Coleman 400 UTV Review, Top Speed, Pros & Cons
Are you searching for an honest Coleman 400 UTV review? As one of the most popular recreational off-road vehicles under $10,000, the Coleman 400 delivers tremendous value. But how does it stack up for rugged trails and dunes?
This in-depth Coleman 400 review covers everything from the engine specs to towing capacity. I’ll outline the pros and cons and compare to Polaris, Can-Am, and other rivals. Read on to see if the Coleman 400 is the right UTV for you.
Table of Contents
Coleman 400 UTV Overview
The Coleman 400 is a sporty two-seater UTV (utility task vehicle) built by Coleman Powersports. It was designed for recreational use on trails, dunes, muddy pastures, and more.
With its 28 horsepower engine, adjustable bucket seats, 4WD, and 10 inches of ground clearance, the 400 can conquer a wide range of off-road terrain. It’s not the most powerful UTV, but provides tremendous value at under $10,000.
The 400 is considered a “base” recreational model. It lacks premium features like power steering and advanced suspension. But it’s highly customizable with accessory packages so you can upgrade its capabilities.
Below I’ll dig into the specs, pros, cons, and how it compares to Polaris, Can-Am, and other major UTV brands. Let’s start with the engine and drivetrain.
Coleman 400 UTV Specs And Features
The Coleman 400 comes equipped with the following features and specs:
- Engine – 393cc single-cylinder engine producing 28 horsepower. This small engine enables an affordable price but trails higher-end models in power.
- Transmission – Continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth shifting and acceleration. No manual shifting needed.
- Drivetrain – On-demand true 4-wheel drive. Lets you engage 4WD when needed then switch back to 2WD.
- Towing Capacity – Can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Ideal for light trailers but less than the 5,000+ pound capacity of premium UTVs.
- Payload Capacity – Haul up to 1,200 pounds in the cargo bed. Enough for tools, camping gear, animal hauling and more.
- Cargo Bed – Made from steel with 200 pound capacity. Tilts for easy loading and unloading. Drain plugs to empty water.
- Ground Clearance – 10 inches of ground clearance for traversing rocks, logs, and all types of uneven terrain.
- Suspension – Double A-arm independent suspension provides a smooth ride and stability while cornering and landing jumps.
- Brakes – 4 wheel hydraulic disc brakes enable strong stopping power on slick trails.
- Tires – 25 inch all-terrain tires come stock. Multiple tire upgrade options available.
- Seating – Adjustable bucket seats with 3-point seat belts and side nets for safety and comfort.
- Steering – Manual steering without power assist. Provides good maneuverability but heavy at low speeds.
- Extras – Comes stock with front bumper, skid plates, horn, backup alarm, mirrors, headlights, brake lights, and a 2″ hitch receiver.
Coleman 400 UTV Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 393cc single-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 28 hp |
| Transmission | Continuously variable (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | On-demand 4WD |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lb |
| Payload Capacity | 1,200 lb |
| Cargo Bed Capacity | 200 lb |
| Ground Clearance | 10 in |
| Wheelbase | 75 in |
| Dry Weight | 1,312 lb |
| Length | 103 in |
| Width | 55 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.7 gal |
Coleman 400 UTV Pricing
The Coleman 400 has an MSRP of $9,999 making it one of the most affordable recreational UTVs. Used models can often be found for under $8,000.
Here’s a pricing comparison of new Coleman 400 models by year:
| Year | MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $9,999 |
| 2022 | $9,499 |
| 2021 | $8,999 |
| 2020 | $8,699 |
| 2019 | $8,499 |
As you can see, pricing has gradually increased over the years but remains under $10k. That’s thousands less than premium Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick, and Honda Talon models.
You can often negotiate a lower price at the dealership. And financing options are available if you don’t want to pay cash upfront.
Now let’s jump into the pros and cons.
Coleman 400 UTV Pros
What do owners love about the Coleman 400? Here are the biggest pros.
1. Affordable Price
The Coleman 400 costs well under $10,000 making it one of the most affordable recreational UTVs. Yet it still provides ample power and capabilities for off-road fun. The price makes it accessible to more outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Good Value
You get a lot of side-by-side for the money. With 4WD, 30hp, a steel cargo bed, 3,500 pound towing capacity, and 1,200 pound payload, it packs great value at this price point.
3. Easy to Drive
The automatic CVT transmission and throttle-by-wire throttle makes the 400 easy to drive for beginners. No shifting needed. Less fatigue on long rides.
4. Comfortable Ride
While not as plush as premium models, the adjustable bucket seats and double A-arm suspension provide a relatively comfortable ride on trails.
5. Designed for Off-Roading
With thick 25 inch tires, generous ground clearance, skid plates and 4WD it’s designed to handle off-road terrain including dirt, mud, hills, and more.
6. Customizable
The Coleman 400 is highly customizable with roof, windshield, tire, audio, lighting accessories and packages available. Make it your own.
7. Good Resale Value
The Coleman holds its value well if you ever want to sell or trade up. Strong demand thanks to the affordability.
For a sub-$10k model, the Coleman 400 packs a surprising amount of performance, comfort, and customizations for a wide range of all-terrain use.
Coleman 400 UTV Cons
The biggest drawbacks and downsides to consider:
1. Underpowered
With 30 horsepower, acceleration is slower than high-end models with 100+ hp engines. Power is adequate but speed demons will want more.
2. No Power Steering
Lack of power steering means turning at low speeds requires more effort than UTVs with EPS. Can be tiring riding tight trails.
3. Less Towing Capacity
Max towing of 3,500 pounds trails bigger UTVs that can tow over 5,000 pounds. Fine for light trailers but limits heavy hauling.
4. No Winch Stock
Winches come in handy for self-recovery but aren’t included stock. Need to add an aftermarket winch.
5. Basic Suspension
While ride quality is fairly plush, the basic double A-arm suspension can’t match premium models with long travel shocks and adjustable damping. Hits bumps harder.
6. Jerky Transmission
Some owners report jerky shifting from the CVT, especially as the belt wears. Not as refined as Polaris/Can-Am CVT feel.
7. Cheap Plastics
Reviewers note some of the plastic components feel cheap and flimsy. Durability concerns in rugged environments.
While the 400 is very capable off-road, it lacks some comfort, convenience, and performance features found on pricier models. Depends if you need those extras.
How Does the Coleman 400 Compare?
So how does the Coleman 400 stack up against competitors like the Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick, Honda Talon, and Kawasaki Teryx?
The Polaris RZR and Can-Am Maverick are two of the most popular lines. They offer more powerful engines (100+ hp), power steering, better suspension travel, more payload capacity, and higher top speeds.
However, they also cost almost twice as much as the Coleman 400. The RZR and Maverick are better for dune running and higher speed use but major overkill for casual trail riding.
The Honda Talon and Kawasaki Teryx also outperform the Coleman 400 but are pricier. The Talon has Fox shocks and 15 inches of travel while the Teryx has a rugged feel and reputation.
For the price, the Coleman can handle 90% of recreational riding needs. But high-performance enthusiasts will want a more powerful engine and advanced suspension.
Here’s a specs comparison versus top competitors:
| Model | Engine | HP | Towing | Payload | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman 400 | 400cc | 30 hp | 3,500 lb | 1,200 lb | $9,999 |
| Polaris RZR XP 1000 | 999cc | 110 hp | 5,000 lb | 1,500 lb | $19,999 |
| Can-Am Maverick X3 | 900cc | 120 hp | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb | $22,999 |
| Honda Talon 1000R | 999cc | 125 hp | 2,000 lb | 300 lb | $19,999 |
| Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 | 998cc | 110 hp | 2,000 lb | 600 lb | $18,999 |
As you can see, the Coleman compares very favorably on price but trails on power, payload capacity, and towing abilities.
Who is the Coleman 400 Best Suited For?
The Coleman 400 hits the sweet spot for:
- Budget-conscious – The affordable price makes it accessible unlike premium $20k+ models.
- Beginner/casual riders – Easy to drive with automatic CVT. Plenty capable for normal recreational use.
- Farm/ranch use – Good for chores, hauling feed, pulling small trailers short distances.
- Hunters – Effective for setting up tree stands, transporting gear, dragging out big game.
- Camping – Carries gear well and travels to remote campsites. Add a roof accessory for storage.
- Occasional off-roading – Tackles most trails and conditions for weekend fun. Good bang for buck.
The 400 matches well with farmers, ranchers, hunters, and beginners. It can handle exciting trails at lower speeds. But high-speed dune fanatics may want more power.
Coleman 400 UTV Accessories
One of the best things about the Coleman 400 is the huge selection of accessories and add-ons:
- Windshields – Full windshields for protection from debris and weather.
- Doors – Half doors and full doors improve safety and comfort.
- Roof – Roof options like the Pro Armor Pursuit for storage and shade.
- Audio – Add Bluetooth stereo systems for music and communication.
- Lighting – LED light bars, reverse lights, and other lights improve visibility.
- Winches – Winches up to 4,500 lb capacity for self-recovery when stuck.
- Tires – Bigger off-road tire upgrades available. Popular choices include Maxxis Carnivore and ITP Mud Lite.
- Suspension – Upgrades like 2″ lift kits improve ground clearance and suspension travel.
You can fully customize the 400 to match your needs whether it’s storage, lights, audio, or better performance. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Top Coleman 400 UTV Alternatives
The Coleman 400 provides amazing value but what if you have a bigger budget or need more capability? Here are top alternatives to consider:
- Polaris RZR XP 1000 – With 110HP and plush suspension, the RZR XP 1000 is better for dunes and high speeds. Starts at $18,999.
- Can-Am Maverick X3 – Blistering 120HP turbocharged engine pushes the limits in the dunes. Fox shocks soak up big hits. Around $22,999.
- Yamaha YXZ1000R – Pure sport machine with a 998cc engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Race-ready durability. $19,799 MSRP.
- Hisun Strike 1000 – 100HP brute with 14″ of travel for $15,999. One of the best values under $20k.
- Honda Talon 1000R – Fox Live Valve suspension adjusts damping on the fly. 125HP. $20,999 starting price.
For more power and capabilities like power steering, bigger cargo beds, and better suspension, these UTVs take performance to the next level.
Coleman 400 UTV Review Conclusion
The Coleman 400 delivers incredible value in an entry-level recreational UTV. You get legitimate off-road capabilities at a price well under $10,000. It lacks premium features but gets all the basics right.
For easy trail riding, farm/ranch use, and normal recreational purposes, the 400 has all the performance you need. More demanding riders may want more engine power, suspension, and handling. But will pay double the price.
The plentiful accessories make the Coleman 400 highly customizable so you can upgrade its capabilities over time. It also holds resale value well thanks to strong demand.
Overall the Coleman 400 earns 4 out of 5 stars. It gives budget-minded outdoor enthusiasts an affordable way to get off the beaten path and explore the backcountry. For casual use, it’s hard to beat the bang for your buck.
