Top Gas Powered Youth ATVs for 2018.
What are the best gas powered youth ATVs for each age group for 2018 models? There have been big changes for 2018 with the introduction of more models with seat belts and roll over protection.
Polaris was the first to offer a youth UTV with the sport type RZR 170. It's been so successful that they have now introduced the single seat Polaris Ace 150 and utility style Ranger 150.
Traditional models are still popular but very few have changed significantly. That's good for reliability and resale value. Not so good if you're looking for something with more current technology and safety.
Best values tend to be in the smaller 50cc and 70 cc models. They tend to be as much as $1,000 less than the 90cc or larger youth ATVs. With actual selling prices of less than $2,000, resale values tend to remain high.
That's one of the main reasons cheaper Chinese models aren't as good a value considering overall cost versus resale prices of the name brands.
Unlike the trend to UTV styles in full size models, sport style ATVs are still the most popular of the Youth ATV models for now.
With all that in mind, here are our picks for the best youth model ATVs divided by the two most popular age groups - 6+ and 10+
6+ Youth ATVs
Yamaha YFZ 50 - $2,099
The little Yamaha is one of the newest models, introduced as a 2017 model. A White 2019 model will be offered for the same price as the blue 2018. Yamaha offers some easier maintenance features like a tool less air filter design.
Engine - 49cc air cooled single cylinder 4 stroke w/carb.
Transmission - CVT with chain rear drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- drum
Starting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features - engine limiters and tether power cut off switch, reduced maintenance design, wide floorboards
Warranty - 6 month
Kawasaki KFX 50 - $1,999
The KFX 50 is back as a 2019 model after missing the 2018 model year. There aren't any changes from the 2017 version, including the price. Manufacturers don't offer as many choices in this class of youth ATVs, so most of the models tend to be very similar. Kawasaki sticks with that formula. Reliable single cylinder 4 stroke, CVT transmission, and rear chain drive. Simple, reliable, and easy to maintain. The Lime Green or Bright White bodywork does add some style points.
Engine - 49.5cc single cylinder 4 stroke w/carb.
Transmission - CVT with chain rear drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F-drum R-disc
Starting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features - keyed ignition to prevent unsupervised starting as well as speed controls including a throttle-limiting screw to restrict throttle movement and a collar in the CVT transmission that can be easily removed to increase speed as the rider gains experience. Full floorboard foot protection
Warranty - 12 month
Suzuki Quadsport Z50 - $2,049
The Z50 has been around since 2006 so it's safe to say all the kinks have been worked out by now. Suzuki put the emphasis on simplicity and durability to maximize ride time and minimize maintenance time. Simple, quiet 4 stroke engine, easy access oil filter and cap, simple throttle limiter screw and tether switch.
Engine - 49cc air cooled single 4 stroke w/carb.
Transmission - CVT with chain rear drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- sealed drum
Starting - electric with recoil backup
Special Features - Easy access maintenance, keyed ignition, throttle limiter screw, tether switch, full floorboards, T-shaped seat
Warranty - 12 month
Polaris Outlaw 50 - $2,099
The Outlaw 50 follows the common formula for youth ATVs with an air cooled 4 stroke engine, CVT transmission, electric starter, and sport styling. The most unique feature may be the color choices - Pink Power and Lime Squeeze.
Engine - 49cc air cooled 4 stroke w/carb
Transmission - CVT w/chain rear drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- drum
Starting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features - Throttle limiter adjustable from below 10 to 15 mph, tether switch, comes with youth helmet and training DVD
Warranty - 6 month
Can-Am DS 70 - $2,349
The DS 70 has been out since 2008 in the same basic form. It stands out in the 6+ class with the largest engine, a reverse gear, and halogen lights. Comes in any color you want as long as it's red.
Engine - 69cc air cooled 4 stroke w/carb
Transmission - CVT with reverse. rear chain drive
Suspension -
F- Independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- drum
Starting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features - Throttle limiter, halogen lights, reverse gear, larger engine than others in class
Warranty - 6 month
10+ Youth ATVs
Polaris Ace 150 - $3,799
The Polaris Ace 150 brings a new level of sophistication and safety to youth ATVs. For safety, the buggy style single seater has a full roll cage and side nets. For sophistication you get electronic fuel injection, auto style driver controls with tilt steering wheel, foot pedals for gas and brake, and adjustable seat. Unlike most others in the class, the automatic transmission has forward and reverse, along with a parking brake.
Considering all you get with the ACE 150 for only a few hundred more dollars than the class average, we have to rate it as one of the best values. Made in the USA.
Engine - 149cc air and oil cooled single cylinder w/electronic fuel injection
Transmission - CVT with forward, neutral and reverse. Chain rear drive.
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm twin shock
Brakes - F- disc R- disc
with hand parking brake.
Starting - electric
Special Features -
- Auto style tilt steering wheel and pedals
- Seat Belt & Safety Nets
- Adjustable Seat
- Protective Cage
- Front and rear lights
- Parent Adjustable Speed Limiting
- Comes Standard with 1 Youth Helmet and Training DVD
Warranty - 6 month
Polaris Sportsman 110 - $3,099
The Sportsman 110 was new for 2016 and one of the only utility style youth ATVs. Polaris has shown a real commitment to the youth class with the variety of new models being offered. The model continues for 2018 with no changes. Some unique features that set it apart are the front and rear utility racks, reverse gear, and adjustable speed limiter that can be set from 15 to 29 mph. The price is in line with the class average, making the Sportsman 110 a great value buy.
Engine - 112cc 4 stroke single with electronic fuel injection
Transmission - CVT with reverse, chain rear drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm w/single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- drum
locking hand lever parking brake
Starting - electric
Special Features - utility style with front and rear racks, parental speed limiter sets speed from 15 to 29 mph, safety tether, includes 1 youth helmet and training DVD
Warranty - 6 month
Yamaha Raptor 90 - $2,899
The Raptor 90 brought extreme sport styling to the class when it was introduced in 2009. Many still feel it's one of the better looking youth ATVs. Not much has changed since then, although the color scheme above will be available on 2019 models. It has fairly standard equipment compared to others, but we felt the reverse gear, longer travel suspension, and adjustable rear shock were enough to rank it higher.
Engine - 90cc air cooled 4 stroke w/carb
Transmission - CVT w/reverse, rear chain drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm adjustable single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- drum
Starting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features -
easy access air filter, longer travel suspension, reverse gear, adjustable rear shock.
Warranty - 6 month
Kawasaki KFX 90 - $2,599
After missing the 2018 model year, the KFX is back as a 2019 model. Still mostly unchanged from 2007 when it was introduced. Known for simplicity, reliability, and toughness. Manufactured in Japan. A favorite of many is the sporty styling featuring Lime Green or Bright White bodywork. Another favorite is the value pricing. Running gear is fairly standard for the class single cylinder air cooled engine w/carb, CVT transmission, and chain rear drive. Kawasaki recommends a 12+ age rating.
Engine - 89cc air cooled 4-stroke
Transmission - CVT
Suspension -
F-Independent twin shock
R-Swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- disc
Starting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features - key ignition, throttle limiting screw, speed limiting removable collar on transmission, full floorboards.
Warranty - 12 month
Honda TRX 90X - $3,049
Since being introduced in 2003, the TRX 90 has been one of the most popular youth ATVs. It's earned a reputation of bulletproof reliability over 15 years. That popularity and reliability keep resale prices higher than many other models. It's why we rate the Honda as one of the better values. The most unique feature is the manual shift transmission, the only one offered among the most popular youth ATVs.
Engine - 86cc air cooled single cylinder 4 stroke w/carb.
Transmission - 4 speed manual w/automatic clutch
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- drum
Starting - electric
Special Features - throttle limiter
Warranty - 12 month
Can-Am DS 90 - $2,849
Since its' introduction in 2002, you could say the DS 90 is the veteran of the group. It has what has now become tried and true engine, transmission, suspension, and styling for youth ATVs. It does have a handier than you'd think reverse gear and halogen lights.
Engine - 89.5cc air cooled 4 stroke w/carb
Transmission - CVT w/reverse, rear chain drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- drum
Starting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features -
throttle limiter, reverse gear, halogen lights
Warranty - 6 month
Polaris Outlaw 110 - $3,099
The Outlaw 110 is the sport style version of the Sportsman 110. Running gear is virtually identical. Introduced at the same time, this pair offers newer technology like electronic fuel injection and more advanced adjustable speed control that can be set between 15 and 29 mph. At the same price as the Sportsman 110, we didn't feel it offered as many unique features. That's why it ranked a few places lower.
Engine - 112cc air cooled 4 stroke single w/EFI
Transmission - CVT with reverse and chain rear drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- drum
locking hand lever parking brake
Starting - electric
Special Features - sport styling, parental speed limiter sets speed from 15 to 29 mph, safety tether, includes 1 youth helmet and training DVD
Warranty - 6 month
Suzuki Quadsport Z90 - $2,949
2007 was the debut year for the Z90. You would be hard pressed to tell it apart from the 2018 model above. That usually means a lot of folks liked it just like it was. Simple, reliable, fun to ride. Suzuki says 12+ age for this one, but it does come with a speed limiting collar in the transmission that limits top speed to 15 mph. It can be removed after the child gets some experience. Suzuki does have a 12 month warranty by the way. Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki are the only youth ATVs to offer such a warranty.
Engine - 90cc air cooled 4 stroke w/carb
Transmission - CVT w/chain rear drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- drum
Starting - electric w/recoil backup
Special Features - keyed ignition, throttle limiter, speed limiting removable collar in transmission limits top speed to 15 mph. Suzuki recommends 12+ age.
Warranty - 12 month
Can-Am DS 90X - $3,749
The DS 90X is a semi-track ready version of the standard DS 90. We don't know if you could win with it out of the box, but it's certainly track worthy. Can Am installed most of what you would need for racing for less than you could do it yourself. It's been around since 2002, so we think they have it figured out by now. This is a more performance focused youth ATV, with a price to match. We don't recommend it for a beginning rider.
Engine - 89.5cc air cooled 4 stroke w/carb
Transmission - CVT w/reverse, rear chain drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- disc R- disc
tarting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features - long travel suspension w/performance shocks, disc brakes, reverse gear, aluminum wheels, throttle limiter
Warranty - 6 month
Textron Alterra 90 DVX - $2,999
Formerly known as Arctic Cat, now owned by Textron Off Road. The Alterra morphs into two different youth ATVs by using a standard running gear platform and offering a sport style and utility style. The DVX is the sporty one. Nothing really groundbreaking, but the transmission does have reverse and park. Includes a single front headlight and single taillight. 12+ age recommendation.
Engine - 90cc air cooled 4 stroke w/carb
Transmission - CVT w/reverse and park. rear chain drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin adjustable shock
R- swingarm single adjustable shock
Brakes - F- drum R- disc
Starting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features - speed limiter, reverse and park, headlight and taillight, pre-load adjustable shocks front and rear, locking hand lever parking brake, full floorboards.
Warranty - 6 month
Textron Alterra 90 2x4 - $2,999
Obviously the utility styled version of the Alterra 90. Includes front and rear plastic racks, dual headlights and single taillight, and full floorboards. For utility style youth ATVs, it's this or the Polaris Sportsman 110.
Engine - 90cc air cooled 4 stroke w/carb
Transmission - CVT w/park and reverse
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm single shock
Brakes - F- drum R- disc
Starting - electric w/kickstarter
Special Features - speed limiter, reverse and park, headlights and taillight, locking hand lever parking brake, pre-load adjustable shocks front and rear, full floorboards.
Warranty - 6 month
Polaris RZR 170 - $4.799
The RZR 170 represents a higher level of commitment among youth ATVs in both price and safety features. But if you prefer side by side seating for two in a wider and more stable platform, the current choices are this and the Ranger 150. A choice once again between sport style and utility style.
Engine - 169cc air cooled engine with fan, Electronic Fuel Injection
Transmission - CVT w/reverse, chain rear drive
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm twin shock
Brakes - F- disc R- disc
Starting - electric
Special Features - Parent Adjustable Speed Limiting, Seat Belt & Safety Nets. Protective Cage, Tilt Steering, Adjustable Seat, parking brake, headlights and taillight, Comes Standard with 2 Youth Helmets and Training DVD
Warranty - 6 month
Polaris Ranger 150 - $4,999
The Ranger 150 has the most advanced technology seen in youth ATVs to this point. App based safety features can be programmed with a smart phone. They include a GPS based "riding boundary" feature called GeoFencing. There's also a pin code that can be used to keep the machine from being started without supervision.
Engine - 150cc Single Cylinder, Air/Oil Cooled 4-Stroke engine with Electronic Fuel Injection
Transmission - CVT w/reverse
Suspension -
F- independent twin shock
R- swingarm twin shock
Brakes - F- disc R- disc
Starting - electric
Special Features - Geofencing technology, Password Protected Safe Start. Digital Speed Limiting, Seat Belt Interlocking System, Tilt Steering and Adjustable Seat, 8” Ground Clearance, 2 Youth Helmets and Training DVD
Warranty - 6 month
For more information on youth ATV safety, we highly recommend you visit this site-
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