Yamaha Viking vs. Yamaha Wolverine: The Ultimate Comparison

The Yamaha Motor Corporation has been revving our hearts since 1955. They’ve innovated everything from motorcycles to snowmobiles to wheelchair power assist systems, but the machines most near and dear to our hearts are, of course, the quads and side-by-sides.

Two of the most popular Yamaha creations are household names for a lot of us. One is the Viking, which was introduced in 2013 as a robust and high-capacity utility-focused UTV. It boasted distinctive features, like a third seat, and wasn’t only hardworking—it was fun to drive, too.

Two years later, another new UTV sped onto the scene. The Yamaha Wolverine side-by-side (not to be confused with the Wolverine ATV that came before it) featured a long-travel suspension and fully adjustable shocks. It was intended for thrilling trail riding and rough country exploring, and boy, did it deliver.

Both models were an instant hit with laborers and off-road enthusiasts alike. But those releases were years ago, and the specs for both machines have changed a bit since then. So how are the Viking and Wolverine looking these days, and how do they compare to one another? Let’s check it out.

Yamaha Viking Specs

Let’s start off by looking at the numbers. The 2020 Viking, which starts at $11,999, is Yamaha’s first utility-focused side-by-side. It took over for the Rhino as Yamaha’s leading workhorse. It’s also their most spacious UTV, with seating for three and an extended cab six-seater model available too.

Here are the numbers:

Although it was designed for use on farms and job sites, the Viking holds its own on the trails, too. That’s what riders love about machines like this. The Viking really shines if you’re hauling cargo with the crew or patrolling your property, but it’s just as comfortable on leisurely treks through the woods.

Yamaha Wolverine Specs

Now for the Wolverine. This machine has been impressing riders since its release in 2015. Riders love how capable the Wolverine is in extreme conditions—from steep hills to tight trails to thick mud, this thing does it all. One of the newest models, the 2021 Yamaha Wolverine X2 R-SPEC 850, starts at $14,699. Also available are the X2 XT-R 850 and a couple four-seater X4 models.

Check out the specs on Yamaha’s recreation UTV:

There’s a reason Yamaha classifies this particular Wolverine UTV as more of a race-focused machine. An agile build makes tearing through narrow trails and around tight turns a breeze. Throw in a new and improved throttle response and well-dampened suspension and you’ve got a thrilling speed machine that can hold its own at any ride park.

Viking vs. Wolverine—How Do They Compare?

Now let’s do some comparing and contrasting. What’s the difference between the Yamaha Viking and Wolverine?

Both machines are equipped with Yamaha’s Ultramatic transmission, which is designed to deliver reduced belt wear and a smooth, quiet operation. They share the same bed capacity and practically the same amount of ground clearance (11.5” vs. 11.8”—that’s close enough to be deemed the same, right?).

But for the most part, the similarities end there—as to be expected with two machines intended for totally different applications.

Let’s take a look at how they stack up when you put them head to head:

• Bigger engine size: Wolverine wins (847cc vs. 686 cc)
• Better suspension: Wolverine wins (thanks to fully adjustable KYB piggyback shocks and slightly more suspension travel)
• Bigger tires: Wolverine wins (27” vs. 25”)
• Longer wheelbase: Viking wins (84.1” vs. 83.7”)
• More width: Wolverine wins (62.2” vs. 61.8”)
• Greater towing capacity: Wolverine wins (2,000 lb. vs. 1,500 lb.)

At first glance, it might look like the Wolverine takes the gold here. But numbers aren’t everything when it comes to side-by-sides. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each machine stand out.

Yamaha Viking—Pros and Cons

The Wolverine might be winning in terms of power, suspension, and tire size. But don’t count the Viking out just yet! There are plenty of features that would make any rider want to invest in one.

Pros

• Room for three (or six, if you go with an extended cab model)
• Convenient cargo bed can be unlatched and tilted from either side
• Smaller width helps minimize 30” row crop damage when farming
• Spacious, comfortable cab with pass-through floor for easy entry and exit

Con

• Not pre-wired for Yamaha’s Adventure Pro navigation system

It’s hard to walk away from the Viking, especially if you’ve ever needed a side-by-side for any type of utility application. You can’t beat such a hardworking machine that also focuses so much on rider and passenger comfort.

And just because it’s not pre-wired for Adventure Pro, doesn’t mean you can’t install the navigation system in your Viking. You’ll just need to wire it yourself.

Yamaha Wolverine—Pros and Cons

We’ve already covered some areas where the Wolverine shines, but there are several other advantages that are worth mentioning. Here are just a few more reasons why riders love the Yamaha Wolverine.

Pros

• Well-dampened suspension for a smoother ride over rough terrain
• Fully enclosed doors for extra mud protection
• Upgraded seats, pedals, and adjustable seatbelts for increased comfort
• Pre-wired for Adventure Pro

Con

• Starting price is nearly $3,000 more (MSRP)

The price tag is really the only downside we can see when looking at the Wolverine—if you’re just comparing it to the Viking, that is. But a starting price of $14,699 actually isn’t that painful if you’re pitting that up against a new RZR XP 1000 or KRX.

Viking or Wolverine? Here’s Our Pick

It’s hard to say which Yamaha side-by-side is better when they share so many industry-leading features:

• One of the most advanced CVT drive systems on the market
• Class-leading Electric Power Steering
• Industry-exclusive 3-position On Command 4WD system

Both are solid machines in terms of performance, capability, and overall ride experience. Deciding which is better depends on your application.

If you need some for the farm or jobsite, you’ve gotta go with the Viking. This thing is built for utility. The enhanced dump bed comes in clutch for hauling, and the third seat (or sixth, if you go with the extended cab) makes it easier to bring the whole crew along. The extra seating makes the Viking a great family vehicle, too.

But if your main focus is on adventure, we’re going to push you in the Wolverine’s direction. It has more power and better suspension, making rough riding easier and more fun. And it still has the tilting dump bed and plenty of power, so there’s nothing stopping it from helping you around the farm. It’s pricier, but worth it if you want a machine that really packs a punch.

We’re all about cutting loose and having fun, so if you’re forcing us to pick, we’re #TeamWolverine.

Either way, the best part of any new rig is making it your own. Make these Yamaha machines even better by adding a windshield, replacing your stock suspension, or upgrading to a set of specialized tires.

And as always, we want to know what you think! Did we forget to mention anything in this comparison? Let us know below.