$17,999 MSRP

• Punchy Three Cylinder Engine

• Surprisingly Quiet Ride

• Above Average Standard Equipment

An exotic rec-ute alternative.

While the Arctic Cat name may have lost some prestige in recent years, the brand continues to press on, carving out a unique niche in the side-by-side market. Most folks are familiar with the Wildcat XX sport rig and its trophy truck-inspired chassis, but Arctic Cat brings an attractive alternative to the rec-ute category as well.

Enter the Arctic Cat Prowler: this rare feline may be seldom seen on your local trails, but it’s worth looking out for. With a lively engine, solid working capacity, and a healthy dose of standard equipment, you shouldn’t rule the Prowler out of your hunt for a do-it-all rig.

Arctic Cat’s aim with the Prowler is to meet owners where they’re at by giving them more of what they want: More power, easier maintenance, and added peace of mind from a standard 18 month factory warranty. If this cat’s got your curiosity, here’s everything you’ll need to know before buying one yourself.

How much power does it make?

Arctic Cat claims their Prowler’s 812cc three cylinder engine is good for right at 50 horsepower. What’s more important is that it delivers a respectable 48 lb-ft of torque, and does it through Arctic Cat’s smooth TrailBloc CVT.

Those numbers aren’t exactly mind blowing, but in practice, the Prowler delivers a much punchier and entertaining trail ride than your average utility rig. Three cylinders are known for blending the best of both worlds, and Arctic Cat’s liquid-cooled three banger delivers in that regard.

What makes it special?

The Prowler’s snappy, three-cylinder power plant is certainly a standout feature in a sea of lumpy singles and torquey twins. It’s worth noting that Can-Am recently jumped to a three-cylinder platform in their HD11 Defender, a rig most would consider the current cream of the crop in this segment.

Another notable benefit of the Prowler is that even in its most basic trim, Arctic Cat includes an impressive amount of standard equipment for the money. There’s a full bumper/brush guard combo, a name-brand Warn 4,500-pound winch with synthetic rope, handsome 14-inch aluminum wheels, and even a poly roof.

Step up to the Prowler Limited trim, and you’re treated to a full cab with a heater, plus Arctic Cat’s “G8” infotainment display, which runs on an outstanding Garmin navigation platform. The $22,499 asking price for a Prowler Limited is also special in its own right as full-cab climate-controlled rigs are only getting more expensive with each passing year.

Why do I want it?

The main draw to an Arctic Cat Prowler over its more popular competitors is the engine. Where most utility rigs in this class depend on single or two-cylinder mills, the Prowler’s inline-three delivers buttery smooth power that’s impressively quiet, even without a full cab.

You also want a decently well-equipped rig without spending an arm and a leg on ad-ons and accessories. All Arctic Cat Prowlers come with a nice big bumper, a Warn winch, electric power steering, and a locking diff.

Last but not least, Arctic Cat intentionally made the Prowler as easy to maintain as possible. The CVT belt, air filter, and oil are all extremely quick and easy to access, something DIY mechanics will appreciate.

Why don’t I want it?

Arctic Cat has been around for decades, but they’ve never achieved the popularity of brands like Polaris or Yamaha. As such, they tend to suffer from less dealer support and a smaller selection of aftermarket upgrades.

We’ll also note that Arctic Cat machines typically have lower resale values for the same reason. That’s great if you’re shopping the used market, but you could get stuck “holding the bag” if you’re buying new.

What trim do I want?

Arctic Cat is offering the Prowler in two trims for 2025: XT and Limited. The XT serves as the $17,999 base model, while the Limited is a premium upgrade to the tune of $22,499.

Mechanically the two are identical, and the XT is a decently well-equipped rig. It’s got a full-coverage bumper/brush guard, a 4,500-pound Warn winch, and a roof.

Stepping up to the Limited trim gets you a full cab with tinted windows and a heater, a rear bumper, and Arctic Cat’s “G8” display, a large TFT touchscreen that’s powered by Garmin GPS and infotainment. You also get extra storage in the cab, plus a roof liner for a more premium feel.

If you’ve got the cash, the Limited is worth the extra spend. It’s a big upgrade in quality and comfort, and the Garmin unit is one of the best in the business. That extra $4,500 is significant, but the Prowler Limited is still a lot cheaper than a full sized Polaris or Can-Am.

If I like this… what else should I look at?

If mid-size utility is what you want, Kawasaki’s Mule Pro FX 820 delivers comparable capability in a strippped-down package for less cash. Polaris’ Ranger 1000 and Can-Am’s Defender can also be had for around the same price and offer a lot more options in terms of factory trim and accessories, although the full cab treatment for either will cost you a pretty penny.

2025 Arctic Cat Prowler Specs

*specs shown are for base model XT trim*

Length: 124.3 in.

Width: 63 in.

Height: 78 in.

Wheelbase: 85 in.

Claimed Dry Weight: 1,605 lbs

Engine: Liquid-cooled three-cylinder

Displacement: 812cc

Transmission: CVT

Claimed Power: 50 hp.

Claimed Torque: 48 lb-ft

Fuel System: EFI

Steering: Electronic power steering

Drivetrain: 2WD/4WD/Selectable locking rear diff

Front Suspension: Double A-arm, 10-inch travel

Rear Suspension: Double A-arm, 9.5-inch travel

Front Brakes: Hydraulic disc

Rear Brakes: Hydraulic disk

Wheels F/R: 14-inch aluminum alloy

Tires F/R: 27/9×14 / 27/11×14

Bed Capacity: 1,000 lbs

Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs.

Seating Capacity: 3

Ground Clearance: 12.5 in.

Fuel Capacity: 9.3 gal