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2025 Speed UTV El Jefe Buyer’s Guide

2025 speed utv el jefe driving across the desert.

$47,499 MSRP

Ludicrous 300 horsepower engine

Advanced chassis design

• A mini 4-door trophy t
ruck

Exotic racecar appeal for four.

Few names command as much respect in the world of off-road racing as Robby Gordon. With seven SCORE championships, three Baja 1000 wins, and a career spanning everything from trophy trucks to NASCAR, you could say the man knows a thing or two about going fast.

You could also say Gordon knows a thing or two about building fast cars. Legend has it he played a major role in the design of the original Polaris RZR and gave Arctic Cat the blueprint for the Wildcat XX, and then there’s his current brainchild, Speed UTV.

2025 speed utv el jefe with custom wrap at sunset.

The El Jefe is one of Speed’s three current models. It’s the only four seat option in their 2025 lineup, and the longest and largest of the lot. A family-friendly racecar, if you will. With sharp looks, insane power, and advanced chassis design, there’s nothing else on the market quite like a Speed UTV El Jefe.

How much power does it make?

The Speed UTV El Jefe utilizes a 999cc turbocharged parallel twin. On pump gas, Speed claims it makes 225 horsepower. Throw in some E85 and activate the “Speed Key” map, and Speed says it’s good for up to 300 stonkin’ horsepower.

And no, running E85 and the Speed Key map won’t effect your warranty. You’re free to cruise up to an electronically limited 93 mph with as much confidence and peace of mind as you can muster. Strap those kids in tight.

2025 speed utv el jefe climbing up a rocky trail.

What makes it special?

When you buy a Speed UTV El Jefe, you’re buying a built-to-order rig designed by a three-time Baja 1000 champion. That’s pretty special in its own right. Robby Gordon knows his way around a trophy truck, and he builds his UTVs with a lot of the same DNA.

A Speed UTV is unlike anything else on the market. Modes are changed in the three-speed CVT gearbox with an old-school rachet shifter. Dual-fuel capability comes standard, which means you can switch to E85 and the full 300 horsepower output without draining your fuel tank or paying for an aftermarket tune.

The chassis is insanely dialed, and made entirely of proprietary tech. That includes massive 3.25-inch IBP shocks on all four corners, an insanely stable 77-inch track, and 22 inches of suspension travel. The El Jefe is built for wide-open desert racing, but it also happens to have a back seat.

Like all Speed UTVs, the El Jefe is also covered by Speed UTV’s standard six month factory warranty which can extended to a full four years. That brings peace of mind to a fairly exotic purchase: you grenade your engine, they send you a new one. No questions asked.

2025 speed utv el jefe suspension detail.

Why do I want it?

You buy any Speed UTV because you want the kind of obscene power and exotic design that can’t be obtained through mass production. A truly race-ready rig, built by a team that’s been knee deep in racing for decades.

In the case of the El Jefe, you also want a four-seater with room for the whole family. If you’re gonna do the ton with your kids in tow, best to do it with a massive 120-inch wheelbase. You know, for safety.

You also want an El Jefe because you don’t want to be just another Pro R 4 or Mav R Max or Teryx4 H2 in the parking lot. There’s no denying the curb appeal of such a rare and exciting vehicle. Everyone wants to experience riding in an El Jefe, and that novelty won’t wear off anytime soon.

Last but not least, the Speed UTV El Jefe actually packs a ton of utility for a pure sport rig. It’s massive 48″x36″ bed is rated to haul a full 350 pounds. Speed UTV has also cleared the El Jefe to tow up to 1,500 pounds. Most sport rigs aren’t rated to tow at all, yet alone equipped with a hitch receiver.

2025 speed utv el jefe on a race course.

Why don’t I want it?

The first obstacle to ownership for the Speed UTV El Jefe is price. Even the less expensive LE version starts at $47,499, which is nearly $10,000 more than the current Pro R 4 and about $4000 more than the cheapest 2026 Maverick R Max. Don’t even get us started on the new Teryx4 H2, which starts at just $37,199.

Your second obstacle is going to be dealer support. While current Speed UTV owners report outstanding customer service and warranty coverage, there are some horror stories out there about Speed UTVs sitting for weeks waiting on parts. It’s also worth noting that unlike its mass-produced competitors, Speed UTV is still reportedly ironing out some quality control issues with their Vietnam-based manufacturing plant.

If you want to own an exotic car, you can expect some exotic car problems. For some owners, addressing out the occassional overheating issue, leak, or quirk is to be expected, and they’re still over the moon for their El Jefe. Others prefer the cut-and-dry ownership experience of a mass produced rig.

2025 speed utv el jefe rear end detail.

What trim do I want?

As of this writing, Speed UTV is offering the El Jefe in two trims: there’s the more affordable LE (Limited Edition) trim, and then there’s the premium RG (Robby Gordon) edition.

If you’ve got the cash to drop on a top-shelf UTV, we’d recommend stepping up to the RG trim. At $49,999, it’s only a $2,500 upcharge over the LE, yet comes with nearly $6,000 in upgrades according to Speed UTV. Those include carbon suede seats, a vented roof, a radio intercom kit, window nets, and a suede steering wheel.

Speed originally offered the El Jefe in a $34,500 “base” trim, which got you in the door with plastic seats, non-beadlock wheels, and non-IBP shocks. You might still be able to secure one by sending them an email, but as far as we’re concerned, going cheap on the suspension defeats the whole purpose of owning a Speed UTV.

2025 speed utv el jefe with blue wrap parked in the desert.

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

If you want a flat-out sport rig but have some reservations about the quality or reliability of a Speed UTV, we’d recommend checking out the Kawasaki Teryx H2. Polaris’ RZR Pro R 4 or Can-Am’s Maverick R Max are both proven contenders with traditional dealer support as well.

DirtHammer

2025 Speed UTV El Jefe Specs

*Current RG Edition specs shown*

Length: 161 in.

Width: 77 in.

Height: 70 in.

Wheelbase: 120 in.

Claimed Dry Weight: 2,482 lbs

Engine: Turbocharged inline two-cylinder

Displacement: 999cc

Transmission: CVT w/ three-speed dogbox gear selector

Claimed Power: 225 hp (300 hp with Speed Key tune)

Claimed Torque: NA

Fuel System: EFI

Steering: Hydraulic power steering

Drivetrain: Hi/Lo/OD/Reverse

Front Suspension: Proprietary position-senstive internal bypass shocks, 22″ travel

Rear Suspension: Proprietary position-senstive internal bypass shocks, 22″ travel

Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic disc

Rear Brakes: Dual hydraulic disc

Wheels F/R: Proprietary aluminum beadlock, 15 in.

Tires F/R: Proprietary 30 or 33/9.5/15

Bed Capacity: 350 lbs

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.

Seating Capacity: 4

Ground Clearance: 15.5 in.

Fuel Capacity: 15 gal

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