Kubota RTV: Built for Work, Refined for the Long Haul
Kubota RTV-X Cab: A Workhorse Refined
More Options, Better Availability
Supply chain issues have made it difficult to find the right utility vehicle over the past few years, but the situation is improving. The Kubota RTV lineup is now available in a wide range of configurations, including open station units, four-seaters, models with extended truck beds, and the cabbed RTV-X with heat and air conditioning. New color options like Stone Blue and Sand give buyers more ways to match their style or fleet.
Updated Design with Familiar Foundations
While the latest Kubota RTV-X cab model doesn’t represent a complete overhaul, it introduces meaningful updates that address past user concerns. Its design is more aggressive and modern, especially when compared to its predecessor, the RTV 1100. Headlights have been improved for better visibility, and new purpose-built tires are now standard, offering enhanced durability and traction suited to the heavier build of these machines.
Package Options: Standard vs. Premium
Kubota has streamlined its packaging with two main options for the cabbed version: Standard and Premium. The core machine remains the same, but features differ slightly. Premium models include the Pro-Convert bed, a spray-in bed liner, and optional alloy wheels. In the Standard model, alloy wheels aren’t available, and the bed liner is an add-on—though it's commonly ordered. The Pro-Convert bed is the real standout: its fold-down sides can transform the cargo area into a flatbed, making it easier to haul wide or bulky materials. If you need to operate the machine with the sides down, it's best to remove them entirely for safety.
Improved Transmission and Shifting
The biggest upgrade lies in the driving experience. The hydrostatic transmission has been refined to shift more smoothly, even on hillsides or under load. Changes include a new pressure relief mechanism activated by the brake pedal and the use of bevel gears for better engagement. These enhancements eliminate the frustrating gear-sticking issues that affected earlier models.
Built for Work, Not Play
While the RTV-X cab has a slightly more responsive feel, it's not a machine designed for speed or sport. With a 24-horsepower diesel engine, hydrostatic drive, and hydraulic power steering, this vehicle is meant for serious tasks. It behaves more like a compact tractor than a recreational side-by-side. The result is unmatched durability and reliability in a work setting.
Longevity and Low Maintenance
The RTV series is known for its long life span. It's common to see units still running strong with several thousand hours on the clock and only routine maintenance performed. This contrasts sharply with many power-sport-based UTVs, which often require significant repairs and parts replacement over time. For those who rely on their equipment day in and day out, that reliability is worth its weight in gold.
A Strong Evolution in a Trusted Platform
Kubota has been refining its RTVs for over two decades, and this newest cabbed version is a culmination of that experience. It may not be a radical departure from earlier models, but the improvements to comfort, usability, and performance make it the best RTV yet. If you’re looking for a reliable, work-focused utility vehicle, this machine should be high on your list.