When it comes to off-road vehicles, few names stand out like SHERP. Known for their amphibious design, ultra-low ground pressure, and unstoppable durability, SHERP vehicles have redefined what “off-road” really means. When it comes to crossing swamps, snow, sand, ice, or flooded terrain, SHERP’s engineering makes that possible.
Two of SHERP’s standout models, the SHERP N1200 and the SHERP Pro XT, both deliver that legendary go-anywhere performance. Yet, each one is built with a slightly different mission in mind. If you’re working in industrial logistics, search and rescue, or remote exploration, understanding the difference between these two SHERP models will help you choose the best one for your needs. Let’s take a closer look at what sets the N1200 and Pro XT apart.
Built to Conquer Any Terrain
Before comparing the models, it’s worth looking at what makes every SHERP so unique. SHERP vehicles are amphibious all-terrain vehicles (AATVs), designed to overcome environments where traditional vehicles fail.
Every SHERP comes with a few defining traits:
- Amphibious capability: Seamless transition from land to water thanks to a sealed aluminum body, massive tubeless tires that double as floats, and a powerful bilge system.
- Ultra-low ground pressure: SHERPs can roll across deep snow, swamps, or soft tundra without sinking.
- Onboard tire inflation: Operators can adjust tire pressure instantly from the cabin to adapt to changing terrain.
- Unmatched reliability: SHERPs are trusted by industries and organizations worldwide, from oil and gas to search and rescue to defense.
Both the N1200 and the Pro XT have these traits, but they serve different operators and missions.
SHERP N1200
The SHERP N1200 represents the next generation of SHERP design, built for serious professional and industrial use. It takes the proven platform of earlier models and upgrades it with more power, capacity, and comfort.
Performance and Power
At the heart of the N1200 is a 55-horsepower Doosan D18 diesel engine, tuned for high torque and low-speed control. On land, it can reach speeds up to 25 mph, while on water it cruises steadily at around 4 mph.
Payload and Capability
True to its name, the N1200 can carry up to 2,640 lb of payload and tow approximately 5,180 lb. That makes it a favorite among teams who need to move heavy gear, personnel, or materials across remote terrain.
Design and Comfort
The aluminum body keeps weight manageable without sacrificing strength. The cabin seats up to 8 passengers, with improved ergonomics, insulation, and optional heating for harsh climates. With 26 inches of ground clearance and 35° gradeability, the N1200 is designed to overcome serious obstacles up to 3 feet high.
Ideal Use Cases
The SHERP N1200 is a top choice for:
- Oil and gas operators working in Arctic or swamp conditions
- Disaster relief and rescue teams navigating floods or debris
- Construction and utility crews reaching off-grid job sites
- Research expeditions in remote or fragile environments
In short, the N1200 is the professional’s SHERP, built for when reliability and payload matter most.
SHERP Pro XT
If the N1200 is SHERP’s industrial powerhouse, the Pro XT is its explorer counterpart. Based on the original SHERP Pro platform, the XT combines proven durability with enhanced versatility for expeditions, rescue, and private use.
Engine and Performance
The Pro XT runs on a 44.3-horsepower Kubota V1505-t turbo diesel engine, prioritizing torque and efficiency. It reaches up to 24.5 mph on land and 3.7 mph on water, just shy of the N1200’s performance but with a lighter, more nimble footprint.
Payload and Dimensions
The Pro XT carries up to 2,200 lb and has a clearance of around 23 inches, allowing it to handle tough terrain without sacrificing agility. It’s slightly smaller than the N1200, making it easier to maneuver and transport.
Cabin and Features
The cabin seats up to 6 passengers and is built for comfort on long expeditions. It features noise insulation, heating options, and SHERP’s signature pneumatic circulating suspension, a system that uses tire inflation and pressure balance to smooth out even the roughest rides.
The SHERP Pro XT excels in:
- Search and rescue operations where quick deployment is key
- Eco-tourism and exploration, offering a balance of comfort and capability
- Private ownership, for those who want SHERP performance in a compact package
- Utility and service work in remote or flooded regions
Key Differences
While both the SHERP N1200 and the SHERP Pro XT share the same legendary features and capabilities, their specifications and purposes set them apart in meaningful ways. The SHERP N1200 is powered by a 55-horsepower Doosan D18 diesel engine, giving it a bit more muscle compared to the Pro XT’s 44.3-horsepower Kubota V1505-t turbo diesel engine. On land, both vehicles reach similar top speeds, around 25 mph for the N1200 and 24.5 mph for the Pro XT. While on water, the N1200 edges ahead slightly at 4 mph versus the Pro XT’s 3.7 mph.
When it comes to hauling capability, the N1200 takes the lead with a payload capacity of 2,640 pounds, compared to the Pro XT’s 2,200 pounds. It also has more cabin space, comfortably seating up to eight passengers, whereas the Pro XT typically accommodates up to six.
In terms of design, the N1200 sits higher off the ground with 26 inches of clearance, compared to the Pro XT’s 21 to 23 inches, giving it an advantage over large obstacles or rough terrain. Both models share an impressive 35-degree gradeability, allowing them to climb steep slopes with ease.
Ultimately, the N1200 is geared toward heavy-duty industrial and rescue operations, where payload and durability are critical. The Pro XT, on the other hand, is optimized for exploration, private use, and applications that value agility and versatility over hauling power.
Choosing the Right SHERP
If your work demands maximum power, payload, and durability, the N1200 is the clear choice. It’s the vehicle that thrives under pressure, built for industries where downtime isn’t an option. If you need agility, versatility, and range, the Pro XT offers the perfect balance. It’s ideal for explorers, small teams, and private owners who want world-class capability in a more compact form.
Across more than 70 countries, SHERP vehicles have proven themselves in the harshest environments on Earth. Their unmatched ability to float, climb, and crawl where no other vehicle can make them indispensable to those who rely on mobility above all else. No matter which model you choose, SHERP is a tool for accessing the unreachable and a lifeline in emergencies.
Explore the SHERP Lineup
Ready to experience SHERP’s capability for yourself?
Visit SHERP USA to learn more about the N1200, Pro XT, and other models, and find which one fits your mission best.
