Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV if you’ve narrowed your search down to two of the biggest names in the utility vehicle world, you already know the decision isn’t easy. A Bobcat UTV and a Kubota RTV both promise rugged hauling power, all-terrain traction, and years of reliable service but they get there in very different ways. In this guide, we’ll break down engines, cargo capacity, towing, comfort, and price so you can decide which side-by-side actually fits your farm, jobsite, or property.
Whether you’re comparing a gas-powered Bobcat UTV against a diesel Kubota RTV, or just trying to figure out which brand holds its value better, this comparison covers everything you need before you buy.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
AI Overview: Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV at a Glance
Quick answer: The Bobcat UTV (like the UV34 and UV34XL) typically runs a gas-powered engine with up to 39.9 HP, seating for up to six, and a lighter price tag starting in the high teens. The Kubota RTV (like the RTV-X1140) runs a proven 24.8 HP diesel engine, offers a hydraulic dump bed and convertible cargo/seating system, and is built for long-duration, heavy-duty farm and ranch work. Bobcat tends to win on horsepower, top speed, and upfront cost. Kubota tends to win on diesel torque, fuel efficiency, and towing durability over the long haul.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
| Feature | Bobcat UTV (UV34/UV34XL) | Kubota RTV (RTV-X1140) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Gas, 39.9 HP, 1,000cc | Diesel, 24.8 HP |
| Seating | Up to 6 (UV34XL) | Up to 4 (convertible) |
| Cargo Box Capacity | Up to 1,250 lbs | Up to 1,629 lbs payload |
| Towing Capacity | Increased tow rating (AWD) | 1,300 lbs |
| Top Speed | Up to 35 mph | Up to 25 mph |
| Starting Price | ~$17,595–$18,630 | ~$20,499+ |
If you want to see current gas-powered inventory in person, you can browse the full selection of Bobcat UTVs for sale and compare trims side by side.
What Is a Bobcat UTV?
A Bobcat UTV, sometimes called a Bobcat side-by-side, is a compact utility vehicle designed for jobsites, farms, and acreage work. Bobcat entered the UTV market leaning on its reputation for compact construction equipment, and it shows in the build quality of models like the UV34 and UV34XL.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
Bobcat UTV Engine and Performance
Most Bobcat UTVs run a gas-powered, two-cylinder SOHC engine rated at roughly 39.9 horsepower. That extra horsepower translates into a higher top speed up to 35 mph which matters if you’re covering large properties quickly or want a UTV that doubles as recreational transportation on trails.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
A large 900-watt stator delivers about 75 amps of output, which is enough to run a snow blade, work lights, and other electric accessories without draining the battery. Electronic fuel injection also means the Bobcat UTV starts reliably in cold weather, a detail that matters a lot if you’re running equipment through winter months.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
Bobcat UTV Cargo and Towing
The Bobcat UTV’s cargo box is built with a durable composite interior that resists denting and corrosion, and it can typically handle up to 1,250 pounds of material. Combined with all-wheel drive, improved ground clearance, and an increased tow rating, the Bobcat UTV is well suited to hauling fencing supplies, feed, tools, or landscaping materials across rough terrain.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
Bobcat UTV Seating and Comfort
One standout advantage for the Bobcat UTV lineup is seating. The UV34XL seats up to six people, which is unusual in this class of utility vehicle. If you’re managing a crew or need to shuttle family and workers across a large property, that extra row of seats is a real practical benefit.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
What Is a Kubota RTV?
The Kubota RTV (Rugged Terrain Vehicle) line has built a long-standing reputation among farmers, ranchers, and landscapers for dependable diesel power. The RTV-X1140 is one of the most popular models, marketed as a top-selling diesel UTV in North America.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
Kubota RTV Engine and Performance
The Kubota RTV-X1140 is powered by a 24.8 HP, three-cylinder diesel engine paired with Kubota’s variable hydro transmission (VHT-X). While the horsepower number is lower than the Bobcat UTV, diesel engines deliver a flatter torque curve, which means more consistent pulling power at low speeds ideal for towing heavy trailers, plowing, or working uphill for extended periods.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
Top speed on the Kubota RTV-X1140 tops out around 25 mph, noticeably slower than the Bobcat UTV. If speed and trail riding matter more to you than low-end torque, that’s worth weighing carefully.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
Kubota RTV Cargo and Towing
This is where the Kubota RTV often pulls ahead. The RTV-X1140 offers a payload capacity of roughly 1,629 pounds and a towing capacity of 1,300 pounds, along with a hydraulic dump bed that makes unloading gravel, mulch, or debris far easier than manual tilting. Kubota’s K-vertible Cargo Transformation System also lets you convert the bed between a two-seat, full-cargo configuration and a four-seat, shorter-bed configuration in under a minute.
Kubota RTV Ground Clearance and Suspension
Ground clearance on the RTV-X1140 reaches 10.8 inches with 8 inches of suspension travel, giving it strong capability over rutted farmland, muddy trails, and uneven pasture. A limited-slip front differential and locking rear differential add traction control that’s genuinely useful in slick or soft conditions.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV: Head-to-Head Comparison
Engine Type — Gas vs Diesel
This is the single biggest difference between the two brands. The Bobcat UTV’s gas engine is quieter to start, cheaper to service at most shops, and delivers a higher top speed. The Kubota RTV’s diesel engine is more fuel-efficient over long work hours, generally more durable under sustained heavy load, and better suited to towing on hills.Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
If you tow heavy loads daily or run the vehicle for 40+ hours a week on a working farm, the diesel-powered Kubota RTV usually wins on long-term durability. If you want faster transport across a property or lower upfront maintenance costs, the gas-powered Bobcat UTV is often the better fit.
Cargo Capacity and Bed Design
The Kubota RTV’s hydraulic dump bed and higher payload rating give it an edge for construction, landscaping, and agricultural hauling. The Bobcat UTV’s composite cargo box is durable and roomy but typically doesn’t include hydraulic lift as standard on base trims, so unloading heavy material takes more manual effort.
Seating Capacity
If moving people is as important as moving materials, the Bobcat UTV’s six-seat UV34XL configuration is hard to beat. Kubota’s convertible bed is clever, but it tops out at four passengers.
Speed and Trail Use
For property owners who also want a UTV for recreational riding, hunting access roads, or trail use, the Bobcat UTV’s 35 mph top speed and gas engine responsiveness make it the more versatile choice. The Kubota RTV is purpose-built for work, and its lower top speed reflects that focus.
Price and Value
Bobcat UTVs generally carry a lower starting MSRP, often in the $17,500–$19,500 range depending on trim, while the Kubota RTV-X1140 starts closer to $20,500 and climbs from there with packages like the Huntsman edition. If budget is the deciding factor, the Bobcat UTV usually offers more standard features per dollar at entry-level trims.
Maintenance, Parts, and Resale Value
Maintenance Costs
Gas engines like the one in the Bobcat UTV are generally simpler and cheaper to service. Oil changes, spark plugs, and filters are widely available and most small-engine shops can handle routine work without a specialized diesel technician. The Kubota RTV’s diesel engine costs a bit more to maintain per service interval, but it typically needs fewer oil changes over the same number of work hours and tends to run longer between major repairs when maintained on schedule.
Parts Availability
Both Bobcat and Kubota have extensive dealer networks across the U.S., so parts availability isn’t usually a deciding factor. That said, Kubota’s decades-long presence in agricultural equipment means many rural dealers already stock RTV parts, which can shorten wait times for farm-based buyers.
Resale Value
Diesel Kubota RTVs tend to hold resale value well, particularly the RTV-X1140, thanks to strong demand from farms and ranches that specifically want diesel power. Bobcat UTVs also hold value reasonably well, especially higher-seating trims like the UV34XL, since six-passenger gas UTVs are less common on the used market and tend to sell quickly.
Which One Should You Buy — Bobcat UTV or Kubota RTV?
There’s no universal winner here; the right choice depends on how you’ll actually use the vehicle.
Choose a Bobcat UTV if you:
- Want a lower starting price and strong standard features
- Need to seat five or six people regularly
- Value higher top speed for covering large properties or trail riding
- Prefer gas engine simplicity and widely available service parts
Choose a Kubota RTV if you:
- Tow heavy trailers or equipment on a regular basis
- Need maximum payload and a hydraulic dump bed
- Run the vehicle for long hours on a working farm or ranch
- Prioritize diesel fuel efficiency and low-end torque over top speed
If gas-powered performance, seating flexibility, and value are at the top of your list, it’s worth browsing the current Bobcat UTV inventory to compare trims, mileage, and pricing on used and pre-owned models available right now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a Bobcat UTV as reliable as a Kubota RTV?
Both brands have strong reliability track records. Bobcat UTVs benefit from Bobcat’s decades of experience building rugged compact equipment, while Kubota RTVs are known for diesel engine longevity, especially under heavy daily use. Regular maintenance matters more to long-term reliability than brand alone.
What is the top speed of a Bobcat UTV compared to a Kubota RTV?
A Bobcat UTV like the UV34 can reach up to 35 mph, while the Kubota RTV-X1140 tops out around 25 mph. If speed is a priority, the Bobcat UTV has a clear advantage.
Does the Kubota RTV have better towing capacity than the Bobcat UTV?
The Kubota RTV-X1140 has a rated towing capacity of about 1,300 lbs, and its diesel torque curve makes towing feel more controlled on hills. Bobcat UTVs also offer strong tow ratings with all-wheel drive, but the diesel Kubota often performs better under sustained heavy towing.
Which is cheaper, a Bobcat UTV or a Kubota RTV?
Bobcat UTVs generally start lower, often around $17,500–$19,500, compared to Kubota RTV-X1140 models that typically start near $20,500 or more depending on trim and package.
Can I find used Bobcat UTVs for sale?
Yes. Used and pre-owned Bobcat UTVs are a great way to get the brand’s gas-powered performance and seating capacity at a lower price point. You can view current listings in the Bobcat UTV for sale category to compare available models, hours, and pricing.
Is a diesel Kubota RTV more fuel-efficient than a gas Bobcat UTV?
Generally, yes. Diesel engines like the one in the Kubota RTV-X1140 tend to deliver better fuel economy during sustained heavy-load work, while gas engines like the Bobcat UTV’s are often more efficient for shorter, lighter-duty trips.
How many people can a Bobcat UTV or Kubota RTV seat?
The Bobcat UV34XL seats up to six people, while the Kubota RTV-X1140 seats up to four in its passenger configuration, dropping to two when the bed is extended for full cargo capacity.
Final Thoughts: Bobcat UTV vs Kubota RTV
Both the Bobcat UTV and the Kubota RTV are proven, work-ready utility vehicles the real difference comes down to how you’ll use one day to day. If you want more seating, higher top speed, and a lower entry price, the gas-powered Bobcat UTV is likely your best match. If your priority is diesel torque, maximum payload, and a hydraulic dump bed for daily farm or jobsite work, the Kubota RTV is worth the higher price tag.
Ready to compare real listings instead of spec sheets? Browse Bobcat UTVs for sale now and find a gas-powered utility vehicle that’s ready to go to work on your property today.