Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (2024)

UTV Reviews and ATVs0

by Tim Johnson

Kubota launched their first UTV way back in 2004. Since then, they have continued to expand their Rough Terrain Vehicle (RTV) line, with more than six product lines to choose from. Until now, all their models were about getting work done, not so much about play. Top speed for most of the units was below 25mph. While this is fine on the jobsite, it didn’t exactly cut it on the trails, or even on the ranch. Enter the Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick, eclipsing the 40 mph mark.

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (1)

Industry reports show that the fastest growing segment in Utility Vehicles is the multipurpose or crossover. This crossover bridges the gap between theWork and Recreational UTVs. Multipurpose (crossover) UTV purchases grew by 12% last year, while the rest of the UTV market shrunk. The Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick is aimed directly at this crossover market. We had the opportunity to visit Kubota Manufacturing of America where these Sidekicks are made, and we were able to get some real seat-time as well.

Related Read: Check out our visit to the Kubota Sidekick Experience

Kubota Sidekick Experience Media Event – UTV Heaven

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick Features

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (2)

It is no secret that Kubota prides themselves on building durable farm and construction equipment. Launching into the Recreational arena with the Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick, the same focus of durability is top priority.

The heartbeat of the new Kubota Sidekick is a gas-burning, EFI, twin-cylinder, Subaru engine, producing 48 horsepower. While Subaru does manufacture the engine, Kubota owns the tooling to ensure the security of the technology. Attached to the powerplant is Kubota’s CVT-Plus (Continuously Variable Transmission), which incorporates a centrifugal clutch into the driveline. The included clutch keeps tension on the CVT belt at all times, allowing for engine braking at all speeds.

4WD, Locking Diff, and EPS

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (3)

Every Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick UTV includes 4-wheel-drive, limited slip, and a locking differential. The rear locking diff is engaged by depressing a pedal with your foot, while pushing a button, next to the driver’s seat at the same time. A manual limited slip differential takes care of the front wheels which requires no intervention, hence it’s always engaged.

Operators can choose just two-wheel-drive mode in flatter and calmer terrains. This 2wd to4wd shifter is located between the driver and passenger, just below the seat. A gear selector, to the right of the steering wheel, allows the user to select between High and Lo range, forward, and reverse.

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (4)

Straightening the Curves, Flattening the Hills

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (5)

Electronic Power Steering (EPS) is standard equipment on each Sidekick. The power steering is adaptive and speed-sensitive. The faster you go, the firmer the steering wheel feels in your hand. Also, if you let go of the wheel, it wants to return to zero (straight). Whether you’re under load, roaring across the fields, or on the trails, the EPS helps keep the operator in control at all times.

Rubber has all been eliminated from the suspension unless you count the tires. All the bump-stops on the Coilover shocks and other soft suspension parts are polyurethane. This aids in extending the life of these components while offering better performance.

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Breath of Fresh ROPS

In addition to being ready for the hills and trails, theKubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick is ready for the streams and wetlands also. The intake for the engine is under the hood, up high and dry. To keep the CVT and Clutch cool, a separate intake pulls in fresh cool air. The intake for the CVT utilizes the ROPS (Rollover Protection Structure) hollow tubing. From the clutch cover, you can follow the rubber hose that tapers and attaches to the ROPS system just below and behind the driver’s door. The actual air inlets on the ROPs is where it crosses under the dash, in the driver’s compartment. This is to ensure the CVT is cooled with the cleanest and dryest air possible.

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (6)

1/2-Ton Payload and 1-Ton Towing

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (7)

Hauling the loads, the Sidekick has a 40.5″ x 57.5″ x 11.4″ (LxWxH) bed and can carry up to 1,000 lbs. It’s just hard to believe these UTVs are carrying the weight of our typical full-size light trucks. Pulling a trailer, the Kubota RTV-XG850 can handle 2,000 lbs, on flat ground. In areas with hills and terrain, Kubota recommends a max of 1,550 lbs for towing. Regardless, this Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick is literally pulling its weight, and doing so with plenty of grunt leftover.

Every Sidekick includes a 2-inch hitch receiver, so you can easily use your existing hitches and racks. The bed comes standard as a manual lift, with a gas-shock for lowering ease. You can also order your Sidekick with an electric over hydraulic power lift, or you can add it as an accessory later.

Accessories, Accessories….Accessories

It seems as though no stone has been left unturned when it comes to add-ons for the Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick UTV. There are more than 50 accessories for owners to make the Sidekick their own. Wheel and tire selections are always a big thing, whether it’s cars or trucks, and the same rings true with the UTV market. Kubota made sure to offer you several choices of tires and wheels to make your RTV-XG850 standout from the rest. No status-quo here.

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (8)

Owners can choose from different roofs, including one with integrated radio and speakers. You can choose to run the Sidekick with no windshield, or choose between acrylic and glass. The same goes for the back glass as well. A 4,000 lb Superwinch is another accessory that ranks toward the top interest. And, of course, there are several options when it comes to LED lights, ensuring you can see where you’re going, even after sunset. Are you concerned with the bed getting scratched up from those 1,000 lb loads? No problem, just choose the Line-X option and you’ll be covered.

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (9)

Henry Ford once said: “You can have any color Ford you want, as long as it’s Black.” Kubota said it’s time to change that nonsense, so you can choose more than just Kubota Orange. The Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick is available in four different colors: Orange, Army Green, RealTree Camo, and Black.

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (10)

Final Words

While we have yet to get a Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick in our own possession for our thorough review, we did get the chance to ride them a bit and inspect them for a few hours. Kubota has definitely done a good job at providing a work vehicle that can haul the loads while providing the speed for excitement and recreation. It drives very well and the gas-powered Subaru powerplant provides ample power for the task at hand. The CVT-Plus transmission delivers a smooth torque curve without the need to shift. Finally, Kubota seems to be doing a great job with accessories, there are so many to choose from. We look forward to receiving one soon, so we can provide more in-depth feedback.

Click here to check out the Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick and the many accessories available.

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick First Look - 40 mph 4x4 (2024)

FAQs

What is the top speed of a RTV-XG850 sidekick? ›

Kubota claims 48 hp at 5,750 rpm and a top speed of 40 mph.

How much can a Kubota RTV-XG850 tow? ›

The RTV-XG850 is even ready to tow your boat, trailer and more by providing 2,000 lbs. of towing capacity and standard trailer hitch.

How much does a new Kubota sidekick cost? ›

2022 Kubota Sidekick Specs
MSRP:$14,499
Fuel Capacity:8.6 gal.
Warranty:24-month/1,000-hour limited
Availability:Now
Contact:kubotausa.com
26 more rows
May 3, 2022

How fast is the 2024 Kubota sidekick? ›

Powerful 54 HP gasoline engine gives you speeds up to 40 mph. With impressive acceleration and torque, you'll take on every big hill. When the great outdoors calls, jump into your Sidekick.

What is the top speed of the Kubota side by side diesel? ›

Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick Top Speed

Where the X-Series Kubota RTVs top out at around 30MPH, the Kubota Sidekick has the ability to travel at the shockingly-quick speed of 40MPH – which makes it the fastest vehicle in Kubota's RTV lineup!

How heavy is a Kubota side by side? ›

Compare with these similar machines:
RTV-X1100C Utility VehicleRTV-X900 General Purpose Utility Vehicle
Wheel Base80.5 Inches80.5 Inches
Weight2,370 lbs1,907 lbs
Towing Capacity1,300 lbs1,300 lbs
Payload Capacity1,629 lbs1,664 lbs
23 more rows

How much weight can a Kubota RTV pull? ›

1,300 lb.

How much horsepower does a Kubota RTV have? ›

It packs Kubota's proven 24.8 HP diesel engine, which provides a top speed of 29 mph and plenty of payload, towing and hill-climbing power.

Is there a recall on Kubota side kick? ›

Kubota Recalls Utility Vehicles Due to Injury and Collision Hazards (Recall Alert) This recall involves model year 2018 through 2022 base model Kubota RTV-XG850 Utility Vehicles, known as the "Sidekick." "Sidekick" and/or the model number are on the side of the utility vehicle.

Who makes the engine for the Kubota sidekick? ›

Speed, Power, and One Sweet, Sweet Ride

The Sidekick is equipped with a gas-burning, EFI, twin-cylinder, 851cc Subaru engine that delivers 48hp, plenty of power for the 2,000 lbs towing capacity and 1,000 lbs cargo capacity.

How long does a Kubota side by side last? ›

Discounting operator error and poor maintenance, the average Kubota RTV should surpass 10,000 miles without breaking a sweat. Furthermore, odometer figures upwards of 20,000 miles, 30,000 miles, and even 40,000 miles are entirely possible!

How fast is the RTV XG850? ›

Durability meets speeds

The RTV-XG850's new and powerful 54 HP gasoline engine gives you the speed to get where you're going fast, up to 64 km/h (40 mph).

How much can the Kubota sidekick tow? ›

Work Harder, Last Longer: The Sidekick is the ultimate extra hand around the ranch. It can move 1,000 lbs. in the bed and tow up to 1,550 lbs. on hills and 2,000 lbs.

What does UTV stand for Kubota? ›

Utility terrain vehicles are designed for specific purposes, which typically include carrying heavy loads and navigating rough terrain. Many companies manufacture this vehicle category with different series and models. Some call them UTVs, Gators, and Side-by-side, while Kubota has decided to label them RTVs.

How fast can an RTV go? ›

The RTV-XG850 Sidekick features a 48-horsepower gasoline engine that travels at speeds of up to 40 mph, compared to the top speed of 29 mph for Kubota's RTV-X series model.

What is the top speed of a 50cc motorized bike? ›

Most 50cc scooters come with a restricted engine, which limits the bike to a top speed of 28mph (45kph).

What is the top speed of a Kawasaki AE50? ›

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The detail and level of workmanship is breathtaking and the correct genuine AE50 exhaust for the UK market bares clear part number stampings. Maximum power is 2.9hp at 4750 rpm and maximum torque at 4.5Nm at 4000 rpm giving a restricted 35mph top speed.

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