Smittybilt X2O 5K ATV/UTV
#1 in ATV & UTVFull review
A strong, fast UTV winch with a wireless remote for not much money. The short warranty is the price you pay.
Amazon $265.80$265.80
The Smittybilt X2O 5K ATV/UTV is the better winch overall, rated 3.5 to 3.0. The Smittybilt X2O 5K ATV/UTV leads on value. The WARN AXON 45-S wins on warranty. The Smittybilt X2O 5K ATV/UTV costs $434.19 less ($265.80 vs $699.99).
WARN AXON 45-S
#11 in ATV & UTVFull review
A premium 4,500 lb winch for UTVs and large ATVs that winch often or run a plow. Owners who winch only now and then can save with the VRX 45-S.
Amazon $699.99$699.99
Prices were last checked November 1, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Smittybilt X2O 5K ATV/UTV for value ($53.16 per 1,000 lb of pull ($265.80, 5,000 lb) vs $155.55 per 1,000 lb of pull ($699.99, 4,500 lb)).
- Choose the WARN AXON 45-S for warranty (3 years on the electrics, lifetime on mechanical parts vs 2 years on the electrics).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every ATV & UTV winch; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Smittybilt X2O 5K ATV/UTV | WARN AXON 45-S |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 88 $53.16 per 1,000 lb of pull ($265.80, 5,000 lb) | 11 $155.55 per 1,000 lb of pull ($699.99, 4,500 lb) |
| Line speed 20% | 100 5.9 ft/min at full load | 50 line speed under load not published (neutral score used) |
| Current draw 10% | 0 278 A at full load | 50 current draw under load not published (neutral score used) |
| Sealing 15% | 50 no IP rating published (neutral score used) | 100 IP68 sealing |
| Warranty 25% | 17 2 years on the electrics | 33 3 years on the electrics, lifetime on mechanical parts |
Specifications
| Smittybilt X2O 5K ATV/UTV | WARN AXON 45-S | |
|---|---|---|
| Pulling | ||
| Rated pull | 5,000 lb | 4,500 lb |
| Line speed, no load | 24.1 ft/min | 16.3 ft/min |
| Line speed, full load | 5.9 ft/min | - |
| Current, full load | 278 A | - |
| Motor | permanent magnet | permanent magnet |
| Gear ratio | 166:1 | - |
| Rope and controls | ||
| Rope | 40 ft steel | 50 ft synthetic |
| Rope diameter | 0.2 in | 0.2 in |
| Wireless remote | Yes | No |
| Sealing | - | IP68 |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 28 lb | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years electrical, lifetime mechanical |
| Released | - | 2018-06 |