The Best Riding Lawn Mowers of 2023

Our top pick comes from a brand that is synonymous with durable performance, as it boasts a full range of riding lawn mowers built to last for decades. The John Deere S130 combines dependability with operational comfort and convenience. This lawn tractor comes equipped with a 22 horsepower (hp) Briggs & Stratton 44 V-twin engine, a TLT 200 hydrostatic transaxle, and 20×10-8 rear tires that will provide many years of mowing service. It also features a single-lever throttle with spring-return choke, electric blade engagement, a dash-mounted fuel gauge, and the John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil-change system to make mowing and caring for the mower significantly easier.

At a glance, this mower may not appear much different from other lawn tractors, but a few key features set it apart. The mower’s frame is fabricated of full-length welded steel with a cast-iron front axle for decades of reliable operation. The engine features a full pressure lubrication system for extended working life. It is also compatible with numerous attachments, including branded and universal baggers, snow blowers, dump carts, and others that expand its usefulness beyond mowing.

In our at-home test of the John Deere S130, one of the first characteristics that stood out was its comfort. The two-piece seat allowed for cooling air circulation between the seat and backrest, unlike other mower seats with a one-piece design. The seat bottom was positioned 32 inches above the ground, providing a vantage point 3 inches higher than many competitors for improved visibility. We also liked the easy-to-use control layout, including push-button blade engagement and the dash-mounted gas gauge, keeping everything right at our fingertips. Plus, hydrostatic operation, controlled by side-by-side pedals, eliminated gear selection—we simply pressed one pedal to go forward and the other to reverse.

As for maneuverability and mowing performance, we could not have been happier. Top speed was about 5.5 miles per hour (mph), which was good for about 2 acres of mowing per hour. The deck shape allowed for extremely close edge cutting to minimize trimming later on. A spring-assisted lever made it easy to raise and lower the deck to any of the 13 preset heights between 1 and 4 inches high. The large tires cushioned the ride across uneven terrain, and the tight turning radius let the mower make surprisingly narrow turns, leaving an uncut diameter of just 25 inches.

In general, we liked the fast speed combined with the slightly narrower deck because it allows the operator to access tight spaces while still mowing a lot of grass quickly. The comfortable ride, ease of operation, and dependable components make this a great choice for those who have medium-to-large-size yards.

Read our full review: John Deere 42-Inch S130 Lawn Tractor

Product Specs 

• Type: Lawn tractor
• Powered by: 22-hp V-twin gas engine
• Deck size: 42 inches

Pros

• Ideal power and size for properties from 0.5 acre up to 2 acres
• Tight turning radius with a smooth, comfortable ride
• Seat bottom is 32 inches above the ground, which provides a higher vantage point than other mowers
• Easy maintenance with the John Deere Easy Change 30-second oil-change system; compatible with numerous attachments

Cons

• Higher price point than competitors in the same size and power range
• Limited capability on hilly terrain

Get the John Deere riding lawn mower at Lowe’s or John Deere. 

The Husqvarna TS 354XD riding lawn mower delivers premium performance in a steel and cast-iron package. During testing, we were impressed with this mower’s ability to handle turns at its large size. A bit more expensive than other riding mowers, it’s quality build and cutting performance sets it apart.

Built with a heavy-duty 24 hp Kawasaki V-twin engine, this beast can reach forward speeds up to 5.5 miles per hour and reverse speeds up to 2.5 miles per hour. Its 54-inch triple-blade ClearCut fabricated deck is easy to control with the simple pull of a switch.

We tested this lawn mower on a 2-acre yard and a full-size baseball field, where it handled turns and changing directions with ease. With over 10 hours of testing, we found the Husqvarna to be comfortable to operate, thanks in part to an adjustable 21-inch high-back seat, armrests, and oversized soft-touch steering wheel.

The LED headlights provide plenty of illumination for evening or night mowing.

One of our favorite features was the easy-to-operate foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission with cruise control. The cruise control really made cutting 2-acres a breeze.

This riding lawn mower can tackle tasks across all seasons with optional accessories like a sleeve hitch, scoop/blade, and manual and electric snow blowers.

Product Specs 

• Type: Gas-powered lawn tractor
• Deck: 54 inches
• Maximum forward speed: 5.5 mph

Pros

• Built for long-term durability and use across every season
• Rear wheels feature electronic locking differential locks for extra traction when necessary
• Foot pedal shifting, cruise control, armrests, and an ergonomic steering wheel offer top-of-the-line operational comfort
• Adapts to any landscaping with 6 height settings and an 18-inch turning radius

Cons

• No gas gauge or reserve gas lever; need to carry extra gas on especially large mows
• Seat adjustment is underneath the seat and cannot be adjusted while you’re sitting

Get the Husqvarna riding lawn mower at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or Northern Tool + Equipment.

We found the Troy-Bilt Bronco lawn tractor powered by a Briggs and Stratton Intekengine to be a user-friendly gas mower ideal for any size property.. It features comfortable foot pedal controls, auto transmission, and headlights that make driving it as easy as driving a car.

We tested this riding mower multiple times on a 2-acre yard. When mowing in the evening hours, the headlights were bright enough to light the path and illuminate surrounding areas.

Packed with features, this gas riding mower has a 42-inch steel deck that adjusts to five cutting heights using a single lever. We found that the adjustable cutting heights allowed us to cut to our desired preference. The 42-inch deck made quick work of the 2-acre yard and we were able to finish cutting in less than an hour. We alos let the grass grow a bit high to test its ability to tackle a lot of grass, and the mower handled it with ease.

We found that the operation is also comfortable thanks to a mid-back seat, rubber footpads, and a step-thru frame.

You can purchase a rear bagger or mulch kit to round out its standard side-discharge option, and its rear hitch makes it easy to pull other landscaping tools like sprayers and cargo carts.

Product Specs 

• Type: Lawn tractor
• Powered by: 19-hp Briggs & Stratton gas engine
• Deck size: 42 inches

Pros

• Features lots of user-friendly extras: headlights, step-thru frame design, mid-back seat, rubber footpads, and a rear hitch
• Auto-drive transmission is easy to operate and smoothly adjusts speed
• 18-inch turn radius allows you to maneuver around landscaping and other obstacles
• Deck adjusts to 5 different cutting heights using a single lever

Cons

• Gas engine is fairly loud and requires more maintenance than an electric version
• Rear bagger and mulch kit are separate, add-on purchases
• Transmission is not hydrostatic so requires you to put it into forward and reverse manually
• Battery installation can be cumbersome

Get the Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower at The Home Depot, Walmart, or Troy-Bilt.

This high-performance zero-turn mower has plenty of power and features to take on large yards. With its powerful 24-hp Kawasaki twin-cylinder motor, 3.5-gallon gas tank, and a massive 60-inch deck, the Ultima can mow lawns of 3 acres or more. With its hydrostatic transmission, this zero-turn mower smoothly reaches speeds up to 7.5 mph. The large deck features Cub Cadet’s AeroForce cutting system for a top cut along with 15 height adjustments ranging from 1 to 4.5 inches.

Cut the lawn in comfort thanks to a cushioned seat with armrests, a suspension system, adjustable lap bars, and comfortable hand grips. LED headlights allow you to work in low-light conditions, while Cub Cadet’s built-in SmartJet deck pressure-washing system keeps the mowing deck clean.

Product Specs 

• Type: Zero-turn mower
• Powered by: 24-hp V-twin Kawasaki gas engine
• Deck size: 60 inches

Pros

• Commercial-grade engine and heavy-duty frame will withstand many years of hard use
• 60-inch deck and 7.5 mph mowing speed; cuts up to 4 acres per hour
• Open frame and hinged floor pan allow easy access to the mower deck for maintenance
• Comfort features include padded high-back seat with armrests, cup holder, and 20-inch wheels for a smoother ride

Cons

• Premium price point for a residential mower, but value priced for the quality/capability
• The wide deck is too large to navigate walk-through gates and narrow pathways

Get the Cub Cadet Ultima riding lawn mower at The Home Depot.

There’s a lot to like about the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 that makes it an excellent all-around riding lawn mower. Let’s start with what’s under the hood: a powerful 24-hp twin-cylinder Kohler engine, which is more than enough to power its 50-inch cutting deck or handle inclines. The engine and deck size make this mower suitable for lawns up to 1.5 acres. A hydrostatic transmission enables smooth speed changes, while a short wheelbase enables an impressive 16-inch turning radius. The cutting deck provides ample cutting power thanks to its three cutting blades and 12 easily adjustable cutting heights. A 3-gallon fuel tank ensures you won’t need a refill, even for large jobs.

Other features that set the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 apart include a cruise-control feature that maintains a constant speed for the perfect cut and a SmartJet deck pressure-washing system, which allows a garden hose to be attached to the mowing deck to power-wash the interior.

Product Specs 

• Type: Lawn tractor
• Powered by: 24-hp Kohler V-twin 7000 gas engine
• Deck size: 50 inches

Pros

• Wider deck and bigger engine; mows more grass faster than other lawn tractors
• 15-inch high-back seat with 10-degree incline and slide slope adjustment for outstanding comfort
• Extremely tight turning radius of just 16 inches for best-in-class maneuverability
• Features include push-button cruise control, LED headlights, battery indicator, and translucent fuel tank

Cons

• Larger overall size requires more storage space; will not fit through all walk-through gates

Get the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 riding lawn mower at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Blain’s Farm & Fleet (with stamped deck).

Owners of large properties prefer zero-turn mowers because they cut grass faster and more efficiently than lawn tractors, and they leave a great-looking finish. The Toro 50-inch TimeCutter MyRIDE zero-turn mower is an excellent choice for anyone mowing up to 4 acres of grass. It comes equipped with either a 24.5-hp Toro Commercial V-twin engine or a 23-hp Kawasaki engine, both of which are engineered and manufactured for the rigors of daily use in the professional lawn care industry. The MyRIDE floating suspension allows 3 inches of travel between the seat and the mower frame for an incredibly smooth ride on bumpy lawn areas.

Numerous commercial features make the Toro 50-inch TimeCutter one of the most dependable and convenient mowers for large properties. The dual hydrostatic HG-ZT 2200 transaxles and 10-gauge steel-fabricated triple-blade deck combine for fast mowing—up to 7 mph—with an incredibly clean finished cut from 1.5 to 4.5 inches high. The 3-gallon gas tank is more than adequate for mowing 4 acres of open ground without stopping to refuel. When it comes to maintaining the mower, the built-in deck washout port and toolless oil-change system make it quick and easy.

As for comfort and control of the mower, it offers a nice mix of professional durability with comfort and convenience upgrades that owners will appreciate. Dual wraparound levers with pro-control dampers offer intuitive steering control that even those new to zero-turn mowing will settle into right away. The 18-inch hand-sewn high-back seat includes padded foldaway armrests and adjusts forward and back to fit most users with the simple slide of a lever. A foot lever assists with deck-height adjustments to eliminate arm strain. And operators can stay hydrated while mowing on hot days thanks to a built-in cup holder.

We tested a Toro 50-inch TimeCutter MyRIDE for more than a month. The model we used came equipped with the 24.5-hp Toro Commercial engine. Although it was packed with commercial details, the mower was not quite as fast as a true commercial mower (which would cost at least twice as much). Still, at or near top speed, we were able to mow our 2-acre test area in about 40 minutes, or roughly 3 acres an hour, which is excellent among residential zero-turn mowers. We mowed the property twice per tank of gas, with a little left in the tank after the second cut, so we can confidently say after mowing four times that it will mow 4 acres per tank.

The MyRIDE suspension system was a unique configuration we haven’t seen elsewhere. The “cockpit” of the mower, including the seat and footrest area, is mounted on a floating platform that is attached to the mower frame by a shock absorber. The adjustable system provided more or less resistance as conditions required. It really did provide an outstanding amount of cushioning compared to the spring-seat systems that most zero-turn mowers use.

While we loved the power and comfort of the Toro TimeCutter, this model was a bit too wide to access a gated area on the property, and it could not navigate a narrow pathway to another isolated spot. Also, as with other zero-turn mowers, this one is not rated for use on slopes steeper than about 15 degrees, or 5.5 vertical feet per 20 linear feet, so we avoided those areas as well.

Read our full review: Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero-Turn Mower

Product Specs 

• Type: Zero-turn mower
• Powered by: 24.5-hp Toro Commercial V-twin engine or 23-hp Kawasaki V-twin engine
• Deck size: 50 inches

Pros

• Commercial-grade engine is designed for thousands of hours of hard use
• Fast mowing at speeds up to 7 miles per hour; it can mow about 3 acres in an hour
• MyRIDE suspension system offers an incredibly smooth ride over bumpy ground
• 3-gallon fuel capacity, which is enough to mow up to 4 acres per fill-up
• 10-gauge steel frame and forged-steel deck offer outstanding toughness and durability

Cons

• Due to the width of the deck, this mower cannot drive through most walk-through gates
• Zero turns in general, and this one included, are not designed for hilly terrain

Get the Toro 50-inch TimeCutter riding lawn mower at The Home Depot (with 24.5-hp Toro Commercial engine), Mowers Direct (with 24.5-hp Toro Commercial engine), or Tractor Supply Co. (with 23-hp Kawasaki engine).

The Ego ZT4205S is the first zero-turn mower to use e-STEER technology—an actual steering wheel that lets you drive it like a car yet turn it like a ZTR! This intrigued us, and we were pleasantly surprised how much this made a difference in a zero-turn riding mower. The e-STEER technology really sets this mower a part from others in the category and makes it as easy to operate as driving a car.

This battery-powered riding lawn mower comes with four Ego 56V lithium batteries to cut up to 2.5 acres in a single session. When mowing 2 acres, we did need to recharge the four batteries about three-quarters the way through our cutting. The ZTR comes with a charging dock and all four batteries charge quickly enough that it doesn’t feel like a downside. Those with larger properties can fully expand to six batteries for increased cutting capacity.

Since it’s an electric mower, the Ego has none of the noise or fumes standard to gas mowers—yet it’s as powerful as a 22-hp gas model. With a max forward speed of 8 miles per hour, a 42-inch cutting deck, and 10 cutting positions, we found it easy and quick to cut our large yard to the desired height.

The riding mower connects to your smart phone via the Ego app. This allowed us to monitor charging status, battery life, and even a remote start option.

After using this lawn mower in various conditions and at various grass lengths, we did find two issues users should be aware of. When going down a steep hill or up a sharp incline, it can be easy to lose control for a moment, so we had to be aware of the terrain and adjust our speed and approach accordingly. Along with that, if the grass is too wet, the blades tend to clog up and the unit shuts down. Both were not deal breakers in our book because of the overall cutting performance of this unit and its upgraded features.

This decked-out zero-turn mower also features Bluetooth, a USB port, a phone holder, and 32 LED lights that surround the entirety of the machine.

Product Specs 

• Type: Battery powered
• Deck: 42 inches
• Maximum forward speed: 8 mph

Pros

• As powerful as a 22-hp gas engine and enough battery runtime to cut up to 2.5 acres
• Can choose from 10 cutting positions between 1.5 to 4.5 inches
• Full of features, including mulching, bagging, side-discharge, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, phone holder, and 32 LED lights
• e-STEER technology and 3 driving modes provide the ultimate in easy operation

Cons

• Those with yards above 2.5 acres will likely need to purchase additional batteries
• When riding on an incline or going down a steep hill, it’s easy to lose control of the lawn mower
• If the grass is really wet, the blades tend to clog up and shut down.

Get the Ego ZT4205S riding lawn mower at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Acme Tools.

Smaller yards don’t require mowers that have large gas-powered engines or massive cutting decks with three blades. This smaller electric rear-engine riding mower is more than enough. It features a powerful 50Ah battery that powers three brushless motors for up to 1 hour or 1 acre of mowing. Its 30-inch mowing deck provides ample mowing width for a medium-size yard. An easy-to-read power indicator lets you know how much charge is left, and the battery charges via a standard 120-volt outlet.

With the mower’s seven depth positions ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, you have plenty of cutting-height options. Convenient LED headlights keep the yard illuminated in low-light conditions, allowing you to mow well into the evening. This low-maintenance mower requires no oil changes or spark plug replacements; just charge and go.

Product Specs 

• Type: Rear-engine riding mower
• Powered by: 48-volt 50Ah lead-acid deep-cycle battery
• Deck size: 30 inches

Pros

• 1 hour of runtime per battery charge, or about 1 acre of grass
• Mower fits through gates and other passageways as narrow as 42 inches wide
• Compact size makes it easier to store than other riding lawn mowers
• No gas, exhaust, oil changes, spark plugs, or belts to deal with

Cons

• Slow recharge time of 10.25 hours means only 1 hour of mowing per day
• Only suitable for flat terrain with obstacles

Get the Ryobi riding lawn mower at The Home Depot.

Big yards need a big mower, and that’s what you get with this zero-turn riding mower from Toro. With this mower’s massive 54-inch deck, you won’t need to spend the afternoon mowing that football field you call a backyard. This mower is capable of handling yards up to 4 acres. It features a powerful 24-hp V-twin gas engine that can reach speeds of up to 7 mph. The fuel tank holds 3 gallons, allowing you to finish the job uninterrupted.

Mowing a large lawn can also take a toll on the driver. With its plush high-back seat and armrests and Toro’s MyRIDE suspension, which absorbs the bumps in a lawn, the TimeCutter can make those longer mowing sessions more comfortable. Maintenance is easier thanks to the TimeCutter’s toolless oil-change system. Other useful features include a cup holder for those long mowing sessions and fenders that keep yard waste off of you.

Product Specs 

• Type: Zero-turn mower
• Powered by: 24-hp Kohler V-twin gas engine
• Deck size: 54 inches

Pros

• The Toro MyRIDE suspension system provides an ultrasmooth ride on rough ground
• Heavy-duty forged deck and 10-gauge steel frame for long-lasting durability
• Commercial-grade Kohler engine is engineered for low maintenance and extended use
• Mows about 0.25 acre per hour faster than the 50-inch TimeCutter

Cons

• Large mower requires more storage space and won’t fit through narrow passages
• Premium price point for residential equipment, but a fair price for the capability

Get the Toro 54-inch TimeCutter riding lawn mower at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Mowers at Jack’s.

Climbing hills requires a powerful engine, automatic transmission, and a low center of gravity. The Ariens Ikon 52 covers all three. It features a 23-hp engine and a hydrostatic transmission that delivers smooth speed changes, giving it plenty of power for handling inclines. Twenty-inch rear tires provide plenty of traction for climbing slopes, while zero-degree turning makes maneuvering on uneven ground easier.

The Ariens Ikon 52 also includes an impressive 52-inch mowing deck with three blades and 13 different cutting positions, making it capable of trimming large lawns of more than 3 acres. And with its 3.5-gallon tank, you won’t need to stop and refill. Ride in comfort on the Ikon thanks to ample cushioning in its high-back seat and padded armrests. This lawn mower is designed for commercial use with an 11-gauge steel-fabricated deck.

Product Specs 

• Type: Zero-turn mower
• Powered by: 23-hp Kawasaki V-twin engine
• Deck size: 52 inches

Pros

• Competitive price point for a high-quality zero-turn mower
• Commercial-grade engine designed for extended wear and low maintenance
• Heavy-duty 11-gauge steel deck and fully welded steel frame for long-term durability
• Mows at speeds up to 7 miles per hour, or about 3.3 acres per hour

Cons

• Fewer comfort and convenience details than some of the other mowers on our list

Get the Ariens riding lawn mower at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Amazon.