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a polaris scrambler xp 1000 S ATV kicking up sand at speed on a trail in the desert

The Fastest ATV Options Straight From the Factory

If you’ve ever ridden an ATV, you know how fun a quad can be. Time on the trails riding an ATV or four-wheeler is an activity that’s fun for everyone. There are serious competitions, too, like TT flat track races and GNCC cross-country competitions. Whether we are riding for fun or competitively, for some people …

If you’ve ever ridden an ATV, you know how fun a quad can be. Time on the trails riding an ATV or four-wheeler is an activity that’s fun for everyone. There are serious competitions, too, like TT flat track races and GNCC cross-country competitions. Whether we are riding for fun or competitively, for some people speed is a priority. What are the fastest ATV options straight from the factory?

We’ve browsed a few YouTube channels and cross-referenced some lists. After our research, these three quads are the fastest ATV options. Keep in mind here that safety requirements generally cap the top speed somewhere around 80-85 mph for the 1000cc class.

Plus, each rider has a different style and understanding of the way their four-wheeler or ATV functions. Some ATV riders get more out of their quad than others. In all truth, it’s difficult to say exactly which ATV is the fastest, but these are definitely some of the primary performance quads.

The Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000

The Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 is every bit a quad designed for utility. However, with a V-twin engine rated for up to 91 horsepower, it also makes the list as one of the fasted ATV options straight from the factory. ATV Helper reports that that “with dynamic power steering at 48 inches wide, the handling and stability are also top-notch.”

press photo against a white backdrop of the 2021 Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000
2021 Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 | Can-Am

For during the workday, that 91 horsepower engine in the Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 is great for heavy jobs. It goes for it when it’s required to haul a higher payload or towing weight. But after you finish up the workload the real fun begins.

The Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 can race down a sandy straight away for some seriously speedy thrills. The 2021 Can-Am Outlander X XC 1000 starts at $14,999, according to Can-Am’s website. But you can definitely find older models used that are just as fast.

The Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R

Next up on our list of the fastest ATV options straight from the factory is another Can-Am four-wheeler model. The Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R is another beastly Can-Am quad with 91 horsepower. If you are hunting for a fast ATV four-wheeler, this is a good one to look at.

a tan Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R in a press photo against a white backdrop
2021 Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R | Can-AM

The Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R also has 91 horsepower generated by its strong Rotax engine. In fact, ATV Helper calls it “one of the highest horsepower of any ATV made today.” And the Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R is built fast.

In fact, you can get a factory-built model of this quad with upgraded tires or a snorkel if intense riding conditions are your thing. The Can-Am website shows a retail price of $12,999 for the 2021 Can-Am Renegade X XC 1000R. It’s undeniably one of the fastest ATV options you can buy straight from the factory.

The Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S

The Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S is an ATV not intended for beginners nor the faint of heart. Like the others on this list, it is one of the fastest ATV options straight from the factory. The Polaris Scrambler 1000 S is stock with a system that generates up to 89 horsepower.

two Polaris Scrambler XP 10000 S ATV riders parked at the edge of a cliff watching the sunrise
Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S | Polaris

In addition to its power, this unit also has a 14.5 inch ground clearance. ATV Helper writes that the Polaris Scrambler 1000 S “has one of the highest top speeds of any ATV ever built.” It’s an absolute mud champion, too, with a formidable 55 inch-wide stance.

According to Polaris’ website, the 2021 Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S has a starting price of $14,999. This is a well-respected ATV four-wheeler unit in the quad community. That said, all three of these on this list of the fastest ATVs you can buy are high-performance models with plenty of oomph.

Discontinued but still one of the fastest ATV options straight from the factory

We definitely felt the need to mention the Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000. The Thundercat 1000 model is ultra-quick on its feet too. However, this 951cc four-stroke V-twin unit is no longer in production. In fact, it’s not even on Arctic Cat’s website anymore.

two riders going head to head in an ATV race in the sahara desert with egyptian pyramids in the background
ATV Riders in the ‘Egypt Motorcycle Rally’ near the Abusir pyramids | Khaled DESOUKI / AFP via Getty Images
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