Silent but Violent; when ordinary UTVs just won’t do, we’ve found the machine for you. Meet the Vanderhall Brawley GTS, an overlanding adventure UTV built on a unique chassis, stacked with innovative features, and powered by four electric motors providing acceleration that is better described as a “launch.” It can even spin the wheels in opposing directions, performing an instant 360-degree pirouette on the spot. It’s the most dizzying, pure fun we’ve had whipping circles since we owned a Playskool Sit ‘n Spin. Buckle up for the Brawley!
POWER MOVE: BRAWLEY KEY DETAILS
About the only features the Vanderhall Brawley GTS shares with other UTVs is 4 wheels and a seat (actually, four of them). Here is our expert take “hit list” of what sets it apart:
- Mind-blowing 404 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque
- Quad-Motor Drive: Four electric motors for independent control of each wheel and ultimate traction control, and regenerative braking
- Next-Gen Maneuverability: The proprietary quad-motor system and dual-axle steering (eTank, eCrab) allow for terrain navigation and a turning radius that traditional mechanical drivelines cannot replicate. Steering modes are Crab Steer, Front / Rear Wheel steering, and even “Tank” steering!
- Top of the line driveline components and suspension, and a low center of mass provide supreme stability at any speed.
- 18-inch aluminum wheels shod with 35×12.50-inch Atlas Paraller M/T tires
- Luxury Interior: Full HVAC, heated seats, power windows, and premium automotive grade materials and surfaces exceed the industry standard
- VERY cool switch layout on dash, and at headliner
- Expert Verdict: A sophisticated overlanding platform that successfully merges extreme EV performance with legitimate off-road capability.
SO, WHAT IS A VANDERHALL BRAWLEY?
Hailing from Provo, Utah, Vanderhall isn’t your average manufacturer. They’ve built a reputation for crafting stunning, high-quality three-wheeled street vehicles that blend elegant, retro roadster styling with cutting-edge tech. Despite the vintage aesthetic, Vanderhall optimizes performance with heavy use of modern design software and electronic controls.
While previous models often utilized a partnership with General Motors for power, the Brawley GTS—Vanderhall’s first true off-road design—rolls into the dirt with a proprietary electric drive system, and a long list of firsts not only for the company, but for any UTV. Vanderhall decided to go all-in, developing the powertrain, motor control system, and anti-lock braking system from the ground up. It was a monumental undertaking that speaks volumes about their commitment to innovation. And that’s just where the Brawley innovation begins!
BODY LINES & EXTERIOR
The Brawley’s styling is a bit of a chameleon. Depending on your angle, you’ll see elements of a Jeep Wrangler, the new Bronco, and even a vintage Toyota FJ. Those enormous 35-inch wheels and open wells boast of its off-road capability, wrapped in a package that is boxy yet sleek, muscular yet refined.
Several styling features stand out: The tinted lower door panels block trail debris but allow you to spot your line through the door. The handles are cleverly recessed to prevent snagging on brush, and the large side mirrors are standard. Overhead, a massive tinted sunroof lets in light while keeping the cabin sealed. The fit and finish are excellent; body lines flow cleanly, and the taillights are tucked neatly into the rear bodywork to stay protected.
PREMIUM INTERIOR
Climbing into the Brawley, the first thing we noticed was the doors. These aren’t flimsy plastic skins; they feel beefier than the doors on a full-size truck. The structure and window placement make you feel like you’re sealing the cockpit of an attack helicopter. The interior finish is smooth with no sharp edges, and the inner door latch—a nod to Can-Am—uses a simple, reliable pull strap.
Settling into the bucket seats, the second thing you notice is the enormous legroom. By stretching the wheelbase for stability, Vanderhall created a cabin where even a 6-foot rider can fully stretch out without hitting an intrusive wheel well. All four passengers get a 4-point harness for safety, and there’s a generous storage area behind the rear seats for a cooler and gear.
The dash is “delightfully minimalist.” It’s smooth, uncluttered, and features chrome toggle switches with isolation loops—clearly inspired by military aircraft. Two switch banks (one in the dash, one overhead) control everything from the wipers and Bluetooth infotainment to the climate control and those glorious heated seats. And all of it rides beneath a huge moon roof. We love it!
Expert Take: Frankly, the materials and execution make some “premium” competitors look like covered wagons by comparison.
POWERTRAIN: UNDER THE SKIN
The primary concern for any EV is weight and battery placement. When you throw the requirements for serious off-road action into the equation, the design process gets far more complicated. Vanderhall handled this beautifully. The Brawley GTS rides on a chassis optimized for a low center of gravity. Dual A-arms at each wheel provide an impressive 21 inches of travel. While the shocks look familiar, they actually feature an internal gas-charged anti-bottoming bump stop—essentially a “mini-shock” inside the main unit to handle the big hits.
The real magic is in the steering. With front and rear axle steering, the Brawley has a tighter turning radius than machines half its size. It offers several modes to conquer the trails:
eCrab: For moving diagonally/sideways.
eSteer: For the tightest possible turns – as tight as some sport ATVs!
eTank: For spinning in place.
eCrawl: For precision rock crawling.
The 300-volt, 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack is center-mounted. Charging is handled through a rear port, managed by Vanderhall’s “SpectralX” software. Each wheel has its own fully contained motor, inverter, and gearing, along with an integrated 200mm disc brake that provides regenerative braking. With 404 hp and 480 lb.-ft. of torque, this machine has more than double the output of most flagship UTVs. Nothing else is even close. Vanderhall also claims the materials and lubricants used are good for 10 years before any required maintenance.
Finally, we were very happy to see Vanderhall takes corrosion protection seriously. It’s always incredibly disappointing to see flaky white corrosion on new aluminum engine cases solely because a few manufacturers don’t both to protect components. Vanderhall does it right and everything is plated for protection.
BY THE NUMBERS: HOW THE BRAWLEY GTS STACKS UP
In 25 years of testing, I’ve seen the “horsepower wars” escalate, but we’ve officially entered a new era. Here is how the electric Brawley GTS compares to the heavy hitters from Polaris and Can-Am.
| Feature | Vanderhall Brawley GTS | Polaris RZR Pro R | Can-Am Maverick R |
| Power Output | 404 HP (Electric) | 225 HP (Gas) | 240 HP (Gas) |
| Peak Torque | 480 lb-ft | 152 lb-ft | ~160 lb-ft (Est.) |
| Driveline | 4 Independent Motors | CVT (Belt) | 7-Speed DCT |
| Steering | 4-Wheel (Inc. Crab/Tank) | Front-Wheel Only | Front-Wheel Only |
| Stock Tires | 35-inch Atlas Paraller | 32-inch Pro-Armor | 32-inch ITP Tenacity |
| Wheel Travel | 22 inches | 27-29 inches | 25-26 inches |
| Cabin Tech | Full HVAC / Heated Seats | Ride Command | 10.25″ Display |
HIGH VOLTAGE, HIGH WATER: WE DROVE IT INTO A LAKE
Off-roaders tend to wander outside the lines. On our test ride, that line was a shoreline. After climbing sand piles, we couldn’t help ourselves and pointed the Brawley into water deep enough to see water through the translucent side panels. Admittedly, we were a little concerned about wading door deep while sitting next to a battery bank, but the GTS didn’t hesitate.
On dry land, the acceleration is a jolt of pure adrenaline. It’s a little surreal at first—hearing only tire noise without an engine note—but light switches don’t make noise either, and the effect is about the same: instant on, instant power. The braking is equally capable, utilizing a proprietary ABS that uses the motors to prevent lock-up.
The Brawley GTS offers several power delivery and steering modes. eCrab allows you to move sideways, eSteer delivers the tightest possible turn radius, and eTank allows for spinning in one spot like only a tracked machine. eCrawl allows for maximum control when rock crawling.
Because the weight is kept so low, the GTS is incredibly stable. It doesn’t care where the “best line” is; the ability to steer each axle allows you to attack obstacles from angles that maximize traction and stability. It will conquer obstacles from any direction.
The only thing we’d add? Beefier bumpers. In stock form, that beautiful bodywork is a bit exposed for tight woods or aggressive rock crawling.
FINAL VERDICT – UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE
James Bond once tooled around the desert on a Honda ATC 90. Today, he would undoubtedly be at the wheel of a Vanderhall Brawley GTS. It is a masterclass in blending sustainable innovation with pure, unadulterated adventure.
https://vanderhallusa.com/brawley-gts-obsidian-black-electric-ev-off-road-utv-side-by-side-vehicle/
2026 VANDERHALL BRAWLEY GTS specs
Motor Output: Quad-electric motors with integrated cooling system, 404hp** (297kw**), 488 lb-ft** (662 Nm**)
Range: Up to 140 mi* (225 km*), Lithium-ion battery pack
Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive with traction control
Drive Modes: 4×2, 4×4, eCrawl™, eCrab™**, eSteer™**
Suspension: Front and Rear – Dual A-Arms, 21″ travel with cooling reservoir and gas bump stop
Brakes: Regenerative braking with 200 mm in-board discs
Tires / Wheels: Atlas Paraller M/T 35×12.50R18LT, 18×8 in. aluminum wheels
Weight: 2,700 lb (1,225 kg)
L x W x H: 147.5x76x69.5 in. (375x193x176 cm)
Ground Clearance: 18 in. (46 cm)
Towing: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg), 300lbs tongue weight, front/rear 2″ receiver
Features: Twin-Gauge display with digital inset screen, USB A (charging ports), 7″ High-performance LED halo headlights with ultra-bright tail lights & 32 in. 5000 lumen LED lightbar, Heating, cooling, ventilation speed, circulation and defrost, Front & rear removable skid plates, Full roll cage, 4-point harness safety belts for all occupants, Heated seats with integrated 4-point harness, Multi-channel amp Bluetooth Sound System®, 3-Speed adjustable electric wiper system with sprayers
Roof: Full hard roof with fixed moonroof
Warranty: 6-month Vanderhall™ limited warranty
Battery Warranty: 36-month limited warranty
MSRP: $49,950
https://vanderhallusa.com/brawley-gts-features-electric-ev-off-road-utv-side-by-side-vehicles/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: With over 25 years of influence in the off-road industry, John Arens’ ATV and UTV expertise is built on a foundation of grit and grease. From racing the Baja 1000 to serving as an engineering consultant for global OEMs like Polaris, Can-Am, and Kymco, he has spent his career shaping the machines we ride today. A former host of ATV & SxS Illustrated Television and a prolific technical author with over 500 published technical articles and reviews, John is a recognized inventor and consultant with deep-rooted knowledge of UTV and ATV platforms—providing unmatched first-hand insight as a leading authority in the field.
