In recent years, the definition of a pickup truck has expanded. What used to mean a traditional road-going pickup is now evolving into a broader category that includes rugged utility vehicles designed for work, hauling and off-road capabilities.
One standout in this space is Kubota’s pickup-style utility vehicle range, especially the RTV-XG850 Sidekick and other RTV (Rough Terrain Vehicle) models.
Kubota is a brand known for reliability, durability and practical machines built for farmers, landscapers and outdoor professionals. Their RTV lineup bridges the gap between traditional trucks and off-road utility vehicles.
Perfect for large properties, farms, ranches and even light commercial use, these vehicles combine hauling flexibility with robust off-road ability.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand why the Kubota pickup-style UTV lineup deserves serious attention.
What Is a Kubota Pickup-Style Utility Vehicle?
While Kubota does not produce a conventional automotive pickup truck, its utility vehicles are truck-like work machines with cargo beds, towing ability, durable construction and powerful engines. These are commonly called utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) or side-by-side vehicles.
Among them, the RTV-XG850 Sidekick is one of the most talked-about models, bringing strong performance, practical design and versatility together.
If you want a vehicle that hauls tools, supplies and gear while handling rough terrain without breaking a sweat, these Kubota machines are built for that purpose.
Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick: Core Features
The RTV-XG850 Sidekick is Kubota’s pickup-style UTV that combines speed, utility and toughness. Its practical design makes it suitable for a wide range of jobs, from hauling heavy loads across a ranch to towing equipment or transporting materials on a construction site
Here are the key highlights:
Power and Performance
- Driven by a gasoline engine with up to 54 HP or around 48–48.3 HP depending on market and tuning.
- Engine coupled with a CVT-Plus transmission for smooth acceleration and torque delivery.
- Top speed around 40 mph (64 km/h) for fast transport between work zones.
- Speed-sensitive electronic power steering (EPS) for controlled handling.
Cargo and Towing
- Cargo box capacity around 1,000 lbs (454 kg) making it a practical “pickup bed” for tools, firewood, feed and supplies.
- Towing capability up to around 2,000 lbs (907 kg) on flat ground.
- Large cargo volume and secure storage spaces add real-world usability.
Terrain and Control
- Selectable full-time 4WD system for optimum traction under load.
- Independent front and rear suspension for a smoother ride over rough ground.
- Engine-assisted braking for better control on descents.
In simple terms, the Sidekick feels like a blend between a heavy-duty ATV and a compact pickup truck — but built more for work than weekend play.
Specifications Table: Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick
| Specification | RTV-XG850 Sidekick |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2-cyl, 4-cycle gasoline |
| Displacement | 851 cc |
| Horsepower | ~48.3–54 HP |
| Transmission | CVT Plus |
| Drive System | 4WD |
| Maximum Speed | ~40 mph / ~64 km/h |
| Cargo Bed Load | ~1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Towing Capacity | ~2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Fuel Tank | ~8.64 gal (32.7 L) |
| Suspension | Independent front & rear |
| Steering | Speed-sensitive EPS |
| Warranty | 2 year / 1,000 hrs |
| Typical Price | ~$15,000–$20,000+ USD (depending on model & options) |
How Kubota Utility Vehicles Differ from Traditional Pickups
This is where many buyers get confused. A Kubota utility vehicle like the RTV Sidekick or RTV-X Series is not designed for highway driving or daily commute like a Ford or Toyota pickup.
Instead, it excels in off-road environments and work applications where speed is not everything. Here’s how they compare:
Purpose Built vs Road Built
Standard pickups are built for on-road comfort, cargo hauling on pavement and towing trailers on highways. Kubota utility vehicles are built for rugged terrain, farm work, landscaping and property management.
Cargo Flexibility
The cargo beds on RTVs are smaller but strong and tailored for tools, feed, supplies and equipment that need to be moved around property or job sites.
Cost and Simplicity
Utility vehicles like the Sidekick generally come at a lower base price than full pickups and have simpler drivetrain layouts with less maintenance complexity.
Who Should Consider a Kubota Pickup-Style Vehicle?
These vehicles are targeted toward specific buyers:
Farmers and Ranchers
Perfect for daily chores, moving feed, checking fences and towing small trailers.
Landscapers and Contractors
Hauls tools, plants, mulch and equipment efficiently across rough ground.
Large Property Owners
Makes maintenance and heavy lifting tasks more manageable.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Ideal for trail work, utility hauling, and combining work with recreation.
If your main need is hauling large trailers at highway speeds or long interstate travel, a traditional pickup will still be better. But if you want rugged utility on your land with trailer tow and cargo hauling, Kubota’s utility lineup shines.
Price and Value: Real-World Considerations
Pricing varies depending on region, dealer and model upgrades. In the U.S., Entry-level RTV utility vehicles can start around $15,000–$17,000 USD for base machines, while more equipped models approach $20,000 USD or more.
Keep in mind that unlike on-road pickups, you might not need:
- Expensive emissions equipment.
- Highway certification.
- Heavier duty suspension designed for paved miles.
This often means lower initial costs and lower ongoing maintenance, especially if the vehicle stays on property and does not accumulate many miles. If you plan to equip it with accessories like roofs, windshields, plows, winches and trailers, budget for options accordingly.
Real World Performance and Use
Independent reviews and user feedback show that the Sidekick and similar RTVs are reliable, capable and practical. Users report ease of use, low maintenance for what they are, and strong build quality. Some owners even mention using them daily for multiple tasks over years with minimal issues.
Performance on hills, trails and uneven terrain is better than expected for machines in this class. Speed-sensitive EPS and suspension systems make it manageable even with full loads.
Accessories and Customization
Part of the appeal of Kubota utility vehicles is accessory flexibility. You can add:
- Roofs and windshields for weather protection
- Brush guards and bumpers
- Plow and winch attachments
- Lockable storage
- Specialty racks for tools
This ability to customize for specific work needs makes these vehicles more valuable over the long term.
Safety and Durability
Safety features focus on work-oriented contexts:
- Roll-over protection structures (ROPS)
- Speed-sensitive steering
- Engine braking assist
- Heavy-duty suspension components
Durability is a key strength. Kubota’s reputation is built on machines that withstand outdoor use, rough terrain and long hours of operation without frequent failures. Anecdotal user reports confirm that many owners value the rugged build and reliability.
Comparison With Other UTVs
The RTV-XG850 Sidekick sits comfortably among utility vehicles. Compared to basic ATVs, UTVs provide:
- Side-by-side seating
- Better cargo and towing
- More comfort for longer use
Compared to recreational UTVs, work-focused machines like the Sidekick are tuned more for torque, hauling capacity and durability over top speed or sporty handling. This makes them genuine workhorses rather than toys.
Summary
Kubota’s pickup-style utility vehicles like the RTV-XG850 Sidekick break traditional boundaries between pickups and off-road work machines. They offer:
- Practical cargo hauling and towing for outdoor work.
- Reliable engines and transmissions optimized for torque and durability.
- Comfortable suspension and handling even over rough terrain.
- Lower entry price compared with full conventional pickups.
They are ideal for farmers, ranchers, landscapers and property owners who want a “pickup-like” machine that works as hard as they do every day.
If you value utility, flexibility and rugged capability for off-road work environments, Kubota’s lineup deserves a serious look. Their design, function and value make them more than just utility vehicles — they are genuine tools engineered to get the job done.