For riders who spend time on the width-restricted trail systems of the Boise National Forest or the tight timber of Oregon, choosing the right side-by-side isn’t about chasing the biggest horsepower numbers—it’s about access.
Many of the best trail networks in the Pacific Northwest enforce a strict 50-inch width limit. If your machine is 51 inches wide, your day ends at the steel gate in the parking lot. That is where the 50-inch class stands apart. These machines are engineered specifically to fit through locked trail gates and technical single-track corridors while offering the protection and comfort of a modern UTV.
Quick Answer: What is the Best 50-Inch Side-by-Side?
For comfort and stability on long rides, the long-wheelbase Can-Am Maverick Trail is the top choice. For tight technical agility, the short-wheelbase Polaris RZR Trail wins. For value, the CFMOTO ZFORCE offers the most standard features (winch/roof). For work/play versatility, the Honda Pioneer 520 is the most reliable utility crossover.
Why Choose a 50-Inch Side-by-Side?
A 50-inch UTV isn’t a compromise—it’s a purpose-built solution for legal trail access. Compared to wider “Sport” machines, the 50-inch class offers:
- Legal Access: Bypass width-restricted gates on USFS and BLM land.
- Transport Ease: Most fit in the bed of a standard full-size pickup truck.
- Agility: Easier placement in deep ruts and tight switchbacks.
2026 50-Inch Class At-A-Glance
| Model | Engine / HP | Wheelbase | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can-Am Maverick Trail | 52–75 HP | 90.6″ | Best-in-class Stability |
| Polaris RZR Trail | 75 HP | 79.0″ | Ride Command Tech |
| CFMOTO ZFORCE Trail | 58–83 HP | 90.0″ | Winch & Roof Included |
| Honda Pioneer 520 | 518cc | 73.0″ | No-Belt Transmission |
1. Can-Am Maverick Trail 700 & 1000
The King of All-Day Comfort
The Can-Am Maverick Trail earns its reputation through smart chassis geometry. It features the longest wheelbase in the class (90.6 inches), which translates directly to stability at speed and reduced “pitching” over choppy terrain.
Why it works in Idaho: The extra length makes it feel less “twitchy” on high-speed fire roads, while the Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential ensures traction without rider input.
- Best For: The Endurance Rider doing 100+ mile days.
- Engine Options: 700 (52 hp) or 1000 (75 hp).
- Cargo: 300 lbs rear bed capacity.
The Edge Verdict: If you prioritize comfort and a planted feel over raw agility, this is your machine.
2. Polaris RZR Trail (Sport & Ultimate)
The High-Tech Acrobat
Polaris built the RZR Trail to mimic the personality of their full-size sport UTVs. With a significantly shorter wheelbase (79 inches), the RZR Trail is the master of tight switchbacks and technical rock crawling.
The Tech Advantage: The Ultimate trim includes the revolutionary Ride Command system—a 7-inch touchscreen with built-in GPS, group ride tracking, and backup camera. For exploring new trail systems in Ontario or the Owyhees, this tech is a game-changer.
- Best For: The Technical Specialist riding winding timber trails.
- Power: 875cc ProStar Twin (75 hp).
- Clearance: 11 inches.
3. CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 & 950 Trail
The Power & Value Leader
CFMOTO has disrupted the market by offering a “fully loaded” feel right out of the crate. While other brands charge extra for roofs, winches, and alloy wheels, the ZFORCE Trail series includes them as standard equipment.
The ZFORCE 950 Trail also delivers the highest horsepower in the 50-inch class (83 HP), making it a surprisingly capable sand dune machine despite its narrow stance.
- Best For: The Value Hunter who wants max features per dollar.
- Standard Gear: 3,500lb winch, roof, half doors, skid plates.
- Suspension: Piggyback gas shocks (adjustable).
4. Honda Pioneer 520
The Bulletproof Workhorse
The Honda Pioneer 520 is the outlier of the group—and that is exactly why it is a top seller. It swaps high-speed sport performance for mechanical simplicity and utility.
No Belt, No Problems: By using a geared 5-speed automatic transmission, Honda eliminates the CVT belt—the most common failure point on UTVs. Its compact size allows it to fit easily in the bed of a pickup truck.
- Best For: Ranchers and Hunters who need stealth and reliability.
- Utility: Dumping cargo bed with 450 lb capacity.
- Transmission: 5-Speed Auto with Paddle Shifters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my side-by-side is 51 inches wide on a restricted trail?
In National Forests across Idaho and Oregon, “50-inch” restrictions are often enforced by steel physical gates at the trailhead. If your UTV is even 1 inch too wide (due to aftermarket tires or fender flares), you physically cannot enter the trail system. Always measure your width at the widest point of the tires before heading out.
Is the Polaris RZR Trail better than the Can-Am Maverick Trail?
It depends on your terrain. The Polaris RZR Trail has a shorter wheelbase (79″), making it superior for tight switchbacks and technical agility. The Can-Am Maverick Trail has a longer wheelbase (90.6″), making it more stable and comfortable for high-speed cruising and long-distance rides.
Can a 50-inch side-by-side fit in a pickup truck bed?
Yes, most 50-inch models like the Honda Pioneer 520 and Polaris RZR Trail are designed to fit between the wheel wells of a standard full-size pickup truck. However, you must verify the length of your truck bed; a standard 6.5-foot bed often requires the tailgate to be down or a bed extender to be used.
Are 50-inch side-by-sides unstable or “tippy”?
While narrower than 64-inch sport models, modern 50-inch UTVs are significantly more stable than older models thanks to lower centers of gravity and factory-installed sway bars. To maximize stability, choose a model with a longer wheelbase, such as the Can-Am Maverick Trail or CFMOTO ZFORCE.
What is the best 50-inch UTV for hunting?
The Honda Pioneer 520 is widely considered the best 50-inch UTV for hunting. Its geared transmission eliminates the high-pitched whine of a CVT belt, allowing for quieter operation, and its steel dump bed is perfect for hauling gear or game extraction.
What is the most affordable 50-inch trail legal UTV?
The CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 Trail and Honda Pioneer 520 are typically the price leaders in this segment. The CFMOTO offers the best “value per dollar” because it comes standard with a roof, winch, and alloy wheels, which are expensive aftermarket upgrades on other brands.
Closing Thoughts: Which One Fits You?
The spec sheet only tells half the story. The real test is how you feel behind the wheel. The 50-inch category is no longer a niche—it’s a purpose-built solution for riders who want legal trail access without giving up modern performance.
Final Matching Guide:
- Ridge Trails & Fire Roads: Can-Am Maverick Trail
- Tight Timber & Tech: Polaris RZR Trail
- Max Horsepower: CFMOTO ZFORCE 950
- Ranch & Hunt: Honda Pioneer 520
Ready to find your fit? Visit us at Edge Performance Sports in Ontario, OR to sit in these machines and see which one fits your trailer and your riding style.
