The best way to describe the Rhino’s capabilities is: It looks steep, it is steep, but it doesn’t feel steep. That is to say, the stability of the machine is fantastic when climbing steep grades. After the initial adventure with a Yamaha tester at the wheel, it was my turn to take over driving — trust me, you drive this thing, not ride it. The Rhino rides surprisingly stable on rough terrain. Its 112.2-inch length contributes to this, but it is the suspension that smoothes out the rough stuff. The suspension is based on the Grizzly’s independent rear suspension and front dual A-arm setup, with 7.3 inches of travel in the front and rear. The Rhino has a claimed 12.1-inch ground clearance.

Driving duties are similar to a car. In front of the driver is a steering wheel attached to a rack-and-pinion-style steering system. The Rhino has two comfortable bucket seats with automotive-style seatbelts, gas and brake pedals and a dashboard with idiot lights and glovebox. But it is the roll cage surrounding the passenger and driver that reminds you this is definitely not a vehicle for the pavement. It took a little while to put the Rhino into a situation where it could shine. Every time I saw an obstacle in western Kentucky’s Turkey Bay OHV area, I avoided it. I knew from riding in the passenger seat that the Rhino could pass those obstacles. But my darn assumptions kept getting in the way. It wasn’t until I started asking my Yamaha passenger “permission” to try things — like monstrous hillclimbs or rutted trails — that I started to put those assumptions on what a vehicle like the Rhino should be able to accomplish. One of those conversations went something like this: “Say, could I try that hill over there?” “Why not,” says the Yamaha rep. “Just make sure to keep the left front wheel out of that rut.” “Will do,” I say. “Here we go.” “Nice, huh?” asked the Yamaha rep. halfway up the hill. “This is too easy!” I exclaim in between chuckles. Like the title of the article, seeing is believing. I wouldn’t have believed it myself if I hadn’t actually experienced the Rhino. Remember, this thing has a tilting, 400-pound-capacity dump bed!