Way back in 2009 Arctic Cat added a 10.5mm-larger piston and a bunch of updates to the 500H1 engine to create the 550H1 4×4 ATV and Prowler 550. The 550H1 got EPS for 2010. It received a few more updates leading up to 2014, but in 2015, the old 4×4 has been replaced by the all-new XR 550, XT EPS and EPS LTD ATVs. The new XR 550s share a frame, suspension and other components with the XR 700 trilogy and the lone XR 500. We got a chance to test the new XR 550 XT EPS at the same place we tested the 2010 550 EPS—Moab, Utah. Let's check out how it compares with the original 550 on rocks, sand, dirt and snow.
WHAT'S NEW FOR 2015?
The XR designation could stand for "Xtreme Remake." The 700, 550 and 500 4x4s get an all-new frame with the engine moved forward, which makes the midsection 2 inches narrower and moves the rider forward for a more natural riding position. A new handlebar bend works with the slimmer chassis to provide more leverage and better body positioning in turns, and new steering and suspension geometry improve the ride as well. The crisp, angular bodywork has aggressive styling, and quick-access panels ease maintenance. New Speedrack II racks have TPE rubber-coated plastic over tubular steel frames for no-slip cargo carrying with multiple tie-down points.
New XR 550s come in Standard, XT and LTD trim packages, and all get a new closed-loop EFI system with more fuel economy and decreased emissions from the 545cc single. The standard version comes only in green with halogen headlights, steel wheels and EBS but no EPS. The XT package adds Navy Blue or Sunset Orange paint or True Timber camo wrap, trick blacked-out aluminum rims, LED light bars under the halogens and variableassist EPS. The Limited package adds heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, a 3000-pound winch, black paint and dual projector-beam headlights with LED under bars, and LED tail and brake lights.
HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
The base XR 550 is $8399, while the XT EPS is $9699 to $10,049, and the LTD EPS is $10,399. The Polaris Sportsman 570 starts at $6499 and jumps to $7399 for EPS or $8499 for the SP EPS. The new Can-Am Outlander 500 L is $7799 or $8699 for the EPS version. Honda's Foreman 500 starts at $7099 and climbs to $8,049 for the ES EPS, while the Rubicon 500 starts at $7799 and climbs to $9599 for the DCT EPS Deluxe.
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HOW FAST IS THE XR 550?
It's pretty quick, especially in low range. The 545cc H1 has excellent throttle response and good low-tomid power, but it flattens out on top compared to the Polaris 570 and Can-Am 500. The new closed-loop EFI increases fuel efficiency and extends range, and the 550 is good for more than 60 mph on top. It takes a lot of throttle and physical effort to wheelie over obstacles, though, and it doesn't want to powerslide on high-traction surfaces. The flip side is that it's much easier to ride on slick stuff and in technical terrain than the hot-rod XR 700.
HOW IS THE 4WD DELIVERY?
These claws are retractable, meaning it'll purr along until it's time to get mean. The Duramatic CVT has a constant tensioner for the belt to reduce engagement time and belt slippage. It spools up quickly yet seamlessly. Not only does the dual-range CVT have an effective Engine Braking System (EBS), the transmission has the H2's spike load limiter to protect the drivetrain. The XR 550 also has a slick range selector, and the new CVT cover has new gaskets to reduce engine noise to 84 dB. Also, the servo-controlled front diff engages 4WD and diff-lock quickly, and the XT EPS can be ridden in diff-lock all day long without wearing out the rider.
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WHAT ABOUT THE HANDLING?
It's more agile and stable than past 550s. New steering and suspension geometry, along with moving the engine forward for an improved riding position, give the XR 550 more agile turning manners. More room in the cockpit allows the rider to use more body English for higher cornering speeds, and the 2-inch-longer wheelbase adds stability at speed. Shock tuning is softer than before, and the rear torsion bar fights body roll in turns. EPS reduces turning effort as well, especially in 4WD, and the new riding position delivers more centralized mass.
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HOW IS THE SUSPENSION?
It's smoother than past 550s. It retains the 10 inches of ride-in suspension all around, and the new frame has revised geometry with lighter shock springs for a smoother ride over trail garbage. The XR 550 works well on Moab slickrock, sand, loose rocks, roots and ruts, but it'll bottom on water bars and big whoops. The rear torsion bar helps the softer suspension fight weight transfer in turns.
IS IT A ROCK HOUND, ER, CAT?
Yes, rocks are its habitat. With 11 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of independent travel, a fully locking front diff, and seamless CVT, the XR 550 is as sure-footed as it gets on rock monoliths. The rear torsion bar allows full articulation in rocks, and the skid plate and A-arm guards provide ample undercarriage protection.
IS MUD ON THE DIET?
Mud, snow, deep water—whatever. Not only are the airbox and CVT cover well-sealed, with the intakes underneath the instrument cowling, the battery has its own cover and is located high under the seat. The fuse box sits where most 4x4s have their fuel tanks. The new bodywork protects the machine's vitals and shields the rider from splashes and wet roost as well.
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HOW ABOUT TRAIL COMFORT?
The only thing missing is fur. The new riding position, steering stem angle and handlebar bend are more ergonomic, and the slimmer midsection is too. The seat is super plush and wellshaped, and massive shielding keeps engine noise and heat away from the rider. Ride quality is improved with the softer shock settings, and the variableassist EPS reduces steering effort and extends ride times by reducing fatigue. Controls are easy to use, and we like the half-waffle grips with vibration-reducing bar ends. A new CVT cover also reduces vibration by eliminating metal-on-metal contact. The new Speedrack IIs ease carrying and securing cargo as well.
WHAT ABOUT THE BRAKES?
They're strong. With the same brakes as the XR 700, the more sedate XR 550 has three hydraulic disc brakes that are linked to operate as one via the left handlebar lever or right foot pedal. They're assisted by the CVT's EBS, and there's a Park mode in the transmission, plus a mechanical lock on the handlebar lever.
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WHAT'S OUR FINAL ANSWER?
Arctic Cat did a great job with the extreme 550 makeover; the XR 550 is improved in every category of performance, especially handling and comfort. Everything works well together, and the aggressive styling showcases the Cat's new attitude. The XT EPS package makes it more attractive and effective still.
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SPECS
2015 ARCTIC CAT XR 550 XT EPS 4X4
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type ……Liquid-cooled, 4-valve, SOHC 4-stroke
Displacement ……………………………………….. 545cc
Bore x stroke …………………………….92mm x 82mm
Compression ratio ……………………………………9.3:1
Lubrication system …………………………….Wet sump
Additional cooling …………………………………….. None
Carburetion ………………………………………42mm EFI
Starting/back-up ……………………………. Electric/none
Starting procedure …………. Turn key and push button
Air filter:
Type …………………………………………… Paper pleat
Transmission ……… Dual-range CVT w/ reverse & EBS
Reverse procedure………..Move range selector to "R"
Drive system ……….Selectable 2WD/4WD w/ diff-lock
Final drives ……………………………………………Shafts
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity ………………………………………. 6.0 gal.
Wheelbase ……………………………………………..52.0"
Overall length/width/height ………… 83.4"/48.5"/49.5"
Seat height …………………………………………….34.8"
Ground clearance ………………………………………..11"
Claimed dry weight ……………………………….. 750 lb.
Rack weight limit: f/r ………………………. 100/200 lb.
Hitch …………………………………………….. 2" receiver
Towing limit………………………………………. 1,050 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame ……………………………………………. Steel tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front …………… Dual A-arm w/ prel.-adj. shocks/10"
Rear ………………IRS A-arm w/ prel.-adj. shocks/10"
Brakes/actuation:
Front …………………………..Hydraulic discs/left lever
Rear ………………………… Hydraulic disc/right pedal
Parking ………………………………….. Front brake lever
Tires:
Front ………………… AT 25×8-12 Duro 3 Star Kaden
Rear ……………….. AT 25×10-12 Duro 3 Star Kaden
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet …………………………………………… Console
Lighting:
Front ……………………2 35W halogens w/ LED bars
Rear ……………………………….. Dual brake/tail lights
DETAILS
Instrumentation ….Speed/odo/trip/hour/rpm/fuel/gear/
clock/2WD-4WD
Colors ……….Navy Blue, Sunset Orange, True Timber
Minimum recommended operator age ……………….16
Suggested retail price ……… $9699; Camo, $10,049
Contact ……………………Arctic Cat, (218) 681-8558
