Overview
Anyone running beginner-level trails or looking to introduce a young rider to off-road adventures will find the 2013 Arctic Cat 90 2×4 a fitting choice. Designed specifically for youth, this four-wheeled machine combines simple operation with manageable size, making it ideal for small riders just starting out or progressing through beginner terrain. Its lightweight frame and simple engineering emphasize ease of use without sacrificing fun, delivering a machine that’s easy to handle on dirt paths, grassy fields, or light off-road terrain.
The Arctic Cat 90 features a 90cc single-cylinder engine with air cooling and a carburetor setup, giving enough torque to handle gentle hills and rougher ground without requiring a full-sized operator’s strength. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a 4×2 driveline, it ensures smooth acceleration and predictable control, helping new riders build confidence as they learn. Its suspension setup includes independent A-arms in the front and a swing arm at the rear, providing ride comfort on uneven terrain while maintaining stability during turns.
Built with safety and simplicity in mind, the machine’s braking system combines hydraulic disc brakes in the rear with drum brakes at the front, offering reliable stopping power in typical riding conditions. Its modest dimensions-just under five feet long and six inches shy of two feet wide-make it easy to maneuver and store, while the 1.5-gallon fuel tank provides enough range for extended sessions without frequent refueling. What makes this model stand out within its segment is its blend of beginner-friendly features, durable construction, and approachable price point, making it a top choice for parents or instructors seeking to introduce young riders to the thrill of off-road riding.”
Performance & Powertrain
With a 90cc single-cylinder engine, this youth ATV delivers enough power for gradual acceleration and confident handling on moderate trails or around the farm. The air-cooled design keeps things simple and reduces maintenance worries, especially for young riders or those just starting out. The carburetor fuel system provides steady throttle response and easier tuning, which is helpful for beginners learning to manage throttle control.
The engine’s power output is modest, but it offers a bit more punch than smaller models designed solely for beginners. It’s suited for younger riders who are gaining confidence and need enough torque to climb gentle hills or navigate uneven terrain without feeling underpowered. The engine’s 90cc displacement strikes a good balance for this segment, providing enough motivation for casual trail riding and yard work without the complexity or fuel consumption of larger engines.
The CVT transmission shifts smoothly without driver input, making acceleration and deceleration feel natural for riders still honing their skills. The 4×2 drive system keeps things simple and lightweight, perfect for use on packed dirt trails, grass, or gravel. This set-up also minimizes maintenance and reduces the chance of mechanical issues, which is a key concern for a machine meant for young or inexperienced owners. the powertrain offers predictable and manageable performance that encourages safe riding and gradual skill development.
Suspension & Handling
If you’re planning to take this youth ATV on a variety of trails, you’ll want to know how its suspension is set up to handle different terrain types. The front features independent A-arm suspension with 2.8 inches of travel, which helps absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces without jarring the rider. This setup provides enough give for trail rides where small bumps are common, but it may feel stiff on rougher or more technical terrain. The rear suspension uses a swing arm with 2.9 inches of travel, giving some additional cushion for landing jumps or navigating rough patches. For work tasks on uneven ground, the suspension helps keep the machine stable and the rider comfortable, though it’s not designed for extreme off-road use.
Braking is handled by a combination of drum brakes in the front and hydraulic disc brakes at the rear. The drum brakes are simple and effective on smooth surfaces, but they can fade under heavy use or when riding in muddy or wet conditions. The hydraulic disc at the rear provides more consistent stopping power and better modulation, especially when the rider needs to control speed on descents or in tricky situations. This split setup offers a good balance for a youth machine that might be used for trail riding, light work, or weekend outings, where predictable braking response is important.
The tires on this ATV are sized to match its intended off-road use. The front tires are Kenda AT 20 X 7-8, which provide a decent grip on gravel, dirt, and hardpack surfaces, while the rear tires are slightly larger at 19 X 8-8, helping with traction and stability during acceleration and on uneven terrain. These tires strike a balance between ride comfort and grip, making them suitable for trail riding and light work. They’re not designed for deep mud or extremely rough terrain, but for typical dirt trails and yard use, they perform reliably without sacrificing too much comfort or control.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
With a length of 4.82 feet and a width of 6 inches, this youth-sized ATV is compact enough to fit in a standard pickup bed or small trailer, making it easy for parents or young riders to transport to trails or practice areas. Its height of just under 38 inches provides a manageable ride height for shorter riders, while still offering enough clearance for handling uneven terrain without feeling too tall or intimidating.
The wheelbase measures 38.4 inches, contributing to a stable ride that helps new riders develop confidence without feeling overwhelmed by excessive size. Ground clearance of 7.3 inches allows the ATV to clear rocks, roots, and small obstacles found on beginner trails, without risking hang-ups or getting stuck. Its dry weight of 265 pounds keeps it light enough for most young riders to handle during loading, unloading, or maneuvering around the garage or yard.
This machine’s 1.5-gallon fuel tank supports about an hour or more of moderate riding, enough for a few trail outings or a dedicated practice session without frequent refueling stops. The seat height is designed to suit a range of younger or shorter riders, typically around 25 inches from the ground, allowing them to sit comfortably with feet flat on the ground for better control and confidence. these dimensions and ergonomic features combine to make the Arctic Cat 90 a manageable and user-friendly option for children just starting out or still gaining riding skills.
Notable Features
Anyone running dirt trails or navigating uneven terrain will appreciate the inclusion of a simple yet effective CVT transmission, which offers smooth power delivery and ease of operation for young riders learning the ropes. This automatic transmission removes the need for clutching or shifting, allowing beginners to focus on steering and throttle control without distraction.
Compared to basic youth models, this Arctic Cat 90 adds a key convenience feature with a digital speedometer. This helps parents monitor their child’s riding speed and encourages responsible riding habits, especially useful during training or supervised outings. It also provides valuable feedback for young riders to learn about their riding pace and improve their control skills.
Design-wise, the 2013 model stands out with an integrated safety flag mount and added footwell protection, making it more durable and safer during off-road excursions. These touches help prevent damage from rocks or debris and provide better visibility in the woods or on crowded trails. While the core engine and drive train remain simple, these thoughtful accessories add real value to this entry-level machine.
Though the engine remains a single-cylinder carbureted unit, Arctic Cat has kept the focus on making this ATV approachable for young enthusiasts by including features that enhance safety, monitoring, and durability. For parents and young riders alike, these enhancements make the 2013 Arctic Cat 90 a more practical choice for weekend rides and beginner trail adventures, offering peace of mind and a smoother experience compared to the earlier model years or competing youth ATVs in the same price range.
Pricing & Value
If you’re planning to introduce a young rider to off-road adventures, you’ll want to know that the 2013 Arctic Cat 90 2×4 has an MSRP of $2,699. This price places it squarely in the entry-level segment for youth ATVs, targeting families looking for a reliable and manageable machine for beginners. Compared to other models in the same class, it’s priced a bit higher than some basic options, but it justifies the cost through its brand reputation and feature set designed specifically for learning and light trail work.
Within Arctic Cat’s lineup, the 90 2×4 sits below the more advanced models like the 150 and 250 series, which offer larger engines and more features. It’s aimed at younger or smaller riders who are just starting out, with simpler controls and less aggressive performance characteristics. Moving up to a higher trim or larger displacement ATV would significantly increase the price, often doubling or tripling the cost, so the 90 hits a sweet spot for budget-conscious families who want a machine that can introduce kids to riding without overwhelming them.
Assessing whether this ATV offers good value depends heavily on intended use. For parents seeking a machine that balances safety, ease of use, and durability for their child, the Arctic Cat 90 2×4 is priced fairly. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the brand’s reputation for building durable, age-appropriate ATVs means that it often justifies the premium. For casual riding on mowed fields or light trail work, it’s a practical choice that provides a tangible sense of quality and longevity for the money.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to introduce a young rider to off-road adventures, you’ll notice right away that this machine offers a manageable size combined with simple controls that make beginner riding less intimidating. It’s designed with safety and ease of use in mind, making it a good starting point for kids who are just learning how to handle an ATV. The 90cc engine provides enough power to handle moderate trail conditions and gentle climbs without overwhelming a new rider or draining the battery too quickly during typical weekend outings.
The most defining quality of this ATV is its user-friendly nature. It’s lightweight and easy to operate, which helps build confidence for younger riders. That said, it isn’t built for tougher terrains or aggressive riding. If your child is ready to tackle rocky hills, mud, or more technical trails, you’ll want to look at models with larger engines, higher ground clearance, and more advanced suspension setups. This ATV is best suited for flat or mildly uneven terrain and light work around the property.
Owners should plan for regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly, especially if used frequently or in muddy conditions. The simplicity of the design means fewer parts to worry about, but simple checks on the chain, tires, and brakes are still essential. This machine excels as an introduction to off-road riding and as a weekend toy for casual use. For a young rider just starting out, it offers a balance of safety, ease of use, and durability that can serve them well for a couple of seasons before they outgrow it or seek more power.
Tech specs
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Dimensions
Tags and taxonomy
Compatible parts for the 2013 Arctic Cat 90 2x4
Selected from this machine's own specification, not a generic list. Check any of it against the table above.
- ClassYouth ATV
- Drive4X2
- Front tire20x7-8
- Dry weight265 lb
- Youth helmet and gogglesDOT rated, sized for young ridersShop on Amazon
- Tires20x7-8Front tire size fitted from the factoryShop on Amazon
- BatteryReplacement and AGM upgradesShop on Amazon
- Oil and filter kit90ccFull service kitsShop on Amazon
- CoverStorage and traileringShop on Amazon
- Loading ramps1000 lbRated above the 265 lb dry weightShop on Amazon
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