2023 Arctic Cat Alterra 600 First Ride Review

Arctic Cat’s ATV lineup is expanding, and not only this year, but in coming years as well. That’s fantastic news for legions of Cat lovers who are some of the most fiercely loyal fans in the sport. That brand loyalty was built on innovation, continual product improvement, and performance on both the track and trail. It’s a winning formula that Trenton Munsell, Arctic Cat’s director of off-road product strategy, intends to follow, along with a good dose of creativity for both the product and the work plan. The Green Team from Minnesota is back!

It’s Munsell’s job to figure out future market trends, and then build the product to fill it. After a recent meeting with Peter Keppler, the VP of powersports sales, and Munsell, we were feeling much more confident about Arctic Cat’s future. They were honest about where the Textron takeover fell short and how it negatively impacted the product, but they’re also supremely confident in their plan to reinvigorate the Cat lineup by adding innovative new models. It was like somebody had opened the window and a fresh breeze blew through the room.

You sometimes get the corporate answer from executive staff, but not with these two. They came to the meeting in riding gear that had obviously spent extensive time on the trails already, and they spoke as plainly as your best riding buddy. When asked if additional ATV models would be introduced, especially with ATV sales rebounding in several key segments, they claimed they intend to build models to fill those gaps. It was also learned that Arctic Cat intends to increase engine production at the St. Cloud, Minnesota, plant to supply both existing and future model needs. An expanded engineering team is already working toward those goals, and just as a check, we drove around the company test track to see if there was anything going on. Sure enough, it had recently been rebuilt. You don’t do that if there are no new models to test.

The biggest model in the Arctic Cat lineup at this time is the Alterra 600. That’s the heart of utility model sales, and there is little an 800 or 1,000cc ATV can do that a 600cc can’t, aside from getting your buddies into trouble faster when they invariably beg to test ride your new ATV; the corners come up in a hurry on a 1,000cc machine. We would rather ride a 600 any day because of reduced weight, better handling, less rider fatigue, and a more manageable power. However, with Arctic Cat’s history of performance and a promise to expand the lineup—don’t ever count out a larger engine from Arctic Cat.

The Alterra 600 comes with plenty of great features, and that begins with a unique chassis. Unlike most ATV chassis that cradle an engine with an overhead air intake and an exhaust on the front side of the engine, Arctic Cat engineers realized that by tipping the cylinder head to the rear and flipping the air intake to the front side with the exhaust to the back made more sense.

An airbox ahead of the engine ensures a better source of clean air (fewer filter changes), more direct routing of the exhaust out the back of the machine, less heat buildup directly under the seat, and less weight thanks to a shorter exhaust system. Equally unique is the fuel tank which is held very low in the chassis, greatly lowering overall center of gravity. It’s a unique setup, and it works. The suspension on the Alterra 600 is similar to other utility ATVs, with independent functioning dual A-arms and preload-adjustable shocks at all four corners.

All versions of the Alterra 600 feature the same single-cylinder, 45 hp engine. In addition to unique features like the rearward-leaning cylinder and the flipped intake and exhaust ports, the engine has the deepest oil pan on any ATV we know of. Thankfully, Arctic Cat engineers considered maintenance as well, and both the dipstick and the spin-on oil filter are easily reached.

Mated to the engine is a CVT transmission, and Arctic Cat uses its proprietary CVTech Trailbloc drive and Invance clutches for smooth engagement, seamless back shifting, and longer belt life. Every Alterra 600 is equipped with electric power steering, which helps eliminate arm fatigue during all-day rides. At the rear, a 2-inch receiver hitch is a handy tool for towing a heavy load.

We really like the look of the Alterra 600. Body lines present a robust image, and the bodywork fits snugly with no big seams or pointy edges to catch your boots or riding gear. It allows the rider to shift position easily. Floorboards keep your feet protected, but the holes are large enough to drain quickly. A foot brake on the right side controls the rear brakes, although we would love to have a handlebar-mounted lever for the rear brakes as well.

Snap-fit body panels allow covers to be removed quickly without tools, and cargo racks are included at the front and rear. We especially like the composite rack covers on the Black Hills Edition and Mud Pro models. They present a very finished look. Arctic Cat engineers even made sure the bodywork was formed to channel heat away from the rider. We always appreciate when a great look is integrated with functionality.

The trails of northern Minnesota were the perfect place to test the Alterra, and the Bemis Hill Trails in the Beltrami Island State Forest feature a great mix of terrain. There is pine forest, hills, mud, a couple of quarries, ponds, and plenty of sand. It was only a few degrees above freezing and a dusting of snow covered the ground, but it was ride time.

From the comfy seat, it feels like you sit on top of the Alterra rather than down in it like you might on some other models. Sight lines over the front bodywork are very good, and the spacing from seat to footpeg is excellent. Everything feels natural. Ahead of your right knee is the gearshift lever, and the controls are within easy reach.

We’re especially fond of Arctic Cat’s thumb throttle, which doesn’t tire your thumb, and the 4WD button sits on top of the throttle housing. Arctic Cat’s familiar teardrop digital display rests ahead of the steering column, along with the key and a 12V accessory outlet.

Between your knees is a handy storage bin, and although not technically 100 percent waterproof, you would have to be in very deep water to get the contents wet. We flipped the key on, hit the start button, and shifted into high gear. The gearshifter locks into position without any spongy feel.

Arctic Cat has always been about performance. The Alterra 600 engine was quick to respond to throttle input, and the CVT engaged without any jerky feeling. We also didn’t notice any lag when back shifting, even at high speed. It’s always ready for more. Whether at high speed or just winding between tight trees, the engine runs smoothly and is well matched to the chassis.

The lower center of gravity definitely helps reduce body roll. Even around high-speed sweeping turns, the chassis stayed flat and planted. You can charge into corners with the throttle on and it won’t try to pitch you off. Handling is very predictable, ensuring a confident and relaxed ride.

In a few areas we found jumps to test the Alterra suspension. We couldn’t bottom out the shocks, and the chassis stayed quiet without any annoying squeaks or rattles. Steep descents can sometimes be hazardous, especially when they’re littered with large rocks, but the power steering kept everything under control.

Both the Black Hills and Mud Pro models feature a handlebar bend that is straight from the snowmobile lineup, and we mean straight. These bars are very flat, with little reach back toward the rider, and they’ve even got the turndown on the end. This makes for a longer reach in tight turns. While we are always happy to see innovation, we can’t quite get a grip on these for anything but the Alterra 600 Mud Pro, a model destined to be ridden from all kinds of awkward body positions while navigating deep mud bogs.

We had an absolute blast playing on the Alterra 600. Whether on tight trails or speeding down wide open two-track, it’s comfortable, very predictable, and a lot of fun to ride. The Alterra 600 is the complete package and we would happily take one to the trails anytime. In fact, we didn’t want to give it up.

The Alterra 600 ATVs are the best Arctic Cat has ever built. More importantly, they represent a bit of what made Arctic Cat a legend in the first place: innovation, performance, and a connection to the core of the sport. It’s the drive and passion of the team headed by Munsell and Keppler that will complete the promise of a reinvigorated Arctic Cat brand. After talking with them and witnessing their on-the-trail daily involvement, we have no doubt they can make it happen. Once again, there is definitely something for loyal Arctic Cat fans to get excited about. We can’t wait to see where that trail leads.

One youth and 11 adult models represent the 2023 Arctic Cat ATV lineup. There is an Alterra for everyone:

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