4 ATVs that are Great for Mudding

All ATVs are not created equal, and that’s especially true when it comes to mudding. Some manufacturers build ATV models specifically for the sport of sludge. 

An ATV not built for mudding can not only take the fun out of the experience, but is also more likely to get stuck, damaged or ruined altogether. With that in mind, here are 4 of the best ATVs for mudding.

What to Look For in Mud Riding ATVs

Before we get into the quads that are good for mud riding, here are some features an ATV should have for successfully tackling muddy trails and tracks:

• Strong horsepower and torque to power through sludge
• High-mounted components such as radiators, shielding and springs
• Wide mud tires with thicker tread depth and superior traction
• High ground clearance to handle rough spots and hidden obstacles
• Mudding upgrades and accessories such as winches and snorkel kits

Those are just some of the basic features that an ATV tailor-made for mudding should have. Major ATV manufacturers produce several mudding machines that come standard with those features and more. However, if you look at just about any list on the web about the best mudding ATVs, you’ll likely find these four 4-wheelers on it.

Arctic Cat (Textron) Alterra MudPro 700 LTD

The Arctic Cat Alterra Mud Pro is a simple quad that lives up to its name. It’s famous for being one of the most affordable and lightweight mudding ATVs on the market.

This nimble ATV’s body and 700cc engine were designed exclusively for mudding, making it lighter than other competing full-size ATVs. The Mud Pro’s strong aluminum wheels sport mud tires with a tread pattern that offers faster acceleration and smooth handling. It’s not the fastest or largest machine among the mudding ATV fraternity, but it’s still a lightweight yet powerful machine made desirable for delivering high performance at an affordable price. If you’re on a budget and don’t want to break the bank on an almighty mud beast, the Arctic Cat Alterra Mud Pro might be perfect for you.  

Can-Am Outlander XMR 1000R

Of all the manufacturers on the list, Can-Am is perhaps best known for making more tailor-made mudding machines than any of its major competitors. 

While you may find the Can-Am Renegade on other lists like this one, the Outlander is longer and has a wider wheelbase than its sibling. It comes equipped with high seats and passenger foot pegs for additional leverage, as well as extended bumpers and a relocated radiator for extra cooling. Its 976cc engine makes it a speed beast that can easily shred through thick sludge. The Outlander XMR1000 comes standard with a 3000-pound Warn winch, making its higher price tag worth it for extras as well as power. Its monster wheels combined with its speed are perfect for powering through the most brutal of muddy terrains. If you’re not on a budget, the Can-Am Outlander XMR1000 is a prime candidate for your mudding needs.

Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition

The Polaris Sportsman XP1000 got a major boost from High Lifter, a premier manufacturer of mudding equipment. The incredibly popular Sportsman XP1000 High Lifter Edition is custom made for mudding.

This special edition ATV has a shielded clutch and intakes to keep mud and water out. The radiator is mounted to the front rack, and twin cooling fans keep its powerful 952cc engine extra cool. It also comes equipped with Outlaw mud tires and a 3500-pound OEM winch, as well as higher seats and bumpers and extra ground clearance. Its CVT transmission is built to withstand mudding. While the standard Sportsman XP1000 can hold its own in mud, the High Lifter Edition is the one to buy if your mission is to get the ultimate mudding experience. 

Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS

The Yamaha Grizzly is not specifically designed for mudding, yet this reliable and nearly indestructible powerhouse quad can hang like a champ with the rest of the pack.

The Grizzly is renowned for having perhaps the best CVT transmission and handling on the market. It’s a fun quad to ride, and its reputation for handling, reliability and durability is second to none.  The Yamaha Grizzly and its 700cc engine are more than capable of shredding through mud, despite the ATV not being spec’d for that purpose. It’s a great machine with exceptionally high ground clearance, lauded for its superior quality at a reasonable price. The Grizzly can handle just about anything you throw at it, including mud. If you’re looking for a “best all-around” 4-wheeler that you can enjoy any type of off-road riding on, the Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS might be the perfect ATV for you. 

Whether you buy these ATVs or any other ATV, it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into if you’re buying used. Watch the video below to learn about what to inspect when buying a used ATV.