Honda Rancher Specs: All You Need to Know

The Honda Rancher 420 might not be as well known as other ATVs, but that doesn’t mean it’s not just as reliable and fun. It all depends on what you’re looking for in the specs and cost. Honda offers eight different trims to give you the power of choice. What type of transmission do you want? Do you want a straight axle or an independent rear suspension? What about electric power steering? Let’s talk about these Honda Rancher specs and the best features that they packed in.

Top Features of the Honda FourTrax Rancher

DCT Transmission

Honda has outdone themselves again by taking their best technology and putting it into their ATVs. The 2021 Rancher is no exception. With the dual clutch transmission, you don’t have to shift gears since it does it before you think you need it. Since it’s a gear-driven clutch, you don’t have the hassle of changing belts.

The Honda Rancher gives you the power of control. You can switch it to manual and have some real fun. Manual is great when you’re climbing up hills. Yet, automatic makes rock crawling child’s play and easier to watch out for what’s up ahead.

Electric Power Steering

Wouldn’t you love to have a hard-working ride and not sweat for it? Well, electric power steering has an answer for that. With EPS, there are torque sensors that measure how much force you put into your machine and then matches equal force to the wheels. Simply put, turning is super easy and it takes out all the work on your end.

Electric Shift

If you wear heavy work boots or if the weather makes the pedal shift slippery, it can be difficult to change gears. Electric shift makes it simple. It allows you to shift gears by pressing an up or down button that is easy to do while riding. You can still stay in control and be comfortable the whole way through.

Independent Rear Suspension

Trample the toughest trails with independent rear suspension. It gives you eight inches of travel and nine inches of clearance. By being higher off the ground compared to a straight axle, you can easily spot the stuff in your way and react faster. The extra oomph makes riding over rocks and big hills feel like butter. It’s smoother since the weight gets evened out and it absorbs more shock.

Programmed Fuel Injection

Every Honda Rancher 420 is fuel injected, but what does that mean? It means giving your engine exactly what it lacks at the precise moment, keeping your engine cool and efficient. No fuel is wasted because a computer constantly monitors a whole list of things. Next, it uses this information to delivers the fuel and air the engine needs.

TRAXLOK® SELECTABLE

Honda introduced their TRAXLOK® SELECTABLE tech in 2014 and it’s still here today because it’s so useful. It gives you the control to quickly switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive. Two-wheel drive is lighter and lets you zip through turns with little effort. On the other hand, four-wheel drive adds traction to your tires when you’re going up a hill, riding through slick areas, or rock crawling.

Specs for the Honda FourTrax Rancher

The Honda Rancher and Rancher ES are the base models for this line and are two-wheel drive only. They’re the only trims that are less than $6,000, which is a great price if you don’t need the extra upgrades. These Honda Rancher models share the same specs, except for how the manual shift works. With the base model, a foot pedal shifts the gear while the ES uses simple arrow buttons.

Here are the rest of the Honda Rancher 420 specs:

ENGINE

Model	Honda Rancher	Honda Rancher ES
Type	420cc liquid-cooled fueled injected OHV wet-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke	420cc liquid-cooled fueled injected OHV wet-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Horsepower	26.6 HP	26.6 HP
Top Speed	55 MPH	55 MPH
Bore x Stroke	86.5mm x 71.5mm	86.5mm x 71.5mm
Compression Ratio	9.9:1	9.9:1
Induction	PGM-FI	PGM-FI
Ignition	Full-transistorized type with electric system	Full-transistorized type with electric advance
Starter	Electric with optional auxiliary recoil	Electric with optional auxiliary recoil
Driveline	Direct rear driveshaft	Direct rear driveshaft
Transmission	Five-speed manual with reverse	ESP five-speed with reverse
Clutch	Automatic	Automatic

SUSPENSION

Model	Honda Rancher	Honda Rancher ES
Front	Independent double-wishbone; 6.69 inches of travel	Independent double-wishbone; 6.69 inches of travel
Rear	Swingarm with single shock; 6.69 inches of travel	Swingarm with single shock; 6.69 inches of travel

BRAKES

Model	Honda Rancher	Honda Rancher ES
Front	190mm Dual hydraulic disc	190mm Dual hydraulic disc
Rear	160mm Sealed mechanical drum	160mm Sealed mechanical drum

TIRES

Model	Honda Rancher	Honda Rancher ES
Front	24x8x12	24x8x12
Rear	24x10x11	24x10x11

MEASUREMENTS

Model	Honda Rancher	Honda Rancher ES
Length	82.8 in.	82.8 in.
Width	47.4 in.	47.4 in.
Height	46.2 in.	46.2 in.
Seat Height	33.7 in.	33.7 in.
Ground Clearance	7.2 in.	7.2 in.
Wheelbase	50.0 in.	50.0 in.
Turning Radius	9.2 ft.	9.2 ft.
Fuel Capacity	3.9 gal., incl. 1.3 gal. reserve	3.9 gal., 1.3 gal. reserve
Front Rack Capacity	66 lb.	66 lb.
Rear Rack Capacity	133 lb.	133 lb.

OTHER

Model	Honda Rancher	Honda Rancher ES
Colors	Red, Olive	Red, Olive
Cost	$5,499	$5,799

Specs for the Honda FourTrax Rancher 4×4

If you’re after four-wheel drive then there are three different options. Whether you want pedal shift, electronic shift, or power steering is up to you. Cost might be a factor too, but either way it’s $1000 more than the two-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive gives you more traction and is really important when dealing with hilly or slippery land. Still, all of these trims can switch to two-wheel drive.

Here are the rest of the Honda Rancher 4×4 specs:

ENGINE

Model	Honda Rancher 4×4	Honda Rancher 4×4 ES	Honda Rancher 4×4 EPS
Type	420cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected OHV wets-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke	420cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected OHV wets-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke	420cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected OHV wets-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Horsepower	26.6 HP	26.6 HP	26.6 HP
Top Speed	55 MPH	55 MPH	55 MPH
Bore x Stroke	86.5mm x 71.5mm	86.5mm x 71.5mm	86.5mm x 71.5mm
Compression Ratio	9.9:1	9.9:1	9.9:1
Induction	PGM-FI	PGM-FI	PGM-Fi
Ignition	Full-transistorized type with electronic advance	Full-transistorized type with electronic advance	Full-transistorized type with electronic advance
Starter	Electric with optional auxiliary recoil	Electric with optional auxiliary recoil	Electric with optional auxiliary recoil
Driveline	Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential	Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential	Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential
Transmission	Five-speed manual with reverse	ESP five-speed with reverse	ESP five-speed with reverse
Clutch	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic

SUSPENSION

Model	Honda Rancher 4×4	Honda Rancher 4×4 ES	Honda Rancher 4×4 EPS
Front	Independent double-wishbone; 6.69 inches of travel	Independent double-wishbone; 6.69 inches of travel	Independent double-wishbone; 6.69 inches of travel
Rear	Swingarm with single shock; 6.69 inches of travel	Swingarm with single shock; 6.69 inches of travel	Swingarm with single shock; 6.69 inches of travel

BRAKES

Model	Honda Rancher 4×4	Honda Rancher 4×4 ES	Honda Rancher 4×4 EPS
Front	190mm Dual hydraulic disc	190mm Dual hydraulic disc	190mm Dual hydraulic disc
Rear	160mm Sealed mechanical drum	160mm Sealed mechanical drum	160mm Hydraulic disc

TIRES

Model	Honda Rancher 4×4	Honda Rancher 4×4 ES	Honda Rancher 4×4 EPS
Front	24x8x12	24x8x12	24x8x12
Rear	24x10x11	24x10x11	24x10x11

MEASUREMENTS

Model	Honda Rancher 4×4	Honda Rancher 4×4 ES	Honda Rancher 4×4 EPS
Length	82.8 in.	82.8 in.	82.8 in.
Width	47.4 in.	47.4 in.	47.4 in.
Height	46.2 in.	46.2 in.	46.2 in.
Seat Height	33.7 in.	33.7 in.	33.7 in.
Ground Clearance	7.2 in.	7.2 in.	7.2 in.
Wheelbase	50.0 in.	50.0 in.	50.0 in.
Turning Radius	9.2 ft.	9.2 ft.	9.2 ft.
Fuel Capacity	3.9 gal., incl. 1.3 gal. reserve	3.9 gal., incl. 1.3 gal. reserve	3.9 gal., incl. 1.3 gal. reserve
Front Rack Capacity	66 lb.	66 lb.	66 lb.
Rear Rack Capacity	133 lb.	133 lb.	133 lb.

OTHER

Model	Honda Rancher 4×4	Honda Rancher 4×4 ES	Honda Rancher 4×4 EPS
Colors	Red, Olive, Camo*	Red, Olive, Camo*	Red, Olive, Camo*
Cost	$6,499	$6,799	$7,199

Specs for the Honda FourTrax Rancher Automatic DCT

There is little difference between the 4×4 models and the Honda Rancher DCT EPS except for the automatic transmission. Now, the Rancher DCT IRS and Rancher DCT IRS EPS are the biggest hardest-working models on this ATV line. Bigger is generally better, right? Well, in this case, it is. This is what’s been improved, most of it due to the independent rear suspension.

• 9.2” of ground clearance (up from 7.2”)
• 2.3” larger turning radius
• More suspension travel
• Increased length, height, seat height, and wheelbase

Here are the rest of the Honda Rancher Automatic DCT specs:

ENGINE

Model	Honda Rancher DCT EPS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS EPS
Type	420cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected OHV wet-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke	420cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected OHV wet-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke	420cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected OHV wet-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Horsepower	26.6 HP	26.6 HP	26.6 HP
Top Speed	55 MPH	55 MPH	55 MPH
Bore x Stroke	86.5mm x 71.5mm	86.5mm x 71.5mm	86.5mm x 71.5mm
Compression Ratio	9.9:1	9.9:1	9.9:1
Induction	PGM-FI	PGM-FI	PGM-FI
Ignition	Full-transistorized type with electronic advance	Full-transistorized type with electronic advance	Full-transistorized type with electronic advance
Starter	Electric with optional auxiliary recoil	Electric with optional auxiliary recoil	Electric
Driveline	Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential	Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential	Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential
Transmission	Five-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission with reverse and Low/Drive sub-transmission	Five-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission with reverse and Low/Drive sub-transmission	Five-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission with reverse and Low/Drive sub-transmission
Clutch	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic

SUSPENSION

Model	Honda Rancher DCT EPS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS EPS
Front	Independent double-wishbone; 6.69 inches of travel	Independent double-wishbone; 7.28 inches of travel	Independent double-wishbone; 7.28 inches of travel
Rear	Swingarm with single shock; 6.69 inches of travel	Independent dual-arm; 8.46 inches of travel	Independent dual-arm; 8.46 inches of travel

BRAKES

Model	Honda Rancher DCT EPS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS	Honda Rancher DCT EPS IRS
Front	190mm Dual hydraulic disc	190mm Dual hydraulic disc	190mm Dual hydraulic disc
Rear	160mm Sealed mechanical drum	170mm Hydraulic disc	170mm Hydraulic disc

TIRES

Model	Honda Rancher DCT EPS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS EPS
Front	24x8x12	24x8x12	24x8x12
Rear	24x10x11	24x10x11	24x10x11

MEASUREMENTS

Model	Honda Rancher DCT EPS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS EPS
Length	82.8 in.	84.6 in.	84.6 in.
Width	47.4 in.	47.4 in.	47.4 in.
Height	46.5 in.	46.8 in.	46.8 in.
Seat Height	33.7 in.	34.9 in.	34.9 in.
Ground Clearance	7.2 in.	9.2 in.	9.2 in.
Wheelbase	50.0 in.	51.0 in.	51.0 in.
Turning Radius	9.2 ft.	11.5 ft.	11.5 ft.
Fuel Capacity	3.9 gal., incl. 1.3 gal. reserve	3.9 gal. incl. 1.3 gal. reserve	3.9 gal. incl. 1.3 gal. reserve
Front Rack Capacity	66 lb.	66 lb.	66 lb.
Rear Rack Capacity	133 lb.	133 lb.	133 lb.

OTHER

Model	Honda Rancher DCT EPS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS	Honda Rancher DCT IRS EPS
Colors	Shale Blue, Red, Camo*	Olive, Red	Reactor Blue, Red, Camo*
Cost	$7,699	$7,499	$8,199

Final Thoughts

The Honda Rancher specs get the job done and is an impressive addition to the ATV family. Versatility is where it really shines. Do you want manual or automatic? You can have both. What about 2WD or 4WD? Again, you can have both.

Honda doesn’t skimp on any of the high-quality features and still manages an unbeatable cost with an MSRP starting at $5,499. You can get better value by upgrading later with parts from SuperATV. The great price and customization make the Honda Rancher 420 a great choice whether it’s for work or recreation.