Arctic Cat recently unwrapped several new mid-season ATV and side-by-side models and we’ve been taking them a few at a time. Today’s feature is the HDX 700 XT Crew.
The all-new 2017 Arctic Cat HDX 700 XT Crew adds six-occupant versatility to the class-leading comfort, features and truck-like usability of the HDX line of ROVs. For riders who want the versatility to haul lots of gear and people, the new Crew sets benchmarks for comfort, space and usability.
Arctic Cat focused on maximum rider comfort with the HDX design, with emphasis on optimizing ergonomics and occupant space. Built on an extended chassis with a 31-in. longer wheelbase than the standard HDX models, the new HDX Crew features ample body and legroom for two rows of three occupants to deliver a class-leading ride experience for six passengers.
Credit for that comfort can be attributed to the 40/20/40 “bench style” 3-person seat used in both rows. These spacious seats are complemented by Arctic Cat’s optimized space management system, featuring low-profile shoulder and foot restraints that ease vehicle entry and exit while providing maximum shoulder space. An infinitely adjustable tilt-steering wheel maximizes clearance for the driver’s legs, as do ergonomically friendly gas and brake pedals. Vehicle entry and exit have never been so easy and comfortable.
Matching the sizable occupant space is Arctic Cat’s renowned tilting cargo box. This transformable 2-into-1 composite box can haul 1000 lbs. of payload, plus it’s easily convertible into a flatbed for added versatility. Multiple tie-down options ease securing loads, while dual built-in 18-gallon (is it two 18-gal spaces or two 9-gal spaces?) side storage compartments provide convenience when adding extra payload. A 2-in. rear receiver hitch is backed by a 1,500-lb. towing capacity for truly truck-like hauling capability.
Premium quality Surlyn bodywork features an automotive-style hood with a 22-gallon-sized box offering 25 lbs. of payload that’s water-resistant and easily accessible. It’s complemented by a smart dash and console layout featuring a deep 1.9-gallon glovebox, center cubby and dash-mounted shift lever. It’s topped with an ultra-bright LED/halogen headlight system.
Power comes from the liquid-cooled H1 700 SOHC 4-stroke engine with the spot-on calibration of a closed-loop Electronic Fuel Injection for maximum performance and mileage. That power transfers through the Duramatic Automatic transmission, which features high/low/ reverse/park and dynamic engine breaking. The front locking 4WD differential is activated with an all-in-one 2WD/4WD/Differential rocker switch button for quick and simple shifts.
These key features are matched by driver-friendly Variable Assist Electronic Power Steering (EPS) that begins at engine idle to provide significantly reduced steering effort when in 4WD, especially when the differential lock is engaged. Arctic Cat EPS reduces the torque necessary to steer the HDX when changing direction when fully loaded or navigating tough obstacles like rocks, deep mud or logs.
The chassis features fully independent, double A-arm front and rear suspensions that boast 10 in. of travel with adjustable Fox Float coil-over shocks for comfort and control. A full 10 in. of ground clearance and a rear-mounted sway bar provide an enhanced ride quality.
The HDX XT Crew comes with cast aluminum wheels, Duro Kaden tires and is available in Team Arctic Green, Fire Red or True Timber Camo.
Specifications
Suspension
Front Suspension/Travel inches (cm): Double A-arm/10 (25.4)
Rear Suspension/Travel inches (cm): Double A-arm/10 (25.4)
Ground Clearance/Travel inches (cm): 10 (25.4)
Shocks: Front coil-over/rear fox float coil-over
Front Tire/Size: Duro Kaden/26x9R14
Rear Tire/Size: Duro Kaden/26x11R14
Wheels: Aluminum
Dimensions
Overall Size LxWxH inches (cm): 160x60x79 (406.4x152.4x200.7)
Wheelbase inches (cm): 116 (294.6)
Dry Weight lbs. (kg): 1624 (736.6)
Front/Rear Rack or Box Capacity lbs. (kg): 1000 (453.6) cargo box/25 (11.3) underhood storage
Towing Capacity lbs. (kg): 1500 (680.4)
Hitch Type: Rear 2-inch receiver
Instrumentation
Instrumentation: Digital
Lighting: Dual halogen headlights w/LED accents/light bar/rear halogen taillight
Colors
Available Colors: Team Arctic green, fire red, true timber camo
Engine
Type: SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve w/EFI
Displacement (cc): 695
Cooling System: Liquid with fan
Bore & Stroke (mm): 102x85
Alternator Capacity (amps): 28
Fuel Capacity gallons (liters): 8.2 (31)
Powertrain
Power Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS)
Transmission: Automatic CVT with EBS hi/lo range, reverse/park
Drive System: 2/4WD + electric front differential with lock
Brakes Front/Rear: Hydraulic disc
Features
Automotive-Style Latching Hood: Standard
Center Rubber Dash Compartment: Standard
Dashboard Shift lever With Park: Standard
Doors: Side restraint net
Front Tow Hook: Standard
High-Quality Surlyn Body Panels: Standard
Infinitely Adjustable Tilt Steering: Standard
Rear Cargo Box: Transformable tilting 1,000-lb. capacity
Seating: 3-passenger bench, front and rear
Storage – Underhood: 22 gallons, water-resistant
Storage – Glovebox: 1.9 gallons
Storage – Side: 18 gallons
Sway Bar: Standard
Tie-Down Hooks: Standard