Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick 2020 Review

There are two kinds of UTVs in this world – those designed for work, and those designed for fun. But with the all-new 2020 Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick, the Japanese manufacturer has attempted to combine both into one rugged and high-performance package.

Previous Kubota UTVs have been compared to the brand’s range of tractors – hardworking, functional and rugged, but not very fast or fun. Generally equipped with three-cylinder diesel engines, the Kubota UTV range is built for hard work, and it ticks that box with flying colours. But those looking for a UTV that provides thrills, and is suitable for recreational activities, have previously been forced to look elsewhere.

The Kubota Sidekick is the young and enthusiastic new recruit to the team – ready to work hard, but also able to get the party started when it’s time to down tools. With a Subaru-built 851cc twin-cylinder petrol engine that produces a commendable 48hp, the Sidekick is designed with performance and recreation in mind.

In keeping with the work/fun balance, Kubota offers the Sidekick in three different configurations that are each designed for different purposes. Two versions feature steel wheels – one with ATV tyres and the other with heavy0duty work site tyres. The third version features a snazzy black paint scheme, a spray-in bed liner, and alloy wheels with ATV tyres.

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Priced from $23,370, the Sidekick also features CVT PLUS (Continuously Variable Transmission with centrifugal clutch), speed-sensitive electronic power steering (EPS), a 32.7L fuel tank and a manual dumping system (electric lift is optional).

In the suspension department, the Sidekick has independent dual A-arms with adjustable spring pre-load on the front, and an independent coil over shock arrangement at the rear. The 4WD system features a limited-slip front diff and a locking rear diff.

The Kubota Sidekick actually shares its chassis and suspension with the RTV-X1120DW, but don’t be fooled – the Sidekick is a vastly different machine, thanks largely to that excellent Subaru engine.

When you first sit in the Sidekick, it feels very agricultural and industrial. Work is the first thing you think of, not fun. But once you start the engine and step on the pedal, you’ll have a hard time keeping your mind on the job – especially when you have endless trails to explore.

The Sidekick is a very quick machine. And while there is undoubtedly plenty of faster UTVs (or Side-by-Sides) in the market, not many will allow you to work as hard and still have a blast like the Sidekick. Kubota claims a top speed of 64kmh – far more than is necessary on a farm. Even on our test track at the Melbourne 4x4 Proving Ground, we struggled to explore the upper reaches of the Sidekick's speed potential.

Power comes on reasonably quickly (peak power arrives at 5750rpm, according to Kubota), so there are no delays – you’ll get from A to B in a flash. Coupled with great handling (thanks to the EPS and quality suspension), the Sidekick is one nimble and agile machine. It is a little on the tall side, so it won’t corner like a sports car, but it’s still going to leave you with a very cheesy grin.

Don’t think that all this power is just for thrills though, because the Sidekick is designed for hauling heavy loads up hills and through tricky terrain. The 4WD system works a charm but even in 2WD, the Sidekick has plenty of grunt to get you through the rough stuff. We tackled a few tricky hills at the Proving Grounds without even looking at 4WD.

There isn’t too much to criticise with the Sidekick from a performance perspective, but there are a few minor areas for improvement. Firstly, while providing generous suspension travel (229mm front, 219mm rear) the Sidekick did feel a little too bouncy at higher speeds. Fortunately the electronic power steering keeps the vehicle nice and stable, meaning you won’t be bucked around too much.

The Sidekick also lacks the dynamic engine braking of some of its siblings, which means it can tend to creep away from you a little bit on steep downhills.

Overall, the Kubota Sidekick lives up to its name as the most powerful and best handling UTV in the range. But the Sidekick isn’t a purely recreational vehicle – it’s also designed to work. So how does it fair in terms of functionality, load and towing capacity?

A sturdy steel cargo box at the back is capable of carrying up to 454kg of load, whether it be firewood, some fencing equipment or a water tank.

On the day of the review, polyethylene tank expert Trans Tank International was on site to install its OnDeck 300-litre capacity UTV spray tank on the Sidekick’s cargo box.

When filled to capacity the spray tank weighs 390kg, which the Sidekick handled with ease. In fact, the tank even enhances the UTV's stability without compromising performance.

Even with a hefty load on the back, the Sidekick was able to negotiate bends and steep slopes with ease.

Its generous ground clearance, coupled with its front and rear independent suspension, ensure the Sidekick doesn’t bottom out even with a full load in the tray.

Cargo tie-down hooks help keep load secure in the box while traveling across the paddock.

Dumping loads from the Sidekick is as simple as unlatching the sides of the cargo box and lifting the tray to slide the load out. An optional feature can lift the tray hydraulically, via a button in the cab, to eliminate any backbreaking work.

The XG-850 also comes with a standard tow hitch that allows the unit to tow up to 907kg, which is more than enough for towing a boat, a trailer loaded with hay or a trailing sprayer unit, for example.

The Sidekick has ample space in the cab to accommodate two people comfortably. The controls have been ergonomically designed and fall to hand easily. The steering wheel can be adjusted to fit the operator’s posture or stature.

A new meter panel shows all key operating functions including speed, fuel levels and more. A well-lit display ensures operators are able to read the display whatever the prevailing conditions.

Kubota has certainly given storage plenty of consideration when designing the Sidekick, with storage not just offered at the back of the vehicle but also in and around the unit.

Under-seat compartments allow owners to store smaller items such as tools, gloves, tie-downs and other personal items. There is also a glove box on the passenger’s side that is accessible by turning a key that provides secure space for knick-knacks.

Other creature comforts include a cup holder and a DC outlet to charge phones or other electronic devices. We’re not sure that the cup holder is too practical here as it doesn’t look like it could hold any cup or tumbler securely enough when the UTV is bouncing across paddocks. Perhaps you’d need one wide enough that it fits snugly in the holder. Regardless, we would caution against using the cup holder to hold your piping-hot morning coffee!

The Sidekick arrives ready for some serious bush-bashing as is, but owners can add a variety of options to really make the rig their own.

Customers can opt for either a poly, poly flip or glass windshield; poly or glass rear panel and sports roof.

Other optional extras include plastic bumpers, bush guards, under guards, A-arm guards, rear bumpers, LED headlights, mud guards and more.

Who knew that farm work could be so much fun? The Kubota Sidekick completely blows the notion that utility UTVs are slow and cumbersome out of the water.

While its speed certainly isn’t comparable to sports UTVs, some of which are capable of speeds north of 130km/h, it is more than enough for travelling across paddocks at a rapid pace while carrying a decent load in the tray.

It’s fast, safe, efficient and most importantly easy to operate, making for the perfect sidekick for the modern busy farmer.

Colour: Orange/Black

Wheel: Steel/ Black Alloy

Engine: 2-cylinder, liquid cooled, petrol

Displacement: 851cc

Horsepower: 48.3 HP

Transmission: CVT PLUS (Continuously Variable Transmission with centrifugal clutch)

Max Travelling Speed: 64.4 km/h

Steering: Speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering

4WD System: Limited-slip front differential / locking rear differential

Suspension – Front: Independent, Dual A-arms with adjustable spring pre-load, selectable 4WD

Suspension – Rear: Independent with coil over shock

Weight: 799kg

Towing Capacity: Flat : 907.2kg / Slope : 703kg

Payload Capacity: 651kg

Cargo Bed Load: 454kg

Cargo Bed Volume: 0.43m3

Dumping System: Manual with Optional electric hydraulic power lift

Fuel Tank Capacity: 32.7L

RRP: From $23,370 excluding GST