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If you need maximum horsepower for the price, the CFMoto ZForce 950 Trail (83 HP) is the winner. For rider comfort and cab space, the Can-Am Maverick Trail is superior. The Polaris RZR Trail remains the agility king with the most aftermarket support, while the Honda Pioneer 520 is the top choice for durability and ranch work due to its shaft-drive transmission (no belts).
Top trail-ready machines from Can-Am, Polaris, CFMoto, and Honda
When you’re hitting the trails in Oregon, Idaho, or beyond, navigating tight terrain calls for a small side-by-side that can handle the challenge without sacrificing power or comfort. That’s why the 50-inch side-by-side class is so popular — these machines are compact enough to fit through width-restricted trail gates on public lands but built tough for big adventures.
At Edge Performance Sports in Ontario, OR, we carry the top brands in the industry. We have analyzed the 2025 lineups to break down the best 50” trail-legal side-by-sides from Can-Am, Polaris, CFMoto, and Honda.
| Model | Horsepower | Engine | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFMoto ZForce 950 Trail | 83 HP | 963cc V-Twin | Best-in-Class Power |
| Polaris RZR Trail Sport | 75 HP | 875cc ProStar | Agility & Handling |
| Can-Am Maverick Trail 1000 | 75 HP | 976cc Rotax | Interior Comfort (Ergo-Lok) |
| Honda Pioneer 520 | N/A | 518cc Single | Reliability (No Belt) |
Best For: Riders who prioritize legroom, stability, and long-distance comfort.
Can-Am’s Maverick Trail series was purpose-built to solve the “cramped cab” issue often found in 50-inch machines. By utilizing a longer wheelbase (90.6 inches), Can-Am increased stability at high speeds while providing significantly more legroom in the cockpit.
Key Specs & Pros:
Best For: Trail agility, acceleration, and aftermarket customization.
The Polaris RZR Trail lineup sets the standard for sporty handling in the 50” category. Weighing in at just under 1,300 lbs, it has an exceptional power-to-weight ratio that makes the 75 HP ProStar engine feel incredibly snappy on the trails.
Key Specs & Pros:
Best For: Maximum horsepower per dollar and standard features.
CFMoto has disrupted the market by including premium features as standard equipment (winch, roof, alloy rims) that other brands charge extra for. For 2025, the ZForce 950 Trail is the horsepower king of the 50-inch segment.
Best For: Utility, ranch work, and mechanical reliability.
If you need a 50-inch machine that can work the ranch during the week and hit the trails on Sunday, the Honda Pioneer 520 is in a league of its own. Unlike the others, it uses a mechanical transmission, eliminating the drive belt entirely.
Key Specs & Pros:
The 2025 CFMoto ZForce 950 Trail is the current class leader in raw power, producing 83 horsepower from its 963cc V-Twin engine. The Polaris RZR Trail and Can-Am Maverick Trail 1000 both follow closely with 75 horsepower.
The Honda Pioneer 520 is the best crossover choice for work and play. Unlike sport models, it features a functional tilting dump bed and a 1,000 lb towing capacity, making it a capable ranch hand that can still fit through 50-inch trail gates.
It depends on your riding style. The Can-Am Maverick Trail features a longer wheelbase (90.6″), which offers better high-speed stability and more legroom. The Polaris RZR Trail has a shorter wheelbase (79″), making it more agile and responsive in tight, technical twists.
The Honda Pioneer 520 is the only major 50-inch side-by-side that uses a geared 5-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT belt. This makes it highly desirable for riders who want to avoid belt maintenance or potential slippage during heavy towing.
Generally, yes. Many National Forest trails are designated as “Class III” or have width restrictors set specifically to 50 inches. These trails are open to ATVs and 50-inch UTVs but prohibit wider 60-inch or 64-inch machines.
Sport-focused 50-inch models like the Polaris RZR Trail and CFMoto ZForce 950 Trail can reach top speeds between 60 and 70 MPH. Utility-focused models like the Honda Pioneer 520 are geared lower and typically top out around 39 MPH.
It is possible but tight. Compact models like the Honda Pioneer 520 (105″ length) and Polaris RZR Trail (110.9″ length) can fit in the bed of a standard long-bed (8-foot) pickup truck, though the tailgate usually must remain down or be removed.
Yes, CFMoto provides a 1-year factory warranty on their ZForce Trail models. This is competitive with, and in some cases longer than, the base warranties offered by other major manufacturers.
At Edge Performance Sports in Ontario, Oregon, we specialize in helping riders find the perfect small side-by-side for their adventures. We serve the entire Boise, Meridian, and Nampa area with the best inventory of 50-inch trail legal machines.
Whether you’re cruising forest trails, working the ranch, or just having fun, come by and try out these models on our lot. Let our team help you find the perfect fit.
Want to schedule a test ride or check current availability? Contact us or swing by the dealership today.
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