2016 Yamaha Kodiak 700 Offers An Affordable Mid-Sized ATV Option

Chaparral Motorsports

August 28, 2015

Last Updated: October 22, 2020

The world of mid-sized ATVs is being altered by Yamaha and its latest offering for the utility all-terrain vehicle market; the 2016 Yamaha Kodiak 700. Manufactured in Newnan, Georgia, Yamaha added class-leading features to its newest ATV line.

Mike Martinez, Yamaha Recreational Vehicle vice president, explained how the new Kodiak 700s have the same punch as the big bore ATVs on the market that have used 700cc-ranged engines, the Yamaha Motor Corp. press release stated. However, the new line of 700s are not only as high in performance as other mid-sized ATVs, but the Kodiak stays in the price range of most 350cc and 450cc vehicles.

"These are a working man's ATVs with power, comfort, durability and value," Martinez added.

Differentiating Between The Grizzly And Kodiak

2016 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS Realtree Xtra

In the past Yamaha touted its Grizzly 300, 400, 450, 550, and lately the Grizzly 700cc models. With the addition of the newest Kodiak 700, there are definite similarities, but with a much cheaper pricetag. In fact, the 2016 Yamaha Grizzly has a market retail sale price of $8,899, but the 2016 Kodiak 700 will start at $6,999.

Yamaha wants to showcase the Grizzly line toward ATV enthusiasts who need off-road capability in all necessities. But, the Kodiak will be geared toward those who need a reliable work or hunting vehicle, and an ATV that is still affordable.

One of the reasons this is better for workers and hunters is the drop in engine noise from the slower revs from the Kodiak. With the same horsepower and torque, the Kodiak is a little less aggressive, but the ride's fully independent front and rear suspension make this an ideal ride for those on a budget.

With a 708cc engine, the Kodiak 700 provides riders with Yamaha's Ultramatic fully automated transmission with high, low, neutral and reverse settings. This gives riders a more natural feeling while on the ATV.

Plenty Of Features Included On The Kodiak

Some of the newest features added to the 2016 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS model include a center handlebar-mounted halogen working light that gives riders a clearer ride while following movements. Additionally, the digital LCD meter displays the fuel gauge, speedometer, odometer, duel trip meters, hour meter, clock, four-wheel drive and cliff lock status, and the transmission gear indicator.

The ATV's 2-inch hitch is able to haul as much as 1,322 pounds, and the electric power steering helps balance and assist feedback from the trail. This gives riders additional comfort and more confidence in the control of their ATV.

Also, the Kodiak weighs 16 pounds less than the Grizzly and has a lower seat height at 33.9 inches, compared to the Grizzly's 36.1. Both ATVs have the same fuel capacity, front and rear cargo rack capacity and wheelbase size of 49.2 inches.

The Kodiak and Grizzly feature a 708cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke and 4-valve engine. However, the two ATVs have differently styled handlebars. For example, the Kodiak features a lower and swoop back bend handlebar, which is closer to the rider for comfort and control. However, the Grizzly has a more standard design to its handlebar.