2027 Polaris Sportsman 600 vs Kawasaki Brute Force 750: Which ATV Is Right for Ontario Riders?
Two popular utility ATVs. Two very different approaches. Here's how the 2027 Polaris Sportsman 600 and Kawasaki Brute Force 750 compare for Ontario trails, hunting, property maintenance and recreational riding.
Two Popular Utility ATVs. Two Different Approaches.
If you're shopping for a new ATV in Ontario, the 2027 Polaris Sportsman 600 and 2026 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 deserve a close look.
Both are built for the kind of riding Ontario is known for: trail exploration, hunting, property maintenance, hauling, mud and getting away from the pavement.
But these two ATVs aren't designed around exactly the same priorities.
The Sportsman 600 focuses on balanced performance, comfort, versatility and easy-to-use capability. The Brute Force 750 takes a more performance-oriented approach, pairing a larger V-twin engine with strong acceleration and selectable 2WD/4WD.
And there's an interesting change for 2027: the familiar Polaris Sportsman 570 has been renamed the Sportsman 600. Despite the new name, the engine remains a 567cc single-cylinder producing 44 horsepower.
So which one should an Ontario rider choose?
The answer depends less on which ATV is "better" and more on what you want your ATV to do.
Which ATV Should You Choose?
Choose the Sportsman 600 If You Want:
- Balanced trail and utility performance
- Comfortable long-distance riding
- Smooth, predictable power
- On-demand AWD
- 11.5 inches of ground clearance
- Strong towing capability
- A broad range of trims and equipment
- An ATV that can handle recreation and work
Choose the Brute Force 750 If You Want:
- A larger 749cc V-twin engine
- Strong acceleration and torque
- A sportier riding personality
- Selectable 2WD/4WD
- Direct drivetrain control
- Strong utility capability
- A performance-oriented ATV
2027 Sportsman 600 vs Brute Force 750
| Feature | 2027 Polaris Sportsman 600 | 2026 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 567cc Single-Cylinder | 749cc V-Twin |
| Horsepower | 44 HP | 50 HP |
| Drive System | On-Demand AWD/2WD | Selectable 2WD/4WD |
| Ground Clearance | 11.5" | 9.0" standard / up to 9.6" |
| Towing Capacity | 1,350 lb | 1,250 lb |
| Suspension | Independent | Independent |
| Primary Character | Balanced & versatile | Sporty & powerful |
| Best Suited To | Trails, recreation & utility | Performance & utility |
Specifications can vary by model and trim. Always confirm current specifications for the exact ATV you're considering.
1. Engine Performance
Polaris Sportsman 600
The 2027 Sportsman 600 uses Polaris' 567cc ProStar four-stroke single-cylinder engine and produces 44 horsepower.
The engine is designed around usable, predictable power. For trail riding, hunting, property maintenance and recreational use, the power delivery makes the ATV easy to control while still providing substantial capability.
Kawasaki Brute Force 750
The Brute Force 750 takes a different approach with its 749cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine.
The larger V-twin gives the Kawasaki a noticeably different personality, with strong acceleration, torque and the engine character many experienced riders enjoy.
Best for balanced power delivery: Polaris Sportsman 600.
2. Trail Riding and Comfort
Ontario trails can be demanding. Rocks, roots, mud, ruts, water, elevation changes and long stretches of rough terrain all put demands on both the rider and the ATV.
Sportsman 600
The Sportsman 600 provides 11.5 inches of ground clearance and independent suspension, with available features such as electronic power steering, Active Descent Control and upgraded suspension components depending on trim.
That combination makes the Sportsman particularly well suited to riders who regularly spend several hours on the trails.
Brute Force 750
The Brute Force 750 also uses independent four-wheel suspension and is designed around agile handling.
Kawasaki's compact design and slim riding position help the ATV feel nimble on the trail, while the V-twin engine gives it a more energetic personality.
Best for a sportier trail experience: Kawasaki Brute Force 750.
3. AWD vs Selectable 4WD
Sportsman 600: On-Demand AWD
The Sportsman 600 uses one-touch on-demand AWD/2WD.
The system automatically provides additional traction when needed, reducing the need for the rider to constantly manage the drivetrain.
Brute Force 750: Selectable 2WD/4WD
Kawasaki uses selectable 2WD/4WD with variable front differential lock control.
This gives the rider more direct control over how the drivetrain behaves.
4. Ground Clearance and Difficult Terrain
Ground clearance becomes important quickly when Ontario trails get rough.
The Sportsman 600 provides 11.5 inches of ground clearance, giving it substantial room underneath the chassis when crossing rocks, roots, ruts and uneven terrain.
The Brute Force 750 provides approximately 9.0 inches of standard ground clearance, increasing to approximately 9.6 inches with maximum preload.
However, ground clearance isn't the only factor that determines how an ATV handles difficult terrain. Tires, suspension setup, drivetrain behaviour and rider technique all matter.
5. Towing and Utility Work
Both machines are designed to work.
Sportsman 600
- 1,350-lb towing capacity
- 270-lb combined rack capacity
- Available winch
- On-demand AWD
- 11.5" ground clearance
- Multiple utility-oriented trims
Brute Force 750
- 1,250-lb towing capacity
- 749cc V-twin engine
- Selectable 2WD/4WD
- Rugged cargo racks
- KQR accessory compatibility
- Available EPS and winch-equipped configurations
For property owners, farmers, hunters and anyone using an ATV as a work tool, both machines offer substantial capability.
6. Technology and Equipment
Available equipment becomes increasingly important as you move through the model ranges.
Polaris Sportsman 600
Depending on trim, the Sportsman 600 can offer multi-select electronic power steering, engine braking, Active Descent Control, upgraded suspension, aluminum wheels, winches, additional storage and RIDE COMMAND on select models.
The 2027 Sportsman 600 lineup also receives new LED pod and headlights along with other model updates.
Kawasaki Brute Force 750
Depending on configuration, the Brute Force 750 offers electronic power steering, protective handguards, front brush guards, winches, rugged cargo racks, KQR accessory compatibility, smartphone connectivity and a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT display.
7. Which ATV Is Better for Trail Riding?
Sportsman 600
- 11.5" ground clearance
- On-demand AWD
- Comfortable suspension
- Available EPS
- Strong low-speed control
- Trail-focused trim available
Brute Force 750
- Strong V-twin acceleration
- Compact riding position
- Selectable 2WD/4WD
- Variable front differential control
- Independent suspension
- Sportier handling character
Best for riders who want a more aggressive trail experience: Kawasaki Brute Force 750.
8. Which Is Better for Hunting?
For hunting, engine performance is only one part of the equation. Low-speed control, traction, storage, ground clearance, maneuverability and accessory compatibility can all matter.
The Sportsman 600's automatic AWD, ground clearance and available storage make it a strong hunting platform.
The Brute Force 750's V-twin engine provides plenty of performance for carrying gear and navigating difficult terrain, while Kawasaki offers accessories through its KQR system.
For hunters, the better choice may ultimately come down to the accessories you want to install and the terrain you regularly travel.
9. Which Is Better for Property Maintenance?
If your ATV spends as much time working as it does playing, both deserve consideration.
Sportsman 600
- 1,350-lb towing capacity
- 270-lb combined rack capacity
- Available winch
- On-demand AWD
- Strong ground clearance
- Utility-oriented accessories
Brute Force 750
- 1,250-lb towing capacity
- Large V-twin engine
- Selectable 2WD/4WD
- Rugged cargo racks
- KQR accessory compatibility
- Available EPS and winch configurations
10. Which ATV Is Better for New Riders?
A larger engine doesn't automatically make an ATV better. For newer riders, controllability and confidence are extremely important.
The Sportsman 600's smooth power delivery and on-demand AWD can make it an approachable machine for someone learning how to ride.
That doesn't mean the Brute Force 750 is unsuitable for a new rider. It simply has more aggressive engine characteristics, so riders should be realistic about their experience level.
11. Which ATV Is Better for Experienced Riders?
This is where the Brute Force 750 becomes especially interesting.
Experienced riders who enjoy aggressive acceleration and the character of a V-twin may immediately prefer the Kawasaki.
The 749cc engine, selectable drivetrain and sporty chassis give the Brute Force a personality that is difficult to duplicate with a single-cylinder utility ATV.
The Sportsman 600 remains highly capable, but its appeal is more about balance.
Choose the Brute Force 750 if you want:
More engine character and a sportier feel.
Choose the Sportsman 600 if you want:
A highly versatile ATV that can comfortably switch between work and recreation.
Why Did Polaris Rename the Sportsman 570?
Sportsman 570 → Sportsman 600
One thing potential buyers may notice when shopping for a 2027 Polaris is the name.
For years, the 567cc Sportsman was known as the Sportsman 570. For 2027, Polaris has changed the name to Sportsman 600.
The important thing to understand is that the new name does not mean Polaris suddenly installed a 600cc engine.
The 2027 Sportsman 600 still uses the 567cc ProStar single-cylinder engine and produces 44 horsepower.
The name is new. The proven platform remains familiar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2027 Polaris Sportsman 600 actually a 600cc ATV?
No. The 2027 Sportsman 600 uses a 567cc single-cylinder engine. Polaris changed the model name from Sportsman 570 to Sportsman 600 without a significant change to engine performance.
How much horsepower does the Sportsman 600 have?
The 2027 Polaris Sportsman 600 produces 44 horsepower.
How much can the Sportsman 600 tow?
The 2027 Sportsman 600 has a towing capacity of 1,350 lb when equipped with the factory hitch receiver.
How much can the Brute Force 750 tow?
The Kawasaki Brute Force 750 has a published towing capacity of 1,250 lb.
Does the Sportsman 600 have AWD?
Yes. The 2027 Sportsman 600 uses a one-touch on-demand AWD/2WD system.
Does the Brute Force 750 have 4WD?
Yes. The Brute Force 750 uses selectable 2WD/4WD with variable front differential lock control.
Which is better for Ontario trails?
Both are highly capable. The Sportsman 600 has an advantage in ground clearance and automatic AWD, while the Brute Force 750 offers stronger V-twin performance and direct drivetrain control.
Which ATV is better for hunting?
Either can be an excellent hunting ATV. Consider the terrain, storage requirements, accessories, ground clearance and the type of riding you do most often.
Is the Brute Force 750 faster than the Sportsman 600?
The Brute Force 750 has a larger 749cc V-twin engine and a more performance-oriented character. However, ATV performance depends on more than engine displacement, including gearing, vehicle weight, tires, terrain and rider input.
Which One Should You Buy?
The 2027 Polaris Sportsman 600 and Kawasaki Brute Force 750 are both excellent utility ATVs, but they're aimed at slightly different buyers.
Sportsman 600
Comfort + versatility + trail capability + utility
It combines 44 horsepower, 11.5 inches of ground clearance, on-demand AWD, 1,350 lb of towing capacity and a broad range of trims and equipment into a package designed to handle almost anything an Ontario recreational or utility rider is likely to throw at it.
Brute Force 750
V-twin power + acceleration + sporty handling + utility
Its 749cc V-twin, selectable 2WD/4WD and performance-oriented chassis give it a character that will appeal strongly to riders who want more emphasis on engine performance.
The best ATV is the one that matches how you ride, where you ride, and what you expect your machine to do.
Still Comparing the Sportsman 600 and Brute Force 750?
Visit Grand River Power Sports in Brantford. Our team can help you compare available models and trims, talk through your intended use, and find the ATV that makes the most sense for your trails, property, work and budget.
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