Which Winch Is Right For You?
Compare every WARN truck, Jeep and SUV winch series — specs, features, and performance side by side.
Truck, Jeep & SUV
Winch Comparison
The VR EVO series is WARN's modern take on value-oriented, standard-duty truck and SUV winches — aimed at users who want dependable recovery performance without premium pricing. Featuring rugged construction, IP68 waterproofing, and efficient designs that balance power and amp draw, VR EVO winches deliver solid line speed and strength for everyday 4×4 use. Available in a range of capacities (8,000–12,000 lb) with your choice of steel cable or synthetic rope and include convertible control packs and combined wired/wireless remotes.
The new WARN® ZEON™ winch changes things–forever. Tough enough to tackle anything you will, with a look that is advanced, capable and strong. ZEON is a design masterpiece that defines the next generation of winches from Warn Industries. Wherever you go, the ZEON winch excels. Muck-busting sealing keeps out everything but the good times. Add a massive satin-black cast-aluminum housing, hyper-durable finish and an efficient new motor and, well, you’ve got a workhorse unit you can trust for years to come.
REDESIGNED FROM THE GROUND UP TO BE THE CORE OF THE WARN LINEUP. Built to endure over the long haul, the new ZEON XD is the core of the WARN® winch lineup and have been completely redesigned with American engineering and assembly. These are the go-to winches for off-roaders who value reliability, durability, and performance, no matter where adventure takes you.
Built on the proven ZEON XD platform, the ZEON XC delivers top-tier performance in a low-profile, compact package — offering greater mounting flexibility, best-in-class line speed and capacity, superior durability, and the industry's leading warranty.
The ZEON Platinum series reimagines the ZEON platform by eliminating manual clutches entirely and introducing a fully wireless advanced remote that controls spool-in, spool-out, and freespool functions.Platinum models set a new standard for convenience — engage freespool, spool in, and spool out all from the wireless remote. No reaching for a lever again.
In unforgiving terrain there's no room for uncertainty. It's then that a dependable winch isn't just a show piece; it's a necessity—a literal lifeline. The all-new ZEON XP is Warn's top of the line — an ultimate performance pulling machine with unmatched control. It's the reliable, American assembled winch you can always count on to pull you through. Available in capacities up to 14,000 lbs with your choice of steel cable or synthetic rope.
The M12 & M15 are WARN's Heavyweight workhorse winches — built for big trucks, serious loads, and all-day use. With 12,000 and 15,000 lbs. of pulling capacity, massive torque, and large-frame construction, both are engineered to handle the stresses of heavy-duty winching. Whether you're hauling on the job or recovering on the trail, the M12 and M15 deliver the combination of power, speed, and durability that full-size trucks demand. Built and assembled in Oregon, USA.
BUILT FOR BIG TRUCKS AND HEAVY, LONG PULLS. Got a big truck? You’ll want one of these. With capacities up to 16,5000 lbs. and heavy-duty carrier plates engineered to handle the massive gear train stresses of big pulls, these winches are up to the big tasks. Pair it with a WARN Ascent HD front bumper for the ultimate heavyweight pulling combination.
WHY THE M8274 IS A BELOVED MODERN CLASSIC - Introduced in 1974 as a direct descendant of the original 1959 WARN Belleview — the first electric winch made for vehicles — the M8274 has earned a passionate cult following over five decades. Its still-unmatched no-load line speed, long rope capacity, and indestructible construction appeal to everyone from 4WD enthusiasts and off-road racers to hunters and ranchers. The iconic upright design, spur gear train, and exterior brake are unmistakable. More than a tool, the M8274 is a badge of honor and a piece of off-road history — a modern classic built to last through countless adventures.
FAST, POWERFUL, AND RELIABLE—FOR EXTREME CONDITIONS. Built for serious off-roaders and competitive rock sports alike, the 9.5xp, 9.5xp-s, and 9.0Rc represent WARN's classic winch lineup at its most capable. The 9.5xp and 9.5xp-s deliver 9,500 lbs. of pulling power with the fastest line speed of any WARN winch under load — engineered to perform under the most extreme conditions in the world. The 9.0Rc brings that same legendary WARN reliability in a compact, 54 lb. low-profile package purpose-built for rock crawlers who need maximum power without the weight.
LONG TIME BEST-SELLING WINCH - The XD9 is a long-time best seller for good reason — its compact, low-profile design packs 9,000 lbs. of capacity and a fast 38 ft/min no-load retrieval speed into a classic package. A best-in-class cone brake, chip-resistant powder-coat finish, and industry-leading warranty make it one of the most trusted winches in the lineup.
With a winch there is a way in, a way out, and all kinds of other ways to get the most out of your off-road and utility vehicles. Whatever your winching needs may be, you find the one that fits your needs, your rig and your budget right here. If you're looking for truck winches, SUV winches, or winches for Jeep vehicles, WARN has what you need to gear up and get out.
But how do you choose which product is right for your truck, Jeep, or SUV? We have a simple formula: take the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and multiply that by 1.5. This will get the minimum pulling capacity.
You can always go up from this number — that formula will give you a baseline to start. WARN off-road winches have capacities ranging from 8,000 lbs. to 16,500 lbs., meaning there's a winch for nearly every vehicle out there.
Comparison
| Feature / Spec | VR EVO Standard Duty |
ZEON Premium |
ZEON XD Premium |
ZEON XC Premium |
ZEON Platinum Premium |
ZEON XP Ultimate |
M12 / M15 Heavyweight |
16.5ti Heavyweight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Features | ||||||||
| Capacity (lbs) | 8K, 10K, 12K | 8K, 10K, 12K | 10K, 12K, 14K | 10K, 12K, 14K | 10K, 12K | 10K, 12K, 14K | 12K, 15K | 16,500 |
| Wiring System | Standard terminals | OEM bus bar | OEM bus bar | OEM bus bar | OEM bus bar | OEM bus bar | Standard terminals | Standard terminals |
| Remote Control | Wired + wireless 2-in-1 | Corded remote | Corded + HUB wireless | Corded remote | Advanced wireless remote | Corded + HUB + App | IP68 corded | IP68 corded + LED |
| Clutch Mechanism | Manual lever | Manual lever | Manual lever | Manual lever | Wireless remote | Auto + manual override | Manual lever | Manual lever |
| HUB Wireless Included | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Performance Sensors | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ Temp / Load / Battery | — | ✓ Thermometric |
| LED Feedback Light | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ Dynamic drum LEDs | — | ✓ |
| Rope Type | Steel or Synthetic | Steel or Spydura | Spydura / Spydura Pro | Steel, Spydura, or Spydura Pro | Spydura Synthetic | Spydura Pro | Spydura Pro | Spydura Pro |
| Assembly Location | Thailand | Oregon, USA | Oregon, USA | Oregon, USA | Oregon, USA | Oregon, USA | Oregon, USA | Oregon, USA |
| Specifications | ||||||||
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 + IP69K | IP68 + IP69K | IP68 | IP68 + IP69K | IP68 (contactor) | IP68 (contactor) |
| Geartrain Rating | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | ||||||||
| No-Load Line Speed | 24.8–27.1 ft/min | 33 ft/min | Up to 31 ft/min | Up to 40 ft/min | High-speed | Up to 40 ft/min | 22–30 ft/min | 23.6 ft/min |
| Salt Spray Test | 240 hrs | 408 hrs | 408 hrs | 408 hrs | 408 hrs | 408 hrs | 408 hrs | 408 hrs |
| Warranty | ||||||||
| Mechanical Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Electrical Warranty | 7 Years | 7 Years | 7 Years | 7 Years | 7 Years | 7 Years | 7 Years | 7 Years |
| Tier | Standard | Premium | Premium | Premium | Premium | Ultimate | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
* Chart covers primary truck & SUV series. Classic/Specialty series (9.5XP, 9.0RC, XD9, M8274) not shown; see individual product pages for specs.











































