Yamaha Kodiak 450 VS Honda Rancher 420 – For Fun or Ranch?

For those searching for the best ATVs in the market right now, look no further than the ones offered by Yamaha and Honda. Both companies have been in the business of making ATVs since the 1980s, and up until now, they remain the leaders in this market niche.

When it comes to performance, reliability, utility, and technology it's hard to go wrong when it comes to Yamaha and Honda vehicles. Among their line of best-selling ATVs right now include the Yamaha Kodiak 450 and the Honda Rancher 420. What makes them so popular with ATV lovers is that they offer the best value for money. For their prices just playing around the six-grand mark, they are also very affordable despite the wide array of features that they are offering.

If you're looking to buy an ATV with potential for both fun and ranch to maximize its use, here is a comprehensive look at the key highlights of the Yamaha Kodiak 450 and Honda Rancher 420 to help you decide which one is designed to go with your needs.

The important elements that we will tackle in each ATV are the following:

• Engine
• Suspension
• Fuel Consumption
• Payload Capacity
• Reliability

In the end, we hope that the things discussed here will aid you in coming up with a decision that you will never regret when choosing an ATV for both work and play.

Yamaha Kodiak 450

The Yamaha Kodiak is one of the most popular medium-sized ATVs on the market today. It is available in both sport and utility models and can be equipped with a variety of accessories to suit the needs of any rider.

The story of the Kodiak dates back to 1993 as a response to the growing demand for larger, more powerful ATVs. The product was an instant hit, and quickly became one of the most popular ATVs on the market. Over the years, the Kodiak has undergone several noteworthy changes making it more compact and agile.

For a starting price of $6,599 as of 2022, here are the key features of the ATV that you will surely appreciate:

• Engine

The Yamaha Kodiak 450 is an ATV that's built for both recreation and work. In its 2022 model year, it is powered by a 421cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine that uses the electronically-controlled Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) for fuel delivery. It has a bore and stroke of 84.5mm and 75 mm, respectively, and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

There are no official numbers on the horsepower or the torque of the 2022 unit, but based on the performance figures of its previous year model, it is estimated to peak at 32 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 28 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. It is equipped with Yamaha's renowned Ultramatic and On-Command automatic transmission with reverse and a four-by-four drivetrain. The setup propels the vehicle up to 55 mph.

• Suspension

The 2022 Yamaha Kodiak 450 features an independent double-wishbone front suspension with 6.7 inches of travel and a single-shock swingarm rear suspension with 6.7 inches of travel. This design is ideal for both work and recreation, providing a comfortable ride even on rough terrain. The Kodiak also has a wide range of adjustments, so you can tailor the suspension to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for a smooth ride or maximum ground clearance, the Kodiak 450 has you covered.

• Fuel Consumption

For recreation, the Yamaha Kodiak 450 ATV is a good choice. It has enough power to take on any challenge and its fuel economy at around 18 to 25 mpg is frugal for an ATV of its size and power. If you are looking for an ATV that can do more things that others can't, the Kodiak 450 is a suitable option.

For work, the Yamaha Kodiak 450 ATV's fuel consumption may be a bit higher than you would expect, and that also depends on the equipment you are hauling or towing. However, its power and usefulness make it a nice companion for many jobs. If you need an ATV that can get the things done on the ranch, the Kodiak 450 is an agreeable choice.

• Payload Capacity

The 2022 Yamaha Kodiak 450 has a total weight of 637 lbs., including its standard equipment, fluids, and fuel. The vehicle has a towing capacity of 1,322 lbs. and can carry as heavy as 500 lbs. of cargo.

• Reliability

The 2022 Yamaha Kodiak 450 showcases an engine that has enough power to tackle rough, sticky, or slippery terrain, making it ideal for exploring the vast outdoors. The ATV also has an adequate cargo area for carrying supplies or equipment. Additionally, the Kodiak 450 comes standard with a bunch of safety features, such as four-wheel drive and front and rear brakes, that ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. The Yamaha Kodiak 450 is indeed a versatile and reliable ATV that is suited for anyone who loves to explore the vast outdoors.

Honda Rancher 420

The Honda Rancher is a line of ATVs that has been in production since the year 2000. The ATVs have been made available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions and were built on a frame designed to be tough and durable. The Honda Rancher has been a popular choice for those who want an ATV that can handle a variety of terrains, and the line has continued to evolve over the years to meet the needs of riders.

For a price tag of $5,599 as of 2022, here are the things to expect from the latest Honda Rancher 420:

• Engine

The 2022 Honda Rancher 420 ATV is powered by a 420cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, longitudinally-mounted engine with OHV. The bore and stroke of the engine measure 86.5 mm and 71.5 mm, respectively. Its compression ratio is 9.9:1.

The power unit produces around 27 hp at 6,250 rpm and 24.6 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic DCT transmission with reverse. The configuration lets the ATV reach a speed of up to 55 mph.

• Suspension

The Honda Rancher 420 suspension system is built for both work and play. It features a durable design that can handle the toughest terrain, whether you're out on the trails or working in the field. It is equipped with independent front suspension and rear swingarm suspension with 6.69 inches of travel for both. The ATV also has dual hydraulic front disc brakes and a single hydraulic rear disc brake. It rides on steel wheels with all-terrain tires.

The suspension system is adjustable, too, so you can customize it to your specific riding needs. Whether you're looking for a comfortable ride or a hard-working machine, the Honda Rancher 420 is a good choice.

• Fuel Consumption

The 2022 Honda Rancher 420 is an adaptable ATV. It has a fuel-efficient design that makes it ideal for long rides or extended periods of use. When it comes to fuel consumption, the Rancher 420 is very efficient at 23 mpg, which favors those who want to save money at the pump.

• Payload Capacity

The Rancher 420 has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. That means that this vehicle can easily tow a small trailer or even a larger piece of equipment like a lawnmower. As for hauling capacity, the Rancher 420 can carry up to 500 pounds of cargo in its bed. That's more than enough to handle most jobs around the house or farm.

• Reliability

The 2022 Honda Rancher 420 is a versatile ATV that can be used for both recreation and work. It has a fuel-efficient design that makes it perfect for long rides or extended periods of use. When it comes to fuel consumption, the Rancher 420 is very efficient, making it a great choice for those who want to save on fuel costs.

For recreation, the Rancher 420 is excellent for exploring trails or taking on other off-road adventures. It's also a smart option for those who enjoy hunting or fishing, as it can easily get you to remote locations. When it comes to work, the Rancher 420 is just as capable, able to tow trailers and handle other heavy-duty tasks. No matter how you use it, the Rancher 420 is an ideal choice for those who want a versatile and fuel-efficient ATV.

In a nutshell, the Rancher 420 is an extremely versatile and reliable ATV that will be sure to meet your needs no matter what you use it for.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, both the Yamaha Kodiak 450 and Honda Rancher 420 embody outstanding overall performance. The way they balance power, comfort, safety, fuel economy, and reliability is simply top-notch. However, we are divided on which one is more suited for work or recreation.

The Rancher may have a lower starting price if you are on a budget, but it does not exactly mean that it is better than the Kodiak. Things can get pretty expensive if you opt for the optional add-ons anyway. Considering all the things discussed here, it appears that the Rancher is better suited for getting the job done on the ranch because of its better comfort and slightly higher load capacity.

On the other hand, one thing that stands out in the Yamaha ATV, in addition to its performance, is that customers particularly praise its transmission system, which they find smooth and very effective in managing the engine's output in various conditions. The smoother power transitions make the Kodiak 450 more ideal for track action.