Overview
People looking for a small, beginner-friendly ATV will find the 2017 Arctic Cat Alterra 90 2×4 to be a practical entry point into riding. Designed primarily for young riders, it offers a manageable size and simple operation that makes it suitable for kids just starting out or learning basic trail skills. Its light weight and narrow stance help new riders develop confidence without feeling overwhelmed by larger machines.
This model is built around a 90cc single-cylinder engine with air cooling, which provides enough power for gentle trail rides, farm chores, or small tasks around the property. The CVT transmission simplifies riding by eliminating the need for shifting, allowing young operators to focus on steering and throttle control. The 4×2 drive system keeps things simple and easy to maintain, making it a good choice for parents or guardians who want a machine that’s simple to operate and service.
The Alterra 90 features independent A-arm suspension in the front and a swing arm in the rear, offering a smooth ride over uneven terrain like dirt trails, grass fields, or gravel paths. Its ground clearance of 7.3 inches helps it navigate over obstacles without getting stuck. The overall size and height make it accessible to younger riders, while its durable tires and front drum brakes support safe handling in light off-road conditions. This ATV is built with beginner riders in mind, but what sets it apart within its segment is its focus on safety, ease of use, and affordability for families or youth riders just getting started with off-road adventures or chores.
Performance & Powertrain
Pull up the throttle and you’ll find the Arctic Cat Alterra 90’s 90cc single-cylinder engine delivers gentle power suited for young or beginner riders. With air cooling, this engine keeps things simple and reduces maintenance, making it more forgiving for new riders or daily use on small trails. The carburetor setup helps maintain consistent throttle response, although it doesn’t provide the precise fuel metering of fuel-injected models. For maneuvering around the yard or on beginner trails, this setup offers enough throttle control without overwhelming the rider.
The engine’s 90cc displacement is typical for youth models, providing enough juice for light terrain and moderate inclines. It doesn’t produce high horsepower, but that’s intentional, as it encourages safe riding and easy handling. Power delivery feels smooth and predictable, which helps beginners build confidence without sudden surges or lag. This engine excels on flat terrain, small hills, and short cross-country runs where a lower-powered machine is beneficial for safety and control.
The transmission uses a continuously variable (CVT) system that delivers power smoothly to the rear wheels through a simple drive system. The 4X2 drive layout keeps things basic and easy to maintain, with no need to engage or shift gears manually. This setup favors casual trail riding and work tasks that don’t require serious torque or high-speed capabilities. The CVT’s low-maintenance design helps keep ownership costs manageable, while the drive system ensures reliable power transfer during regular use. this drivetrain setup prioritizes ease of use and simple operation, making it suited for young riders or those just starting out.”
Suspension & Handling
Ground clearance of 4.5 inches combined with 2.8 inches of front suspension travel and 2.9 inches at the rear means this youth ATV can handle a variety of trail conditions without getting hung up or feeling too stiff. On smooth hardpack, the suspension keeps things controlled and comfortable, while on uneven terrain, it absorbs bumps enough to prevent rider fatigue. When tackling loose dirt or gravel, the travel numbers provide enough flex to maintain grip and stability without sacrificing handling precision.
The independent A-arm front suspension is designed to give a smoother ride over rocks and roots, which is especially useful on rough trails or when negotiating small obstacles. The swing arm rear suspension, with nearly 3 inches of travel, helps keep the rear tires planted on loose or uneven surfaces, aiding traction during climbs or descents. For work tasks or trail riding on a variety of terrains, these suspension setups strike a balance between comfort and control, though they may feel less plush compared to larger machines with longer travel.
Braking duties are handled by a combination of drum brakes in the front and hydraulic disc brakes at the rear. The hydraulic disc brake offers more consistent stopping power, especially when riding on inclined or wet surfaces, while the front drum brake provides adequate performance for a machine of this size. Pairing these with tires like the Kenda AT 20 X 7-8 in the front and 19 X 8-8 in the rear gives confidence in grip across different terrains. The tires’ all-terrain tread pattern helps maintain traction on loose dirt, mud, or packed trails, making the machine suitable for a variety of outdoor activities and light work tasks.”
Dimensions & Ergonomics
Among youth ATVs priced around $3,000, the Arctic Cat Alterra 90 2×4 measures 4.87 feet in length, making it compact enough for young riders to handle easily and fit into most standard pickup truck beds for transport.
With a width of 6 feet and a height of 37.3 inches, this machine offers a stable riding platform without feeling bulky or difficult for smaller riders to manage. The wheelbase of 38.4 inches contributes to a balanced ride, helping children navigate tight turns while maintaining control.
The ground clearance of 7.3 inches provides enough room to traverse uneven terrain without getting hung up on rocks or roots, which is common in trail riding or farm chores. The seat height is designed to suit younger riders, giving them a comfortable reach to the ground for stability and confidence during operation.
Fuel capacity sits at 1.5 gallons, supporting several hours of riding without frequent refueling. the ATV’s dimensions and ergonomic design focus on ensuring a manageable size for smaller riders, with enough ground clearance for exploring varied terrain while maintaining stability and comfort during extended use.
Notable Features
Anyone running young riders through varied trails or light work tasks will appreciate the specific features that set this model apart from base-trim competitors or prior years. While many youth models stick to the basics, the 2017 Arctic Cat Alterra 90 includes several upgrades that enhance the riding experience and convenience.
- Adjustable throttle limiter for easy speed control, allowing parents to set appropriate riding limits as their child gains confidence.
- Compact roll cage design with integrated grab bars, making it easier for young riders to handle and for parents to transport or store the ATV.
- Standard electric start, which enhances reliability and reduces the effort needed to get the machine going, especially useful for less experienced riders.
- Front and rear cargo racks that provide simple storage options, useful for carrying small tools or personal items on weekend outings or light chores.
While the Alterra 90 offers these added features, it remains focused on delivering a simple riding experience suited for beginners and young enthusiasts. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a practical choice for families looking to introduce children to off-road riding without overwhelming them with complex systems or excessive accessories.
Pricing & Value
If you’re planning to introduce a young rider to off-road riding, you’ll want to know that the 2017 Arctic Cat Alterra 90 2×4 has an MSRP of $2,999. This price sets it squarely in the entry-level youth ATV segment, aiming to appeal to families seeking an affordable way to get beginners started. Compared to other youth models, it offers a more substantial feature set and build quality, justifying its position in the market.
At this price, the Alterra 90 is positioned as Arctic Cat’s entry-level option for young riders, with higher trims and models available that add features like automatic transmissions, larger engines, or additional safety equipment. The next step up often involves a significant jump in price and complexity, making the Alterra 90 a practical choice for parents who want a reliable, easy-to-handle ATV without spending a lot upfront. Conversely, models below this price tend to cut corners on safety or durability, which could lead to higher ownership costs over time.
Compared with similar youth ATVs from competing brands, the Alterra 90’s $2,999 MSRP is competitive. It strikes a balance between affordability and quality, emphasizing safety features and easy operation designed for beginners. However, it doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of more expensive models, such as adjustable suspensions or larger engines. For a beginner rider, this ATV delivers a fair value, but for those seeking more features or advanced performance, stepping up to a higher trim or a different brand might be necessary.
Final Thoughts
Anyone running gentle trails or learning to ride will appreciate the beginner-friendly power delivery and manageable size of the Arctic Cat Alterra 90. Its design prioritizes safety and ease of use, making it ideal for young riders just starting out on their off-road journey.
The key feature that makes this machine stand out is its low seat height and lightweight build, which help build confidence without overwhelming new riders. The 90cc engine provides enough thrust for small hills and light terrain, but it isn’t built for heavy-duty work or aggressive riding. This focus on simplicity and control makes it a good choice for young kids exploring local dirt paths or farmstead trails.
However, the Alterra 90 isn’t suited for riders who want more power or plan to tackle rougher terrain on a regular basis. It’s also not designed for prolonged use on demanding trails or for carrying heavy loads. Its basic features and limited size mean it’s best kept within safe, low-impact riding environments.
For parents looking for a dependable starter ATV that emphasizes safety and ease of handling, the Arctic Cat Alterra 90 provides a practical option. Those seeking a machine to grow into or handle more challenging terrain should consider stepping up to larger, more powerful models designed for older or more experienced riders.
Tech specs
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Dimensions
Tags and taxonomy
Compatible parts for the 2017 Arctic Cat Alterra 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
- 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 rampsRated for machine weightShop on Amazon
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