Coleman 550 UTV Reviews and Specs

The Coleman 550 UTV is full size side-by-side that gets you where you need to go with speed and confidence. It’s a workhorse, an off-road companion, and all-weather transport. What else can be said about the Coleman 550 UTV?

The Coleman 550 UTV is a powerful machine, ready to take on the toughest jobs. It features aluminum wheels, a roof, and a 3,500-pound electronic winch. This machine is great for wooded trails, snow hills, hunting grounds, and farmland.

Let’s dive into the details of the Coleman 550 UTV. We cover its facts, specs, reviews, and more.

About Coleman 550 UTV

The Coleman 550 UTV is a Chinese-manufactured full-size side-by-side. It has been around since 1988, making its debut in the U.S. and Canada in 2011. This UTV is a mid-performance quad that gets riders wherever they need to go and gets the job done. It is an excellent alternative to more expensive name brands like Can-Am, Polaris, and Honda. The Coleman 550 targets consumers looking for a vehicle loaded with staple accessories at a fraction of the cost.

Coleman 550 and 750 UTV models come complete with a hard-top roof, 3500-lb winch, two-piece windshield, side mirrors, nitrogen-assisted performance shocks, turn signals, full analog, and digital display, and more. These UTVs also come second to none with optional electronic power steering, similar to big-name brands, and are EPA/CARB-compliant. Most utility vehicles loaded with these kinds of accessories usually cost between $13,000 and 16,000, but the Coleman is just under $10,000.

Coleman Outfitter 550 – Interesting Facts

Coleman 550 UTVs are highly-engineered and go through rigorous tests. For every 200 units produced, one of these UTVs is tested before being released to the market. Testing is to ensure the utility vehicles meet quality standards. Although Hisun’s (pronounced as high-sun) facilities are not directly comparable to that of KTM’s, they pretty much do the same thing with their products.

Coleman 550 UTVs are also among the few Chinese-made quads that meet EPA/CARB standards. All their units meet both proposed and current stability standards by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Professionals assemble these vehicles in plants that maintain a constant temperature of about 22-26 °C. This is done to avoid expanding or contracting CNC-machined UTV parts.

Coleman 550 UTV Specs & Features

• Engine – Four-stroke, liquid-cooled single-cylinder SOHC Chongqing Huasong engine. It has a bore-stroke ratio of 91 mm x 84 mm. The engine displacement is 546 cubic centimeters (33.3 cubic inches), with a compression ratio is 9.6:1. The maximum power output is 22.5 hp (30.17 kW). Fuel tank capacity is 7.4 US gallons/28 liters.
• Drivetrain – An automatic two-speed CVTech CVT transmission controls the Coleman. It has a selectable rear 2WD or 4WD system. Gear selection is a high-low range forward, neutral, and reverse and has electronic power steering. Delphi Electronic Fuel Injection or EFI allows for more reliability and direct drive power.
• Ignition – Uses an electric starter system with an electric control switch. Additionally, it requires a 12V, 300-CCA (Cold Crank Amp) Coleman 550 UTV battery with an assembled dimension of 7.75 x 5.12 x 7.06 inches (L x W x H), not including wire harness and mounting accessories.
• Lubrication – The Coleman 550 UTV oil capacity differs with and without an oil filter change. With the oil filter changed, it is 1.89 US quarts/1.8 liters. Without filter change, the capacity is 1.68 US quarts/1.6 liters. Use an SAE 10W-40 or 10W-30 4-stroke oil or equivalent motor oil for top performance. Make sure that it also has an API service classification of SL or above. Additionally, always use DOT 3 genuine brake fluid from a sealed container.
• Tires – Aluminum front wheels are equipped with AT26 X 9-14 tires, while the rear wheels with AT26 X 11-14 tires. The vehicle wheelbase is 76.8 inches.
• Brakes – The front brakes use wet disc brakes while the rear ones are pedal-braking axis brakes. Lower class models have dual front and rear ventilated hydraulic disc brakes.
• Suspension – The front and rear suspension consists of nitrogen-filled MacPherson independent dual A-arms. The turning radius is 14.11 feet (169.32 in), making for more stable handling at high speeds. 4WD system has limited-slip and complete differential lock modes accessed through push-button ease.
• Dimensions – The length is 117.3 inches, and the width is 61 inches. Its height from the ground is 76.8 inches with a ground clearance of 12.2 inches for both front and rear axles. Front and rear treads are 51.2 and 50.6 inches, respectively. Weight is 1,407 lbs (638 Kg).
• Exterior – The Coleman 550 UTV has a steel frame and plastic body material that is durable and easy to clean. The payload capacity is 850 lbs, and the towing capacity is 1,200 lbs. Cargo bed dimensions are 46.1 x 35.4 x 11 inches (L x W x H) with a capacity of 350-500 lbs. Coleman Outfitter 550 accessories include a 3,500-lb winch, and instrumentation includes fuel and temperature gauges, hour meter, and speedometer. The quad came in red, black, white, blue, yellow, orange, and camo.
• Lighting – Two 55-watt headlights mounted on the front fenders use multi-reflector lenses for superior light distribution. It also has a 0.5-watt taillight and a 1-watt brake light and instrument panel light.

Coleman 550 UTV Reviews

Coleman 550s would generally have a mix of satisfied and unsatisfied customers, just like any other utility vehicle made on- or off-shore. Check out some of the comments coming from Coleman patrons:

• Comparable to Kawasaki, each Coleman model comes with a one-year factory warranty (even a two-year warranty for certain distributors).
• There is no need to run your pockets dry on accessories after purchase as the quad is fully-loaded.
• The Coleman Outfitter 550 UTVs seem to do better after break-in as this gets rid of all the out-of-box kinks.
• Acceleration is good at lower RPMs.
• The 16% gain in displacement compared to its 500-cc mid-range counterparts translates into plenty of power, which owners appreciate.
• Owners have no problems with the engine braking on these quads.
• They are durable and reliable and competitively priced.

Complaints

Perhaps the most complained-about issue with the Coleman 550 UTV has to do with flimsy seat belts, weak muffler, and bolts and screws that keep falling off. Consumers often report bolts on the rear differential coming loose and the suspension not having dampeners. While most of them get a timely response from the manufacturer, others are left chasing on a resolution for a good few weeks.

Another issue is that the engine and exhaust easily overheat – mostly from 2011-2012. Fortunately, installing dual fans, modifying the hood compartment, and moving the cooler to the front of the radiator help cool the engine and the exhaust so that it doesn’t get too hot. Although this happens frequently, owners tend to overlook it since they can fix the said issue.

Here are some customer comments about the product:

• UTV keeps jumping out of gear, especially when pushed to higher revs.
• The seating is quite minimalist and doesn’t make for long, pleasant trail rides.
• Riders have to engage the parking brake at all times since the vehicle’s two-speed H/L/N/R transmission does not include this option.
• There is the absence of suspension/shock adjustment that drivers can do from the cab.
• It takes a while to determine the balance between soft-rigid suspension settings and varying air pressure to match the terrain.

Street-Legal Coleman 550 UTV

Making your Coleman 550 UTV street-legal is a pragmatic move, especially for farmers and industrial workers who do a lot of transportation with their quads or intend to use them as daily drivers. Luckily, 22 of the 50 U.S. states and some townships in Canada already have established laws that will guide you on the process of legalizing your UTV. Below are some vehicle upgrades you will need to meet to make it happen:

• DOT Tires – Quadboss QBT846 DOT Front Tires (view on Amazon)
• DOT-legal Headlight
• License Plate Bracket, preferably with light
• Muffler to reduce/meet sound restrictions
• Reflectors for an added safety feature

The Coleman is factory-equipped with brake and taillights, a horn, rearview mirrors, and turn signals, so you don’t have to do as many changes on your quad to meet state requirements. Once you complete latching on these parts (pretty much comprises FMVSS or Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and getting the necessary paperwork done, your four-wheeler will need to undergo testing or inspection to register as a street-legal utility vehicle.

Coleman 550 UTV – Frequently Asked Questions

• Are Hisun side by sides any good? Hisun UTVs are decent, mid-range products that give customers the necessary features at an affordable price. If you intend to use the vehicle within its capacities, it will last you a long time. However, if you’re looking for better quality and performance, you may prefer a second-hand UTV from a known name brand.
• What is the Coleman 550 UTV top speed? Its advertised top speed is 45 mph, with a maximum power output of 35 hp (26.1 kW). A less-restrictive air filter, an FMF Slip-on exhaust system (view on Amazon), and taller or shorter tires can increase it by another 2-5 mph.
• How much does a Coleman 550 UTV cost? Its regular price is $9,999, but you can buy it for $1,000 less during Black Friday sales. Other online traders and distributors sell it for a base price of $8,600.
• Who makes Coleman UTV? Chinese manufacturer Hisun is the maker of Coleman Outfitter 550 UTVs. Aside from this particular model, the firm also produces the Coleman Outfitter 750, the Strike series (sport SxS), the Sector series (utility SxS), and the HS series. Engine displacement for the company’s product lineup ranges from 250- to 1000-cc.

About Hisun

Hisun Motors Corp. USA is the maker of Coleman 550 UTV. The China-based manufacturer has been ranked 6th on the list of largest UTV producers in North America. Despite this strong standing, it was not until 2014 that the company began making a name for itself in the U.S. For the people behind Hisun, manufacturing is a timeless art. Through its products and processes, the firm intends to share exploration and their love for the outdoors.

Conclusion – Coleman 550 UTV Review

The Coleman 550 UTV may not be on everyone’s radar, but there is no doubt that this offering from Hisun is a quality vehicle. Like big names, such as Polaris, Can-Am, and Honda, this mid-range quad delivers power and performance when you need it. It is sturdy, runs well, and is excellent for gardening, hunting, and going around the farm. Overall, it is a reasonably priced, capable quad that is worth the investment.