Honda ATVs have Single rear hydraulic disc brakes, whereas Polaris ATVs have dual hydraulic disc brakes. The overall tire of Polaris ATVs is larger than Honda. Plus, Polaris has higher front and rear rack capacity than Honda.
If you love trail riding, Overlanding, or any off-road exploring, you might be looking for a dedicated quality ATV, right? Honda and Polaris are the two most popular brands for ATVs. The following is a guide on the difference between these two companies.
Let’s jump in!
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | Honda ATV | Polaris ATV |
| Power | Good | Better |
| Color Options | Red, Harvest Beige Olive, and Phantom Camo. | Sage Green, Desert Sand, Pursuit Camo, and Orange Rust Non-metallic. |
| Disk brake System | Single rear hydraulic disc brakes | Dual hydraulic disc brakes |
| Calipers | Two calipers in the front and rear area | One caliper for the front and rear area |
| Tire diameter | Standard | Slightly larger |
| Seat Height | A little bit lower | Standard seat height |
| Top speed | 34 mph | 45 mph |
| Loading Capacity | Front rack capacity: 66 lbs Rear rack capacity: 133 lbs | Front rack capacity: 90 lbs Rear rack capacity: 180 lbs |
| Price | Low, medium, and higher range | Mid-range |
Key Differences Between Honda And Polaris ATV
- Power
ATVs usually have powerful engines with a higher power-to-weight ratio.
Honda ATV comes with a liquid-cooled or air-cooled OHV single-cylinder 4-stroke engine.
This type of engine can provide excellent combustion with high redline and minimal vibration.
But Polaris ATVs come with a 2.0-liter twin-cam engine.
They are equipped with an AWD system to provide improved acceleration and minimal tire slippage. This ensures superior traction and handling by transferring more power to the front and rear wheels.
Also Read: Differences Between RZR 1000 Supercharger And Turbo.
- Color
Does ATV color matter?
Yes, it matters! Wondering how? You don’t want to pick a color that shows scratches more easily, right? Choose a color that looks good for an extended period.
Honda ATVs are available in four color choices. But it’s red, and Phantom Camo is a better choice to hide scratches effectively.
Conversely, Polaris ATVs have four color options, including orange and camo. But a good number of people dislike its sage green due to its color fading issues over time.
- Disk Brake System
Honda has single rear hydraulic disc brakes, whereas Polaris comes with dual hydraulic disc brakes. Hence, you can handle the quad bikes of Polaris more efficiently than Honda.
All-terrain vehicles from Polaris have better stopping power due to their higher mechanical properties. Its precise braking mechanism offers more delicate control.
- Calipers
Honda ATVs have two calipers in the front and rear area.
These two sets of calipers offer increased strength to clamp down on their rotors.
When you try to stop the quad, the hardware won’t have to work too hard to stop the all-terrain vehicle.
On the contrary, Polaris ATVs come with a single brake caliper.
But it requires less effort to brake easily. This type of caliper is a perfect choice for fast corners to provide increased stability.
However, nothing can beat Honda ATVs for handling tight corners.
- Tire Diameter
Honda ATVs come with standard tires, whereas Polaris ATVs have slightly larger wheels. So, what is the main advantage of larger-diameter tires?
It offers better grip and traction and improved handling ability. The overall appearance looks good too.
Slightly bigger wheels have better contact between the wheel and the road. Hence, riders will enjoy increased stability and maneuverability. However, the lower-profile wheels of Honda will surely offer a firmer ride and concise handling.
- Seat Height
Ever wondered what the ideal seat height for all-terrain vehicles is?
It will vary from person to person. ATVs from Honda have a lower seat height. It appears comfortable when you sit. But it is not convenient to reach the handlebars while standing.
Conversely, Polaris ATVs have a standard seat height. You won’t have to struggle to reach the handlebar while standing. Its handlebars are located at a perfect height. Riders can explore enthusiastic riding without compromising their controlling abilities.
- Top Speed
Any idea about the ideal speed of an ATV?
Most experts recommend driving all-terrain vehicles at less than 30 mph. You need to maintain at least 180 feet of stopping distance. With a Honda ATV, you can achieve a top speed of 34 mph. It is more than enough.
However, a Polaris ATV can get as high as 45 mph. It is convenient for smooth and faster riding.
But, most of the time, you can’t ride at the maximum speed. It may damage the drive belt of the ATV. Chances are high to meet accidents while riding on tougher terrains.
- Loading Capacity
Do you know ATVs can handle more weight than their actual weight?
So, the higher the weight of an ATV, the more weight it can haul.
All-terrain vehicles from Honda have a 66 lbs front rack capacity and 133 lbs rear rack capacity.
It can’t carry too much weight due to its lightweight construction.
On the flip side, Polaris ATV can handle up to 90 lbs for its front rack and 180 lbs for its rear rack.
So, overweight people can comfortably sit in this type of vehicle. But extreme loads may push down the ATV’s slopes and lead to “jack knifing” issues.
- Pricing
Honda ATVs are available in low, medium, and higher price ranges. Generally, high-end options come with a premium price tag due to their additional features and accessories.
They can show reliable performance in tough terrains and are good at taking a massive amount of abuse.
Oppositely, quads from Polaris have a moderate price range. They might not be as powerful as high-end options from competitors.
But still, these all-terrain vehicles are impressively reliable and durable. They are engineered precisely to withstand much damage.
Which ATV Brand Is The Best For You?
You have already got an overview of the good side and bad side of both brands. Now, it is time to decide on a particular option!
Honda ATVs are an excellent choice for powerful and comfortable riding. You can ride them all day long in cold and snowy weather.
On the other hand, Polaris ATVs are a great off-road innovation. These vehicles have enough power to enjoy smooth riding on rough terrains.
But Polaris ATVs appear to be a better choice due to their affordability and durability. Plus, they don’t create too much noise while riding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
High-end ATVs from Honda are more reliable than Polaris due to their bomb-proof transmission and metal gear. They can generate a higher RMP within a few minutes.
Honda ATVs are better for their extended warranty, reliability, and heavy-duty construction. But Polaris ATVs are also good for comfortable and smooth performance on rough terrains.
Honda, Polaris. CFMoto, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Can-Am are the few best brands for 4-wheelers.
Honda, The Raptor, and YFZ are the three most reliable brands for ATVs due to their extreme power and consistent performance.
Final Thought
Still not convinced to choose a particular brand?
ATVs are a long-term investment. All essential features of the ATV and your preferences and using purpose play a key role.
We have already narrowed down all critical factors on Honda vs. Polaris ATV. Now, you can choose either option if it appears convenient to you. Enjoy the ride, and keep exploring!
