Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail XT Impressions

First Test Ride of the 2014 Wildcat Trail XT

Chad took out a 2014 Wildcat Trail XT and put 30 miles on it over the weekend. He had it in various situations, such as climbing and descending trails, in the rocks, snow and some water crossings.

First impressions: sitting down in the Wildcat Trail is fairly comfortable, even for a big guy ( 6’2” and 265lbs).  The steering wheel has a thicker grip to help grip the wheel. There could be a bit more leg room, shifter is easy to use and all switches are easy to see and get to.  Both gas and brake pedal were easy to get to in hiking boots and comfortable to maintain a position on.  

Ride on the Arctic Cat Wildcat trail is very comfortable and stable in all the situations. Ride is so smooth that there were no unexpected jolts from the gas or brake pedal.

 

The Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail has a great low center of gravity! It is stable and ‘confidence inspiring’ in off camber situations and places when a tire is off the ground. The Trail is stable and drove well at 50 mph on a smooth gravel road. The Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail never felt uncomfortable or had any surprises.

The steering (even with the lack of power steering) is great! The Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail that was tested does not have power steering.  Most of the time in the 30 miles driven it was able to be maneuvered with one hand.  The steering was positive, smooth, and responsive. Chad’s only complaint is that the steering might be just a touch heavy in quick full steering moments with one hand.

Power: The 700 cc in line twin motor is adequate even above timber line climbing steep inclines.  Throttle response is crisp and pulls strong.  The Arctic Cat Wildcat will run 50 MPH on gravel road with more to go.  Clutching was quick to engage and had good hold back going downhill. The motor and clutch also recovered quickly to re accelerate when getting to the bottom.

Overall impressions:  Chad was very pleased with the UTV. Good power, great ride, very stable, comfortable to ride in, responsive steering, great braking  and the storage area can carry coolers and bags easily while accepting most 1” ratchet straps easily.

Chad would like a touch more leg room and better fender protection from the spray off of the tires. Overall for the price paid compared to other side by sides the Wildcat Trail is a great vehicle.

Come see the Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail and other great Wildcat Products at Four To Go, Inc in Wheat Ridge Colorado. Denver's only full service Arctic Cat Dealer. www.fourtogo.com