2026 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 520 DCT IRS EPS Deluxe Review
Old Faithful is a geyser in Yellowstone National Park that earned its name by delivering predictable blasts of boiling water into the air at regular intervals, offering visitors the same show for decades. And yet, people keep coming back. It’s the same story with the Honda Rubicon 520, the Old Faithful of the ATV world. This machine is dependable, predictable and rarely changes, offering buyers a track record that makes the Rubicon feel like one of the safest choices in the industry.
What’s New
Even the way Honda updates its Rubicon is predictable. Each model year gets its own colors and graphics to set it apart from previous years, while the fundamentals of the machine remain unchanged. For 2026, standard and EPS models are available in Hero Red, Black Forest Green and Matte Gray Metallic. Automatic DCT models are offered in Hero Red and TrueTimber Atera Camo, while the Deluxe trim we tested is available exclusively in Matte Timberwolf Gray Metallic with color-matched suspension components. To better blend in with the plastics, Honda also started printing its safety label in black rather than white for the first time in 2026.
2026 Honda Rubicon 520 DCT IRS EPS Deluxe
- Proven Reliability
- Ability to Shift Your Own Gears
- Small tires
- Dated technology
Styling/Aesthetics/Design: 5
Stepping up to the Deluxe model brings styling to the forefront, thanks to unique decals and aluminum wheels that help it stand out within the Rubicon lineup. The boxy bodywork, hard angles, large steel front bumper and skid plate emphasize its utility-first design. Only the Deluxe model seems to go out of its way to ensure riders notice the finer styling details.
Powertrain/Engine/Performance/Acceleration: 7
Honda added the 518 cc single-cylinder engine to the Rubicon for the 2020 model year, a welcome upgrade that gave the flagship Rubicon a little more grunt. Six years later, the engine remains unchanged, by design. Its estimated 32 hp (Honda doesn’t publish an official power specification) is slightly less than what some competitors offer in the 500 cc segment, Honda knows that the engine’s predictable reliability is one of the reasons customers flock to the Rubicon. Its performance certainly doesn’t hurt, either.
Power delivery feels strong at the low end when taking off. It’s only at the top end that the engine begins to feel tapped out compared with its rivals.
While the engine embodies the Old Faithful ethos, Honda strays from that thinking with the five-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) employed in the Rubicon and many of the company’s other powersports machines. The system breaks away from the typical belt-driven transmissions found in most ATVs, giving the rider finer control in nearly every situation.
Out for an aggressive ride? You can use the handlebar-mounted manual shift controls to make sure you’re in the optimal gear for an upcoming corner or obstacle, then hold that gear to prevent an untimely upshift or downshift from upsetting your balance. Time to hook up a trailer? Keep the Rubicon in first gear to deliver peak torque and control. Ready for a leisurely cruise? Leave it in automatic mode and let the transmission do the work.
Chassis/Suspension/Handling/Ride Characteristics: 7
The Rubicon’s handling is defined by its equipment. Dual-wishbone independent suspension is used at the front and rear, offering 7.3 and 8.5 in of travel, respectively. A set of 25 in tires completes the package, although they feel undersized compared with those on other ATVs on the market today.
The tire size helps the machine feel adequately powerful and contributes to the Rubicon’s tight, lightweight handling. However, when the rocks get big and the mud gets deep, they start to feel a little small, requiring more rider input to get the ATV up, over and through rough terrain.
Brakes/Stopping/Brake Performance: 7
Stopping power comes from dual 190 mm disc brakes up front and a single 170 mm disc brake at the rear. The brakes feel strong on the Rubicon 520 and provide plenty of power for its weight and performance.
Even when towing a trailer loaded with firewood, the brakes provided more than enough stopping power to control the load without additional effort from the rider.
Rider Position/Ergonomics: 7
Deep and wide wheel wells provide plenty of space for the rider on the Rubicon. The seat uses foam that is soft enough to remain comfortable over a long day but firm enough to prevent the rider from sinking too deeply into it.
A small storage bin is built into the front fender, while a second, smaller storage compartment is integrated into the front rack. Together, they offer enough room for a few tools and necessities. This is a welcome addition, although the storage capacity falls short of what other ATVs in the industry provide.
The handlebar-mounted transmission controls make it easy to access everything you need quickly, although the Rubicon has one oddity. To shift into reverse, you must hold a small toggle switch while pressing the downshift button. The process adds an extra step compared with the simpler systems used on other ATVs.
Features/Tech/Safety: 5
When it comes to onboard technology, Honda lags behind what other brands offer, although the Rubicon’s equipment provides the basic information most riders need. The LCD display is easy to read and includes essential information, along with features such as a maintenance reminder, hour meter and gear-position indicator.
The Rubicon follows the classic Old Faithful mindset when it comes to technology, offering what’s required and little more. Compared with competitors that feature touchscreens with built-in GPS navigation, group-ride capability and more, the Rubicon feels like a throwback in this department.
Range/Fuel Economy: 7
The Rubicon 520 has a 3.9 gal fuel tank, which is competitive in the 500 cc ATV class. Overall range will depend on how and where you ride, but forums and group chats share an observed economy number between 20 to 35 mpg, translating to a range of 80 to 120 miles. During our time with the Rubicon on wooded trails and while towing heavy loads of firewood, we got approximately 75 miles from a tank.
Value Proposition: 6
The Rubicon 520 DCT IRS EPS Deluxe we tested carries an MSRP of $10,949 USD. What you value as a customer will determine whether the Rubicon 520 is ideal for you. When it comes to technology, horsepower, suspension travel and tire size, other ATVs at the same price point offer more, which may make you think twice before buying. Potential buyers are likely to cross-shop the Rubicon 520 with the Can-Am Outlander DPS 500, Polaris Sportsman 570, or the CFMoto CForce 500.
But if Old Faithful is what you’re looking for, it’s hard to go wrong with the Rubicon It’s an ATV that starts every time and delivers consistently reliable performance. That dependability is what you’re paying for.
Conclusion
Honda isn’t the brand for everyone in the ATV world. Some customers will always be searching for the latest and greatest technology, and when you’re spending your hard-earned money, there’s nothing wrong with wanting the most advanced machine available.
But if dependability and reliability are at the top of your priority list, the Rubicon 520 delivers consistent performance ride after ride. It may not be the most powerful, technologically advanced or aggressively styled ATV in its class, but its proven track record makes it a trustworthy choice for many years to come.
Marketplace Inventory
Stephen Elmer
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