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Powersports Business • June 2026 • 17

CFM OTO is making a statement within the 64-inch turbo sport class with its newest Z10 release and is directly competing with the Can-Am Maverick X3 DS.( Photos: CFMOTO and PSB staff).

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.

COMFORTABILITY 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 fivehour 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 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.

TECH / INFOTAINMENT 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

CFMOTO upgraded its sport side-by-side, the ZForce Z10, for the 2026 model year, and this machine didn’ t disappoint. It features 154 horsepower, 998cc turbocharged triple-cylinder engine. But perhaps best of all, the Z10-2 comes in at less than $ 20,000.

Riders across our group all agreed that it felt it had more power than the claimed 154hp, and you could feel it when driving.

12.3−inch touchscreen represents the vehicle’ s main center interface, and is the largest manmachine 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.

SEGMENT COMPETITION 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

See CFMOTO, Page 19