Arctic Cat Alterra 600: More Than Just an ATV

Ever ridden something that just gets you? That’s what the Alterra 600 feels like. This isn’t just another four-wheeler – it’s Arctic Cat putting 40+ years of dirt and snow know-how into one mean machine.

Since making its comeback, the Alterra 600 has been turning heads without making a big fuss about it. While other brands scream about new features, Arctic Cat just built something that works damn well and let riders spread the word.

From the mud-loving Mud Pro to the do-it-all XT, these aren’t cookie-cutter ATVs. They’re built for guys like you and me, who know the difference between a good ride and a great one.

So what’s the big deal? Why are serious riders – the kind who judge a machine by feel rather than flashy specs – choosing the Alterra 600? What makes that 597cc engine special?

Where It All Started

The Alterra 600 didn’t just show up out of nowhere. It’s got history. Real history.

Arctic Cat launched the Alterra line back in 2014 when they were fighting to get back in the game after some rough years. They weren’t looking to make the fastest ATV or the biggest workhorse – they wanted something in between that did everything well.

The 600cc engine was their sweet spot. Enough power to have fun and get work done, but not so much that it became a handful. They built it to feel nimble on trails but strong enough to pull its weight on the farm.

What makes the Alterra special isn’t any one feature – it’s how everything works together. It’s an ATV built by people who actually ride, not just design them.

How the 600 Arctic Cat Became a Powerhouse: 2014-2023

When Arctic Cat first dropped the Alterra 600 back in 2014, they weren’t just adding another four-wheeler to their lineup. They were making a statement. I remember seeing it at a dealer show and thinking, “This isn’t just another work machine or just another trail toy.” It was trying to be both.

By 2015, they’d added power steering (EPS) which was a game-changer for guys like me who spend all day on the trails. Trust me, your arms thank you after 8 hours of wrestling through tight woods without that arm-numbing handlebar feedback.

Then 2017 rolled around and things got interesting. Arctic Cat started getting specific with models like the Mud Pro and Black Hills Edition. The Mud Pro wasn’t just an Alterra with bigger tires slapped on – it was rebuilt from the ground up for serious mud work. Those Maxxis Zillas could pull you through stuff that would swallow lesser machines whole.

Fast forward to the 2023 models, and Arctic Cat went back to what made them great – building tough-as-nails utility machines that can still tear it up on the weekends. The upgraded CVTech Trailbloc transmission shifts butter-smooth now, whether you’re crawling over rocks or opening it up on straightaways. The LTD version is practically a Cadillac with that premium bumper and 3,500 pound WARN winch standard.

What Changed Over Time

Arctic Cat kept tweaking the formula year after year. The suspension travel grew to 8.75 inches, which doesn’t sound like much on paper, but man, you feel every bit of it when you’re flying down a washboard trail at speed.

The newer models like the EPS and XT added stuff that seems small but makes a huge difference – LED lights that let you see at night, front tow hooks that don’t break when you’re pulling your buddy’s stuck machine, and storage that’s actually usable when you’re wearing gloves.

Each new version wasn’t just checking boxes on a features list – it was Arctic Cat saying “We heard you” to riders who spent real time on their machines. The 600 Arctic Cat today isn’t just an updated version of the 2014 model – it’s evolved based on thousands of trail miles, muddy weekends, and hard work days.

What Makes These Machines Tick

The Engine: Just Right Power

The 600cc single-cylinder engine hits a sweet spot that most manufacturers miss. At 45 horsepower, it’s got enough grunt to pull a loaded trailer up a steep hill but won’t try to kill you when your thumb gets a little heavy on the throttle.

I’ve ridden bigger machines that feel like rockets, but they drink gas like it’s going out of style and beat you up after a couple hours. The Alterra feels just right – responsive when you need power but not constantly fighting you on technical trails.

That CVTech transmission is a work of art. No jerky shifts, no hunting for the right gear – just smooth power delivery from a dead stop to top speed. When you’re halfway up a rock face or deep in mud, that kind of predictable power makes all the difference.

Drive System: Options When You Need Them

The 2WD/4WD system on the Alterra is one of its best features. Running in 2WD on flat trails saves fuel and makes steering lighter, but I can flip to 4WD on the fly when things get nasty. No stopping, no getting off – just click and go.

The locked rear diff is a lifesaver in slick stuff. When both rear wheels turn together, you’ve got double the bite. I’ve seen guys with “better” machines spinning tires while my Alterra just chugs through.

Suspension: The Real MVP

After riding for 20+ years, I’ve learned suspension makes or breaks an ATV. The Alterra’s double A-arm setup with 8.75 inches of travel front and rear hits the mark perfectly. It’s plush enough to soak up small bumps but doesn’t bottom out on big hits.

The Mud Pro takes this even further with higher clearance to keep your belly out of the muck. I’ve watched a stock Mud Pro clear obstacles that high-centered other “mud-specific” machines from competitors.

Control matters more than comfort here – the suspension keeps your wheels on the ground when lesser setups would have you bouncing off-line. That predictability lets you ride harder and longer without getting beat up.

Brakes That Actually Work

It seems simple, but good brakes matter. The hydraulic discs on the Alterra stop you confidently whether you’re coming down a steep hill or need to avoid a fallen tree on the trail. The rear foot brake feels natural, and the parking brake actually holds on inclines (which isn’t always the case with other brands, trust me).

Tires: Where Rubber Meets Reality

Depending on which model you choose, the Alterra comes with different rubber – but they’re all purpose-built. The Mud Pro’s 28-inch Maxxis Zillas look like tractor tires and hook up like them too. Meanwhile, the EPS and XT models have more all-around tires that still grip well but roll smoother on hard surfaces.

The aluminum wheels on some models aren’t just for looks – they shave weight where it matters most. Lighter wheels mean your suspension reacts quicker and your engine doesn’t work as hard.

Finding Your Perfect Alterra 600

Mud Pro: The Swamp Thing

If you live for the mud and measure weekend fun by how much cleaning you need afterward, the Mud Pro is your machine. Those 28-inch Zillas combined with high clearance and the locked diff, will take you places that would make other ATVs quit.

This machine makes sense if:

• Your trails regularly look like chocolate pudding
• You’ve ever used the phrase “Hold my beer” before hitting a mud hole
• You need serious traction for wet work conditions

I’ve seen stock Mud Pros go through stuff that would drown modified machines from other brands. It’s purpose-built for the worst conditions you can throw at it.

Black Hills Edition: The Mountain Goat

The Black Hills Edition keeps the aggressive tires but tweaks the package for rocky, technical terrain. It’s for riders who spend more time climbing and descending than splashing.

This one’s for you if:

• Your trails involve more rocks than dirt
• You deal with steep climbs and descents regularly
• You want mud capability without sacrificing trail performance

The suspension tuning makes this model shine on uneven surfaces where precision matters more than raw power.

EPS Model: The All-Arounder

The EPS model is the jack-of-all-trades in the lineup. The power steering makes it comfortable for all-day rides, while the balanced setup works for both recreation and utility.

Choose this one if:

• You ride a mix of trails and do occasional work
• You regularly put in long days on the machine
• You want comfort without sacrificing capability

I’ve got friends who’ve put 5,000+ miles on EPS models with nothing but regular maintenance. They’re the Toyota Tacoma of ATVs – not flashy, just dependable.

XT: The Workhorse

The XT is built for people who work hard and play hard. The front bumper and winch come standard because Arctic Cat knows you’ll need them, not just want them for looks.

This model makes sense if:

• You use your ATV for serious work around your property
• You need to haul and recover regularly
• You want something that can take abuse day after day

I know a guy who’s used his XT daily on his ranch for four years straight – hauling feed, checking fences, and occasionally hitting trails on Sundays. Still runs like new.

LTD: The Premium Experience

The LTD doesn’t apologize for adding comfort and style to capability. The color-matched seat, composite racks, and extra features make long days more enjoyable without sacrificing what makes an Alterra great.

This one’s for you if:

• You want the best 600 Arctic Cat offers without custom upgrades
• You appreciate the attention to detail and finish quality
• You don’t mind paying more for a premium experience

It’s like comparing a base model truck to the top trim level – same capability, just nicer to live with day to day.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re slogging through mud, climbing mountains, working your land, or just exploring trails, there’s an Alterra 600 built specifically for how and where you ride.

These aren’t just machines with different stickers and color options – each model has real, purpose-built differences that you’ll feel on every ride. The question isn’t whether an Alterra 600 can handle your needs – it’s which version matches your riding style best.

After putting serious miles on several different models, I can tell you this: whichever one you choose, you’re getting a machine built by people who actually ride, not just engineers checking boxes. And in the end, that’s what makes all the difference when you’re miles from nowhere with only your ATV between you and a long walk home.