Honda’s Rubicon has always carried a reputation for being a do-it-all ATV….you know, the one you can count on when the job needs done, but also the one you can ride all weekend long without beating yourself up. The 2026 FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4 continues that tradition with a balance of durability, comfort, and versatility. Here’s our 2026 Honda Foreman Rubicon Review.
2026 Honda Foreman Rubicon Review
Engine:
At the heart of the Rubicon is Honda’s proven 518cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke. It’s not about bragging-rights horsepower here — it’s about steady, dependable torque that doesn’t fade when you’ve got a trailer hooked up or a steep grade to climb. Feeding that power is Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system, which delivers crisp throttle response, reliable cold starts, and automatic altitude compensation — a big advantage if your riding takes you from farm fields to mountain trails. Honda engines have earned their reputation for reliability in the harshest conditions, and this one is no exception. You can work it hard all week and still be confident it’ll fire up for a weekend trail ride.At the core of the 2025 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4 Automatic DCT EPS lies Honda’s acclaimed 518cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. This powerhouse isn’t engineered for headline-grabbing horsepower figures, but rather for delivering unwavering, dependable torque. This robust torque output ensures that whether you’re hauling a heavy trailer across challenging terrain or tackling a steep, demanding incline, the power remains consistent and reliable, never faltering when you need it most.
Fueling this exceptional engine is Honda’s advanced Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system. This sophisticated system is crucial for providing a range of performance benefits. Riders will appreciate the crisp and immediate throttle response, which translates to precise control and a more engaging riding experience. PGM-FI also guarantees reliable cold starts, a vital feature for those chilly mornings or when the ATV has been sitting for an extended period. Furthermore, the system boasts automatic altitude compensation, a significant advantage for riders whose adventures take them from flat farm fields to high-altitude mountain trails. This intelligent adaptation ensures optimal engine performance regardless of changes in atmospheric pressure.
Honda engines have long been synonymous with bulletproof reliability, a reputation forged through countless hours of operation in the most demanding and unforgiving conditions. The 518cc engine in the Rubicon is a testament to this legacy. It’s built to withstand rigorous use, allowing you to confidently tackle demanding work tasks throughout the week, knowing that it will still fire up without hesitation for a weekend trail ride. This unwavering dependability is a cornerstone of the Rubicon’s appeal, offering peace of mind and consistent performance for both utility and recreation.
2026 Honda Foreman Rubicon Review
Drivetrain:
The 2025 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4 Automatic DCT EPS is built to handle both hard work and weekend play. Honda strikes a balance of power, comfort, and control, making the Rubicon as useful on the jobsite as it is on the trail.
Stepping away from the normal CVT’s (Continuously Variable Transmission) that all of the other major brands use, Honda’s Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) delivers smooth, efficient shifts without a clutch lever. It reduces rider fatigue on long days, keeps power delivery consistent, and lets you focus on the terrain instead of shifting. For riders who prefer a more traditional feel or rowing through the gears, a flip of the selector switch allows manual control of gear changes.
Every Rubicon comes with a versatile drivetrain, offering selectable 2WD/4WD. A locking front differential offers maximum traction in deep mud, steep climbs, or slippery conditions. They also come with a dual-range transmission, allowing the rider to select low or high, depending on the terrain or the job at hand.
Honda has long used the infamous “red button” to select reverse on their ATV’s. On our test machine, we are happy to report Honda has updated this to a “red lever” that is much quicker and easier to use. You can go from forward to reverse and vice versa with a synchronized pull of the red lever and gear selector in one single click. For those that use their Honda for plowing snow, this will be an amazing new feature that will allow you to change direction faster than any other brand on the market.
Whether hauling firewood, plowing snow, or tackling rough trails, the Rubicon’s rugged build, responsive handling, and dependable suspension make it a machine you can trust for both work and recreation.
2026 Honda Foreman Rubicon Review
Suspension
Here’s where the Rubicon distinguishes itself from more bare-bones work ATVs. The Rubicon comes with independent front and rear suspension, which translates into less kickback and more comfort when you’re crossing rocks, roots, or uneven ground. The front suspension offers a solid balance of compliance and predictability. Is it a long-travel sport setup? No…but it’s plenty plush for the class, and it helps this machine feel less like a farm tool and more like a do-everything ATV.
2026 Honda Foreman Rubicon Review
Fit & Finish
Honda has always been known for sweating the small details, and the Rubicon is no exception. The ergonomics are dialed in, with a seat that strikes the right balance between firm support and long-ride comfort. Controls are positioned where they should be, so operating the machine feels natural rather than forced. It’s the kind of layout that reduces fatigue and lets you stay focused on the ride, whether you’re threading through tight trails or making a long haul across the property.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) is another rider-friendly feature that makes a big difference in the real world. At slow speeds or with a heavy load, it cuts the effort required to turn the bars, yet it never feels over-assisted. It’s confidence-inspiring on rocky climbs, and it keeps your arms fresher when the day runs long.
The Rubicon’s racks are built with work in mind. Constructed from steel, they’re durable enough to take abuse, but they’re also designed to integrate seamlessly with Honda’s Pro-Connect accessory system. That means you can click on a box, basket, or gun scabbard in minutes without fumbling with hardware, making it easy to transform the machine from weekday hauler to weekend adventurer.
Other touches drive home Honda’s practical mindset. The bar-mounted parking brake is simple, effective, and right where you want it. These small upgrades might not grab headlines, but they matter when you live with a machine day after day.
Taken together, these details show that the Rubicon isn’t just built for specs on a brochure. It’s built for real people who rely on their ATVs for work, play, and everything in between.
2026 Honda Foreman Rubicon Review
Ride Impression
The Rubicon feels planted and predictable…two words that carry weight when you’re talking about ATVs. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. The torque curve is friendly yet effective, and with EPS steering, tight trails don’t wear you down. The independent rear suspension really shines when the trail turns rocky, keeping the ride civilized without sacrificing stability.
I really like the dual range transmission. For work, I prefer to drop it into low range, where I know I’m not going to need an excessive amount of speed. This certainly makes it easier on the transmission and should help maintain the reputation of durability synonymous with Honda.
The Rubicon is heavy enough to remind you that this is a utility-first machine, but not so much that it feels like a handful. Honda has nailed the balance between workhorse and recreational partner, and that’s exactly what keeps the Rubicon at the top of so many riders’ lists. Don’t let its work reputation fool you, the Rubicon is also really fun to ride! Even though it is a full-size machine, it feels alot lighter than most of the other competitors in this space. It does lack “big-bore” power, but the DCT transmission makes it fun and gets it down the trail with ease. Think of the Rubicon as the ATV world’s middle ground between a manual transmission Mazda Miata and a Toyota Hilux. Like the Miata, it’s compact, responsive, and engaging…a machine that feels alive under you and makes even routine rides enjoyable. But it also channels the Toyota Hilux’s bulletproof reliability and workhorse ethic, built to take abuse, haul heavy loads, and keep running for years without complaint. That combination of agility and durability is what sets the Rubicon apart — it’s both fun and functional in equal measure.
2026 Honda Foreman Rubicon Review
Bottom Line
If you need an ATV that’s as comfortable hauling a load of firewood as it is exploring a weekend trail system, the 2026 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4 is about as dependable as they come. It was never designed to be the fastest or flashiest ATV out there. Instead, it leans on Honda’s formula of bulletproof reliability, smart engineering, and all-day comfort.
2026 Honda Foreman Rubicon Review
Specs
Engine type / displacement: 518 cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore × Stroke: 96.0 mm × 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Valve Train: OHV; two valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 36 mm throttle body
Starter: Electric with optional auxiliary recoil
Transmission: 5-speed Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with reverse
Drivetrain: Direct front & rear driveshafts; selectable 2WD/4WD; locking front differential
Front Suspension / Travel: Independent double-wishbone; 7.3 in
Rear Suspension / Travel: Independent dual-arm; 8.5 in
Front Brakes: Dual 190 mm hydraulic discs
Rear Brake: 170 mm hydraulic disc
Tires: Front 25 × 8-12; Rear 25 × 10-12
Seat Height: 36.3 in
Ground Clearance: 9.7 in
Turning Radius: 11.5 ft
Overall Dimensions (L × W × H): 86.0 in × 47.4 in × 48.7 in
Wheelbase: 50.9 in
Curb Weight: ~725 lbs (includes fluids and full fuel tank)
Fuel Capacity: 3.9 gal (includes 1.3 gal reserve)
Towing Capacity: 1,322 lbs
Rack Capacity (Front / Rear): 99 lbs / 187 lbs
Model ID: TRX520FA6
Emissions: Meets EPA & CARB off-road standards
Colors Available: Hero Red, TrueTimber® Atera Camo
Warranty: Transferable one-year limited; optional extended HondaCare® coverage
MSRP: ~$10,299
