ARCTIC CAT 500 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The new 500 it is equipped with SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, can deliver smooth consistent acceleration. Electronic fuel injection enables a wide torque curve and effortless power delivery by constantly tuning the engine for any temperature, elevation and humidity changes.

The 500 is an industry favorite for a reason. The 443cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine delivers smooth, consistent acceleration. Electronic fuel injection enables a wide torque curve and effortless power delivery by constantly tuning the engine for any temperature, elevation and humidity changes.

In case you're looking for a no-frills, dependable middleweight ATV, the 2013 Arctic Cat TRV 550 Core is one of the choices well worth checking out. It will prove to be a handy workhorse for the chores around the farm or house, allowing you to cover large areas regardless of how rough the trails might be, and it can also double as a fun, outdoor fun machine.

It retains all the great off-road character of the series, with a modern frame and independent suspensions complemented by a generous ground clearance and dual-ratio automatic transmission. Even more, switching between 2WD and 4WD takes just a flick of a switch, and the optimal power deployment for tight situations will allow safe passage over obstacles.

Engine braking helps descending steep gradients, while the loading capacity of the dual racks also make the 2013 Arctic Cat TRV 550 Core a perfect quad for longer trips into the wild.

As its very name states it, the 2012 Arctic Cat 500 with EFI is is the electronic fuel injection version of the 500 Core ATV. This means better mileage, easier starting regardless of temperature and a smoother throttle feel, for increased confidence on rough terrain and an altogether pleasant ride.

The 2012 Arctic Cat 500 with EFI is an excellent recreational ATV, too: it is suitable for level, paved roads and muddy forest trails, alike and can offer huge loads of off-road fun. Its long-travel independent suspensions and generous ground clearance offer enhanced obstacle-tackling capabilities, while the dual-ratio automatic transmission and switchable 2WD/4WD provide optimal deployment when the going gets tough.

The 2012 Arctic Cat 500 XT is one of the smaller ATV of this series, designed to meet the needs of those in search of a middleweight quad offering lot of performance with zero frills. It retains all the brawny character of the bigger beasts, power, convenience and maneuverability and can be a dependable aid for outdoor tasks.

At the same time, the 2012 Arctic Cat 500 XT is an excellent recreational ATV, suitable for level, paved roads and muddy forest trails, alike. Its long-travel independent suspensions and generous ground clearance offer enhanced obstacle-tackling capabilities, while the dual-ratio automatic transmission and switchable 2WD/4WD provide optimal deployment when the going gets tough.

The XT badge brings better equipment for the 2011 Can-Am Outlander 500: triple-mode dynamic power steering, cast aluminium wheels, heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, and the optional cool camo finish. On the functionality side, the 2011 Can-Am Outlander 500 XT delivers top performance in all conditions, whether used as a work-related ATV, or as a vehicle for weekends and adventures in the wild.

Selectable 2/4 WD and high/low ratios are convenient features to adapt the power delivery to the rigors of the terrain, with the automatic transmission making things even easier. Auto-locking front differential and engine braking offer a great advantage when climbing or descending steep gradients, respectively, while spacious luggage racks allow the rider to haul quite a lot of gear. And if these don't get you out of trouble, there's the powerful 3000-lbs WARN winch, too.

Looking for a middleweight beast of burden loaded with a powerful and nimble engine but without being intimidating? The 2008 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 may fit the bill better than you thought it could: sporting the same tough build just like any of its siblings, this ATV is the bridge that gaps the big-displacement machines and the small ones.

You can choose between manual and automatic CVT when it comes to transmission. If you go manual, you've got 5 speeds at your disposal, while both modes sport the high and low range and of course, the reverse to get you out of tight situations. 2WD and 4WD and differential lock is available, too, while the independent A-arm suspension and generous ground clearance are sure to make tackling obstacles a breeze.

Built to bridge the gap between the small and the big-bore machines, the 2007 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic TRV is a two-up ATV which can be used for either work and outdoor fun. Sporting the same brawny engine and efficient, dependable power deployment of its bigger sibling, this ATV is perfect for easy, paved roads and will also perform great when the going gets tough.

2WD and 4WD and a differential lock are standard, while the independent A-arm suspension and generous ground clearance are sure to make tackling obstacles a breeze. Automatic transmission makes things really easy, as operating the 2007 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic TRV is as simple as throttle and go.

The front rack can accommodate up to 45 kg of luggage and together with the generous fuel tank the 2007 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic TRV makes a great beast for longer outdoor trips.

As its very name says, the 2007 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic is the full-auto version of the base model. This middleweight ATV is great for both work and outdoor fun: the combined weight the dual luggage racks can accommodate exceeds 130 kg and this means a lot of possibilities. You can carry heavy stuff around the house or farm, or you can carry a lot of gear with you for a longer trip into the wild.

This quad comes with liquid and fan cooling, and will deliver consistent performance in pretty much any type of weather. The 2WD and 4WD and a differential lock are standard, while the independent A-arm suspension and generous ground clearance are sure to make tackling obstacles a breeze. With both high and low range ratio and of course, the reverse, you'll get out of tight situations with ease.

Being a rather limited edition of the base 500 model, the 2007 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic M4 comes with a nifty camouflage color scheme which makes this ATV great for hunting. Or if you feel like blending in with the autumnal color, the M4 is the perfect choice.

On the tech side, the 2007 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic M4 sports 2WD and 4WD and a differential lock. The independent A-arm suspension and generous ground 12” (30cm) clearance are sure to make tackling obstacles a breeze. The M4 is easy to operate thanks to the automatic CVT transmission and even the less-experienced riders will find it a truly fun, powerful and unintimidating machine.

The 2007 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 may fit the bill better than you thought it could: sporting the same tough build just like any of its siblings, this ATV is the bridge that gaps the big-displacement machines and the small ones. And if you are looking for a machine to serve as a beast of burden for the farm duties while also being a good outdoor fun vehicle, you may have found the right one.

2WD and 4WD and a differential lock are standard, while the independent A-arm suspension and generous ground clearance are sure to make tackling obstacles a breeze. You can choose between a manual version and an automatic CVT one when it comes to transmission. If you go manual, you've got 5 speeds at your disposal, while both modes sport the high and low range and of course, the reverse to get you out of tight situations.

As the model name states, the 2006 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic is and all-wheel drive ATV in the middleweight displacement class. Less experienced riders will find operating it quite easy and unintimidating as it comes with an automatic transmission: just twist the throttle and go. And when things are rolling a bit too fast, the 4 hydraulic disc brakes are there to provide firm and dependable stopping force.

Even more, when riding on even, easy surfaces, you can use the 2WD, rear-axle transmission. When entering rough areas, a simple push of the lever engages the 4WD, for better grip. Helped by the generous ground clearance and independent double A-arm suspensions, the 2006 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic will tackle obstacles with ease. With up to 135 kg of luggage to be accommodated on the racks (combined weight), the 2006 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic can really go the extra distance as one can carry several gallons of fuel, too.

As the model name states, the 2006 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 is and all-wheel drive ATV in the middleweight displacement class. Less experienced riders could find themselves in a bit of trouble in case they are not acquainted with the manual gearboxes: the 2006 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 comes with a 5-speed one, and dual-range settings.

Even more, when riding on even, easy surfaces, you can use the 2WD, rear-axle transmission. When entering rough areas, a simple push of the lever engages the 4WD, for better grip. Helped by the generous ground clearance and independent double A-arm suspensions, the 2006 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 will tackle obstacles with ease.

With up to 135 kg of luggage to be accommodated on the racks (combined weight), the 2006 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 can really go far into the wilderness as one can carry several gallons of fuel, too.

The 2005 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic TRV is a two-up ATV which is suitable for both daily outdoor tasks and two-up riding. However, this quad has been designed mainly as a nifty dependable mobility solution off the road, so we might say it's a recreational vehicle. 2WD/4WD and a differential lock are standard, while the independent A-arm suspension and generous ground clearance are sure to make tackling obstacles a breeze.

Automatic transmission makes things really easy, as operating the 2005 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic TRV is as simple as throttle and go, with even the least experienced drivers finding it as fun as it is unintimidating. The front rack can accommodate up to 45 kg of luggage and together with the generous fuel tank the 2005 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic TRV makes a great beast for longer outdoor trips.

The 2005 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic is and all-wheel drive ATV in the middleweight displacement class. Less experienced riders will find operating it quite easy and unintimidating as it comes with an automatic transmission: just twist the throttle and go. And when things are rolling a bit too fast, the 4 hydraulic disc brakes are there to provide firm and dependable stopping force.

One can use the 2WD transmission for riding on paved roads and even ground and the 4WD, for better grip on rough and difficult terrain: switching between the two modes is just a lever push away. Thanks to the generous ground clearance and independent double A-arm suspensions, the 2005 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic will tackle obstacles with ease.

Up to 135 kg of luggage can be accommodated on the racks (combined weight) so the 2005 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Automatic can really go the extra distance, being perfect for longer adventures far from the asphalt.

If you're looking for a manual ATV with middleweight displacement, the 2005 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 might just be the right choice: designed to deliver, this quad sports all the legendary features that made the brand famous, and will offer excellent mobility on both paved roads and unpaved, rougher terrains.

Operators can use the 2WD rear-axle transmission on casual rides or switch to 4WD when entering rough areas: a simple push of the lever engages the front axle. Helped by the generous ground clearance and independent double A-arm suspensions, the 2005 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 will tackle obstacles with ease. With up to 135 kg of luggage to be accommodated on the racks (combined weight), the 2006 Arctic Cat 500 4x4 can really go far into the wilderness as one can carry several gallons of extra fuel, too.