Since retailers Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas began offering them years ago, Tracker ATVs have experienced some pretty serious growth in terms of their popularity and familiarity among consumers.
But similar to other less recognizable ATV models like CFMoto’s CForce ATVs and Tractor Supply’s ATVs, many potential buyers want to know how legit these four wheelers are before opening their billfolds.
If you find yourself eyeing one of these good-looking machines, this guide has you covered in offering a full and unbiased review of Tracker ATVs including the following:
- Available models and prices
- Key changes for 2024
- Specs, features, and performance
- Top speeds
- Main likes among owners
- Main complaints among owners
About Tracker ATV Models
Tracker currently offers five different ATV models for 2024, one of which even makes the list of best ATVs for the money:
- Tracker 300 ($4,599)
- Tracker 450 ($6,599)
- Tracker 600 ($7,699)
- Tracker 600 EPS ($8,799)
- Tracker 600 EPS LE ($9,899)
They also offered some past models that are no longer available for 2024:
- Tracker 90
- Tracker 570
- Tracker 700
This guide will focus on reviewing the 2024 models, but will discuss a few big changes made in these newer models and how that really sets them apart from the Tracker ATVs of old.
Key Changes In New Tracker ATV Models
Pre-2022 Tracker ATVs were known for having some flaws that drove riders crazy.
Tracker Off Road took note of this and made some very welcome changes to 2022 and 2024 models which have really benefited the quads and satisfied owners.
New Engine Location
The engine design was moved from the front of the quad to the middle/rear of the quad directly under the seat.
This makes the engine and components such as the spark plug, oil filler, throttle body, and fuel injection much easier to access.
Tracker also now includes a toolkit in a small cubby under the seat that is said to include every tool you’d need to make a roadside repair to the ATV, which is really convenient.
Exhaust Heat Relief
In moving the engine, Tracker also shortened the exhaust pipe and directed it backwards, resulting in much less heat from the exhaust and helping to alleviate the previous issue riders experienced with excessive heat on their legs and the plastics.
No More 4WD Cable for the 600
Pre-2022 Tracker 600 and 450 models featured a 2WD/4WD switch that was cable controlled and hand operated via a switch on the right handlebar.
This was a laughably bad design and the 4WD cables were prone to braking.
Thankfully, this cable-operated switch has been done away with for a better-designed electric switch that sits on the underside of the right handlebar in a more convenient location for the 600 models.
Unfortunately, the 450 models still seem to be outfitted with the old design.
The Tracker 300 is the same Kymco-built ATV used for the Kawasaki Brute Force 300, which only offers 2WD.
Specs, Features & Performance
Engines
The engines in both the Tracker 300 and 450 are built by Kymco. Kymco motors have been around for years in various smaller class Arctic Cat, Kawasaki, and Kymco quads.
The 600 uses an engine from Textron, the same used in larger class Arctic Cat machines.
Both engine types have proven to be reliable through the years, and all of them are geared low with a focus on power.
With good low-end grunt, these engines help each of these models to excel at working tasks and handle rough terrain admirably.
Even the strictly 2WD Tracker 300 will handle mud much better than you might expect.
And these engines provide excellent throttle response throughout both High and Low gears, without a lag in acceleration.
The engines are also nice and quiet with a noticeable lack of engine vibration, which is beneficial for those who use them for hunting.
While the 300 is carbureted, both the 450 and 600 offer electronic fuel injection.
Drivetrains
The Tracker 300 is strictly a 2WD model, while both the 450 and 600 offer selectable 2WD/4WD.
4WD can easily be selected in the bigger models via an electric switch on the right handlebar.
Even in 2WD, each of these models will surprise you with their ability to traverse tough terrain and power through thick mud thanks to their powerful engines.
Each model makes use of a fully automatic CVT transmission, which takes care of all shifting for you.
Each also offers both a High and Low forward gear, along with Neutral, Reverse, and Park settings.
These gears can be changed by a shift lever located on the side of the quad.
Suspensions
Each Tracker ATV 450 and 600 model is equipped with a Double A-Arm suspension set-up in both the front and rear, while the 300’s make use of a swingarm suspension in back.
All three offer plenty of tire travel in both the front and rear, with the overall suspension style making for a comfortable ride in all terrains and doing a good job of soaking up chop in the trail.
The suspension set-up also provides for good stability when cornering, combining with the build style of these models to make these models pretty tough to tip over.
The ground clearance offered by each model is some of the best in the industry for their respective classes, especially considering they are utility ATVs.
Most rocks, logs, and ruts in the trail should be no issue while riding.
Tires & Brakes
As utility ATVs, these models each come equipped with aggressive tires that provide good grip in all terrains and elements.
The stock Kenda Pathfinder tires on each model are knobby and known for being good quality.
Each model is also installed with an all-wheel hydraulic braking system, with the brakes distributed among all four tires.
The brakes are controlled by an easy-to-pull single lever on the left handlebar, and a foot brake located in the right footwell.
Dimensions & Capacities
Tracker ATVs are about average in terms of overall size when compared to other utility quads in each class.
They feature boxy, bulky build styles that give them the look of a true utility ATV.
But while bulky, all three models are still compact enough at widths of less than 50 inches to qualify to ride BLM and other width-restricted trails.
And for utility models, they offer good ability and agility to take on tighter trails and wooded areas despite their boxy frames.
They’re about average in terms of their weights, and while utility ATVs are some of the heavier models in the industry, they still handle really well and are easy to control.
Top Speed
As utility models, Tracker ATVs are geared low to offer excellent low-end torque and power with a focus on working tasks.
But these models do offer decent recreational appeal, with their initial acceleration making them good trail options.
And while they’re not going to win you a race, they can move fast enough to keep things interesting when you open it up.
The Tracker 300 top speed is somewhere between 42-45 mph depending upon rider weight and terrain.
A slight step up, the Tracker 450 top speed is between 48-50 mph.
And as the fastest of these models, the Tracker 600 top speed is 52-55 mph.
What Owners Like
- These ATVs offer impressive off-road capabilities even in 2WD, having no issues with most hills, rocks, mud and rough terrain.
- For utility ATVs they each offer impressive ground clearance for their respective classes, making clearing obstacles or ruts in the trail a minimal concern.
- Each is fitted with a full-length polymer skid plate underneath for added protection.
- Easily accessible and removable side panels are simple to remove without tools and offer easy access to components like your battery and oil filter.
- These ATVs are greaseless, meaning components like the suspension, bushings, tie-rods, etc. don’t have grease zerks that require constant application of grease.
- The Reverse setting on each of these models comes in quite handy when trail riding or needing to get unstuck.
- These models are very roomy with riders sitting up high, offer plenty of room for bigger riders with longer legs.
What Owners Don’t Like
- If you need a part replaced, especially something bigger like an engine, transmission, etc…the odds are that your quad will be in the shop for months, as parts covered under warranty by Tracker are known to be hard to come by and are notoriously slow to arrive.
- While Tracker ATVs are advertised as budget-friendly, their prices have risen enough over the years that they’re not that much less than some of the bigger name models in the same class.
- With many Tracker ATVs offered and purchased through Bass Pros and Cabelas retailers, they’ll need to be serviced there as well. The quality of maintenance performed at these locations can be hit or miss.
- While Tracker ATVs are becoming more familiar, you may still find there are a lack of mechanics and aftermarket repair shops willing to work on them, so being able to make minor mechanical repairs on your own may be a necessity depending on where you’re located.
- Electronic Power Steering (EPS) is not included or even available on 300/450 models, making those models a good bit harder to handle.
- The build style of these ATVs means you sit up higher and further back on them, making the stance a little awkward – especially for smaller riders.
Who Makes Tracker ATVs?
Tracker Off Road’s ATVs (and UTVs) are a product line of Textron, who also creates Arctic Cat off road vehicles.
They are assembled in Textron’s plants in the United States by US workers, but many of the parts and components they are assembled with are made overseas.Check out this guide on who makes Tracker ATVs for the full context on how they are made and where most of their parts come from.
Final Thoughts
The line of Tracker ATVs are some of the least expensive you’ll find in their respective classes, and their performance is not far off from that of many of their bigger name competitors.
That said, there is a bit of tradeoff for one of these less expensive ATVs in that you may need to be more mechanically inclined and willing to perform maintenance due to some shortcomings in having them serviced.
For more budget ATVs, check out the following before you go:
- CFMoto CForce ATV Reviews
- Tractor Supply ATV Reviews
- Kayo Bull 200 Full Review
