2027 Yamaha Grizzly EPS XT-R: Price, Specs & Features

Side-by-sides seem to dominate the off-road market these days, but more machine is not always better. For solo trail riding, hunting and property work, a traditional ATV is easier to store, haul and maneuver when the route narrows between trees, rocks or fence lines.

The 2027 Yamaha Grizzly EPS XT-R makes that case with a 686cc engine, selectable four-wheel drive, a factory-installed winch and a 1,300-pound towing capacity—all packed into a compact, single-rider machine with an MSRP of $11,399.

That doesn’t make an ATV the right answer for everyone. Side-by-sides provide passenger seating, a protective structure and greater cargo capacity. Yamaha’s Wolverine RMAX4 1000 XT-R is one example of that larger, passenger-focused format. 

But when the priority is getting one rider and a useful amount of gear into tight country, the Grizzly makes a convincing case for keeping things traditional.

2027 Yamaha Grizzly EPS XT-R: Quick Takeaways

• MSRP: $11,399
• Engine: 686cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder
• Drive system: Selectable 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and locked 4WD
• XT-R equipment: Factory-installed WARN VRX 25 winch, 27-inch Maxxis Zilla tires and 14-inch aluminum wheels
• Towing capacity: 1,300 pounds
• Rack capacity: 308 pounds combined
• Best suited for: Solo trail riding, hunting, land management and property work

2027 Yamaha Grizzly EPS XR-R Specifications

What Sets the Grizzly EPS XT-R Apart

The Titanium Bronze and Tactical Black Grizzly EPS XT-R caught our attention when Yamaha announced its 2027 ATV lineup. The bronze bodywork, black accents and XT-R graphics give it a sharp, almost tactical appearance without making it look like a rolling billboard. Looks earned the first glance. The equipment list made us keep looking.

The Grizzly has long been Yamaha’s big-bore workhorse, and the 2027 EPS XT-R is no exception. Hook & Barrel previously went inside Yamaha’s Georgia facility to see how a Grizzly ATV is built from bare frame to dyno test.

Its 686cc engine is the most powerful in Yamaha’s utility ATV lineup and is built to handle demanding work, hauling and towing challenges.

The fuel-injected, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine is paired with Yamaha’s Ultramatic continuously variable transmission, which uses a centrifugal wet clutch and constant-tension belt system. Yamaha backs that belt with a 10-year limited warranty—an unusually strong vote of confidence in a key component on any belt-driven ATV.

The transmission also provides all-wheel engine braking. On a steep descent, that predictable braking effect helps control speed without forcing the rider to rely entirely on the hand and foot brakes.

Yamaha’s speed- and torque-sensitive Electric Power Steering reduces steering effort while retaining useful trail feel. Together, those systems reduce two major sources of rider fatigue: wrestling the handlebars through rough ground and constantly managing speed on descents.

Built for Tough Trails

The chassis is equally suited to difficult terrain. Independent double-wishbone suspension provides 7.6 inches of travel up front and 9.1 inches in the rear, with five-way preload-adjustable nitrogen-charged shocks.

Ground clearance measures 11.8 inches, while full-length composite skid plates protect the underside. At 49.2 inches wide and 783 pounds wet, the Grizzly retains the compact footprint that gives an ATV much of its appeal. 

The XT-R package adds 27-inch Maxxis Zilla tires on 14-inch aluminum wheels and a factory-installed WARN VRX 25 winch.

When traction becomes the problem, Yamaha’s On-Command system lets the rider choose 2WD, limited-slip 4WD or fully locked 4WD. It is the kind of feature you may barely notice on an easy trail but deeply appreciate when mud, rocks or a steep climb halt forward progress.

Ready for Hunting and Property Work

The Grizzly has work credentials, too.

Steel front and rear racks carry a combined 308 pounds, and the standard 2-inch receiver is rated to tow up to 1,300 pounds. A high-mounted air intake helps keep water, mud and debris away from the engine, and the air filter can be serviced without tools.

Three storage compartments, LED lighting, a handlebar-mounted work light and a 12-volt outlet add usefulness. Owners looking to build on that capability can also explore these ATV and side-by-side accessories for hunters.

The 2027 Yamaha Utility ATV Lineup

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The Grizzly remains Yamaha’s flagship utility ATV, while the Kodiak lineup is designed for riders who want practical utility, durable construction, and strong value.

The 2027 Yamaha Utility ATV Lineup

The Kodiak 700 uses Yamaha’s reliable 686cc engine with smooth, low-RPM power delivery in a compact chassis, while the Kodiak 450 offers mid-size maneuverability with dependable 421cc performance. Kodiak models also include practical utility features such as steel cargo racks, a 2-inch hitch receiver, and available EPS on select trims.

Yamaha’s adult-size recreational and utility ATVs offer features including:

• Durable front and rear steel cargo racks
• On-Command 4WD with selectable 2WD, limited-slip 4WD, and fully locked 4WD (on select models)
• Available torque- and speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering
• Ultramatic CVT transmission with natural all-wheel engine braking and Yamaha’s 10-Year Belt Warranty*
• Independent double wishbone suspension for comfort and capability across varied terrain

2027 Yamaha Sport ATVs

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Yamaha also has a complete line of sport ATVs for those looking for a purely recreational ride.

The YFZ450R remains the top choice for ATV racers, combining a high-performance 449cc engine with a lightweight aluminum frame, fully adjustable long-travel suspension, and an assist-and-slipper clutch designed to reduce lever effort and improve handling through corners.

For younger riders ages 6 and older, the YFZ50 offers approachable performance in an entry-level package inspired by Yamaha’s sport ATV heritage.

The Raptor 700 lineup, meanwhile, continues to deliver big-bore sport ATV performance with its 686cc engine, hybrid steel-aluminum frame, and responsive handling for dunes, trails, and open terrain.

Riders looking for enhanced suspension adjustability can step up to the Raptor 700R, while the Raptor 110 gives riders ages 10 and older a youth-focused ATV with EFI, a beginner-friendly CVT transmission, and approachable ergonomics.

The Traditional ATV at Its Best

The 2027 Grizzly EPS XT-R is not a substitute for every side-by-side. It is a reminder that it does not need to be.

Compact, capable and equipped with hardware most owners would otherwise add later, this Grizzly represents the traditional ATV at its best.

For complete model information, visit Yamaha Motorsports.