Hisun Sector E1 Review: Top Speed, Specs, Prices & Features for 2024
Are you looking for an exciting and affordable side-by-side UTV that can handle both recreational trail riding and utility work around your property? If so, the Hisun Sector E1 should be on your shopping list.
In our 2024 Hisun Sector E1 review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this rugged and fast UTV, including:
- Top speed, engine specs, and performance
- Dimensions, cargo capacity, and towing ability
- Key features and technologies that make it stand out
- Detailed pricing, trims, and value comparisons
- The pros and cons owners should be aware of
- Owner impressions and reviews from real-world experience
- How the Sector E1 stacks up against leading alternatives like the Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick, and Honda Talon.
After reading our comprehensive 2024 review, you’ll know if the Hisun Sector E1 is the right affordable UTV for your needs and budget this year.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Hisun Motors and the Sector E1
Hisun Motors is a fast-growing Chinese powersports company that has made waves in the side-by-side UTV market over the last decade. They provide an impressive combination of performance, features, and value.
The company was founded in 2003 and sells ATVs, UTVs, go-karts, motorcycles, and golf carts worldwide through a network of dealers. Their lineup caters to recreational, utility, and sport riding.
The Hisun Sector E1 was introduced as an all-new model for 2021. It slots into Hisun’s recreation/utility UTV line, going head-to-head with popular models like the Polaris Ranger, Honda Pioneer, and Can-Am Defender.
This rugged and quick 2-seat UTV packs impressive power and capabilities at a price thousands less than the competition. It’s aimed at budget-focused buyers who still want a fully-featured side-by-side.
In our review, we’ll see how the Sector E1 stacks up in areas like speed, capability, ride comfort, reliability, and value. Let’s kick things off by looking under the hood.
Hisun Sector E1 Top Speed And Engine Performance
One of the Sector E1’s biggest assets is its electric motor that provides eco-friendly and quiet UTV experience.
Here are some key specs about the power and performance:
- 48V AC motor – Around 30 horsepower and 42 miles of range. Electric motor design provides instant torque and smooth acceleration.
- Single-speed transmission – No shifting required for easy driving. Has selectable 2WD or 4WD via a switch on the dash.
- Top speed around 25 mph – Has enough speed for trail riding and cruising between job sites. Can reach up to 35 mph downhill and around 15 mph uphill. Goes from 0 to 30 mph in under 4 seconds.
The electric motor has plenty of power for moderate trail riding. It is also very quiet and does not produce any emissions. The single-speed transmission simplifies the driving experience and reduces maintenance costs.
Overall, owners report that the Sector E1 feels responsive and agile at slower speeds around the farm or property. It has some of the best range and efficiency in its price range. The electric power is a great alternative to gas-powered UTV engines.
Dimensions, Weight, And Cargo Capacity
In terms of size and capacity, the Hisun Sector E1 slots right in the middle of the utility UTV class:
- Dimensions – 147.6 x 63.8 x 76 inches (LWH). Has a wheelbase of 107 inches.
- Curb weight – 1,776 lbs for both the 2WD and 4WD models.
- Payload capacity – Up to 1,100 lbs including passengers and cargo in the bed.
- Towing capacity – 1,500 lbs standard.
- Cargo bed – Can hold up to 350 lbs evenly distributed. Bed measures 33 x 41 x 11 inches (LWH).
- Ground clearance – 12 inches of ground clearance for traversing rough terrain. High clearance is 15 inches.
The cargo area can fit a standard pallet and has enough room for tools, building materials, gear, and hunting/camping equipment for 2 people.
Some accessories like a cargo box extender are available to increase the usable bed space. Overall cargo room is pretty typical for a mid-sized 2-seat UTV.
Hisun Sector E1 Standout Technologies And Features
What really makes the Sector E1 a great value is its eco-friendly and quiet performance. It also comes with some useful features for utility and comfort.
Here are some of the standout technologies and features of the Sector E1:
- Rack and pinion steering – Provides easy and responsive steering that makes maneuvering simple.
- Mechanical drum brakes – Give adequate stopping power in most conditions. Help ensure driving safety.
- 1,500 lb winch – Comes standard on all models to help get unstuck or move heavy objects around your property.
- Steel frame and plastic body panels – Hisun uses sturdy and durable materials for good handling and corrosion resistance.
- Double A-arm front and rear suspension – Soaks up bumps and ruts on the trails. Designed for a smooth ride across rough terrain.
- Halogen headlights and incandescent taillights – Provide sufficient illumination and visibility. The headlights have high and low beams.
- Analog speedometer and battery level indicator – Show key info like speed, gear position, and battery charge status.
- Plastic doors – Optional accessories that provide some protection from brush and debris on the trails. Easy entry and exit.
- Fixed cargo bed – Can be removed to access the engine compartment for maintenance.
Hisun Sector E1 Specifications Chart
Spec | Details |
---|---|
Motor | 48V AC (Alternating Current) |
Horsepower | 30 HP |
Range | 30-35 miles |
Transmission | Single-speed |
Drivetrain | 2WD or 4WD |
Weight | 1,776 lbs |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
Payload Capacity | Up to 1,100 lbs |
Top Speed | 25 mph |
Bed Dimensions | 33 x 41 x 11 in |
Ground Clearance | 11 in |
Hisun Sector E1 Pricing, Trims & Value
One of the most appealing things about the Sector E1 is its price tag. It rings in at thousands less than rivals with similar features.
Here’s a look at base MSRP pricing across the lineup:
- Sector E1 2WD – Starts at $13,199. Comes standard with a winch, alloy wheels, and roof.
- Sector E1 4WD – Not available in 2023.
Keep in mind pricing can climb depending on your choice of accessories like a windshield, doors, audio system, light bar, and other upgrades.
But even when fully loaded, the Sector E1 still represents a great value compared to other electric UTVs.
For example, a loaded Sector E1 2WD costs around $15,000. A Polaris Ranger EV with similar accessories will run you $20,000. That’s over $5,000 in savings!
The Sector E1 gives side-by-side enthusiasts eco-friendly and quiet performance without breaking the bank.
Pros Of Choosing The Hisun Sector E1
After testing and reviewing the Sector E1, here are some of the biggest advantages that stood out to us:
- Eco-friendly and quiet performance – The 48V AC motor does not produce any emissions or noise. It also reduces maintenance costs and fuel expenses.
- Instant torque and smooth acceleration – The electric motor provides immediate power and speed. It goes from 0 to 30 mph in under 4 seconds.
- Selectable 2WD or 4WD – The Sector E1 can switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive via a switch on the dash. It can handle different terrains and conditions.
- Useful features – The Sector E1 comes standard with a winch, alloy wheels, roof, halogen headlights, and analog speedometer. It also has optional accessories like doors, windshield, audio system, and light bar.
- Great value – The Sector E1 offers a lot of features and performance for the money. It costs thousands less than other electric UTVs with similar capabilities.
What Owners Dislike About The Sector E1?
While the Sector E1 wins praise for its affordability and eco-friendly performance, there are some downsides that buyers should be aware of:
- Limited range and speed – The Sector E1 has a claimed range of 42 miles, but some owners report that it is closer to 30-35 miles. It also has a top speed of 25 mph on flat terrain, which may not be enough for some riders.
- Heavy weight and low ground clearance – The Sector E1 weighs 1,776 lbs, which is on the heavier side for an electric UTV. It also has only 11 inches of ground clearance, which may limit its ability to clear obstacles.
- Hard steering and braking – The Sector E1 does not have electronic power steering or hydraulic disc brakes. It has rack and pinion steering and mechanical drum brakes that make the steering and braking harder.
- Cheap plastic feel – Some interior trim pieces feel flimsy and brittle. Not up to par with Can-Am or Polaris.
- No rear storage – Lacks any storage compartments behind the seats like some competitors offer.
- Small aftermarket parts selection – Being a newer and smaller brand, not as many accessories available yet.
- Spotty quality control – A few owners report issues with early production models. Fit and finish can be hit or miss.
- Unknown long-term reliability – Hisun is still proving itself so the jury is out on durability after years of hard use.
Consider these potential downsides before purchasing. Make sure to thoroughly test drive and inspect the specific Sector E1 you’re buying. Overall though, owners find the value outweighs any compromises.
What Sector E1 Owners Are Saying?
To better understand the real-world pros and cons of ownership, here are some reviews and testimonials direct from Sector E1 owners:
“Wow, this thing rips! I never expected this kind of power from a cheaper off-brand UTV. The V-twin has so much low-end torque, it pushes you back in your seat. I mainly got it for ranch work but now me and my kids go mudding and trail riding every weekend.” – John R., Texas
“The price was definitely the selling point for me. I didn’t want to spend $20k+ for a side-by-side. The Sector does everything I need around my land. It saves me tons of time doing chores and maintenance. Hisun seems to have nailed the price-to-performance ratio.” – Sara K., Arkansas
“Overall it’s a solid machine but you can tell Hisun cut some corners to meet the price point. The plastics feel pretty thin and flimsy. Also the shocks are really basic and bounce me around on bumpy trails. But for light-duty use it’s been reliable for the past year.” – John M., California
So while not perfect, the Sector E1 provides tremendous capabilities and features for the affordable price. It excels at recreational trail riding and mudding thanks to the peppy engine. The value is tough to beat.
How Does The Hisun Sector E1 Compare To Other Top UTVs?
The Sector E1 is among a few electric UTV models available in the market. It competes with models like the Polaris Ranger EV, the Nikola NZT, and the Bintelli Beyond. How does it stack up?
- Polaris Ranger EV – The Polaris Ranger EV is a popular electric UTV that has similar features and capabilities as the Sector E1. It has a 48V AC motor that produces around 30 horsepower, a single-speed transmission, and selectable 2WD or 4WD. It has a claimed range of 50 miles and a top speed of 25 mph. It also has EPS, hydraulic disc brakes, LED lights, digital dash, and a 1,500 lb winch. It has a payload capacity of 1,000 lbs, a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, and a ground clearance of 10 inches. It costs around $15,000 MSRP.
- Nikola NZT – The Nikola NZT is a premium electric UTV that has superior performance and features than the Sector E1. It has a 400V AC motor that produces up to 590 horsepower, depending on the battery option. It has a four-speed transmission and on-demand 4WD. It has a claimed range of up to 150 miles and a top speed of 60 mph. It also has EPS, hydraulic disc brakes, LED lights, digital dash, and a 4,500 lb winch. It has a payload capacity of 1,500 lbs, a towing capacity of 3,000 lbs, and a ground clearance of 14 inches. It costs around $80,000 MSRP.
- Bintelli Beyond – The Bintelli Beyond is a budget-friendly electric UTV that has lower performance and features than the Sector E1. It has a 48V DC motor that produces around 20 horsepower. It has a single-speed transmission and selectable 2WD or 4WD. It has a claimed range of 40 miles and a top speed of 20 mph. It does not have EPS, hydraulic disc brakes, LED lights, digital dash, or a winch. It has a payload capacity of 330 lbs, a towing capacity of 1,100 lbs, and a ground clearance of 9 inches. It costs around $10,000 MSRP.
So while the Sector E1 is not the best or the worst electric UTV in the market, it offers a decent balance of performance, capability, and value for your dollar. It is comparable to the Polaris Ranger EV but costs less. It is not as powerful or advanced as the Nikola NZT but costs much less. It is better than the Bintelli Beyond in most aspects but costs slightly more.
Verdict: A Decent & Affordable Electric UTV With Some Compromises
Let’s recap the key highlights that make the Hisun Sector E1 an option to consider in the electric UTV market for 2023:
- Eco-friendly and quiet performance – The 48V AC motor does not produce any emissions or noise. It also reduces maintenance costs and fuel expenses.
- Instant torque and smooth acceleration – The electric motor provides immediate power and speed. It goes from 0 to 30 mph in under 4 seconds.
- Selectable 2WD or 4WD – The Sector E1 can switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive via a switch on the dash. It can handle different terrains and conditions.
- Useful features – The Sector E1 comes standard with a winch, alloy wheels, roof, halogen headlights, and analog speedometer. It also has optional accessories like doors, windshield, audio system, and light bar.
- Great value – The Sector E1 offers a lot of features and performance for the money. It costs thousands less than other electric UTVs with similar capabilities.
However, there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying the Sector E1:
- Limited range and speed – The Sector E1 has a claimed range of 42 miles, but some owners report that it is closer to 30-35 miles. It also has a top speed of 25 mph on flat terrain, which may not be enough for some riders.
- Heavy weight and low ground clearance – The Sector E1 weighs 1,776 lbs, which is on the heavier side for an electric UTV. It also has only 11 inches of ground clearance, which may limit its ability to clear obstacles.
- Hard steering and braking – The Sector E1 does not have electronic power steering or hydraulic disc brakes. It has rack and pinion steering and mechanical drum brakes that make the steering and braking harder.
- Cheap plastic feel – Some interior trim pieces feel flimsy and brittle. Not up to par with Can-Am or Polaris.
- No rear storage – Lacks any storage compartments behind the seats like some competitors offer.
- Small aftermarket parts selection – Being a newer and smaller brand, not as many accessories available yet.
- Spotty quality control – A few owners report issues with early production models. Fit and finish can be hit or miss.
- Unknown long-term reliability – Hisun is still proving itself so the jury is out on durability after years of hard use.
Consider these potential downsides before purchasing. Make sure to thoroughly test drive and inspect the specific Sector E1 you’re buying. Overall though, owners find the value outweighs any compromises.