Yamaha Kodiak 450 EPS specifications
Yamaha · Utility
Off-Road Official says every Kodiak 450 option is powered by the same 421cc single-cylinder engine with about 26 horsepower, tuned for low-end and mid-range power so the bike has good zip and lets you whip around curves on the trail.
The same source says the tires can feel light and squishy, which adds to comfort, and that the Kodiak 450 makes for one of the best mid-size ATV options but a more aggressive rider may be better off with the better power and higher top speed of the Kodiak 700 or something similar.
Yamaha Kodiak 450 EPS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 |
| Engine | 421cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke, 2 valves |
| Displacement | 421cc |
| Bore x stroke | 84.5x75.0 mm |
| Fuel system | Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 34mm |
| Front suspension | Independent double wishbone |
| Front suspension travel | 6.7 in |
| Rear suspension travel | 7.4 in |
| Front tire | AT25x8-12 |
| Rear tire | AT25x10-12 |
| Seat height | 33.7 in |
| Curb weight (wet) | 650 lb |
| Wheelbase | 48.8 in |
| Ground clearance | 9.6 in |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Starting MSRP | $7,799 |
| Class | Utility |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Transmission | Ultramatic V-belt with all-wheel engine braking, H/L/N/R/P |
| Drive system | On-Command 3-way locking differential: 2WD, 4WD, locked 4WD; shaft |
| Front brake | Dual hydraulic disc |
| Rear brake | Multi-disk wet brake |
| Destination charge | $700 |
ATV Magazine rode the 2026 Kodiak 450 EPS XT-R on the trail and calls it a small-but-mighty sport-utility ATV with impressive power, trail confidence and real-world capability that should satisfy mid-bore buyers.
Yamaha lists a 33.7 in seat, 9.6 in of ground clearance and a 3.7 gal tank. The ground clearance is 1.2 in less than the Kodiak 700's, and the tank is 1.1 gal smaller. At $7,799 it is $1,700 below the Kodiak 700.
So it is the pick for a buyer who wants Yamaha's reliability and independent suspension at a mid-size price.
Against the Rancher 4x4 and Brute Force 450
Honda's Rancher 4x4 costs $400 less at $7,399 with a similar 420cc engine, and Kawasaki's Brute Force 450 4x4 is a newer mid-size rival. The Yamaha is the more trail-oriented of the three.
Accessories such as a winch, a front bumper or a cargo rack change the total, and so does protective gear: a helmet, gloves, eye protection and boots are part of the real cost. Insurance and registration rules differ by state, so check them first. The Kodiak's price gap to the 700 is $1,700, which buys power and towing but also more weight to handle.
The Kodiak 450 EPS suits a rider who wants a light, comfortable and capable mid-size ATV for trail riding and moderate work, and who does not need the top speed of a 700.
Kodiak 450 against the Rancher 4x4 and Brute Force 450
Honda's Rancher 4x4 and Kawasaki's Brute Force 450 are the nearest mid-size utility rivals.
The Kodiak 450 EPS is Yamaha's mid-size sport-utility ATV, and Off-Road Official calls it one of the best mid-size options while saying aggressive riders will want the 700. It has around 26 horsepower, and Yamaha asks $7,799.
Off-Road Official says the tires feel light and squishy, which adds to ride comfort, though aggressive riders may prefer the Kodiak 700.
Confirm the steering equipment on the actual Kodiak
The EPS designation matters when comparing a power-steering Kodiak with another 450 offer. Ask the seller to identify the exact configuration and demonstrate the steering system and warning indication according to the handbook. Do not use the price of an unequipped variant as an equivalent comparison.
Inspect the tires, wheel sizes and any added accessories on a used machine because those changes can affect steering effort and the impression a short fitting gives of the ATV.
Other models in this reference: Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS, Yamaha Grizzly EPS, Yamaha Raptor 110.