Honda 4trax Forman vs Rancher ATV's

I’ve owned both, the last being a 2020 foreman rubicon, wasn’t crazy about the new auto transmission. If I was to do over again I’d just stick with the foreman with the electric shift. The Honda rancher I had was lighter and had plenty of power, it was the electric shift model and was a complete tank. If I was gonna get another 4 wheeler it would be a Rancher 420 ES.

Wife has an older rancher (2014).

Electric shift is nice. Can either be auto or manual. Manual done by clicking up and down arrows, auto just shifts for you.
Electric power steering is necessary.

420 isn't fast. It's also reliable and easy on the rest of the drivetrain. It hits the rev limiter at 50mph on the road.

We take it up in the mountains. It'll go anywhere as long as it's not dragging hard enough to get high centered.

Primarily it moves snow in the winter. I put a 3500lb harbor freight winch on it for less than $200. Used the mount from KSI.

I just change the oil every year, diff oil every other. 2000 miles with no issues.


Ranchers are cheap because they're essentially still a 15+ year old design.
The more expensive you go the more power and better suspension you get. That's primarily what you're paying for.


My credit union finances anything with a vehicle title as a vehicle.
That said, I have been paying cash for the toys and tools with current rates.

I have an '08 Rancher. The machine has been bulletproof. It's not fancy but is easy on gas and gets me where I need to be. It's been used as a fencing machine on a cattle ranch and does just fine in that role. My Rancher has the manual shift and while not as convenient as the electronic shift, it has never let me down.

I’ve got 2 2017 420 Ranchers and they have been great. Both are electric shift or auto, efi and power steering. Haven’t had a problem with either.

Owned both. Highly recommend electric shift. So easy and zero problems in over a decade.
Check you local credit union or the manufacturer website. Often when sales are slower , like now, manufacturers will have some great rates. Be informed before you go to the dealer. Stay away from prepaid maintenance.
Change your own oil, keep air filter clean, use ethanol shield or PRI-G fuel stabilizer, stay away from Stabil, use a battery tender.

I used both and of the 2 the Rancher. I have the pioneer 500 side by side and there is no comparison and would never go back to an atv.

Not sure about the newer ones
I have a 2015 Rubicon
Pluses: auto shift or Electric shift, 2 or 4wd, locking front end, nice ride and power, lots of rack space, dependable



And the durability of Honda is a plus to me
My 2004 Rancher, beat to death and looks it.
it has hit bulls and been hit by bulls, a very hard life and just won't die, starts every time and has never made me walk home

TurdFerguson said:

Looking at the honda rancher 4x4 EPS. I like the idea of power steering. However, i know its a manual, but does it have an engine brake?

Click to expand...

Uh, only if you let off the gas?

It's not a belt drive, so as long as the engine is spinning fast enough to engage the primary clutch it works.

The great thing about flipping the switch from auto to eps is the ability to manually pick your gear for the downhills.


The cams are setup for very strong engine braking. I barely touch the brakes even on the street.