$17,000 buys you the world’s largest ATV, and yes, it’s from Russia

Go big or go home…alive. These are your options when you ride the Sokol ATV, a Russian machine that is believed to be the largest production four-wheeled vehicle in the world. I mean, one flip and that’s it. And while doing business with Russia is difficult at the moment, it turns out that Americans can still buy it and import it into the United States.

Starting at around US$17,000, subject to exchange rates Falcon measures 114 inches long, 67 inches high, and nearly 79 inches wide. Because the proportions are the same as a regular-sized ATV, only doubled, it makes a mid-sized rider look hilariously small. The 1,760-pound brute is powered by a Toyota 1NZ-FE, 1.5-liter 110-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission that sends that to all four wheels. Top speed is 53 miles per hour. On the amazingly extensive Sokol websiteyou can add options like military UAZ axles with locking differentials, heated grips, cargo racks, winch, windshield, off-road trailer and more.

I can see the appeal here: an extremely large ATV will go anywhere, over anything you want it to go, and jump as high as you need it to. Just be careful with the bounce. As you’ll see, even with the tires flat, the limited suspension travel means a lot of bounce. And not a cheerful look.

YouTubers CboysTV from Minnesota imported one through a dodgy Facebook seller, but amazingly it arrived at their farm for full testing in November. The video is below should be set to start playing at 6:24 when the unpacking starts. If not, skip ahead to this temporary code:

CboysTV There appears to be a Sokol Expert model with several options, and the resulting price was $31,800. Shipping and import charges put the final figure at nearly $40,000, so that’s something you’re looking at if you’re feeling brave yourself. Although, given what one-bedroom units are going for these days, $40k isn’t that much for something that’s a lot more interesting.

In any case, the “Sokol” is not the only large-sized Russian ATV apparently on sale, and many of them can be delivered worldwide. Phantomfor example, mine several off-road versions and at a lower price. It is also almost identical to Sokol that the two brands are listed together on reseller websites such as Russian ATVs and SUVs. Other major ATV manufacturers include Rosomaha and Zet.

Prices range from the mid-teens to the high 20,000s, but all seem to be powered by small 1.5-liter engines from Japanese automakers, usually Toyota, but sometimes Honda. The specifications are also similar. Although overall dimensions and weight may vary, ground clearance for a large ATV is 430 mm (16.9 inches). Top speed is believed to be 100 km/h (62 mph), such as the Phantom Extreme model.

Overall options are also limited, and are mostly accessories like racks and storage bins, lighting, component covers, fender flares and windshields. A few performance upgrades vary by manufacturer, but include locking differentials and suspension upgrades.

Still, the consensus of many reviewers is consistent (and expected): the huge Russian ATV is the ultimate all-around four-wheeler. If you have room to roam, go for it. A big four-wheeler really looks like a fun way to get to your final destination.