The 2025 Honda FourTrax Recon is a compact utility ATV for buyers who need racks and simple transportation more than 4WD, towing or high horsepower. Its 229cc air-cooled single makes about 15 hp, and Honda’s ESP system lets the rider select five gears with handlebar buttons. At 434 lb and 42.4 inches wide, the Recon is substantially easier to place and transport than most full-size utility quads. The limitations are equally clear: it is 2WD, has no tow rating and offers only 6.5 inches of ground clearance. Our guide to reading ATV and UTV specs explains how those figures affect real-world suitability.
The Recon uses a 229cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine producing about 15 hp. That output is enough for property transport, checking fences and moderate trail travel, but it is not intended for heavy hauling or aggressive recreation.
Air cooling keeps the specification simple, while the modest engine helps the ATV remain relatively light. The downside appears on long grades, under cargo load or when a rider expects the acceleration of a 400cc or 500cc machine. The Recon works best when its small-engine character is treated as part of the design rather than a temporary substitute for a full-size quad.
ESP five-speed and 2WD
The five-speed transmission uses Honda’s ESP push-button shifting. The rider still chooses each gear, but selection happens at the handlebar rather than through a conventional foot lever. That provides more direct control than an automatic CVT without requiring the same physical shifting motion.
The Recon is 2WD only. On firm lanes and moderate dry trails, that simplicity can be entirely adequate. It holds the machine back in mud, snow, loose climbs and other conditions where powered front wheels improve traction. Buyers who regularly face those surfaces should not choose the Recon simply because it is less expensive.
Compact size and handling
At 434 lb, 42.4 inches wide and 46.9 inches between the axles, the Recon is genuinely compact beside modern utility ATVs. It is 205 lb lighter and 5 inches narrower than the Honda Rancher 420 in the dataset. Those differences can make it easier to steer, fit through tight spaces and load onto a trailer.
Ground clearance is only 6.5 inches. That is sufficient for maintained property routes and mild trails, but it leaves less room for deep ruts, rocks and fallen branches. Its 2.4-gallon fuel tank is also small compared with larger utility machines, so range planning matters away from home.
Work capability and limitations
Front and rear utility racks are visible in the model image, but the project dataset does not provide their load ratings. Buyers should confirm those limits rather than treating the Recon’s compact size as permission to overload it.
There is no tow rating in the dataset. That makes the Recon a transportation and light-cargo machine, not a substitute for a larger work ATV with a rated hitch. It has one seat and should not carry a passenger.
Who it is for
The FourTrax Recon suits acreage owners, hunters and adult trail riders who want a narrow, manageable utility ATV for light jobs. It can also appeal to someone who prefers selectable gears over a CVT but does not want a conventional foot shifter.
It is a poor match for deep mud, snow, heavy trailers or riders who want automatic operation. Larger adults should also confirm the ergonomics in person because compact exterior dimensions can mean a tighter riding position.
How it compares
The Kawasaki Brute Force 300 costs $4,999 and makes about 18 hp. It is also 2WD, weighs 476 lb and uses an automatic CVT. The Kawasaki saves $250 and adds 3 hp plus twist-and-go operation, while the Honda is 42 lb lighter and gives the rider direct gear selection. Compare their specifications.
The CFMoto CForce 400 costs $5,999 and makes about 27 hp. It includes selectable 2WD and 4WD, EPS and a 1,050 lb tow rating in the dataset. It also weighs 617 lb and spans 46.5 inches. The CFMoto provides far more capability for $750 more, while the Honda is 183 lb lighter and has a longer-established dealer and resale history. See the direct comparison.
The Suzuki KingQuad 400ASi makes about 26 hp, has selectable 4WD and tows 660 lb. It weighs 606 lb and costs $7,199. The Suzuki is much more capable in difficult terrain, while the Recon saves $1,950, 172 lb and 3.7 inches of width. Compare the Honda and Suzuki.
Where it sits in Honda’s lineup
The FourTrax Rancher 420 is the next major utility step. It makes 27 hp, has selectable 2WD and 4WD, uses an automatic five-speed DCT and carries an 848 lb tow rating. At $6,199, it costs $950 more but weighs 205 lb more and is 5 inches wider. Compare the two Honda utility ATVs.
The larger Foreman 520 models add more displacement and work-oriented presence. They make sense when towing, traction and load capability outweigh the Recon’s compactness.
Price and value
At $5,249, the Recon is one of the less expensive adult utility ATVs in the dataset. Its value comes from low weight, narrow dimensions and Honda’s ESP gear selection rather than a long capability list.
The $950 step to the Rancher is difficult to ignore because it adds 4WD, more power, an automatic DCT and published towing. The Recon remains the better fit only when compact size, simplicity and lower weight are genuine priorities.
Pros and cons
The good: 434 lb weight, narrow 42.4-inch body, ESP push-button shifting, simple air-cooled engine and useful utility-ATV packaging.
The catch: 2WD only, no tow rating, only 15 hp and 6.5 inches of ground clearance. It also costs more than the automatic Kawasaki Brute Force 300.
The verdict
The 2025 Honda FourTrax Recon is a focused light-duty utility ATV. It is easy to understand, compact enough for tight spaces and well suited to moderate property travel where 4WD and towing are unnecessary.
Its narrow capability should guide the purchase. For another $950, the Rancher offers a major increase in power, traction and work ability. If those features are not needed and manageable size matters most, the Recon remains a sensible choice. Add it to the comparison tool, or browse the full database by width, power and price.
