First Ride: The 2018 Textron WildCat XX Performance Side-by-Side
OutdoorHub Reporters 02.26.18
If you’re a fan of go-fast off-road machines, then you should pay close attention. High horsepower has become the norm on the stat sheet for many manufacturers, but it seems while having plenty of HP, the latest offering from Textron Off Road is all about suspension.
What most riders don’t realize is that no matter how much horsepower you make, if it doesn’t get effectively transferred to the trail, then you’ve accomplished nothing. In partnership with racing legend Robby Gordon, Textron Off Road has created a very capable off-road vehicle —the 2018 WildCat XX — that not only handles well, but has plenty of get up and go.
The 125HP WildCat XX has many features, including electronic power steering; long travel; 14-inch ground clearance; trophy truck inspired suspension; triple-cylinder 998cc fuel-injected power; sport-tuned TEAM Industries CVT/belt drive transmission; 15-inch custom KMC wheels and 30-inch CST Behemoth tires; and much more. This new performance side-by-side is available in Lime Green, Satin Charcoal Metallic (below) or a limited-edition Horizon Blue.
Easy access is another key to the WildCat XX because you want to be able to get to any items that may need attention at some point in the garage or on the trail. Using no tools, you can remove the rear bed insert and get to many of the important items. If you like to tune or simply inspect the CVT, it is also tool-less entry. If you’re mechanically minded, then these are very important.
Sitting in the cab of this machine will quickly inspire you to flip on the key and start the big triple located just behind the cab. Everything from an adjustable driver seat to tilt steering is included, and when you need to know what is going on or just how fast you’ve been cruising out the trail, a digital dash fills you in. Are accessories your thing? Textron Off Road is on the ball developing many products for the wild woods driver to customize their WildCat XX, and the catalog is growing by the day.
Having ridden this machine for a full day in the desert near Barstow, California (photo above), I can attest to its ability to really conquer the rough landscape. If cruising through rocks and over mountains is your thing, then trust me when I tell you this is a capable machine. Slow or fast, this Textron Off Road WildCat XX is a great package, and priced at $20,499 you can afford to carry the note.
To see this amazing machine in action, check out the video below.
