Overview
What stands out here is the 2016 Hisun HS 500’s role as a utility-focused side-by-side with a reputation for reliable performance in farm work, trail riding, or light hauling tasks. Built around a 471cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with fuel injection, this machine emphasizes simple power delivery and ease of maintenance. Its design suggests a machine that’s ready to handle demanding chores while remaining accessible to a broad range of users.
This is a machine that looks to strike a balance between workhorse capability and user-friendliness by offering a CVT transmission with selectable 4X2 or 4X4 drive. The independent double A-arm suspension on both ends provides a decent ride quality over rough terrain, making it suitable for users who need stability and comfort during extended hours of use. At the same time, dual hydraulic disc brakes ensure reliable stopping power, which is crucial when carrying loads or navigating challenging environments.
Built with a target buyer in mind, the HS 500 appeals to those seeking an affordable yet durable utility vehicle for farm chores, outdoor recreation, or property maintenance. Its generous 7.6-gallon fuel capacity and ground clearance of 11 inches mean it can go longer between stops and handle uneven terrain without trouble. What makes this model notable within its segment is its combination of modest price and practical design, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a dependable work partner without sacrificing comfort or capability.
Performance & Powertrain
Pull up the throttle and the Hisun HS 500’s 471cc single-cylinder engine responds with a steady, predictable pull aimed at a range of utility tasks. The liquid cooling system helps maintain consistent engine temperatures during long hours of work, preventing overheating and ensuring reliability under heavy use. Fuel injection delivers smooth throttle response and helps maximize fuel efficiency, making it suited for extended workdays or longer excursions away from refueling stops.
With a CVT transmission, power delivery feels seamless, allowing the rider to focus on the task rather than shifting gears. The unit’s design provides enough torque to handle hauling gear or towing trailers, but it won’t match the acceleration of sport-focused machines. Its power output aligns with other utility UTVs in the segment, offering enough grunt for terrain shifts and payloads without excessive complexity or weight.
Drive system options include a selectable 4X2 or 4X4, giving flexibility for varying terrain conditions. Engaging 4WD provides additional traction when crossing muddy fields or rough ground, making the vehicle more purpose-built in challenging environments. The drivetrain setup favors users who prioritize dependability and simple performance, especially in farm, worksite, or recreational settings, rather than high-speed trail riding.
Suspension & Handling
If you’re planning to tackle uneven trails or work-site terrain, you’ll want to know that the Hisun HS 500 features independent double A-arm suspension both at the front and rear. This setup provides a good balance of ride comfort and stability, with front and rear travel numbers that typically allow for moderate off-road use. The independent A-arms help absorb bumps and dips on rougher surfaces, making the ride more controlled on trail rides, while still maintaining enough stiffness to handle firm ground or gravel roads.
The braking system employs dual hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear axles. This choice ensures strong stopping power and consistent feel, which is essential when navigating steep inclines or hauling loads. Hydraulic discs perform well across various terrains, providing reliable modulation whether you’re descending rocky slopes or slowing down on packed dirt. The system’s responsiveness reduces the risk of brake fade during extended use, giving you confidence in demanding work or trail conditions.
Tires on the HS 500 are sized at 26 inches in diameter with a width of 9 inches at the front and 10 inches at the rear, mounted on 12-inch rims. These tires strike a good balance for off-road grip and stability, especially on dirt, gravel, and hardpack surfaces. The tread pattern is designed to bite into loose dirt and small rocks, while also providing enough contact patch for paved or smoother terrain. Keep in mind that wider tires or more aggressive tread patterns could enhance traction on particularly challenging terrain, but the stock setup offers predictable handling for most utility tasks or trail riding.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
Among utility UTVs priced around $8,500, the Hisun HS 500 measures 9.88 feet long, making it compact enough to fit in most standard pickup truck beds for easy transport and storage. With a width of 9 inches, it remains narrow enough to maneuver through tight trails without sacrificing stability, while the vehicle’s height of 72.4 inches offers ample ground clearance and visibility for the driver. The wheelbase of 75 inches contributes to balanced handling, especially on uneven terrain.
The dry weight of 1,197 pounds gives the Hisun HS 500 a manageable mass, which is advantageous for loading onto trailers and maneuvering around work sites without excessive effort. Its 7.6-gallon fuel tank supports longer rides without frequent refueling, enhancing productivity during extended work days or recreational outings. The seat height of approximately 34 inches caters well to a broad range of rider heights, providing comfort for both shorter and taller operators, and making it easier to control on rough terrain.
Ergonomically, this UTV offers a comfortable riding position that encourages long hours in the seat without fatigue. Although cargo capacity specifics aren’t listed here, the overall dimensions suggest a chassis designed for supporting modest payloads, ideal for light hauling or farm chores. The combination of size, weight, and ergonomic considerations makes the Hisun HS 500 suitable for outdoor work or recreational use where maneuverability and rider comfort matter most.
Notable Features
Anyone running demanding work tasks or outdoor adventures will appreciate the added convenience of a fuel-injected engine paired with liquid cooling. This combination provides more consistent performance under load and helps maintain optimal engine temperature during extended use, which is especially valuable in hot climates or when tackling tough terrain.
Compared to base models or earlier versions, the 2016 Hisun HS 500 offers a shift to a continuously variable transmission with a simple, intuitive operation. This transmission setup delivers smooth acceleration and easy handling on varied surfaces, making it accessible for both new and experienced drivers. The inclusion of a selectable 4X2 or 4X4 drive system adds to its adaptability, allowing users to switch drive modes based on terrain conditions without leaving the driver’s seat.
Standard features at this price point are often limited, but the HS 500 distinguishes itself with its focus on practical touches. It includes a durable cargo bed designed for hauling supplies and a simple dashboard that provides essential information at a glance. While it doesn’t have high-tech accessories like digital displays or advanced lighting, it emphasizes functional design meant to serve users who prioritize reliability and ease of maintenance in a utility vehicle.
Pricing & Value
What stands out here is the Hisun HS 500’s MSRP of $8,449, positioning it in the mid-range of utility UTVs aimed at budget-conscious buyers who still want decent features and performance. At this price, it targets riders who need a machine purpose-built of light hauling, farm work, or trail riding without stretching their budget too far. Compared to other machines in the $8,000 to $9,000 segment, the HS 500 offers a decent balance of power and utility, though it doesn’t push the envelope with high-end features or top-tier suspension components.
In Hisun’s lineup, the HS 500 sits as a step above entry-level models that typically fall below $8,000 but below premium machines that can reach upwards of $12,000 or more. It often replaces the lower-tier offerings with better engine options, slightly improved comfort, and more purpose-built payload capacities. Moving up from this model, the next trim or version usually adds features like enhanced suspension, larger cargo beds, or additional comfort amenities, which come at a significant premium. Conversely, stepping down often involves sacrificing power and load capacity for a lower price point, making the HS 500 a reasonable compromise in this mid-range zone.
Assessing value, the $8,449 price tag seems fair considering what the HS 500 delivers. It’s not the cheapest machine on the market, but it offers a good package for those who need a purpose-built utility machine without paying for unnecessary luxury features. Resale value will depend heavily on how well it’s maintained and the demand for used units in this segment, but as a machine aimed at practical use over showy features, it generally holds its value reasonably well. the HS 500 provides a solid bang for the buck for buyers who want a dependable utility vehicle without overpaying for features they won’t use.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to tackle farm chores or work on rugged terrain regularly, you’ll want to know that the Hisun HS 500 offers a dependable option for those who need a workhorse without a hefty price tag. Its 500cc engine delivers enough power for hauling, towing, and navigating challenging conditions, making it a strong choice for farmers, ranchers, or property owners who prioritize utility over sport riding. The design emphasizes durability and ease of maintenance, which can translate to lower long-term ownership costs.
The defining feature of the HS 500 is its focus on core utility functions-heavy-duty construction, purpose-built payload capacity, and simple operation. While it may lack some of the refinement or sporty features found in higher-end models, these trade-offs are outweighed by its affordability and simplicity. If you are looking for a UTV that can reliably support work tasks day after day, this machine should be on your short list.
However, those seeking a machine primarily for recreational trail riding or high-speed adventures should look elsewhere. The Hisun HS 500’s strength lies in its ability to perform steady work rather than deliver adrenaline-filled rides. For anyone who needs a dependable, budget-friendly utility vehicle designed for practical tasks rather than thrills, the HS 500 hits the right marks and is a smart purchase for the right buyer.
Tech specs
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Dimensions
Tags and taxonomy
Compatible parts for the 2016 Hisun HS 500
Selected from this machine's own specification, not a generic list. Check any of it against the table above.
- ClassUtility UTV
- DriveSelectable 4X2 / 4X4
- Front tire26x9-12
- Dry weight1197 lb
- Winch and mountSynthetic and steel line kitsShop on Amazon
- Plow kitBlade, mount and push tube. Needs the four wheel drive on this machineShop on Amazon
- Tires26x9-12Front tire size fitted from the factoryShop on Amazon
- BatteryReplacement and AGM upgradesShop on Amazon
- Oil and filter kit471ccFull service kitsShop on Amazon
- Loading ramps2000 lbRated above the 1197 lb dry weightShop on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.