Bigger Is Better with Yamaha's All-New Full(er)-Size RMAX4 for 2025

We assumed this intro would just showcase some colorway changes and perhaps a few slight updates to products already on the market (which it did to some degree), but Yamaha has spent the past 24 months talking to their customers and taking notes. Comfort was a huge point of contention for current RMAX owners, especially when talking to folks who owned an RMAX4 model. They saw a missed opportunity in providing customers with more capacity while maintaining the spirit and capability of their much loved RMAX2 lineup.

The sporty nature of the current outgoing RMAX4 – they're now calling the RMAX4 Compact – carries into the all-new extended model, which has a 27.5" longer wheelbase. The new RMAX4 comes equipped with Fox shocks, the QS3 variety on the XT-R model and iQS (Intelligent Quick Switch) setup on the Limited model. Suspension travel is the same as the RMAX2 1000 at 14.2" in the front and 16.9" in the rear. Ground clearance measures in at 13.8" and coupled with 14" beadlock wheels (on the XT-R model) wrapped in 30" Maxxis Carnivore tires, the new four-seater is equally as capable as their two seat offering. Additionally a rear sway-bar comes standard on the RMAX4, making it more stable at speed, especially when fully loaded with friends and family.

Recreational payload is rated at 150-lbs, which along with four average weight adult riders, is where Yamaha tested their suspension tune to function at its peak. So, don't pack your Yeti too full if you're looking for peak performance from the RMAX4 family (wink-wink). In addition, storage for passengers in the rear seats was a huge consideration when updating their fresh four-seat model. The center console in the back has six-gallons of capacity along with an integrated LED light and USB phone charger.

All-new brakes are an update to the 2025 RMAX line with Hayes calipers and knuckles providing increased durability, more feel and quieter operation. Yamaha updated their Electric Power Steering (EPS) system for 2025 moving from 40A to 65A, a 62% increase in power. There's also a 121% increase in available torque-assist. 4WD full diff-lock mode gives maximum steering assist when the front diff-lock is engaged. Additionally, there are three driver selectable modes via a dash switch – High, STD and Low. Think of these as how much input the EPS provides when you're behind the wheel.

The lowest amount gives you the most positive feedback when driving at higher speeds, while the highest setting offers optimal steering assist when driving in low speed situations. Additionally, the differentials have been updated on the RMAX line for 2025 to include an all-new 'Turf Mode' which unlocks the rear differential offering tighter turning radius and reduces "turf" damage (an unlocked rear diff is essentially one-wheel drive). Also, the front diff has a quicker engagement, both while locking and unlocking the differential.

The 2025 Limited models have an all-new TFT display that's fully customizable, a marked upgrade from the LCD display found on previous years, and what will come standard on the XT-R models. There's also an upgrade to their Adventure Pro software and display coupled with the new seven-inch display. It is fully customizable so that riders can set up their screen to showcase all of the information they find important. There's also a new MTX audio system connected via Bluetooth or USB with an optional subwoofer offered as an accessory.

The onboard GPS navigation system does not have an integrated social tracking system like what is offered by Polaris or Can-Am. You can, however, upload your own GPX files via USB, allowing owners that prefer one GPS app (OnX, Gaia, etc.) over another to be able to utilize the integrated GPS system in the TFT display. In all, Adventure Pro allows riders to create, record and follow tracks, as well as create and navigate to waypoints. It comes pre-loaded with National Forest Service and some select public trail systems.

Limited models of the 2025 RMAX4 come equipped with an all-new rearview camera that can be activated by touching the camera icon on the TFT, or anytime you're in Reverse. It features color marked guidelines to keep you from backing into your buddy on accident. Yamaha also told us that it's also available as a GYTR accessory and can be plugged into non Limited models. A front camera is in the works, but Yamaha wasn't ready to bring it to market just yet due to some RF interference issues.

Beneath the bonnet, the power plant is unchanged for the 2025 RMAX line. The same 999cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine powers the new RMAX4. Yamaha's Ultramatic transmission is attached to the twin-cylinder motor and a Sprag clutch provides predictable 4-wheel engine braking and max traction, especially when descending difficult terrain.

So, how big is the new RMAX4? Well, we touched on the fact that it's 27.5" longer than the newly designated RMAX4 Compact, and 29.5“ longer than the RMAX2. It tips the scale at 2315-lbs for the XT-R and 2304-lbs for the Limited model. Unlike other OEMs in the UTV space, Yamaha provides figures for vehicles full of fluids (wet weight). In terms of width, the new RMAX4 is 66.7” wide and 150.8” long with a height of 82.7”.

A fresh line of accessories are coming for the 2025 RMAX4, to include a Buss Bar, tip-out windshield, MTX subwoofer and a heater kit. In total there's eleven switch module locations inside the cab so riders can fully customize their toggle switch setup.

In all, the 2025 RMAX4 is exactly what Yamaha customers have been asking for in a four-seat model for recreational riding. The RMAX2 and RMAX4 Compact benefit from all the upgrades (brakes, Adventure Pro, Turf Mode, selectable EPS and TFT display) fitted to the new RMAX4, and we feel like Yamaha not only listened to their customer base with this new model, but have filled a vacancy in their lineup that a lot of prospective buyers had noticed. The 2025 RMAX4 Limited and XT-R take the things we loved from the RMAX2 line and literally stretch those components and capabilities into a full-sized four-seat model that is definitely going to be a contender for our favorite UTV in 2025!

Expect to see the new RMAX4 on dealership floors in October of 2024 at an MSRP of $29,199 for the Limited and $27,999 for the XT-R.

Click here to check out our complete 2024 Yamaha UTV guide.