First Ride | All-New 2025 Wolverine RMAX4 1000 XT-R & Limited Edition

It all felt very familiar. It was like I’d been here before, like I’d felt this feeling in the past. Not to go as far as saying the landscape here was mesmerizing (although it was), nor to say I experienced euphoria (even though the ride did foster that sort of “zen” people spend their lives searching for). On what should have been merely a new experience from a first ride with a UTV, this was instead a reminder of a place where I felt at home: behind the wheel, controlling my lines, blurring the world in my peripheral vision.

Let’s Start with Emotion

What is the point of any recreational vehicle if not to create joy? Yes, it can offer much more than that. It can be the workhorse, the explorer, or the therapist. But down to the root word, “recreation” is any activity done to elicit fun. At its core, the Wolverine RMAX4 1000 was built to be that one friend who can lure you off the couch and into some wild shenanigans you may never forget. While this was my first ride in the all-new four-seater option in Yamaha’s 2025 lineup, the slightly extended, slightly redesigned, and technologically savvy model still felt…what was that word again? Familiar.

The contrast between the bright blue sky and the cold frigid ground was staggering. Everything from the top down was beginning to warm up, but the sun hadn’t been out long enough to affect anything beneath our wheels. If you weren’t too careful in the washes between the canyon walls, a rail might catch you off guard in a corner and toss you back and forth like a bowling ball between those child-friendly bumpers.

It was enjoyable nonetheless, albeit a tad slow. It was not so much because of the lack of traction, the frozen banks, or a parade of vehicles before and after you. It was more because of the inconsistency. There were certainly predictable areas that you could trust to maintain your flow. But the rest of it was a bit of chaos. The terrain varied enough to keep you on your toes…or rather, on the brakes.

Inevitably, the UTV managed the loose, rocky sections with ease. The 14-inch aluminum beadlock wheels wrapped in 30-inch Maxxis® Carnivore tires ate up every ledge, corner, bump, or pile that lay across their path. As I remember from previous outings with the former four-seat model (now the RMAX4 Compact), the suspension settings allowed me the freedom to drive at my full range: reserved and calculated during crawls, smooth and sharp through the woods, and laser-focused when the roads opened up and both pedals are working overtime.

It brings me great joy to hit a turn with gusto, sliding the back end until the nose pointed precisely at the exit. In the Limited Edition, with its FOX® iQS piggyback shocks, independent double-wishbone system, and anti-sway bars adapted to the various challenges I dared to engage with a simple toggle of the rocker switch. Even with the three manual settings of the XT-R, I was able to make the most of this more pragmatic model, presetting the FOX® QS3 piggyback shocks based on what I expected to encounter during our return trip. I certainly made the most of all 14.2 inches of front travel diving into sharp corners and eating up rock piles, just as the 16.9 inches in the rear maintained the stability while jumping, sliding, lurching, and bouncing all over the damn place.

Green River, Utah, was one of those places that lure pilgrims of nature by its many seductive qualities: high desert flora, majestic fauna, looming palisades, lone mountains, and chasms so tall and so immediately spaced that it asserts an intimacy between your hands on the wheel, your feet on the pedals, and your eyes on the road and the apex of the next turn. It was a good setting for the launch, and this vehicle. This is a perfect testing ground for recreation. It’s easy to have a good time here in any UTV, so if the riders have a bad time, it’s not the trail’s fault. In this case, you couldn’t blame the RMAX4 either. It ran too smoothly. It handled a beating. It conquered too many obstacles to be a problem. Yes, the motor puts out a higher decibel than others, which the BluCru claims to be improving with each edition. My solution was to turn up the music.

With the four-door speaker system paired with an accessory MTX subwoofer and quick connecting Bluetooth or USB capabilities, I never had to worry about going deaf from engine noise. I was already blowing out my eardrums to the best of my ability with my “Run 2025” playlist. The MTX Audio System is a whole different animal compared to its predecessors, and it comes standard on all RMAX XT-R and Limited models, which boasts “excellent audio quality, deeper bass, and clearer vocals.” Thanks to the addition of those recessed door speakers and three preset tunes, I think the team hit the mark with this platform. It was perfect to help me zone out the world and focus on the ride. Plus, it drowned out any bothersome motor acoustics that resonated throughout the cab.

You might be wondering, why introduce the audio system so soon in the story. Isn’t that an accessory? Shouldn’t it be organized with the others more appropriately sprinkled in toward the end? No. Not when this is the first feature you look for in any car and the last thing you hear before turning off the motor. As we’re discussing the more visceral characteristics of the RMAX4, this was probably the most appropriate placement. Whether it’s the sound from the speakers, the engine, or the outdoors, a soundtrack is always the best way to evoke emotion while executing our routines, pastimes notwithstanding.

Now, What Are the Facts?

The heart of this machine is a 999cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline twin-cylinder engine with Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), delivering robust torque and dependable power across diverse terrain. Paired with the Ultramatic® V-belt transmission, it features all-wheel engine braking and a centrifugal clutch to maintain constant belt tension, reducing heat and slippage. Yamaha’s 10-year belt warranty underscores the transmission's durability, a testament to its reliability.

This UTV navigates the backcountry with ease thanks to the On-Command® drive system, seamlessly engaging/disengaging front and rear differentials faster than ever before, giving the RMAX4 maximum traction control. Turf mode is another recent addition to this feature, which unlocks the rear differential providing a tighter turning radius and, thus, reducing instances of "turf" damage. Its dimensions offer a stable footprint, measuring 122.1 inches in length, 66.1 inches in width (with a compact 64-inch option), and 82.3 inches in height, while an 86.7-inch wheelbase and 13.8 inches of ground clearance keep obstacles at bay.

Suspension duties are handled by independent double wishbones with anti-sway bars, boasting 14.2 inches of front travel and a generous 16.9 inches in the rear. FOX® QS3 shocks, standard on the XT-R, provide simple, three-way damping adjustments for a tailored ride, with a new enhanced slow-speed comfort. Dual hydraulic disc brakes supply reliable stopping power, while 30x10-14 Maxxis® Carnivore® tires grip the ground with an aggressive tread pattern.

Practicality shines through in the 600-pound cargo bed capacity and a 2,000-pound towing limit, supported by welded steel tie-down points. LED lighting enhances visibility in low-light conditions, and the cabin offers seating for four, with an adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering for personalized comfort.

The TFT display integrates stereo and gauges for a modern but intuitive interface. It's evident immediately that technology elevates the experience with the Yamaha Adventure Pro Integrated GPS System, providing advanced phone and audio integration, navigation and trail mapping, plus a reverse camera on the Limited. Not to leave anyone out, this can also be added to the XT-R models.

The On-Command® 4WD system and D-MODE settings (Sport, Trail, and Crawl) adapt the engine and throttle response to match the terrain. The Ultramatic® transmission and Electric Power Steering (EPS) deliver smooth and constant control utilizing three different settings, as well as a fourth when the On-Command is in full diff-lock. This helps to reduce driver fatigue and still offer proper trail feedback.

How Can We Upgrade It?

For those looking to push this UTV’s capabilities even further, Yamaha offers an extensive range of accessories. Protect the vehicle with front and rear brush guards, skid plates, and over-fenders, or enhance visibility with LED light bars and interior lighting kits. Storage solutions like cargo boxes, gun racks, and coolers add versatility, while comfort upgrades, including heated seats, rearview mirrors, and windshields, make long rides more enjoyable.

Performance enhancements abound, with options like a WARN® VRX 4500-pound winch (standard on all XT-R and Limited models), upgraded shocks, and larger tires. Utility-focused add-ons, such as a bed extender, cargo rack, and spare tire mount, further amplify the vehicle’s practicality. Whether tackling rugged trails or hauling gear for a backcountry expedition, these upgrades allow owners to fine-tune their machines for any adventure.

Comfort: Long days on the trail don’t feel like a punishment, thanks to the plush FOX® QS3 shocks that absorb the worst of the bumps. I remember hitting rock-strewn climbs, bracing for the usual spine-rattling jolt, only to be met with a surprising smoothness. The adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering lets you find your perfect position, while the quiet engine hum makes conversation easy, even at speed. Plus, the bolstered seats cradle you like a well-worn recliner, providing extra support through sharp turns and rough sections. They keep you planted, reducing fatigue and letting you stay focused on the trail ahead.

Confidence: There’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with Yamaha’s 10-year CVT belt warranty. It feels like a promise that this machine is built to last. Tackling muddy trails with the On-Command® 4WD system is almost too easy. Flicking into Diff Lock makes short work of tricky situations. One moment, we were slipping through a washed-out rut. The next, we powered out like it was nothing. The fold-down side mirrors make navigating tight trails even more convenient—a quick flip, and they tuck neatly out of harm’s way. They snap back into place just as easily, so you don’t have to fuss when you’re back on wider paths or need to check behind you.

Capability: The combination of a powerful engine, advanced suspension, and thoughtful design details makes the RMAX4 a trail conqueror. One underrated feature is the factory-wired accessory ports. Whether you’re adding Yamaha’s own accessories or something aftermarket, the pre-wired setup makes installation a breeze. No need to tear apart panels or worry about complex wiring—just plug, mount, and get back to adventuring. This attention to detail extends the vehicle’s utility, making it adaptable to any rider’s needs and future upgrades.

Taking It Home

Meeting the 2025 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 felt like running into an old friend who’s been quietly working on themselves, recognizable but sharper and more refined. The comfort is immediate, from the plush FOX® QS3 suspension soaking up all of earth’s chaotic textures to the finely tuned cab layout that makes long rides feel effortless. Confidence comes naturally, too, with every turn, climb, and slide handled by Yamaha’s precise engineering, with beadlock wheels and tires gripping loose terrain, drive modes tailoring power delivery, and smart shocks adapting on the fly. It’s as if the XT-R knows what you need before you do.

Capability is what makes you want to turn up the tunes and see what else this machine can do. The RMAX4 chews through technical trails and open landscapes alike, letting you push without punishing your body or your nerves. It’s a vehicle that reminds you why you fell in love with off-roading in the first place and shows you how much better that romance can become.