We recently had the chance to spend a week with the Husqvarna HUV4421D XP while at the King of the Hammers race in Johnson Valley, California, and it didn't take long for us to form a few opinions about the machine.
First and foremost, it quickly became clear that the HUV4421D XP is designed to work. It has a rugged and strong aircraft-grade aluminum box tube frame; a power tilt cargo box capable of hauling up to 800 pounds; and a 2-inch rear-mounted receiver hitch. And since most work takes place in the dirt, the machine was designed with an impressive list of standard equipment that makes it incredibly capable in the rough stuff, including all-wheel drive; front and rear locking differentials; 7.4 inches of ground clearance; full skidplating; differential guards; and 25-inch mud tires.
The "D" in the HUV4421D XP's name denotes the fact that it has a diesel engine. It's a 719cc, three-cylinder Kubota D722 that makes approximately 20 horsepower. It's liquid-cooled and propels the machine to a top speed of 25 mph. Power is routed through a Continuously Variable Transmission. The "XP" in the machine's name is a reference to a package that includes the aforementioned 25-inch mud tires, power tilt bed, differential guards, and skidplate bellypan, but also includes a heavy-duty brushguard, nerf bars, and it seals up the CVT for added transmission protection.
The power tilt bed can handle...
The power tilt bed can handle up to 800 pounds, which made hauling and dumping our firewood a breeze. The tilt bed's maximum payload can be increased to 1,050 pounds by adding the optional high capacity suspension.
Underneath, the HUV4421D XP uses an independent double A-arm suspension with rack-and-pinion steering system and disc brakes up front. Out back, it uses a swingarm suspension and is equipped with disc brakes. The vehicle has a 1,200-pound vehicle load capacity. Inside, the cab of the HUV4421D XP features everything you need and nothing that you don't. It has a full rollcage, bench seat, glovebox, 12-volt accessory plug, and tilt steering wheel.
We were amazed at how well the four-wheel drive system with automatic locking differentials worked. In a few situations, we needed to travel up steep inclines in very deep sand. The rig put power to all four 25-inch mud tires, and we climbed with hardly any wheelspin. We also have to praise the torquey Kubota diesel engine that provided ample power for such maneuvers. It's also worth noting that the diesel engine is also very miserly when it comes to fuel consumption. We were impressed by the tight body structure and there were no rattles or clunks coming from the tilt bed when it was closed. Our craniums also appreciated the tall height of the rollcage when getting in and out of the machine.
Overall, the Husqvarna HUV4421D XP performed flawlessly during our test, and it looked pretty good doing it, too.
Specifications
General
Vehicle model: 2010 Husqvarna HUV4421D XP
Base price: $13,349.95 (base)
Color: Orange/black
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, three-cylinder diesel
Displacement (cc): 719
Aspiration: EFI
Drivetrain
Transmission: CVT
Final drive: Shaft
Suspension
Front: Independent, A-arm
Rear: Independent, A-arm
Brakes
Front: Disc
Rear: Disc
Tires
Front: 25-inch, mud
Rear: 25-inch, mud
Dimensions/Capacities
Weight (lb): 1,750
Length (in): 122.0
Width (in): 60.0
Height (in): 80.0
Ground clearance (in): 7.4
Fuel capacity (gal): 6.5
Wheelbase (in): N/A
Towing capacity (lb): N/A
Cargo bed capacity (lb): 800 (1,050 lb with optional high capacity suspension)
Cargo bed dimensions LxWxH (in): 48.0x49.8x10.9