By Chris Officer | Associate Editor
A typical trip to Las Vegas usually means either committing hours upon hours of your time networking at a tradeshow, or spending a few days partying with your buddies, eventually regretting your life decisions on the insufferable plane ride back.
But my latest trip to Vegas went a little differently. After the flight, I drove 90 minutes south from the bright lights of Sin City and into Laughlin, Nevada, where CFMOTO staged its fleet of all-new range of 2026 ZForce Z10s.
CFMOTO was eager to show off the new Z10s, especially since the original launch date was set for 2025. But the OEM said it delayed the rollout to offer a more updated and optimized machine. This included optimizing the cooling system, moving some production to Monterey, California, and an increase in USMCA-compliant parts, including ITP Terra hooks, and Team Industries clutching. And the result, CFMOTO says, is a much more premium vehicle than the model that was delayed.
“It is a better machine than it was before. It now surpasses our standards,” says Shane Williams, product manager on the ZForce.
And with that, about 16 media folks and CFMOTO technicians set off in our Z10s, through the vast Nevada desert that hugged the Colorado River.
A key upgrade to the 2026 Z10 was the optimization of the entire cooling system. The intakes are much larger, with more air flowing through the radiator — which have also increased in size. The machines feature twin PWM-controlled fans, with optimized water jacketing and radiator hoses. Airflow has also changed, with exhaust heat running under the cargo in the back instead of through it.
Inside the cockpit was noticeably cooler and, even though it wasn’t a typical Spring Nevada day — about 75 degrees — the cab remained comfortable throughout the five-hour ride. Even my water bottle, stored in the center console, stayed at room temperature (other UTVs have left that same bottle of water near boiling!).
Cooling wasn’t the only thing affecting cab comfort, as CFMOTO produced an impressive interior. From seats to steering wheel, the ergonomics inside the Z10 had a premium feel, and left enough legroom for taller drivers. The seats were comfortable for long rides and felt stable, while the steering wheel placement was high and suitable for aggressive riding.
Performance-wise, this thing packs a punch. Upgraded to 154 horsepower and 107-lb-ft. of torque, it features three drive modes: Comfort, Trail, and Sport. Drivetrain configurations include 2WD and 4WD with locking front and rear differentials.
The 998cc turbocharged triple-cylinder engine really moved and got up to 60 mph rather easily. Riders across our group all agreed that it felt like it had more power than the claimed 154hp, and you could feel it from behind the wheel.
Suspension was another component that stood out. The Fox Performance Elite Series QSE shocks, which offer 17 inches of travel in the front and 20 inches in the rear, had three suspension modes: Soft, Medium, and Hard. I kept my Z10 on Medium mode for most of my ride but bumped it to Hard when I picked up speed and encountered steep descents. The Z10 absorbed the hard hits and prevented any bottoming out, and those “oh shoot” moments when you brace for impact were surprisingly smooth.
Moreover, suspension — along with ride mode and EPS settings — can be controlled via the steering wheel, making driving adjustments quick and easy.
The three different drive modes were distinct, and the throttle response between Comfort and Sport was noticeable. Also, the EPS featured four different modes: Low, Mid, High, and Auto. I messed around with different settings but ultimately left it on Auto. This isn’t confirmed, but a lot of us felt the Auto mode was unique to the ZForce and couldn’t recall any other UTV with auto EPS on the market.
Both infotainment screens inside the ZForce were large and easy to see and use. It features a 7-inch driver display on top of the steering column that lets divers access real-time vehicle data and personalized driver settings. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen represents the vehicle’s main center interface, and is the largest man-machine interaction display in the industry. In comparison, the Polaris and Can-Am feature 10.4- and 10.25-inch screens, respectively.
The controls on the steering wheel are especially convenient when toggling through EPS, suspension, and drive modes, making performance adjustments simple in real time as different driving conditions arise. It’s also equipped with Apple CarPlay, making Maps, Spotify, and other apps easily accessible.
CFMOTO is making a statement within the 64-inch turbo sport class with its newest Z10 release, directly competing with the Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo and Polaris RZR Pro XP.
At $19,999, the Maverick comes in at the same price as the ZForce Z10-2, but with less giddy up at 135 horsepower. While the RZR comes in at $24,499, it features 181hp. Both the RZR and the Maverick are around 400 pounds lighter than the Z10. All three machines have premium features and, depending on preference, you could argue that all of them perform at a high level. But the Z10 did stand out when factoring in capability, comfort, and price. During our ride through Laughlin, our fleet of Z10s often came across smaller groups of RZRs and Mavericks cruising by. Everyone in their Can-Am or Polaris was curious about the Z10, and eventually left very impressed after learning about the price tag. One Can-Am driver said he spent around $20,000 on his SxS accessories alone.
CFMOTO is making a strong push into the off-road segment. It had a huge event rollout in Nice, France, in March, that showcased its latest ATV range: CForce C4, C5, and C6 Pro. With its latest Z10 release, the manufacturer is looking to bring value and performance to the sport SxS category.
The Z10 sits at $19,999 for the two-seater and $22,999 for the four-seater — that will instantly grab a buyer’s attention, especially to buyers who aren’t willing to drop a fortune. But CFMOTO isn’t merely just trying to lure in customers with a low MSRP. Rather, it’s made an affordable SxS that can contend in the turbo sport class with industry heavyweights.
Dealers can certainly use the low MSRP as a selling point. But any significant time spent behind the wheel will leave strong impressions of its capability as well as affordability,. And it’s a clear pathway for enthusiasts to get into the turbocharged sport UTV category.
Both the Z10-2 and Z10-4 are expected to be delivered to dealerships sometime early this summer.
Massimo Group is expanding its push into climate-controlled utility vehicles with the launch of the new Sentinel 770 HVAC UTV, building on momentum from the previously introduced Sentinel 570 HVAC as the company targets approximately $10 million in Sentinel Series revenue in 2026.
The company announced May 7 that it has opened pre-orders and begun taking initial dealer orders for the Sentinel 770 HVAC, the latest addition to its growing lineup of fully enclosed, factory-equipped heating and cooling UTVs priced below $20,000.
Massimo first detailed its HVAC-equipped Sentinel strategy during its FY2025 financial report in April, when executives cited strong early dealer demand for the Sentinel 570 HVAC and previewed plans to launch the Sentinel 770 HVAC this spring, followed by a larger Sentinel 1500 model later this year.
At the time, the company said the Sentinel Series represented part of a broader effort to move further upscale with higher-margin, utility-focused vehicles targeting commercial, fleet and all-weather applications.
“The Sentinel 570 HVAC helped validate demand for premium, climate-controlled UTVs at a more accessible price point, and the launch of the Sentinel 770 HVAC gives our dealers another compelling product to serve both consumer and commercial buyers,” said CEO Quenton Petersen in the latest announcement. “Based on current visibility, we expect the Sentinel line to generate approximately $10 million in revenue in 2026.”
Massimo says the Sentinel line addresses what it sees as a pricing gap in the market, where comparable HVAC-equipped UTVs from larger OEMs often retail above $30,000. The company is positioning the Sentinel models as lower-cost alternatives for ranchers, agricultural users, municipalities, property owners and fleet operators seeking year-round usability.
Both the Sentinel 570 HVAC and Sentinel 770 HVAC feature enclosed cabins with integrated heating and air conditioning systems, molded seating, dual touchscreen displays and remote cabin pre-conditioning capability that allows operators to cool the cab before use.
Massimo says the cooling systems can operate using AGM or lithium battery configurations for extended runtime without immediate charging, a feature the company believes will appeal to operators in high-temperature environments and industrial applications.
The Sentinel 770 HVAC is expected to begin deliveries later this month, with Massimo reporting growing dealer commitments and increasing interest from fleet customers evaluating all-weather utility platforms.
The HVAC-equipped Sentinel lineup arrives as Massimo continues navigating a transitional financial year. The company reported FY2025 revenue of $71.8 million, down 34.3% from the prior year, which executives attributed to efforts to rebalance dealer inventory levels and improve channel health. Despite lower sales volume, gross margin improved to 37.5%, up from 29.7% in FY2024, driven by product mix optimization and supply chain efficiencies.
“2025 marked a deliberate transition year in which we prioritized margin expansion, dealer channel health, and operational discipline,” said former CEO David Shan during the company’s earnings release. “While these actions impacted near-term revenue, they have strengthened the foundation of our business.”
Massimo says the Sentinel HVAC lineup is part of its longer-term strategy to diversify revenue streams, strengthen dealer relationships and expand commercial and fleet business opportunities through higher-value vehicle platforms.
Kawasaki is bringing back its Mule SX side-by-side range for the 2027 model year, including five distinct compact workhorse machines that can handle a variety of needs you may face on the job site.
The two-passenger Mule SX takes many of the same styling cues from its larger siblings in the Mule Pro line of side-by-sides, but also fits in the bed of a full-size pickup truck for easy transport.
Mule SX models are all powered by a single-cylinder, 401cc 4-stroke engine and are equipped with a steel cargo bed with a textured floor. This capable work companion also offers a 1,100-lb towing capacity.
The Mule SX line is available in five configurations, starting with the standard Mule SX two-wheel-drive model up to the Mule 4X4 XC LE model. Select four-wheel drive models from the 2027 Kawasaki Mule SX line vehicles are available with digital fuel injection. The Mule SX 4X4 ST includes the same capabilities as the rest of the lineup and is powered by a 401cc 4-stroke carbureted engine.
Kawasaki says the entire Mule SX range will be available this summer.
2027 MODEL VARIATIONS
Mule SX
Color: Timberline Green, Bright White
MSRP: $7,799
Mule SX 4X4 ST (Carburetor)
Color: Timberline Green
MSRP: $8,599
Mule SX 4X4
Color: Timberline Green, Bright White
MSRP: $9,199
Mule SX 4X4 XC
Color: Metallic Sierra Blue
MSRP: $9,499
Mule SX 4X4 XC LE
Color: Metallic Onyx Black
MSRP: $10,699
On April 24 at its South Carolina Manufacturing facility (SCM), approximately 700 associates were on hand as American Honda commenced production on the 2026 Pioneer 1000 Deluxe, its recently introduced multipurpose side-by-side.
Available in three-seat and five-seat configurations, this latest Pioneer 1000 Deluxe features comprehensive updates, highlighted by the adoption of throttle-by-wire technology that delivers enhanced control in both work and recreational settings. Proven Honda technologies remain at the core of the platform, including an automatic dual-clutch transmission.
The Pioneer 1000 Deluxe is made in the U.S., with production in Timmonsville, South Carolina, using domestic and globally sourced parts. The model is planned in Georgia and developed in Ohio.
“Today is a proud moment for South Carolina Manufacturing, for our Powersports business and, most importantly, for the associates who made this day possible,” says Travis Lee, SCM Site Lead. “The product we are celebrating today represents the next chapter of our side-by-side business, and once again that chapter is being written right here in Timmonsville.”
Honda says its SCM associates have played a critical role in the company’s global powersports business since launching the Honda Foreman 400 ATV in 1998. The plant later added ATV engine production and the AquaTrax personal watercraft, before beginning side-by-side vehicle production in 2013.
“We are not just building products here … we are setting the standard for quality, safety and execution that customers around the world expect from Honda,” Travis Lee.
“That happens because of the dedication of our associates across all our teams, and every support function that touched this vehicle. Launching a new model takes discipline … it takes collaboration … and it takes pride in doing things the right way, every day. The Pioneer 1000 Deluxe reflects all that effort.”
Today, SCM boasts an 850,000-square-foot facility, employs more than 1,000 associates and serves as the exclusive global production home of Honda side-by-side vehicles, including the Pioneer multipurpose series and Talon sport models. Over the past quarter century, SCM has invested more than $460 million in its operations, and its associates have produced nearly 3.9 million powersports products.
Honda says the Pioneer 1000 Deluxe began shipping to dealerships in May.