A quick glance of the features and specifications tells us they didn't hold back! Let's take a brief look at these three machines. At-a-glance each features a liquid-cooled 4-stroke power plant with automatic, on-demand 4WD transmissions. Comparing engines specs, the Prowler comes with a 650cc engine, the Rhino 660cc, the Ranger 500cc and Ranger XP has 683cc.

(We are comparing 4x4 models. Polaris does also have a 2WD model with a 653cc engine). Reportedly, the Prowler motor sits between the seats while the others are positioned more toward the rear. After hands-on testing, we know the Rhino motor sits between the seat as well, purposely positioned not too far to the front to drag the Rhino forward on steep decents, or too far back to make it prone to wheelies.

If Prowler's motor is even farther forward, look for it to be placed at about the knees, reducing floorboard space? We aren't sure, and will have to check it out in person. The Prowler and the Rhino both have independent double wishbone suspension on the front and rear, while the Ranger has MacPhearson struts on the front and independent suspension on the rear.

The Prowler is the widest, has the most suspension travel, and has more ground clearance than the Rhino and the Ranger. The Arctic Cat has more ground clearance due to it having the larger tires of the three. The Rhino has the lightest dry weight of 1,049 pounds, with the Prowler coming in at 1,160 pounds and the Ranger came in the heaviest at 1,185 pounds.

We find it odd that the Polaris has the smallest motor but claims the highest bed capacity (1000 pounds) and towing capacity (1,500 pounds) of these three utility vehicles. [Editor's Note - thanks to sharp reader Ron Heater for pointing out that this is due to the lower gearing on the Ranger.]

We are excited to see Arctic Cat step up and build an off-road utility vehicle and can't wait to try one out! Now the only question is when will Honda step up? Side-by-Side Comparison: