275 HP Isn’t an Automatic Win in the New Sport UTV Battle

RZR Pro R Boost vs. Teryx H2 vs. Maverick R: Horsepower Does Not Tell the Whole Story

The 2027 Polaris RZR Pro R Boost owns the biggest published horsepower number in the mainstream sport UTV market. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces an advertised 275 horsepower, beating the Kawasaki Teryx H2’s 250 and the Can-Am Maverick R’s 240.

That does not make the Polaris the uncontested winner.

Current manufacturer specifications show the base Kawasaki weighing approximately 445 pounds less than the two-seat RZR Pro R Boost Ultimate. That gives the Teryx H2 a better paper power-to-weight ratio despite trailing the Polaris by 25 horsepower.

Can-Am takes a third path. Its Maverick R gives up horsepower on the specification sheet but remains the only machine in this group with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of a continuously variable transmission.

These are three different answers to the same question: how should a manufacturer put more than 200 horsepower into the dirt without making the machine too heavy, too difficult to control or too expensive to own?

Model-year note: Polaris and Kawasaki have announced their 2027 two-seat machines. Can-Am’s U.S. lineup still lists the 2026 Maverick R as the current model as of August 7, 2026. This comparison will need updating after Can-Am announces its 2027 sport lineup.

The Specifications Reveal Three Different Strategies

The following figures come from current manufacturer pages and specification sheets. Horsepower figures are advertised engine output, not independent dyno results.

*Polaris publishes 215 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm but does not label that number as peak torque on its consumer page.

Current specifications were verified through Polaris, Kawasaki, and Can-Am.

Kawasaki Wins the Preliminary Power-to-Weight Math

The RZR Pro R Boost has the most horsepower, but every horsepower must move 9.20 pounds of published dry weight. The Maverick R X rs works out to approximately 9.48 pounds per horsepower.

The base Teryx H2 comes in at approximately 8.34 pounds per advertised horsepower.

That does not prove the Kawasaki will accelerate harder. Power-to-weight calculations cannot account for drivetrain losses, clutch calibration, gear ratios, traction control, tire construction, or how quickly each engine reaches its strongest part of the powerband.

There is also an important horsepower disclaimer. Kawasaki states that its 250-horsepower figure was measured under ISO 4106 and acknowledges that the result may be higher than a comparable SAE measurement. Polaris and Can-Am do not identify an equivalent measurement standard on the public specification pages reviewed for this comparison.

The only responsible conclusion is that the Kawasaki leads the published power-to-weight calculation. It does not yet lead a verified acceleration test.

Kawasaki’s current U.S. specification sheet lists the base Teryx H2 at 2,085.9 pounds dry. Some initial launch material and early coverage used approximately 2,073 pounds. This comparison uses Kawasaki’s current public specification.

Price Per Horsepower Makes Kawasaki Look Even Stronger

Using starting MSRP and advertised horsepower:

• Kawasaki costs approximately $132 per claimed horsepower.
• Polaris costs approximately $182 per claimed horsepower.
• Can-Am costs approximately $183 per claimed horsepower.

That makes an effective headline, but it is not a completely fair equipment comparison.

The $32,899 Kawasaki is the base Teryx H2. It has manually adjustable FOX 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks and does not include the Limited eS model’s Garmin navigation, integrated audio, roof, KECS+ electronic suspension or electronic sway bar.

The Teryx H2 Limited eS costs $41,399. That is a more appropriate comparison with the technology and equipment included on the RZR and Maverick R, although the electronic suspension systems still operate differently.

The $49,999 RZR Pro R Boost Ultimate includes DYNAMIX DV suspension, a 10.4-inch RIDE COMMAND display, a rear camera, premium audio, an aluminum roof, heated and ventilated seats and retractable six-point harnesses. The $52,999 Ultra adds DYNAMIX DVS with active sway-bar links, BFGoodrich tires, carbon-fiber components and an MPI steering wheel.

The $43,999 Maverick R X rs includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, front and rear cameras, a hard roof, beadlock wheels and manually adjustable FOX RC2 shocks. Smart-Shox is available as an option.

Kawasaki still holds a substantial price advantage after moving to the Limited eS, but the base-model comparison exaggerates that gap. The previous SXS horsepower comparison

CVT Versus DCT Could Matter More Than Peak Horsepower

Polaris and Kawasaki both use belt-driven continuously variable transmissions. Can-Am uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A CVT continuously adjusts its ratio to keep the engine in an effective portion of its powerband. The driver selects High or Low and controls the machine mainly through the throttle and brakes.

The concern is heat. A belt, primary clutch and driven clutch must manage substantial power during long dune climbs, deep sand, heavy wheelspin and low-speed technical use.

Polaris did not simply add a turbocharger to the existing Pro R and send it to dealers. The Boost receives a larger clutch, more clutch airflow, a stronger belt, transmission cooling and reinforced driveline components. Polaris says those changes are intended to control heat and reliably transfer the additional output.

The Kawasaki also uses a high-capacity CVT, and its instrumentation allows the driver to monitor CVT temperature. That display could be especially useful in deep sand or technical terrain where low speed and high engine load create a difficult cooling environment.

Can-Am avoids a conventional CVT drive belt. Its DCT provides seven fixed forward gears, High and Low ranges, automatic operation and paddle shifting. Gear changes give the Maverick R a mechanical character that the two CVT machines cannot duplicate.

The DCT is not automatically superior everywhere. Low-speed control, engine braking, heat rejection, shift strategy and repair costs all matter. Those questions require controlled testing and long-term owner experience.

Chassis Size May Decide Where Each Machine Belongs

The Teryx H2 has the shortest wheelbase in the comparison at 101 inches. The RZR measures 104.5 inches, while the Maverick R stretches to 108 inches.

A shorter wheelbase can help a machine rotate through corners and change direction on tighter terrain. A longer wheelbase generally improves stability through large whoops and reduces pitching over repeated bumps.

Width creates another important difference. The Kawasaki and Polaris are 74 inches wide. Can-Am lists the Maverick R X rs at 78.1 inches.

That extra width and the 108-inch wheelbase reinforce the Maverick R’s high-speed desert and dune focus. They also make the Can-Am more demanding to transport and maneuver through narrow gates, trailer openings and wooded trail systems.

None of these machines belongs on width-restricted 50- or 60-inch trails. Owners should verify local vehicle-width limits before spending more than $30,000 on a machine that may not fit their preferred trail network.

Can-Am leads conventional wheel travel with 25 inches up front and 25.5 inches at the rear. Kawasaki follows closely with 23.2 and 24 inches. Polaris lists 22.25 inches of front wheel travel and 24.5 inches in the rear, along with larger “usable travel” figures that include more than suspension movement alone.

For a direct comparison, conventional wheel travel is the more meaningful measurement.

The Kawasaki Recall Deserves Context, Not Assumptions

The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Recall 26-550 covers certain 2026 Teryx4 H2 and Teryx5 H2 models. It does not list the new two-seat 2027 Teryx H2.

The recalled machines can experience drive converter sheave breakage that may discharge metal fragments within and around the engine compartment. The CPSC reports 19 incidents and no injuries. The repair replaces the movable sheave assembly, adds a clutch cover guard, and reprograms the ECU.

That recall should not be applied to the 2027 two-seater without evidence. It does, however, create a legitimate buyer question: does the new model leave the factory with the updated sheave, guard, and calibration used in the recall repair?

The public launch and specification material reviewed for this comparison does not answer that question. Prospective buyers concerned about the connection should ask Kawasaki or an authorized dealer for model-specific clarification. The Teryx H2 recall repair

What Each Machine Appears to Do Best

These assessments remain provisional until the machines are driven together.

Polaris RZR Pro R Boost: Maximum Published Power

The Polaris makes the strongest case for riders who prioritize acceleration, large dunes, elevation performance, and premium factory equipment.

Its disadvantages are equally clear: it is the heaviest machine in the comparison, the most expensive entry point, and carries only a 150-pound cargo-box rating. The first units are expected to begin reaching dealers in November 2026, so real owner durability data will take time to develop.

How Polaris built the RZR Pro R Boost

Kawasaki Teryx H2: Power-to-Weight and Value

The Kawasaki combines the shortest wheelbase, lowest published dry weight, largest stock tires and lowest MSRP.

Its base price also leaves room for protection, spare tires, communication equipment or other accessories. Buyers wanting electronic suspension, navigation, audio and an electronic sway bar will need the $41,399 Limited eS.

The biggest unanswered questions involve real acceleration, CVT behavior, steering response at speed and whether the short wheelbase feels agile or busy through large whoops.

Can-Am Maverick R X rs: DCT and High-Speed Chassis

The Maverick R has the lowest published horsepower figure in this comparison, but overlooking it on that basis would ignore its seven-speed DCT, long wheelbase, wide stance, and leading conventional suspension travel.

Its 78.1-inch width is an asset in open terrain and a liability in tight spaces. Buyers also need to consider whether they prefer automatic DCT shifts, manual paddle control or the smoother ratio changes of a CVT.

The On-Paper Winner Depends on What You Count

Polaris leads advertised horsepower.

Kawasaki leads the current published power-to-weight calculation, starting-price comparison and cargo rating.

Can-Am offers the only geared transmission, the widest chassis and the most conventional wheel travel.

None of those category wins determines which machine will be fastest, easiest to live with or most durable. A useful test must compare acceleration, braking, drivetrain temperatures, low-speed control, fuel use, cabin heat and suspension behavior on the same terrain.

Until that happens, the Kawasaki presents the strongest numerical value argument, the Polaris owns the power headline and the Can-Am remains the mechanical outlier that horsepower math alone cannot explain.

Which approach fits how you ride: maximum turbo power, a lighter supercharged package or a seven-speed DCT? Join the discussion in the SXS Nation communities.

Sources

1. Polaris
   • Title: Polaris Introduces Breakthrough Power, Innovation and Value Across 2027 Off-Road Lineup
   • Date: August 3, 2026
   • URL: Polaris 2027 off-road lineup release
   • Supports: Launch timing, 275-hp claim, drivetrain changes, trims, pricing and November dealer shipments
   • Type: Primary
2. Polaris
   • Title: 2027 RZR Pro R Boost
   • Updated: Not stated; accessed August 7, 2026
   • URL: Polaris RZR Pro R Boost
   • Supports: Torque at 4,000 rpm, fuel capacity, drivetrain, touchscreen, seating and cooling features
   • Type: Primary
3. Polaris
   • Title: Compare 2027 Polaris RZR Pro R Boost Models
   • Updated: Not stated; accessed August 7, 2026
   • URL: Polaris Boost trim comparison
   • Supports: Dry weight, MSRP, dimensions, payload, cargo rating, travel and trim equipment
   • Type: Primary
4. Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
   • Title: 2027 Teryx H2 Specifications
   • Updated: Not stated; accessed August 7, 2026
   • URL: Kawasaki Teryx H2 specification sheet
   • Supports: Current dry weight, horsepower, torque, fuel capacity, dimensions, travel, cargo and MSRP
   • Type: Primary
5. Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
   • Title: 2027 Teryx H2 Limited eS Specifications
   • Updated: Not stated; accessed August 7, 2026
   • URL: Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS specification sheet
   • Supports: Limited eS weight, KECS+, electronic sway bar, Garmin system, audio, roof and MSRP
   • Type: Primary
6. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
   • Title: Kawasaki Motors USA Recalls Model Year 2026 Teryx4 H2 and Teryx5 H2 Recreational Off-Road Vehicles
   • Date: June 11, 2026
   • URL: CPSC Recall 26-550
   • Supports: Affected models, incident count, hazard and three-part recall remedy
   • Type: Primary
7. Can-Am/BRP
   • Title: 2026 Can-Am Maverick R
   • Updated: Not stated; accessed August 7, 2026
   • URL: Can-Am Maverick R
   • Supports: Current model year, horsepower, DCT, pricing, trims and feature descriptions
   • Type: Primary
8. Can-Am/BRP
   • Title: 2026 Maverick R X RS Specification Sheet
   • Model year: 2026
   • URL: Can-Am Maverick R X rs PDF
   • Supports: Dry weight, dimensions, suspension travel, tires, fuel capacity and equipment
   • Type: Primary
9. UTV Guide
   • Title: Polaris RZR Pro R Boost vs. Kawasaki Teryx H2 vs. Can-Am Maverick R
   • Date: August 4, 2026
   • URL: Not supplied in the attached copy
   • Supports: Competing comparison structure and claims reviewed for verification
   • Type: Secondary
10. SXS Nation
    • Title: 7 Secrets Of The Polaris RZR Pro R Boost
    • Date: August 4, 2026
    • URL: SXS Nation RZR Pro R Boost analysis
    • Supports: Existing coverage, sourcing and internal-link plan
    • Type: Secondary
11. SXS Nation
    • Title: Supercharged, Turbo, or Big NA? 2026’s SxS Power War
    • Date: Not displayed; accessed August 7, 2026
    • URL: SXS Nation 2026 power comparison
    • Supports: Previous comparison and content-overlap plan
    • Type: Secondary
12. SXS Nation
    • Title: Kawasaki’s Teryx H2 Recall Fix Is Here—But Should Owners Still Be Worried?
    • Date: Not displayed; accessed August 7, 2026
    • URL: SXS Nation Teryx H2 recall coverage
    • Supports: Existing recall coverage and internal-link plan
    • Type: Secondary