I am looking at either the JD Gator xuv 625i or 825i or the Polaris Ranger 500 or 800. Any thoughts? One of my biggest needs is bed space, and the JD is by far the bigger one. I can't close the gate on the PR with my dog kennel.

Anyone have experience with the two? Most reviews are based on the old gators, so they all say PR's are way better, but from the few that have the newer Gators, things may have changed?

I've driven a new Ranger, but not the new Gator, which has supposedly improved immensely. The Ranger has been the gold standard for some time, so the Gator has its work cut out.

I will say, Ranger or Gator, I would not buy the 500cc model. XUVs are heavy, and the smaller engine makes them really underpowered - go with the 800/825 and up.

The full size ranger will have the larger bed. Polaris isn't number one in market share by chance. And it's not even close.

the full size ranger bed is now where near the size as the Gator. I have looked at both.

i have had a ranger atv for 10 years, so I have liked Polaris. While I want the better UTV, I am having a hard time with the small bed of the Ranger compared to the Gator.

You're correct, the ranger's bed is 8.5" shorter, but is 2" wider. I did not know that.

I have an XL dog kennel in the back of my Ranger that fits just fine with the tailgate closed. What kind of kennel are you using?

My father in law has the new Gator and I have the Crew 800. Both are great, but, I'm glad I got the Ranger. He would have too, but, he's got a JD dealership in his town

I've driven quite a few different gators over the years (although not a model that's newer than 2010) never had a problem with any of them, and I've seen them take some punishment. Technical specs wise I don't really have anything but they are extremely reliable in my experience.

Buddy just bought a gator and first day driving it the transmission went out

We have a 2010 gator and have had no issues. Unfortunately I can't compare it to a ranger

I have two of the green Pet Porter kennels that are XL. The Ranger gate will not shut with them, I took it to the dealer and tried. Maybe the bed is bigger in the quad seater?

Does a bed extender allow them to fit?

Why does it need to shut? Just run a strap over them and go.

Ranger Crew 800. If you need to get a new dog box, you can. It's cheaper than getting a UTV that you don't really want.

I don't necessarily NOT want the JD. I have driven both and they are both super nice. They both look great and run great. Just looking for opinions.

As for the gate. I just like closing the gate. with a kennel and couple bags of decoys, you can fill it up pretty quick.

I have the crew 800 and absolutely LOVE it. I have never been a big JD Gator fan because of foot room I am a big guy and the Polaris seems to be more roomy. I suppose I would drive both and get what you want. They are both good, I just have had GREAT luck with my Polaris equipment 850 twin 4x4 4wheeler, old Ranger and a new 800 crew, all of them have been trouble free and good to use.

I am not sure about the newer gators but the older ones had Kawasaki motors and they are very cold natured. Not bad, most Kawasakis had a little bit harder time starting in cold weather.

Good friend of mine has had both over the years, although the year models are much older than what you are looking at.

He started with the Gator and eventually added a 6-wheel ranger. For him, the biggest difference was the power of the Ranger and the suspension.

At the time, the Gator had a rigid frame and the Ranger had a McPherson strut arrangement and handled uneven terrain much better.

Even in the late 90's or early 2000's it seems like the Gator had the bigger bed. I used his machines with him often and hauled stuff and the Gator did haul more at the time.

Sorry I don't have more recent models to compare. From my own experience with two older machines that I did use a fair amount, I would go with the Ranger.