Supercharged, Turbo, or Big NA? 2026’s SxS Power War

250 HP?! 2026 SxS Power War: Kawasaki Teryx H2 vs Maverick R (240 hp) vs RZR Pro R (225 hp)

2026 side-by-side horsepower comparison

TL;DR: Kawasaki’s supercharged Teryx H2 arrives with a headline-grabbing 250 hp (ISO-rated). Can-Am’s Maverick R counters with a 240-hp turbo and a lightning-quick DCT, while Polaris RZR Pro R stays king of composure with massive usable travel. On the trail, gearing, driveline losses, suspension, and weight matter as much as the badge number.

The 2026 side-by-side horsepower comparison rating trap: ISO vs SAE (and why “250” ≠ “240” on the same scale)

Manufacturers don’t always measure horsepower with the same standard. Some ratings follow ISO procedures; others use SAE. Different test setups and correction factors can produce different numbers for the same engine. That’s why “paper hp” doesn’t always predict “seat-of-the-pants” speed. Treat the figures below as claimed and focus on how power is delivered through the transmission, tires, and terrain.

Snapshot specs (what you’re actually buying)

Numbers reflect manufacturer claims and typical trim configurations; specs vary by model/trim and may change.

Apples/oranges alert: Horsepower is one piece. Transmission type (DCT vs CVT), clutching, final drive, curb weight, and tire diameter all change how fast the machine actually feels.

How they feel on dirt (not just on paper)

Launch & mid-range hit

• Maverick R (DCT): Snappy, consistent pulls through real gears. Minimal power interruption between shifts and less driveline loss than a belt. Feels quick everywhere.
• RZR Pro R (CVT): Big-cube NA torque with well-tuned clutching. Strong, linear shove and excellent throttle control—even better as speeds climb.
• Teryx H2 (CVT): Supercharger brings instant boost and huge revs. Expect strong top-end and a “big-engine” character; belt behavior and mass will shape how it hooks up.

Chassis & suspension character

• High-speed whoops/dunes: RZR Pro R shines with its broad stance and deep usable travel. Confidence is its superpower.
• Mixed desert/technical: Maverick R blends long travel with engine-braking and precise ratio control—great when you’re charging, then tip-toeing.
• Chopped rock/loaded crews: Teryx H2 pairs stout travel with big stock tires and available multi-seat configs for comfortable, planted progress.

Real-world matchups

• Top-speed desert runs: Edge: RZR Pro R for calm chassis at pace; Wildcard: Teryx H2 if its big ISO number translates after CVT and weight.
• Short sprints & tight dunes: Edge: Maverick R—DCT keeps you in the right gear with crisp response.
• Technical climbs & family rides: Edge: Teryx H2 (torque, 33s, seating options) or Maverick R (ratio control). Choose based on passenger/gear needs vs shift feel.

Buyer guide: which one fits you?

• “I live for big dunes and whoops at 60+.” → RZR Pro R
  High-speed composure and deep usable travel inspire confidence. Consider radius rods/tie rods if you punish it.
• “I want razor-sharp response and less belt drama.” → Maverick R
  The 7-speed DCT delivers crisp shifts and strong wheel power. Great driver involvement; precise when you’re on/off throttle.
• “I want bragging-rights power and room for the crew.” → Teryx H2
  250-hp headline, big tires, and available multi-seat versatility. Build around belt care and cooling airflow if you ride hot, slow terrain.

Top 5 Safety Upgrades (add these before the bling)

1. 4/5-Point Harnesses (properly mounted): Keep bodies planted so the suspension can work. Add harness pads and anti-sub strap where appropriate.
2. DOT/ECE Helmet + Eye Protection: Modern trail lids with comms-friendly ear pockets make “helmet always” realistic for the whole group.
3. Window Nets or Full Doors + Intrusion Bar: Prevent limbs from exiting in a tip/roll and stiffen the cockpit.
4. Fire Readiness: A 2.5-lb ABC or clean-agent extinguisher on a metal quick-release mount—reachable from the driver’s seat—plus a simple first-aid kit.
5. Visibility & Comms: Tall whips/flags for dunes, forward dust lights, and a reliable GMRS or intercom so the group can coordinate safely.