What UTV should I buy?

Ideal for work and for fun, UTVs (short for utility terrain vehicles) have become extremely popular in the past several years. They offer a terrific balance of rugged adaptability, performance, comfort, and work capabilities that no other vehicle can provide. That said, not all UTVs are created equal. Many have adapted features and capabilities unique to certain styles of use, and you’ll want to make sure you’re selecting a UTV that matches your style of use while falling within your budget.

What to consider when buying a UTV, the short list

The basics of picking a UTV come down to four things: Style, Size, Seating, and Safety.

• Style: UTVs are designed for utility (majority work functions), recreation/sport (performance and fun-focused), and sport-utility, which is a mix of both. Tractor Supply Company also carries “golf-cart” style UTVs designed mostly for transporting people over light or lightly rugged terrain. What are you going to be using your UTV for? Once you decide, you’ll evaluate the other factors.
• Size: Look at the size of the vehicle itself and the size of the engine and tires. There’s no “better” size, necessarily, you’re looking for the “right” size of each. For vehicle size, a larger vehicle may hold more people and have more hauling capacity but may not fit on narrower trails. A vehicle with large tires and a high clearance will be able to tackle tougher terrain, but does it fit your style of use and budget? A larger or more powerful engine will have more horsepower, increased speed, and towing and hauling capacity, but it will also make the vehicle heavier, more expensive, and potentially more difficult to operate. There’s not a “good” or “bad” to these size considerations so much as a “right fit.”
• Seating: UTVs can seat two to six people in a variety of configurations. A two-seater will likely still have some hauling capacity, while a four-seater may or may not, depending on the vehicle. A six-seater will require a larger vehicle and not include a bed. Like the other two factors, what you’ll be using the vehicle for should guide your preferences here.
• Safety: It’s important to stay safe out there. Always follow recommended safety procedures when operating a UTV to avoid accidents and injury. Some UTVs have more safety-focused features than others. Style of seating, doors, windshields, rear-view mirrors, turn signals, brakes, head rests and more – you’ll want to make sure the safety features of the UTV you select are appropriate for the types of passengers utilizing it.

What actually is a UTV?

A UTV is a four-wheeled powersport vehicle designed for traversing light to rugged terrain while carrying two or more people in a side-by-side seating configuration. UTVs are also referred to as side by sides, SxS, utility task vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles, or multipurpose off-highway vehicles. This is an engine-powered vehicle designed for light passenger, cargo carrying, and towing on a variety of terrain; not designed to travel on highways or major roads.

What is the difference between a UTV and an ATV?

Seating configuration, mostly. An ATV features a single rider straddling the vehicle while controlling speed and steering through motorcycle-style handlebars. Some ATVs may have space for a second rider, but that rider will be seated behind the first. Like UTVs, ATVs can have a small bed for hauling and be equipped for towing. ATVs tend to be smaller than UTVs, making them nimbler in tight or tough-to-reach areas. UTVs function more like cars or trucks in that they feature bench or bucket seating with passengers sitting next to each other and are operated with a steering wheel and traditional accelerator and brake pedals. UTVs also are encased in a cage and tend to include seatbelts for additional safety and protection.

Are there different styles of enclosures?

Yes. The cage can be made of different materials like iron or steel, windshields come in different sizes, and tops come in a few varieties as well. You’ll want to make sure these features fit your needs for amount of time in the vehicle, total vehicle height, sun cover, and safety.

Is a UTV a golf cart?

Some UTVs are essentially golf carts and work well for that purpose, but not all golf carts are UTVs. A golf-cart-style UTV will have a lower clearance, smaller engine and less performance and utility features, but will still be ideal for transporting people around light terrain with comfortable bench seating.

What should I look for in a utility UTV? What’s best in a UTV for work on a farm or ranch?

When looking to maximize utility and work function, you’ll want to start with the increased hauling and towing capacity that comes with larger engine UTVs. You’re looking for capability rather than speed, here. Unless your farm or ranch has tight trails or narrow roads or gates, size and weight of the vehicle won’t be a major concern. Look for a vehicle with high clearance, independent suspension, and 4WD capacity to ensure it can handle whatever terrain issues the area has to offer. A high-powered winch is a must, as is a bed with a power lift feature. Comfort will be secondary concern here, but worth a look at type of windshield, doors, and quality of seating depending on how long you plan to spend in the vehicle any given day.

What should I look for in a UTV for hunting?

Size of the vehicle will be a top concern here, go small. You’ll want the vehicle to be as nimble as possible, giving you the most options to get where you want to go. A bed and decent hauling capacity is a must, as well as towing capacity. A winch is also advised to escape tough terrain. You may also want to consider the color. Many models come in a “camo” variety.

What should I look for in a UTV for riding on trails?

How long does a UTV last?

UTVs life can be measured in miles, like a traditional car or truck, but UTV and ATV life is most often measured in hours. Many UTVs have live hour calculators so show how many hours the vehicles have been in use. Wear and ability over time depends, of course, on amount and style of use, but most UTVs being used appropriately should last 1000 hours or more without any major problems. Reliable UTVs can serve for 5000 hours or more, but that will be getting them closer to the end of their usable service life.

How much does a UTV cost?

The range of pricing for UTVs is directly related to its features and engine size. Tractor supply company carries UTV options ranging from just over six thousand dollars to just under twenty thousand dollars.