Kubota Gas vs Diesel RTV: Which Is Right for You?
8/18/2026
When you're comparing a Kubota gas vs diesel RTV, one of the biggest decisions is whether a gas or diesel engine makes more sense for your needs.
Kubota offers both options, but they are designed around different types of utility work.
The RTV520 is a compact, gasoline-powered utility vehicle designed for maneuverability and everyday property and jobsite use. The RTV-X is a larger diesel-powered utility vehicle built around hauling, towing, and demanding work.
So which one is right for you?
The answer depends on how you plan to use your RTV.
The simplest way to look at it is:
Gas-powered RTV: A compact, maneuverable option for property owners and lighter-duty utility work.
Diesel-powered RTV: A larger work-oriented option for customers who regularly haul, tow, and put their RTV to work.
That doesn't mean the RTV520 can't work hard. Kubota specifically describes it as being built for both home and jobsite use. It simply offers a smaller package than the RTV-X.
The RTV520 uses a 2-cylinder, gasoline, water-cooled EFI engine producing 17.4 horsepower. It also uses Kubota's VHT Plus transmission and comes standard with four-wheel drive.
One of the biggest advantages of the RTV520 is its size.
At 54.7 inches wide, it can be easier to maneuver through narrow gates, roads, trails, and other tight areas. Kubota specifically highlights its maneuverability as one of the RTV520's strengths.
The RTV520 can be a good fit for:
It also has a 1,168-pound towing capacity according to Kubota's current specifications.
So don't think of the RTV520 as simply a recreational gas UTV. It's a legitimate utility vehicle built for work.
The RTV-X takes a step up in size and work capability.
The current RTV-X uses a 23.3-horsepower, 3-cylinder Kubota diesel engine and Kubota's VHT-X variable hydraulic transmission. Kubota lists 1,300 pounds of towing capacity for the RTV-X.
The RTV-X is designed around utility work and is particularly well suited to customers who need to haul, tow, and work with their vehicle regularly.
The RTV-X lineup includes configurations such as the:
These configurations allow customers to choose an RTV based on how they actually plan to use it.
Diesel power can make a lot of sense when your RTV is primarily a work machine.
The RTV-X's diesel engine and VHT-X transmission are designed around utility applications, while its towing and cargo capabilities make it well suited for demanding jobs.
A diesel RTV may make more sense if you:
The key is to consider the workload, not simply whether diesel is "better."
The biggest advantage of the RTV520 isn't just its gasoline engine.
It's the compact overall package.
At 54.7 inches wide, the RTV520 is designed to get into areas where a larger utility vehicle may not fit as easily.
A gas-powered RTV may make more sense if you:
For many homeowners and landowners, maneuverability can be more important than having the largest or most powerful RTV available.
Both the RTV520 and RTV-X can have a place on a farm.
If you're primarily checking livestock, moving around the property, carrying tools, and handling everyday chores, the compact RTV520 may be a good fit.
If you're regularly hauling materials, towing, or putting substantial hours on the machine, the diesel-powered RTV-X may be worth considering.
The right choice comes down to the work you need the machine to perform.
Construction work can put a lot of demands on a utility vehicle.
If you're transporting tools and materials, towing equipment, or spending long days moving around a jobsite, the RTV-X's diesel power and larger utility platform can be a strong fit. Kubota lists a 1,300-pound towing capacity for the RTV-X and emphasizes its diesel engine and VHT-X transmission for demanding applications.
The RTV520 can still make sense on jobsites where a smaller footprint and maneuverability are priorities.
If your biggest concern is cargo space, the RTV-X Long Bed deserves a close look.
Kubota's current Long Bed is powered by the same 23.3-horsepower diesel engine and features a 6-foot metal cargo bed with the ProKonvert system. The side panels can be folded down or removed without tools to create a flatbed.
That makes the Long Bed particularly useful for customers who regularly carry:
If cargo capacity is one of your biggest priorities, the Long Bed may be more important than the gas-vs.-diesel question by itself.
For customers who use their RTV year-round, the RTV-X Cab adds another consideration.
The current RTV-X Cab uses the 23.3-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, VHT-X transmission, standard four-wheel drive, and a climate-controlled cab.
A cab can be especially valuable when you're working in:
When you're spending hours in the vehicle, operator comfort can become an important part of the buying decision.
The Kubota Sidekick is another utility vehicle option in Kubota's lineup, but it serves a different role than the RTV models discussed here.
If you're comparing Kubota utility vehicles, it's worth discussing your intended use with your local Kubota dealer to determine whether the Sidekick or an RTV is the better fit.
For this article, though, the main gas-versus-diesel comparison is between the gas-powered RTV520 and diesel-powered RTV-X lineup.
Here's a simple way to think about it:
RTV520: Choose it when compact size, maneuverability, and everyday utility are priorities.
RTV-X 2-Seater: Consider it when you want diesel power and a work-oriented utility vehicle.
RTV-X 4-Seater: A good option when carrying additional passengers is important while maintaining the capabilities of the RTV-X platform.
RTV-X Long Bed: Consider it when cargo space and hauling materials are major priorities.
RTV-X Cab: A strong choice when you want diesel power along with a climate-controlled cab for year-round work.
Neither is automatically better.
The better question is:
Which one fits the work you're asking your RTV to do?
If you need a compact utility vehicle that can get into tight spaces and handle everyday property work, the RTV520 may be the right choice.
If you're looking for a larger utility vehicle for hauling, towing, farming, construction, or demanding work, the diesel-powered RTV-X lineup deserves a closer look.
And if you need additional passengers, more cargo space, or a climate-controlled cab, Kubota gives you multiple RTV-X configurations to choose from.
At Sink Farm Equipment, we can help you compare the Kubota RTV520 and RTV-X lineup and determine which machine fits your property, workload, and budget.
We stock the RTV520, RTV-X 2-Seater, RTV-X 4-Seater, RTV-X Long Bed, and RTV-X Cab.
If you're not sure whether gas or diesel is the better choice, stop by Sink Farm Equipment and let us help you compare the options before you buy.