to a convenient service access cover at the rear of the center console, you can even check the oil or replace the spin on oil filter without leaving the seat!

WHAT'S OUR FINAL ANSWER?
Arctic Cat's Wildcat Trail XT is smaller and far less expensive than machines like the Wildcat X, but where it works best, you won't miss out on any of the fun of driving a larger, more expensive UTV.

Front and rear sway bars let the 50-inch-wide Wildcat Trail corner without annoying body roll.
Front and rear sway bars let the 50-inch-wide Wildcat Trail corner without annoying body roll.

SPECS
ARCTIC CAT WILDCAT TRAIL 700 XT
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type …………….. Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, DOHC,
4-stroke inline twin
Displacement ………………………………………..700cc
Bore x stroke …………………76.9mm x 75.3mm (x2)
Compression ratio …………………………………… 10:1
Lubrication system …………………………… Wet sump
Additional cooling ………………………………………. Fan
Induction ………………………..40mm EFI throttle body
Starting/back-up …………………………….Electric/none
Starting procedure ……………………. Turn key to right
Air filter: Type …………………………..Dual-stage foam
Air-filter access ……………………………….. Undo clips
Transmission ………………..Dual range CVT w/reverse
Reverse procedure………. Move range selector to "R"
Drive system Selectable 2WD/4WD w/ electric diff-lock
Final drives ………………………………………….. Shafts
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity ……………………………………….7.4 gal.
Wheelbase ……………………………………………. 84.6"
Overall length/width/height ………….110.5"/50"/64.3"
Ground clearance ………………………………………. 10"
Dry weight …………………………………………1003 lb.
Bed limit ……………………………………………..300 lb.
Hitch ……………………………………………..2" receiver
Towing limit………………………………………..1500 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame …………………………………………….Steel tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front … Dual A-arms w/ Fox preload-adj. shocks/10"
Rear Dual A-arms w/ Fox preload-adj. shocks/10.5"
Brakes/actuation:
Front ………………………… Hydraulic discs/left pedal
Rear ………………………… Hydraulic discs/left pedal
Steering …………….Manual rack & pinion w/ tilt wheel
Tires:
Front …………………25×8-12 Carlisle Trail Pro 4-ply
Rear ……………… 25×10-12 Carlisle Trail Pro 4-ply
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet …………………………………………… Console
Lighting:
Front ………………………………………….2 headlights
Rear …………………………….. 2 LED brake/tail lights
DETAILS
Instrumentation ……. Digital/analog clock/hour meter,
fuel level, mode button, set/reset button,
odometer/trip, gear position, speedo/tach,
diff-lock, high beam, temperature and oil pressure
Colors …………………………….Red/black, camo/green
Minimum recommended operator age ……………… 16
Suggested retail price …………………………. $12,999
Contact ………………….. Arctic Cat, (218) 681-8558

Wildcat Trail Limited

Source: https://utvactionmag.com/arctic-cat-wildcat-trail-700-xt-eps-test/

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