No company has been more progressive in ATV development recently than CFMOTO. Since a pivotal commitment to innovation and quality in 2019, they’ve introduced four major lineup upgrades, culminating in the all-new 2027 Gen 4 platform. While competitors let designs sit for decades, CFMOTO’s North American ‘Dream Team’— all powersports veterans — has taken the reins. The result is the new CFORCE C4, C5, and C6: a total rethink of the mid-size ATV that proves this evolution is about much more than just new plastic. We needed a 2027 CFMOTO CFORCE review, and France was just the place to make it happen.
MEET THE ALL-NEW C4, C5 and C6 ATVs
Southern France was the ultimate proving ground to see if these new CFORCE ATVs lived up to their promise of performance. On paper, the numbers are impressive; on the trail, they tell an even more interesting story. Here’s how the lineup stacks up at a glance:
- The C4: The 400cc agile entry point, utilizing the new mid-size chassis.
- The C5: The “Different Heart”—the same chassis as the C4, but with a significant bump in power from the 499cc engine.
- The C6: The 647cc flagship of this trio, featuring premium suspension tuning, extra storage, and more user friendly features like electronic shifting.
A QUICK IMPROVEMENT: THE ATV ILLUSTRATED HANDLING TWEAK
A wider chassis definitely offers a benefit in ATV stability and cornering, but when the width begins to match the wheelbase (square), the handling can get twitchy at speed. Toss in a rutted, rock-strewn trail and your loved ones might have genuine cause to worry. We noticed this nervous tendency in the C6 when pushed, but we also found an immediate, two-step solution that completely transforms the machine.
1. Dial Back the EPS: Variable Electronic Power Steering is great for reducing arm fatigue, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. At “Maximum” assist, the C6 steering is far too loose, stripping away trail feedback and amping up that twitchy sensation. To be fair, every manufacturer except Kawasaki overcompensates at their maximum assist setting. On the CFMOTO C6, the “Auto” setting was an improvement, but Minimum assist was the clear winner over all terrain. It restores the connection between your hands and the dirt, providing the feel you need to stay in control through rough, off-camber sections.
2. Drop the Pressure: Tire pressure is a massive factor in handling. OEMs typically ship machines with tires at the maximum certified pressure, which almost always results in a choppy, “bouncy” ride. We dropped the C6 tire pressure by 3 psi (about .2 bar for metric users). The sidewalls are stout enough to resist rolling, and that small change allowed the tire and suspension to soak up trail chatter rather than deflect off it.
The Verdict: Make these two simple adjustments and the ATV can be pushed much harder with full handling control and confidence. They will completely transform the handling of the C6.
MORE TRAIL TIME – LESS TOOL TIME
A completely redesigned chassis and an all-new engine family allowed CFMOTO to push service intervals out by a significant 25%. Several factors contribute to this, but the primary drivers are a massive reduction in engine and CVT heat, along with a revised oil blend designed for long-term reliability.
When you do have to turn a wrench, the CFORCE Gen 4 machines make it painless. We were extremely happy to find the oil dipstick and air filter tucked behind an easy-to-remove, tool-free side panel on the right side of the engine. Combine that with a spin-on filter and an easy-to-reach drain plug, and you have a machine built for owners who would rather be on the machine than on the garage floor.
BUSTING THE MYTH: CONCEPT VS. PRODUCTION MACHINE REALITY
Let’s set the record straight: All-Wheel Steering is not a production feature. While a concept Gen4 with all wheel steering was shown at EICMA, the production Gen 4 focus is on optimized geometry and standard EPS. You won’t find rear-steering on the showroom floor, but you will find a 30% tighter turning radius thanks to a total chassis redesign.
CFORCE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
One thing is certain: nobody is going to mistake the new look of the 2027 CFORCE lineup for anything else. The styling leans heavily into “Brutalist” inspiration—sharp, aggressive edge lines and a purposeful design that relies on strength rather than soft, sweeping curves to hint at performance. These machines don’t just sit there; they stand up and put their strengths in your face!
CFMOTO engineers changed far more than just the aesthetics, though. The bodywork is crafted from a new resin engineered for superior pliability and durability, even in brutal conditions. It’s designed to flex, not crack. At the front and rear, an almost alien-looking LED light bar spans the entire width of the machine, with the front housing a pair of extra LEDs for good measure.
Regardless of your styling preferences, the functional design is top-tier. Splash protection was excellent, whether we were crossing open water holes and streams or flinging sticky mud. Beyond protecting the rider, the engineers also included plastic liners within the fender wells to shield the internals from trail debris. For the mud-lovers out there: these liners are easily removable, making it a breeze to get a power washer in for a thorough bath.
ERGO AND CONTROLS: LEVERAGE MATTERS
From the driver’s seat, the layout is intuitive. All controls are perfectly positioned, and accessory switches are integrated directly into the handlebar pods for a clean, factory look. While the C4 and C5 retain a traditional fender-mounted key, the C6 introduces an electronic key pod. This pod plugs into a dedicated pocket—located where a fuel cap traditionally sits between your knees—activating the electronics with a touch. One press of the start button (while holding the brake), and the engine spins to life.
The ergonomics also reflect the machine’s intent. The C6 features a lower, flatter, and much more aggressive bar bend that puts your arms in the correct position for maximum leverage and quick handling. Conversely, the C4 and C5 utilize much taller bars for a more casual feel.
Down in the footwells, CFMOTO has delivered exactly what we look for: raised metal footpegs bolted directly to the floorboards. We much prefer these over plastic foot rests; they provide excellent grip whether you’re wearing mud-caked hunting boots or dealing with snow-packed boards. When standing during aggressive sport riding, they’re exactly what you need.
Storage has also seen a major upgrade. The CFORCE C6 features a center-mounted storage bin and additional bins on each fender, plus space under the seat. CFMOTO swapped out finicky push-pins and rubber grommet latches—which inevitably get pushed out and lost—for magnetic pads to keep the bins secure. It’s a simple, innovative feature that works. To top it off, all three models feature a vibrant, handlebar-mounted digital display, along with a 12V outlet, a USB port, and a standard horn.
ALL NEW ENGINE AND CHASSIS
CFMOTO equipped the 2027 C4, C5, and C6 with a clean-sheet engine designed for reduced weight, extended service life, and increased power. All three models now feature a Dual-Overhead Cam (DOHC) design with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), but the most unique feature is the cylinder configuration.
CFMOTO flipped the script, and the cylinder is seemingly on backwards. In reality, the cylinder doesn’t care which direction it faces, and by placing the air intake at the front and routing the exhaust directly out the rear and down the center of the chassis, it solves a lot of problems.
At the front, the engine gets a healthy supply of clean, cool air, while out the back, it’s far easier to route the exhaust and greatly reduce heat. It also has the happy effect of allowing a significantly narrower chassis between the knees. The result is a more aggressive, sporty feel that optimizes body position and leverage. Cradling this new powertrain is a lighter, high-strength chassis designed for both durability and precision handling.
The details of each model are:
2027 CFMOTO Gen 4 ATVs: Quick Specs
| Feature | CFORCE C4 | CFORCE C5 | CFORCE C6 PRO |
| Engine | 408cc, DOHC Single | 499cc, DOHC Single | 647cc, DOHC, Single |
| Fuel Delivery | EFI | EFI | EFI |
| HP | 33 hp | 39 hp | 54 hp |
| L x W x H | 85.2 x 46.3 x 49.8 in | 85.2 x 46.3 x 49.8 in | 90.4 x 48.2 x 51.1 in |
| Steering | Standard EPS | Standard EPS | Standard EPS |
| 0–60 km/h | 5.9 Seconds | 4.3 Seconds | 3.73 Seconds |
| Ground Clearance | 10.2 in | 10.8 in. | 12.6 in |
| Weight | 782 lbs (355 kg) | 822 lbs (373 kg) | 937 lbs (425 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gal (17L) | 4.5 gal (17L) | 6.3 gal (24L) |
| Wheels | 12” Steel (Al. optional) | 12” Steel (Al. optional) | 14” Cast Al. |
| Tires | F&R, 24”, 25 Optional | F: 25-8, R: 25-10 | F: 26-9, R: 26-11 |
RIDE IMPRESSIONS: ALL THE DIRT
The first thing you notice when throwing a leg over the 2027 Gen 4 is how much narrower it feels between the knees. That reversed engine layout isn’t just a technical curiosity; it transforms the rider’s experience. Whether standing or seated, it offers a level of comfort and room to move that the Gen 3 simply didn’t have. It feels like a machine that begs to be ridden aggressively.
On the C4 and C5, the taller, more casual handlebar bend is built for utility work or long days in the saddle. The C6 PRO, however, steps up to a lower, flatter, and more aggressive bend. This position naturally pulls your elbows up, providing the leverage needed to quickly maneuver through tight, technical sections. We also found that rotating the thumb throttle module up slightly was a “quick-fix” improvement; it not only enhanced thumb comfort but further reinforced that high-elbow stance for better control.
Power Delivery: The CVT Connection: The distinct personalities of these three engines were evident on the trail, all managed by a CVT system from the experts at TEAM Industries. The clutching is perfectly dialed to match the engine’s output across the entire RPM range. As speed ramps up, the engagement is smooth with no “notchy” feel, and the backshifting is similarly seamless—avoiding the odd jerkiness often found in other mid-bore quads.
Here is how that power translates to each model:
- C4: This is the entry point, but it punches above its weight. It’s as good as anything in its class—quick enough to be fun, but never overpowering.
- C5: This is where things get sporty. It shares the C4’s chassis, but the extra snap makes it much more responsive on the trail while remaining very controllable.
- C6 PRO: This engine begs to run. Hit the throttle and it leaps forward, pulling hard all the way to the top of the RPM range. Under aggressive riding (above 3/4 throttle), you can hear a slight intake growl from that forward-mounted air system, but it’s a mechanical “thrum” that adds to the experience rather than detracts from it.
The standout tech is the E-Shift on the C6 PRO. Unlike the “notchy” levers found on almost every competitor—which usually rely on a cable linkage or a “knob on a wire”—this system uses an internal actuator directly inside the engine cases. It’s smooth, precise, and completely solves the traditional shifting struggle. Expect this to eventually become the industry standard for all OEMs.
Handling and Suspension: Dialing it In
The turning radius across all three models is impressive, keeping them nimble in tight woods. The suspension handles hard hits surprisingly well, particularly in the rear. We expected the back end to “spike” on sharp, rutted sections, but it stayed planted and held its line.
To get the most out of the Gen 4, a little fine-tuning goes a long way. Dropping 2-3 PSI in the tires effectively removes the “choppiness” over small trail chatter. Additionally, while the EPS calibration on the C4 and C5 is solid, the C6 PRO’s three-stage EPS is best left in the minimum assist setting. The higher levels tend to mask too much trail feel for aggressive riding.
Thermal Management: No More “Leg BBQ”
Through all our aggressive riding, the new engine architecture and reversed exhaust routing paid off in a huge way. We never felt that familiar “leg BBQ” heat on our boot or calf. This is a crucial improvement every rider can relate to, and it’s clear CFMOTO nailed the thermal management.
WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE
While the Gen 4 chassis is a massive leap forward, a couple of tweaks would take the CFORCE C5 to the next level. Given its punchy, sporty power delivery, it’s evident CFMOTO intended the C5 to be ridden aggressively. However, the stock, casual handlebar bend holds it back by forcing a “lazy” body position. We would love to see the C5 equipped with a lower, flatter bend similar to the C6 PRO—or at least a hybrid bar that splits the difference.
On all Gen 4 models, rotating the control pods up roughly 15 degrees is a major ergonomic win. This simple adjustment fixes your arm and elbow position, providing the necessary leverage to stay active and responsive on the machine rather than letting your elbows drop.
THE VERDICT
The 2027 CFMOTO CFORCE C4, C5, and C6 ATVs aren’t just a facelift; it’s a fundamental re-engineering of the mid-bore ATV. These machines feel like they were built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. A few minor ergonomic “pro-tips” aside, the C4, C5, and C6 offer a level of refined performance that is going to make a lot of owners question why they’re paying more for less elsewhere.
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