There's a new wave sweeping the backcountry! That wave is a logical extension of ATVs -- side-by-sides. Yes, while there are two-seat ATVs available, it was only a matter of time before someone came up with the idea to use the large ATV drivetrains and build a useable vehicle that allows two or more passengers to sit side-by-side in comfort. In 1988, Kawasaki introduced its Mule, a little "truck" that was aimed at the utility/farm market. These were two-wheel-drive haulers that worked great for what they were designed for. The Mule and several others from different companies have evolved into many vehicles with both two- and four-wheel drive. Hunters and others have found that these vehicles worked in the backcountry, too, and it hasn't taken long for most of the large manufacturers to design new offerings for a brand-new, hot market.
Yamaha jumped into the fray with both feet when it introduced its Rhino 660 Auto 4x4 side-by-side. The Rhino's tough drivetrain borrowed many pieces from Yamaha's successful Grizzly 660 ATV. So we don't miss anything, here's what Yamaha says about the Rhino's features:
Comfortable interior with automotive-type controls: steering wheel, left-side foot brake pedal/right-side foot accelerator pedal, center-mounted console shifter and parking brake lever, turn-to-start ignition switch, indicator lights, and 12-volt accessory outlet
Liquid-/oil-cooled five-valve 660cc four-stroke engine
Fully automatic Ultramatic transmission with dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive. Maintaining constant belt tension reduces wear, gives instant throttle response, and provides all-wheel downhill engine braking.
Three-position On-Command In/Out 4WD feature lets you switch between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD, and fully locked differential 4WD -- all at the push of a button.
Fully independent four-wheel suspension: Double-wishbones front and rear deliver 7.3 inches of wheel travel and 12.1 inches of ground clearance; five-way preload-adjustable shocks provide maximum tire contact.
Thick bucket seats and that great long-travel suspension system work together to provide a smooth ride.
As you can see, the Rhino may be closer to a Jeep CJ than it is to its motorcycle/ATV siblings. It works great in the rocks, in the sand, and in mud (we hear), and can be used for sport, or for work with its useful dump bed.We'll be reporting on exploring trips we've taken with the Rhino in future issues and will let you know how it works over time.
We can report right now, though, that the Rhino 660 Auto 4x4 is a blast to drive! We had so much fun, in fact, that we're going to make a prediction. We predict that the side-by-side segment of off-roading is the Next Big Thing in our sport/hobby. Because we believe that, we're going to continue to cover this sizzling segment to bring you the latest in what's going on here.
 The dump bed features a 400-pound...  The dump bed features a 400-pound capacity. Great if you use your Rhino for chores around the home, farm, or ranch. |  A tough set of skidplates...  A tough set of skidplates protects the soft underbelly of the Rhino. |  The Rhino seats are quite...  The Rhino seats are quite comfortable for a long day in the field. |