Image Arctic Cat Alterra 300

Arctic Cat Alterra 300: The Mid-Size ATV That Punches Above Its Weight

I’ve tested a little bit in the last time the Arctic Cat Alterra 300, and all I can say is that this machine has good potential. If you have any thoughts about buying a new one, let me share my honest thoughts about it.

Ready to ride

The first thing that struck me about the Alterra 300 was how easy it is to just hop on and go. As someone who doesn’t have time to play with complicated settings, I really appreciate this.

The 270cc liquid-cooled engine is the heart of this mid class ATV, and it doesn’t disappoint at all.

I’ve run this thing for hours on end, and it keeps a steady temperature even on the hottest days, which is amazing if you compare it with other ATVs.

With around 20 horsepower, it’s got enough punch to tackle steep hills while still being manageable for newer riders who are just getting into ATVs.

What I love most is how it handles long jobs. I recently spent an entire Saturday clearing brush on my back property, and the engine never felt strained or overheated. Try doing that with an air-cooled machine, and you’ll see the result; for sure, the temperature will go crazy!

The CVT transmission is a game-changer, especially if you’re newer to ATVs. There’s no complicated shifting, just select high, low, neutral, or reverse and twist the throttle.

After the entire testing, what I can say is that I was impressed with how smooth the power delivery is.

Having both high and low-range options means this ATV is super versatile. Low range gives you the torque for pulling heavy loads or crawling over obstacles, while high range lets you cruise comfortably at speeds up to about 50 mph.

Night Rider Surprise

One of my favorite things so far was taking an evening ride as the sun was setting over our local trails. When darkness fell, I flipped on those dual halogen headlights and was honestly surprised at how well they lit up the path ahead. The taillights are bright enough that my riding buddies had no trouble following me through the woods.

This lighting setup isn’t just about extending your ride time – it’s a huge safety feature. I’ve had to head back to the truck after dark a couple of times when rides went longer than planned, and having good visibility made all the difference.

Improved Traction and Grip Without the Hassle

After owning a chain-drive ATV before testing this one, the shaft drive on the Alterra 300 feels like a luxury feature. No more greasing chains or worrying about tension adjustments!

I was very surprised about the fact that the rear axle gives awesome traction in corners and when climbing.

During testing on a particularly muddy ride, I watched several riders with fancier (and more expensive) ATVs struggle with slipping and sliding while the Alterra 300 just kept chugging along.
The improved traction from the solid rear axle made a real difference, and I didn’t have to spend hours cleaning a chain afterward.

Image Arctic Cat Alterra 300

The suspension is a charm on this ATV

The 5 inches of travel on both the front and rear suspension might not sound like much on paper, but out on the trails, it makes a world of difference. This setup soaks up rocks, roots, and ruts that would have jarred my fillings loose on my old ATV.

I’m not exactly a lightweight rider (let’s just say I enjoy my burgers and steaks), but the suspension handles my frame plus gear without bottoming out on normal trails.

The 6.5 inches of ground clearance means I rarely scrape the undercarriage, even when crossing over fallen logs or going through shallow creek beds.

Yes, let’s talk about loading capabilities

Don’t let the mid-size classification fool you because this 300 Arctic Cat ATV can really work. The front rack holds 50 pounds, and the rear takes 100 pounds.

The impact-resistant composite material they’re made from has handled everything from camping gear to firewood without a scratch.

But the real surprise, in my opinion, was the towing capacity. At 500 pounds, it’s enough for serious work around the property if you intend to use it like this. I’ve used mine to drag a small trailer loaded with firewood, pull a food plot disc, and even rescue my neighbor’s riding mower when it got stuck. For a “recreational” ATV, it sure earns its keep!

Perfect for First-Timers and Veterans Alike

What makes the Alterra 300 special, if you want my honest thoughts, is how it bridges the gap between a beginner-friendly and a seriously capable machine. Even a young boy can handle it confidently, but it’s still fun enough for me also so that I’m not bored when I take it out for a spin.

The controls are simple and intuitive, the seat height is comfortable for most adults, and the weight is manageable at around 477 pounds dry. It feels substantial without being bulky or unwieldy on narrow trails.

A Few Honest Drawbacks

No review would be honest without mentioning some downsides:

• The carburetor can be finicky on cold mornings (a little choke and patience required)
• The stock seat gets uncomfortable after about two hours of riding, you need to take a break
• Wind protection is basically non-existent (but that’s pretty standard for all ATVs)

Bottom Line – Worth Every Penny

After putting some miles on Alterra 300, I can confidently say it offers tremendous bang for your buck if you ask me. It’s not the biggest, fastest, or fanciest ATV out there, but it might just be the perfect balance of capability, reliability, and affordability at the end of the day.

Whether you’re new to ATVs or just looking for something that can work hard without breaking the bank, the 300 Arctic Cat deserves a serious look.