John Deere Gator RSX860i Coming Soon

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently approved a new model from John Deere for 2016 – the RSX860i. You can see the certification here.

If you are familiar with John Deere Gators, you’ll notice that name is very similar to John Deere’s first Sport UTV – the Gator RSX850i.

Read the John Deere Gator RSX850i Sport Review

While the change might infer that the RSX850i received a larger or more powerful engine, the certification documents show that is not the case. The RSX860i has the same 839cc engine that produces the same 62 horsepower as the RSX850i. As well, the exhaust emission information is identical.

We asked John Deere to shed some light on the new name and received the following response:

“John Deere is always looking for opportunities to enhance our various product lines, and Gator Utility Vehicles are no exception. You’ll be hearing more about the Gator RSX860i in the near future.”

So what will make the RSX860i different? A four-seat version was the first thing to come to mind, but John Deere gives its four-seat Gators an S4 designation. More likely it’s a much more subtle change than that. Our best guess is an upgraded suspension, new styling, or some other comparatively minor change.

Stay tuned to ATV.com for more information as it becomes available.