The Yamaha Wolverine strikes a rare balance in the side-by-side world. With rugged off-road performance, a surprisingly comfortable ride, and practical utility features, the Wolverine is built for trail riders, hunters, and property owners who want a machine that works as hard as it plays.

Yamaha’s Wolverine lineup has carved out its niche by offering a middle ground between full-utility machines and pure sport side-by-sides. Whether you’re crawling rocky inclines, clearing trails, or hauling gear into camp, the Wolverine feels right at home. It’s nimble but planted, powerful but not overpowering, and durable without going overboard on size or complexity.

What’s New for This Generation?

The Wolverine has evolved steadily since its first iteration, and Yamaha has kept it competitive with meaningful upgrades. The current generation includes:

• The potent 847cc parallel-twin across most models
• Revised intake/exhaust systems for better torque
• More refined CVT tuning with Yamaha’s Ultramatic® system
• Optional RMAX 1000 trim with more tech, room, and refinement
• Updated styling with aggressive bodywork and LED lighting

More importantly, Yamaha has kept the core Wolverine DNA intact: a balance of sporty trail capability and real-world practicality.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Pricing ranges from $14,499 for a base Wolverine X2 850 to over $27,000 for fully-loaded RMAX 1000 LE models. Which one’s right depends on your use:

Best Value:

• Wolverine X2 850 XT-R: around $17,000, includes winch, better tires, and great suspension

Trail Focused:

• RMAX2 1000 Sport: high-end shocks, paddle shifters, premium seats

Work & Play Blend:

• X4 850: seating for four with a compact footprint for tight trails

All Wolverines come standard with Yamaha’s belt warranty and robust factory support.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The heart of most Wolverine models is the 847cc DOHC parallel twin, putting out roughly 69 horsepower. It’s liquid-cooled, responsive, and has a broad torque curve—ideal for both trail climbing and towing tasks.

Mated to that engine is Yamaha’s Ultramatic CVT system with a centrifugal clutch, which eliminates belt slippage and extends service life. Low-range gearing is stout, and engine braking is among the best in the class.

The RMAX models up the ante with a 999cc engine pushing over 100 hp, giving you true sport UTV acceleration in a utility-capable chassis.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Use

Expect 15–20 mpg under typical off-road use. With a 9.2-gallon tank, range is more than enough for a full day on the trail or a weekend at hunting camp.

Owners often report:

• All-day trail riding without refueling
• Moderate fuel use when loaded or towing
• Smooth low-end power that keeps throttle use efficient

Whether it’s carrying a chainsaw to a remote stand or just cruising fire roads, the Wolverine feels built for it.

Interior, Comfort, and Operator Experience

Yamaha got the ergonomics right. You sit in the Wolverine, not on it. The seats are supportive, controls are logically placed, and visibility is excellent. Even on base models, fit and finish are excellent.

In cab-equipped Wolverines (especially RMAX trims), you’ll find:

• Full doors
• Adjustable driver seat and tilt steering
• Excellent insulation from heat and vibration
• Storage compartments and cup holders
• Optional HVAC and sound systems

Noise levels are better than average, though still audible at higher revs. Suspension soaks up rough terrain without beating up the driver.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Base models are spartan—but functional. You get a basic digital gauge cluster with speed, RPM, fuel, and trip readouts.

RMAX trims add:

• Yamaha Adventure Pro GPS touchscreen (removable tablet)
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Trail tracking and diagnostics
• Optional sound system with marine-grade speakers

Still, the Wolverine stays focused on function over fluff. No gimmicks—just helpful tools.

Safety and Ease of Use

Yamaha includes a full suite of safety essentials:

• ROPS-certified cage
• 3-point seatbelts
• Doors or nets depending on trim
• LED lighting for night visibility
• Built-in engine braking for steep descents

The Wolverine also features speed-limited mode when seatbelts aren’t fastened—ideal for families or work crews.

Controls are intuitive, the throttle is progressive, and steering effort is low even in tight conditions.

Maintenance and Reliability

Yamaha builds these machines to last, and service intervals are friendly:

• Easy-access air filter and oil ports
• Durable belt with long life (and a 10-year warranty)
• Maintenance reminder in digital dash
• Top-notch dealer support and parts availability

Wolverines are known for their reliability. Even after 5,000+ miles of hard use, owners routinely report minimal wear and low maintenance costs.

Verdict

The Yamaha Wolverine doesn’t try to be the biggest, fastest, or flashiest UTV—but it might be the most balanced. With trail-ready performance, impressive utility, and Yamaha’s rock-solid engineering, it’s the kind of machine that earns loyalty.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, property manager, or avid outdoorsman, the Wolverine delivers. It’ll tow your gear, haul your game, and carve up mountain trails—all with the same level of confidence and control.

If you’re looking for one machine to do it all, the Wolverine is a top contender.