Argo Avenger 6X6 vs Honda FourTrax (ATV)

The Honda FourTrax

Excluding the tiny Recon, there are four models that make up the FourTrax lineup: the Ranger, Foreman 4×4, Foreman Rubicon 4×4, and Rincon. All models come with selectable four-wheel drive. The Foreman 4×4 adds a locking front differential while the Rincon has a torque-sensitive front diff that locks when it starts to lose traction.

This series of ATVs use liquid-cooled, fuel injected single cylinder engines ranging from 420 to 675 cc and can store between 5.2 and 5.6 gallons of fuel onboard. The Rincon has a three speed automatic, while the other models are offered with 5-speed manual transmissions that use a foot shifter or a push button shifter on the handlebars.

The Rubicon can tow up to 1,300 lbs, while other models are limited to 850 lbs. The included racks provide 286 lbs. of carrying capacity. Turning radius for these models is between 9.5 and 10.8 feet.

Foreman and Rancher models have a little over 7 inches of ground clearance when equipped with a solid rear axle, while models with independent rear suspension have just over 9 inches of clearance. By choosing to go with the solid axle, Honda says owners will get more towing stability at the expense of traction and ride comfort.

For hunters, Honda offers their in-house developed Phantom Camo pattern which uses photographed elements from a wide range of environments to create a wide pattern with minimal repeating.

Argo Avenger 6×6

Argo offers the Avenger 6×6 in a base model as well as S and ST models and their hunting-ready equivalents, the Scout S and ST. All models come equipped with a fuel injected, liquid cooled Kohler Command Pro V-Twin, displacing 694 ccs in the base model and 747 ccs in the other models. A 9-gallon tank lets the motor run longer between fill ups.

At 95 inches long and 58 inches wide, an Argo 6×6 is only about a foot longer and 10 inches wider than a FourTrax. This makes narrow trails a tighter squeeze, but it also means you can bring up to three passengers with you instead of going solo. Width and length are also less of an issue thanks to the XTV’s zero turning radius, letting it maneuver around tight turns far easier than an ATV.

The transmission drives all 6 wheels all the time for maximum traction, while the massive tires reduce ground pressure to keep scrubbing to a minimum, even on pavement. By using a CVT, there’s no need to shift, nor is there any interruption in power during technical maneuvers. A low range provides extra torque for steep inclines and heavy loads.

The standard transmission on the base and S models fully apply the steering brakes when the handlebar is turned. With the ST and Scout ST, the Admiral transmission provides variable braking for fluid movement, making it control like an ATV. In either case, the use of brake steering means there’s no bump-steer on rough terrain, making the vehicle easier to handle than a power steering-equipped FourTrax. Ground clearance matches the independent suspension ATVs and can be extended by adding tracks.

The 1,200 lbs. towing capacity doesn’t quite meet the Rubicon, but you may not need to tow as often thanks to a large cargo area that provides far more space and eliminates the need for tie-downs. Depending on the model and number of passengers, this capacity can extend above 500 lbs. Want to have a front rack? They’re available as an accessory and are included on Scout models.

To help the Scout blend in, Argo turned to camouflage experts Mossy Oak. Their Break-Up Infinity pattern is engineered to hide the outlines of hunters and equipment by using a combination of painted and photographed elements with a high depth of field. Since this pattern is licensed to a wide range of outdoor equipment and clothing manufacturers, it’s easy to get matching gear to blend in with your XTV.

Verdict

The Rubicon has a slight edge in towing, and smaller sizes across the line allow access to the narrowest trails, but the Avenger 6×6 has the FourTrax beat in every other metric. Opt for an Admiral-equipped model, and you can have a lot more utility in a vehicle that is easier to handle than the Hondas.

Want to learn more about the Avenger? Shanks Argo is one of the East’s leading dealers, and we have over 30 years of experience selling and maintaining outdoor power equipment. Visit us online at www.shanksargo.com to schedule a demo, or visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. That’s just off Rt. 11, one mile east of I-81.