Image Arctic Cat Alterra 450

Arctic Cat Alterra 450 Review: A Reliable Workhorse for All Your Adventures

Hey folks! After spending several weekends putting the Arctic Cat Alterra 450 through its paces on my property and local trails, I figured it was time to share my thoughts. If you’re in the market for a mid-sized ATV that won’t break the bank but still delivers solid performance, this might be the ride for you.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance

The Alterra 450 comes with a 442cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke SOHC engine with electronic fuel injection. Despite the “450” in the name (which makes marketing sense), it’s actually a 442cc powerplant pushing about 27 horsepower. Not the most powerful in its class, but more than enough juice for most trail riding and work tasks.

What I really appreciate is the EFI system. Unlike carbureted engines, this fires up easily in cold weather and at different altitudes without any fussing around. The engine is surprisingly responsive when you need it to be, and the CVT transmission shifts smoothly whether you’re crawling over rocks or opening it up on straightaways.

Top speed hits around 50 mph (80 km/h), which honestly is plenty fast for an ATV of this size. Trust me, that feels plenty quick when you’re bouncing through a forest trail!

Getting Around: Drive System and Handling

One of the big selling points here is the selectable 2WD/4WD system. The switch between modes is handled through a manual lever rather than a push-button electric system. Some might see this as outdated, but I’ve found mechanical systems tend to be more reliable in the long run, especially when you’re deep in mud or water.

The transmission gives you High, Low, Neutral, Reverse, and Park options, giving you flexibility for different situations. Low range is particularly useful when you’re hauling heavy loads or navigating tricky uphill sections.

With 10.2 inches (25.9 cm) of ground clearance, this ATV rides high enough to clear most obstacles you’ll encounter on the trail. The independent double A-arm suspension provides 7.5 inches of travel up front and 7 inches in the rear, soaking up bumps admirably. It’s not the plushest ride in its class, but it gets the job done without rattling your teeth loose.

Built to Work: Capacity and Utility

This isn’t just a weekend toy – the 450 Arctic Cat is built to work. It can tow up to 1,050 pounds (477 kg) with its standard 2-inch receiver hitch, which is impressive for an ATV of this size. The front rack can hold 75 pounds (34 kg) while the rear rack supports 150 pounds (68 kg). Total carrying capacity tops out at 440 pounds (199.5 kg).

The steel racks are durable and offer plenty of tie-down points for securing your gear. Whether you’re hauling firewood, tools, or hunting equipment, this machine has the muscle to get the job done.

Nuts and Bolts: Technical Details

Let’s get into some of the nitty-gritty specs for those who care about the details:

• Tire setup: 25×8-12 front and 25×10-12 rear Kenda tires mounted on steel wheels
• Brake system: Dual hydraulic discs up front, single hydraulic disc in the rear
• Fuel capacity: 4.3 gallons (16.3 L)
• Engine oil capacity: 3 quarts (2.8 L), uses ACX All Weather Synthetic oil
• Dimensions: 83.9 inches long, 44 inches wide, 46.9 inches tall
• Wheelbase: 47.7 inches (121 cm)
• Dry weight: About 615 pounds (279.1 kg)

The digital dash display gives you all the essential information, including speed, gear position, trip meter, hour meter, and more. It’s not fancy, but it’s easy to read even in bright sunlight.

Image Arctic Cat Alterra 450

How the Alterra 450 Stacks Up Against Other Arctic Cat Models

If you’re looking at Arctic Cat’s lineup, you might be wondering how the Alterra 450 compares to its siblings. Let me break it down for you:

Alterra 450 vs. Alterra 600

The most obvious step up from the 450 is the Alterra 600, which packs a 600cc engine compared to the 450’s 442cc powerplant. That extra displacement translates to about 18% more power, which you’ll definitely feel on steep climbs and when hauling heavy loads.

The biggest practical difference? The Alterra 600 comes standard with electronic power steering (EPS) across all trim levels, while the 450 doesn’t offer it at all. After a full day of riding, your arms will thank you for that power steering. The 600 also features a more advanced CVTech transmission that some riders find smoother and more responsive.

Price-wise, expect to pay about $1,500-2,000 more for the 600 compared to the 450. Worth it? Depends on your needs. If you regularly tackle rough terrain or put in long hours on the trail, that power steering alone might justify the upgrade.

Alterra 450 vs. Alterra 300

Looking downward in the lineup, the Alterra 300 offers a simpler, more bare-bones experience with its 300cc engine. It’s about $1,400 cheaper than the 450, making it attractive for first-time buyers or those on a tight budget.

However, the 300 lacks the 450’s independent rear suspension (using a swingarm setup instead), has less ground clearance (8.2 vs 10.2 inches), and offers significantly less towing capacity (850 vs 1,050 pounds). The 300 also doesn’t have the 450’s digital display or EFI system, using a carburetor instead.

My take? The price jump to the 450 is worth it unless you’re primarily using the ATV for very light tasks on relatively flat terrain.

Alterra 450 vs. Alterra 700

At the high end of Arctic Cat’s utility ATV line sits the Alterra 700, with its beefy 700cc engine, standard EPS, and more premium suspension components. It’s a beast of a machine that costs around $3,000 more than the 450.

While the 700 offers substantially more power and some nice creature comforts, it’s also physically larger, heavier, and more intimidating for novice riders. The 450 Arctic Cat hits a sweet spot of maneuverability and approachable power that many riders actually prefer, even if they could afford the 700.

Why You Should Consider the Alterra 450

After comparing it with its Arctic Cat siblings, here are some compelling reasons why the 450 might be your best bet:

Sweet Spot of Price and Performance

For the given price, the Alterra 450 hits a sweet spot between budget-friendly options and higher-end models. You get features like EFI, independent suspension, and selectable 4WD without paying for bells and whistles you might not need.

Versatility for Work and Play

Unlike some ATVs that excel at either utility or recreation but not both, the Alterra 450 does a solid job at both. It’s comfortable enough for all-day trail riding but has the towing and carrying capacity to handle property maintenance and other work tasks.

Manageable Size

The 450 is large enough to feel substantial but not so big that it becomes unwieldy. Newer riders won’t feel intimidated, but experienced ATV enthusiasts won’t outgrow it quickly. Its 615-pound weight makes it manageable to load onto trailers or maneuver in tight spots.

Reliability Factor

Arctic Cat has been in the game for decades, and that experience shows in the Alterra’s construction. While no machine is perfect (more on that in a bit), the 450 Arctic Cat has earned a reputation for being a dependable workhorse that doesn’t spend too much time in the repair shop.

Dealer Support

Arctic Cat has a solid dealer network, making it easier to find parts and service when needed. This isn’t something to overlook – trying to maintain an obscure brand can become a nightmare when something inevitably breaks.

Room for Improvement

To keep it real, there are a few areas where the Alterra 450 falls short:

• The halogen lights are adequate but not great. An LED upgrade would be a welcome improvement.
• The manual 4WD lever works fine but feels dated compared to push-button systems on competing models.
• There’s no power steering option, which you’ll notice during long rides or when navigating technical terrain.
• Limited storage options – there’s no sealed compartment for personal items.
• Some owners have reported occasional overheating issues during extended heavy use.

If you’re coming from the more premium models in Arctic Cat’s lineup, you’ll definitely notice what’s missing. The lack of power steering is particularly noticeable if you’ve been spoiled by the Alterra 600 or 700. And compared to the higher models’ digital displays, the 450’s feels a bit basic – though it gives you all the essential information.

The 450 also misses out on the more advanced CVTech transmission found in the 600 and 700 models. While the 450’s CVT works well enough, the CVTech system in the bigger models provides smoother engagement and better response across the power band.

The Bottom Line

The Arctic Cat Alterra 450 isn’t the flashiest or most feature-packed ATV on the market, but it’s a solid, reliable machine that offers genuine value for the money. It handles both work and recreation duties with confidence, and its mid-range size makes it approachable for a wide range of riders.

For homeowners with property to maintain, hunters needing a reliable trail companion, or weekend warriors looking for affordable adventures, the Alterra 450 deserves a serious look. Sometimes the best choice isn’t the most expensive option with all the latest gadgets – it’s the one that reliably does what you need it to do, year after year, without drama. That’s exactly what the Alterra 450 delivers.

If you’ve got one of these machines or are thinking about getting one, drop a comment below! I’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions you might have.