Get FinancingOff-Road Vehicle Buying Guide
With many states opening new, dedicated trails for ATV (all-terrain vehicle) and UTV (utility task vehicle) use, the recreational opportunities for off-road vehicle enthusiasts have grown considerably in recent years. Moreover, Triton Market Research forecasts the ATV and UTV market will enjoy a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% from 2021 to 2028. The growing interest in off-road vehicles has led manufacturers to expand their ATV and UTV offerings and to add a wealth of customizations for work and/or play. Before shopping for an off-road vehicle of your own, it’s a good idea to examine the key distinctions between ATVs and UTVs, so we’ve outlined a few of the biggest ones to help you select the vehicle best suited to your off-road travels.
One Rider Or More?
The number of people you’ll be transporting on outdoor excursions is a big factor in deciding between an ATV or UTV. ATVs are typically built to carry one rider on a motorcycle-like seat, although some manufacturers offer tandem (sometimes called “2-Up”) ATVs built to accommodate a second rider behind the driver. UTVs, often referred to as “side-by-sides,” feature bench or bucket seating arranged similarly to a car’s and can handle four, five, or even six passengers; their more conventional seating also makes them more comfortable for longer rides.
Are You Hauling Gear?
If you need to haul cargo, a wide variety of UTVs are available with large cargo beds and other onboard storage. Generally speaking, UTVs are wider and longer than ATVs, giving you more room to transport tools, camping equipment, or hunting gear and game. Most UTVs also support towing, and the largest, most powerful models can tow up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms). ATVs geared toward utility use can also tow cargo, with towing capacities that range up to around 1,650 lbs. (750 kg). Unless you elect to tow a trailer, however, an ATV’s smaller size can limit your ability to transport large items. For example, hunters might find it more difficult to bring back large game on an ATV without cargo accessories or a trailer.
Where Do You Ride?
The larger size of UTVs is less advantageous on some trails, and it’s not uncommon to find trails that limit vehicles to a width of 50 inches (127 centimeters) or less—UTVs often measure approximately 60 in. (152 cm) wide. Switchbacks with tight turns, dense woods, and trails where you need to dodge brush or rocks are easier to navigate on an ATV. For starters, riders can use the handlebars when steering and their own balance to react nimbly to terrain and other obstacles. ATVs also tend to be both lighter than UTVs, making them easier to maneuver on especially rough terrain. Sports ATVs offer even more agility, complete with long-travel suspensions to handle jumps and high-power engines fine-tuned to give the highest level of performance. Riders who prioritize comfort and safety might consider sport UTVs, which offer off-road thrills with a bit more built-in safety (roll cages or cab enclosures, doors for rider protection, and windshield options).
Will You Use It Primarily For Work?
Both ATVs and UTVs support accessories for all kinds of specialized jobs, including front winches, snow plows, and tow-behind sprayers, to name a few. If serious work is what you need from an off-road vehicle, focus your search on utility-type ATVs or UTVs. Off-road machines built for racing and recreation often lack the advanced towing and storage options found on work-focused models. If you’re crossing terrain where it’s relatively easy to get stuck, such as deep mud, or you need to pull tree limbs out of the way, equipping your machine with a winch can get you out of a tough situation. Work or play in extreme terrain could also necessitate a specialized ATV or UTV. For example, some ATV and UTV manufacturers offer amphibious models that operate in the water, or 6x6 UTVs to travel over the roughest terrain.
How Will You Transport It?
As we’ve mentioned, ATVs are smaller and lighter than UTVs, so they’re easier to transport. In fact, many ATVs can be loaded into trucks with a long bed, while short bed trucks might only accommodate smaller ATVs. UTVs are typically best-suited for traveling on a trailer. Most any flatbed utility trailer will ably transport either a UTV or an ATV, and many support multiple off-road vehicles if you load them sideways. If you’re planning to travel with the ATV or UTV, consider the additional costs associated with hauling before purchase.
What Is Your Budget?
Speaking of pricing, ATVs are typically less expensive than UTVs, but the base price of the unit isn’t the only factor to consider. UTVs are often filled with workhorse capabilities, and although an ATV could approximate such capabilities with the right trailer and work attachments, the accessories could add significant cost to your purchase. Account for the cost of any accessories you’ll need for your utility or recreational needs when comparing ATVs and UTVS.
Your Search Begins Here
The specialized deigns of modern ATVs and UTVs make it relatively easy to find one that fits your exact needs and budget. You’ll find a huge selection of new and used ATVs and UTVs for sale every day on MotorSportsUniverse.com from popular brands such as Can-Am, Cub Cadet, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Kubota, Polaris, and Yamaha.