2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000

Premium build quality; quick-revving engine; sport-inspired suspension on a recreation-class vehicle; convertible rear storage area for hauling cargo or extra passengers; all trims come with a roof; LED lighting throughout; lever-controlled parking brake; D-mode switch adjusts throttle inputs for varied terrain; automotive-grade cockpit comfort that helps fight fatigue; a four-seat chassis that stays short in overall wheelbase; and a true locking front differential.

Exhaust is still a bit loud and buzzy; no way to mount five-point or six-point harnesses; legroom can be cramped for larger riders; cupholders get very hot; the center console lacks any meaningful storage room; rear seating lacks all-day comfort; and the lack of a turf drive mode for parking lot duty.

The RMAX platform is the first of a new generation of vehicles for Yamaha aimed at customer experience and multipurpose utility. RMAX4 configurations allow families or friends to hit the trail without needing separate vehicles. Converting between hauling configurations is as easy as moving a lever and pushing the rear seats where you need them. Yamaha’s focus was creating additional seating without grossly extending the frame. The RMAX4 has the shortest wheelbase out of any four-person UTV on the market.

Yamaha’s RMAX pulls from company heritage with the surname Wolverine. It’s a label applied to vehicles that focus on customer value over focused performance in one area. The RMAX 1000 was introduced for the 2021 model year and gets minor changes for ‘22. Performance features such as long-travel suspension, tall tires, and bolstered bucket seats give the RMAX vehicles a sporty feel that’s right at home on the trail. Large rear convertible cargo area, 2-inch hitch receiver, true locking front differential, and a variety of protection and recovery tools offer decent utility for a sport-rec rig. The RMAX delivers an automotive level of comfort and reliability in a value-focused set of trim packages for a variety of UTV buyers.

You get new colors and slight revisions to the model naming convention. The RMAX4 R-Spec is now the base trim. The RMAX4 XT-R trim gets a color makeover and now comes with a two-speaker SSV stereo. The RMAX4 Limited Edition trim undergoes a color change for the new model year and adds two additional rear speakers mounted to the roof.

2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 R-Spec MSRP: $22,6992022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 XT-R MSRP: $25,4992022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Limited Edition MSRP $26,699

If we had an unlimited budget, we’d aim our hard-earned cash at the Limited Edition trim. On a budget and don’t care about the bells and whistles, grab the R-Spec and toss a D-mode switch on it as you ride into the sunset.

All RMAX4 trims use the same chassis, engine, and transmission. A 999cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, dual-overhead-cam, four-valve parallel-twin engine sits in the middle of the chassis. Both the engine and transmission are positioned almost entirely under the front row of seats.

D-modes offer Crawl, Trail, and Sport throttle mapping. Sport mode gives the snappiest throttle response, while Crawl mode slows down inputs to help smooth out the ride. The engine has full power in every mode; only throttle response changes.

Yamaha’s Ultramatic 4WD CVT transmission is both easy to drive and reliable. It’s always under tension, so you can tackle obstacles in high or low gear without worrying about belt slip as you would in competing rigs. A central shifter controls two forward gears, neutral, and reverse. A separate parking brake lever sits next to the gear lever. The transfer case is controlled by a dash-mounted switch for 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD locked.

Regardless of trim, buyers will find 14.2 inches of front suspension travel and 13.3 inches of rear suspension travel. Every RMAX4 1000 uses 29-inch-tall tires on 14-inch aluminum wheels. XT-R and Limited Edition trims run Maxxis Carnivore tires. The R-Spec trim uses GBC rubber. Front tires are 9 inches wide while rear tires are 11 inches wide. Yamaha confirmed this offset tire size helps promote better handling on the heavier and longer RMAX4 chassis.

The R-Spec and XT-R trims both come with manually adjustable Fox QS3 piggyback shocks and anti-sway bars on both ends. The Limited Edition is the only RMAX4 trim that offers Fox iQS piggyback shocks with push-button adjustments from the driver’s seat. Like the other trims, it uses both a front and rear anti-sway bar.

The unique aspect to the RMAX4 is its ability to carry four adults in a vehicle that’s only been extended 3 inches past the two-seat model. Handling benefits from this relatively short wheelbase.

Every RMAX has the same hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Performance is good with virtually no fade over a typical fast trail riding day. They’re solid, but not intended for race duty. Pedal feel is good with acceptable modulation. Pedal position allows for normal one-foot operation or advanced two-foot operation.

Premium cut-and-sew bolstered bucket seats offer decent comfort and support for faster riding on the front row of the XT-R and Limited Edition trims. R-Spec trim units get standard bucket seats. Only the driver’s chair offers sliding adjustment. The rear row shares its folding seats with the Wolverine X4 850. All passengers have automotive-style three-point seat belts with manual six-position height adjustment.

Three-piece plastic doors open from the rear like a typical car door for both rows. Internal door handles are the only way to open the half doors; this helps keep mud and debris out of the mechanism. Automotive-style soft touch points placed strategically in the cab help to limit pain points around passenger knees and elbows. The steering wheel offers 17 degrees of vertical adjustment. Passengers get an adjustable handhold with ergonomic molded grips.

Both XT-R and Limited Edition trims come with a central rearview mirror. All RMAX4 trims now come standard with a plastic roof. XT-R and Limited edition trims come standard with front-mounted 4,500-pound winch.

Yamaha is mum on the total vehicle payload. Towing capacity is rated at 2,000 pounds for every RMAX trim via the standard 2-inch hitch receiver. Bed capacity is 600 pounds, but the tailgate is not rated to hold weight.

Electronics are where most of the RMAX trims diverge. The R-Spec trim goes without a stereo or Adventure Pro navigation unit, only offering full LED exterior lighting. XT-R and Limited Edition trims add the Adventure Pro infotainment screen that can be removed for hiking, an SSV stereo, and a Warn VRX 45 winch. The Limited Edition adds two additional speakers to the Yamaha SSV stereo system and Fox iQS electronically adjustable suspension components.

Both XT-R and Limited Edition trims come with Yamaha’s D-mode switch to alter throttle sensitivity. It can be added to the R-Spec for an additional fee.

Headlight low beams use two 7.6-watt LED mono-focus projector units. High beams use two 15.2-watt LED reflector-type units.

A six-month limited factory warranty comes standard with every RMAX unit, along with a 10-year belt warranty. The belt warranty does not cover any labor costs.

Want to stay up to date on the latest UTV Driver news and reviews? Sign up for our weekly newsletter!