John Deere XUV 550

Specification

The petrol-powered John Deere XUV550 looked well, both from the inside and outside. Being an entry level UTV, it is quite a small machine in comparison to most of the diesel UTVs. The rear box capacity was further reduced by wheel arches intruding into it. Power is provided by a v-twin 16hp engine driving through a two-speed belt CVT transmission. The seat height was the joint lowest with its fellow John Deere 855D UTV on test. Steering lock was among the tightest on test as well.

Driving

The XUV550 was certainly a nice machine to drive, smooth and responsive, albeit a little noisy. It is perhaps the ideal cross-over machine for those maybe migrating from a saddle (ATV) to a seat.

Time trial

In the time trial, the John Deere XUV550 didn’t perform as well as anticipated, but our test weight was a little over its rear box capacity, which didn’t help.

Likes

  • Looks good.
  • Felt a lively performer.
  • Nice height seat.
  • Dislikes

  • Perspex windscreen.
  • Foot-operated parking brake tricky to operate.