Overview
Anyone running maintenance tasks, hunting expeditions, or farm chores will appreciate the utility-focused design of the 2013 Kubota RTV500 Realtree Hardwoods Camouflage. Built with a primary emphasis on durability and practicality, this UTV is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts and work crews who need a reliable vehicle to handle varied terrains and demanding jobs.
The RTV500 combines a compact footprint with a heavy-duty chassis, making it suitable for navigating tighter trails while still offering enough cargo space for tools, game, or supplies. Its liquid-cooled, 456 cc inline engine, paired with fuel injection, provides steady power delivery critical for demanding conditions. The automatic transmission with selectable 4X2 or 4X4 drive modes allows operators to adapt quickly to changing terrain, whether it’s muddy fields or rocky paths.
Designed with a focus on durability, the RTV500 features front McPherson strut suspension and a semi-independent rear setup, balancing ride comfort with the capacity to absorb rougher surfaces. Hydraulic disc brakes at both ends ensure reliable stopping power, crucial for managing the vehicle’s 1358-pound weight and cargo load. The overall character of this model emphasizes ruggedness and ease of use, carving out a niche for users who need a dependable workhorse with a discreet camouflage finish for hunting or concealment.
Within its segment, the RTV500 stands out for its combination of practical engineering and specialized styling. Its 70.9-inch wheelbase and 6.9-inch ground clearance provide a good blend of stability and off-road capability, making it a notable choice for those who demand both function and durability in a compact package.
Performance & Powertrain
With a 456cc in-line engine, this machine delivers a balanced blend of power and efficiency suitable for a range of utility tasks. The liquid cooling system helps maintain consistent engine temperatures under heavy loads, ensuring durability and reliable performance during extended work sessions or rough terrain. Fuel injection improves throttle response and fuel economy, especially in variable conditions, making it easier to operate in environments where precision control is essential.
The engine’s displacement, slightly above the segment average, allows for enough torque to handle hauling, towing, and traversing uneven terrain without the abrupt power delivery seen in smaller engines. The inline configuration tends to promote smoother operation and balanced weight distribution, which benefits overall stability during maneuvering. Power output is enough to motivate the vehicle through demanding setups, but it remains manageable for operators with varying experience levels.
The automatic transmission simplifies operation by continuously adapting to load and terrain conditions, removing the need for manual shifts and reducing driver fatigue. The selectable 4×2 and 4×4 driveline options enable quick switchovers between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes, offering flexibility for different tasks. Engaging 4×4 provides enhanced traction when navigating slippery or loose surfaces, while shifting to 2WD conserves power and reduces drivetrain wear during easier routes or flat terrain.
Suspension & Handling
Working a full day on rough trail conditions puts the suspension and braking components of this utility UTV to the test. Its front suspension employs a McPherson strut setup, which offers a compact design while providing decent shock absorption for moderate off-road obstacles. The semi-independent rear suspension enhances ride comfort and stability over uneven terrain by allowing each wheel to react individually to bumps, helping manage off-camber sections and loose surfaces more effectively.
Suspension travel figures are not explicitly listed, but the combination suggests a focus on balancing ride comfort with stability on varied terrains. McPherson struts typically offer around 4 to 6 inches of travel, making them suitable for trail riding, work tasks, and light to moderate off-road scenarios. The semi-independent rear setup further extends this flexibility, enabling the vehicle to absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and ruts encountered on trail or worksite conditions without compromising handling or stability.
Braking is handled by hydraulic disc brakes at both the front and rear, providing strong, consistent stopping power crucial for controlling the vehicle on steep descents or when carrying a load. The disc brake choice ensures efficient heat dissipation, which reduces brake fade during extended use, especially in demanding tasks or on downhill sections. The tires, measuring 24 x 9 – 12 at the front and 24 x 11 – 12 at the rear, are designed with a knobby tread pattern that maximizes grip on loose dirt, gravel, and uneven terrain, while maintaining sufficient stability on hardpack. Together, these components form a system optimized for trail, light work, and moderate off-road use, with handling that balances comfort, control, and durability across diverse conditions.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
If you’re planning to transport this vehicle in a standard pickup truck bed, you’ll appreciate that its length measures just under nine feet at 8.83 inches, making it feasible to load without excessive overhang. Its width of nine inches is narrow enough to navigate tight trails while providing enough stability during rough terrain. The 72-inch height allows it to clear most garage openings and storage spaces without issue. The wheelbase of 70.9 inches strikes a balance between maneuverability and stability, ensuring the UTV remains predictable when tackling uneven surfaces.
The vehicle’s ground clearance of 6.9 inches offers a reasonable buffer against rocks and debris, yet it remains low enough to prevent excessive center of gravity shifts that could compromise handling. At a dry weight of 1,358 pounds, it maintains a manageable mass for loading and unloading, with enough heft to remain stable at speed without being overly cumbersome. The seat height, although not specified explicitly, is designed to accommodate a wide range of riders, with ergonomic considerations that allow for shorter or taller individuals to operate comfortably. The overall sizing ensures a rider can maintain a natural posture, reducing fatigue during extended periods of use.
The 5.2-gallon fuel capacity provides a decent range for work or recreational use, minimizing the frequency of refueling stops during typical outings. Ergonomics are further enhanced by the vehicle’s compact design, which supports easy ingress and egress, even for shorter riders. The dimensions collectively favor a adaptable user profile, designed for fitting into varied terrains and storage environments while maintaining a stable ride characteristic. This careful balancing of size, weight, and rider accommodation underscores the vehicle’s practical focus for outdoor tasks and off-road adventures alike.
Notable Features
What stands out here is the selection of a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled inline engine that offers better fuel efficiency and smoother operation compared to carbureted alternatives. This configuration enhances durability and simplifies maintenance, especially in demanding work environments, while providing consistent power delivery across a range of operating conditions.
- Selectable 4X2 / 4X4 driveline for on-demand traction control
- Automatic transmission that adjusts smoothly to changing loads and terrain
- Camouflage finish tailored for hunting or outdoor work, integrating aesthetics with functionality
- Compact engine size optimized for low emissions and ease of servicing
These features collectively improve the RTV500’s usability in outdoor tasks, offering a combination of rugged dependability and convenience that stands apart from basic utility models. The focus on adaptable drive modes and user-friendly operation ensures it can handle a variety of terrains and load conditions with minimal fuss.
Pricing & Value
What stands out here is the $9,990 MSRP, positioning this RTV500 as an accessible option within the utility side-by-side segment. Its target audience includes outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and landowners who want a machine with specific camouflage aesthetics at an entry-level price point. This price aims to attract buyers seeking basic functionality without paying for high-end features or luxury trim levels.
- Base model aimed at budget-conscious consumers
- Limited premium features compared to higher-tier utility models
- Threshold for price-sensitive buyers wanting brand reputation
- Designed to appeal to those prioritizing appearance and simplicity
Compared to other utility UTVs, especially in the same price range, the RTV500 offers a simple package that emphasizes function and aesthetics over advanced technology or comfort features. Its position in Kubota’s lineup is near the entry point, with higher trims offering more creature comforts, additional cargo capacity, or upgraded engines. Conversely, models below this trim may lack the camouflage design and certain accessories, but often come at a lower cost.
At this price, the RTV500 presents a fair value if the buyer values the camouflage finish and the brand’s reputation for durable engines. It does not try to compete with more feature-rich or performance-oriented models but fulfills a niche for reliable work and recreation with a distinctive appearance. For those seeking basic utility and a recognizable name in the segment, it justifies its cost without inflated pricing or unnecessary extras.
Final Thoughts
What stands out here is the focus on outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability and a rugged appearance in a utility vehicle. The camouflage finish signals an emphasis on hunting, trail duty, and outdoor work where blending into natural surroundings matters. This machine is built to handle rough terrain, heavy loads, and prolonged use, making it suitable for users who need reliable performance in remote or woodland environments.
The core strength of this RTV lies in its engineering approach to delivering simple utility rather than refined ride comfort or high-speed performance. Its chassis and powertrain are designed to withstand challenging conditions, but this comes at the expense of ride refinement and noise isolation. The vehicle excels at utility tasks and light off-road excursions, but it isn’t optimized for long-distance comfort or high-speed trail riding. It’s a workhorse, not a weekend sport machine.
The most defining quality of this RTV is its emphasis on durability and practicality over luxury or advanced features. The choice of a simple, heavy-duty chassis combined with basic but effective components ensures it can be relied upon in demanding situations. However, this means the vehicle may feel less refined and more utilitarian, which could be a drawback for users seeking a plush ride or high-tech amenities. It’s designed for those who need a dependable work partner rather than a refinement-focused recreational vehicle.
For those who need a rugged, no-frills utility vehicle with a distinctive appearance for outdoor work, the RTV500 is a compelling option. However, buyers looking for a more refined ride, advanced features, or high-speed trail performance should consider other models better suited to those demands. The RTV500’s strength lies in its simplicity and durability-it’s a machine built to serve the outdoors and nothing else.
Tech specs
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Dimensions
Tags and taxonomy
Compatible parts for the 2013 Kubota RTV500 Realtree Hardwoods Camouflage
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 tire24x9-12
- Dry weight1358 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
- Tires24x9-12Front tire size fitted from the factoryShop on Amazon
- BatteryReplacement and AGM upgradesShop on Amazon
- Oil and filter kit456ccFull service kitsShop on Amazon
- Loading ramps2000 lbRated above the 1358 lb dry weightShop on Amazon
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