Small UTVs (2025): Best 50″ Trail & Compact Utility

Looking for a small side-by-side in 2025? We define “small” as 50–56 inches wide so it fits tight trails, gates, sheds—and in some cases a pickup bed.

This guide splits the field into 50″ trail (sport) and compact utility UTVs. If you need true 50″ agility, start with RZR Trail, Maverick Trail, or ZForce 950 Trail. For compact work rigs, see Pioneer 520, Mule SX, and RTV520; need a bit more capacity but still small, consider Ranger SP 570 (56″).

Use the table below to compare width, seats, tow, bed, and MSRP. We show “From $…” only where the manufacturer publishes US MSRP; otherwise check dealer. Specs are verified from OEM sources for US models.

Key Takeaways

• Need true 50″ trail width? Start with Polaris RZR Trail, Can-Am Maverick Trail, or CFMOTO ZForce 950 Trail — all are 50″ wide; Maverick/ZForce also publish 1,500-lb tow with small utility beds.
• Best 50″ compact utility: Honda Pioneer 520 — 1,000-lb tow / 450-lb bed, fits most pickup beds; ideal for small properties and tight gates.
• Lowest price small utility that still tows 1,000 lb: Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 — 52.6″ wide, 1,100-lb tow, basic but durable.
• Biggest bed in a small footprint: Kubota RTV520 — 935-lb bed / 1,168-lb tow, 54.7″ wide; heavy-duty compact work rig.
• Still small but more capacity: Polaris Ranger SP 570 — 56″ wide with 1,500-lb tow / 500-lb bed if you can go slightly wider than 50–55″.

Best Small UTVs in 2025 (quick list, width-first)

• Polaris RZR Trail (50″) — true 50″ sport trail.
• Can-Am Maverick Trail (50″) — 50″ sport trail; 1,500-lb tow, 300-lb bed.
• CFMOTO ZForce 950 Trail (50″) — value 50″ sport; 1,500-lb tow.
• Honda Pioneer 520 (50″) — compact utility; 1,000-lb tow, 450-lb bed; fits many pickup beds.
• Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 (52.6″) — ultra-compact work rig; 1,100-lb tow.
• Kubota RTV520 (54.7″) — heavy-duty compact; 935-lb bed, 1,168-lb tow.
• Polaris Ranger SP 570 (56″) — smallest midsize utility; 1,500-lb tow, 500-lb bed.

We define small as 50–56 inches wide. Models wider than this (e.g., Wolverine X2/RMAX, Pioneer 1000-5, RZR XP 1000, ZForce 950 H.O. Sport) belongs to a different guide.

See all the UTV brands around the world

2025–2026 Small/Compact UTVs — quick compare (50–56 in wide)

Model (MY)	Width	Seats	Tow (lb)	Bed (lb)	MSRP*	Notes
Polaris RZR Trail Sport (2025)	50″	2	1,500	300	From $15,999	50-in sport trail; light utility. (Polaris)
Can-Am Maverick Trail (2025)	50″	2	1,500	300	From $16,199	Narrow 50-in trail legal; Rotax twin. (website)
CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 Trail (2026)	50″	2	1,500	220	From $14,999	Value 50-in sport with hitch. (trakpowersports.com)
Honda Pioneer 520 (2026)	50″	2	1,000	450	From $10,999	Fits most pickup beds; work-ready. (Honda Powersports)
Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 (2025)	52.6″	2	1,100	399	From $8,749	Budget work rig; ultra-compact. (Kawasaki)
Kubota RTV520 (2025)	54.7″	2	1,168	935	From $11,499	Heavy steel bed, hydrostatic drive. (Kubota)
Polaris RANGER SP 570 (2026)	56″	2	1,500	500	From $11,999	Smallest “real” Ranger; great utility. (Polaris)

Editor’s Picks (why these)

Best 50″ Trail Overall — Can-Am Maverick Trail

• Why we picked it: True 50″ width with published 1,500-lb tow and 300-lb bed gives it rare trail-legal agility plus light utility.
• Spec chips: Width 50″ • Seats 2 • Tow/Bed 1,500/300 lb
• Price: From $16,199
• Who it’s for: 50″ trail buyers who also want a usable hitch and mini bed.
• What to know: Sport-leaning ride; cargo area is small.
• Pros: Narrow footprint; useful hitch/bed.
• Cons: Pricier than value options.

Best 50″ Trail Value — CFMOTO ZForce 950 Trail

• Why we picked it: 50″ stance with 1,500-lb tow at a lower starting price than the Big-4.
• Spec chips: Width 50″ • Seats 2 • Tow/Bed 1,500/330 lb
• Price: From $14,999
• Who it’s for: Best-value 50″ trail rig with real towing for budget shoppers.
• What to know: Dealer network varies by region.
• Pros: Strong value; hitch included.
• Cons: Smaller dealer footprint.

Best Compact Utility (true 50″) — Honda Pioneer 520

• Why we picked it: 50″ wide, 1,000-lb tow and 450-lb tilt bed; fits many pickup beds.
• Spec chips: Width 50″ • Seats 2 • Tow/Bed 1,000/450 lb
• Price: From $10,999
• Who it’s for: Compact utility users who need a true 50″ machine.
• What to know: Work-biased performance and top speed.
• Pros: Compact, reliable, practical bed.
• Cons: Not a sport machine.

Full List — Compact Utility UTVs

Polaris RZR Trail (2025)

• Who it’s for: True 50″ trail riders who want the narrowest sport chassis.
• Spec chips: Width 50″ • Seats 2 • Tow/Bed 1,500/300 lb
• Price: From $15,999
• Why pick it: Trail-legal width with decent light-utility capacity for gear.
• Pros: Agile 50″ footprint; big aftermarket.
• Cons: Small cargo area.

Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 (2025)

• Who it’s for: Budget ranch/property chores in a very small footprint.
• Spec chips: Width 52.6″ • Seats 2 • Tow/Bed 1,100/≈399 lb
• Price: From $8,749
• Why pick it: Cheapest small work UTV that still tows 1,000+ lb.
• Pros: Low price; durable.
• Cons: Modest clearance and brakes.

Kubota RTV520 (2025)

• Who it’s for: Heavy-duty compact utility where bed capacity matters most.
• Spec chips: Width 54.7″ • Seats 2 • Tow/Bed 1,168/935 lb
• Price: From $11,499
• Why pick it: Huge steel bed and strong tow in a compact package.
• Pros: Big bed; hydrostatic drive feel.
• Cons: Heavier and slower.

Polaris Ranger SP 570 (2026)

• Who it’s for: Still-small midsize utility when you can go wider than 50–55″.
• Spec chips: Width 56″ • Seats 2 • Tow/Bed 1,500/500 lb
• Price: From $11,999
• Why pick it: Narrowest “real Ranger” with strong work stats.
• Pros: Comfortable ride; capacity.
• Cons: Not 50″ trail-legal.

Buying Guide — how to choose a small UTV (width, gates, pickup-bed fit, tow/bed, transport)

What “small” means here:

• We scope small to 50–56 inches wide.
• 50″ trail machines are for areas with strict width rules.
• 52–56″ compact utility rigs trade a little width for more bed/tow and stability.

1. Width & where you ride:

• If you must pass 50″ trail gates, buy an exact 50″ model. Parks usually measure at the widest point (tire bulge, mirrors, roof drip-edge)—leave 0.5–1″ margin in your setup.
• For ranch/yard use, 52–56″ often rides steadier with more payload; confirm it still fits your paths and shed doors.

2. Gates, sheds & tight turns

• Measure openings you’ll use (gate posts, barn doors). Aim for vehicle width + 2–3″ safety margin.
• Check the approach: narrow gates with a 90° turn can require an even smaller machine.
• For sheds/garages, also measure height (roof racks/windscreens can add inches).

3. Pickup-bed fit (when you don’t want a trailer)

• Many 50″ machines can fit between the wheel wells of full-size pickups; always measure your bed width at the narrowest point and bed length.
• Confirm truck payload rating ≥ UTV curb weight + fuel/gear + ramp weight.
• Use rated ramps, four tie-downs to frame-rated points, and load on level ground. If it’s close, a short trailer is usually safer/easier.

4. Tow & bed: match the job

• 50″ sport trail: usually 1,500-lb tow and a small 300-lb bed—good for coolers, tools, small trailers.
• Compact utility (52–56″): typically 1,000–1,500-lb tow and 400–900+ lb bed—better for fencing, firewood, feed, sprayers.
• Keep loads inside published tow/bed ratings; heavy tongue weight or stacked loads hurt handling.

5. Transport & trailer sizing

• A 5×8 or 5×10 utility trailer fits most 50–56″ rigs (verify deck width/length).
• Keep tongue weight ~10–15% of the loaded trailer; stay within the trailer’s GVWR and your vehicle’s tow rating.
• Add 4+ tie-downs, cross the front straps, and re-check after the first mile.

6. Plows & implements (small-rig rules)

• Choose a plow blade wider than your track (often machine width + 6–12″) so the tires ride on cleared snow.
• Use OEM/approved mounts; re-torque hardware after first use.

7. Comfort & ergonomics in tight machines

• Sit in it: seat/legroom varies on 50″ rigs. Check pedal spacing, seat slide, steering tilt, and door opening with gear on.
• Decide on bench vs buckets; most 50″ rigs are 2-seat only.

Quick checklist (print this)

• My trails/gates require 50″ or allow up to 56″?
• It fits gate/shed with 2–3″ margin?
• Tow/bed meets my heaviest regular job?
• I can haul it (pickup or trailer) within ratings?
• I tried seating/controls with boots/gloves on?

FAQs — Small/Compact UTVs (2025)

Q1. What counts as a “small” UTV?

A: For this guide, small means 50–56 inches wide. 50″ trail models (RZR Trail, Maverick Trail, ZForce 950 Trail) pass width-restricted gates. 52–56″ compact utility models (Pioneer 520, Mule SX, RTV520) trade a little width for more bed/tow and stability.

Q2. Will a 50″ UTV fit in a pickup bed?

A: Often, yes—many 50″ machines fit between full-size truck wheel wells. Measure your truck’s narrowest bed width and length, check truck payload, use rated ramps and four tie-downs, and load on level ground. If the numbers are tight, a 5×8 or 5×10 trailer is easier and safer.

Q3. Which small UTV has standout work capacity (tow/bed) at this size?

A: For a true 50″ compact work rig, Honda Pioneer 520 rates 1,000-lb tow / 450-lb bed. If you can go slightly wider, Kawasaki Mule SX (52.6″) tows 1,100 lb, and Kubota RTV520 (54.7″) has a 935-lb bed with 1,168-lb tow. Always verify current specs with the manufacturer and dealer.

Q4. Cheapest small UTV that still tows 1,000 lb?

A: Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 — From $8,749 MSRP (Kawasaki) and 1,100-lb tow (bed ~399 lb). MSRP excludes destination/setup; dealer pricing varies—check dealer.

Availability & what we excluded (paste near the end, before Sources)

Small = 50–56 inches wide in this guide. We excluded wider machines (e.g., Wolverine X2/RMAX, Pioneer 700/1000, Ranger 1000) and youth models. If a model changes width or spec mid-year, always verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.

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