How to Decide if You Should Buy a UTV or an ATV

How to decide if you should buy a UTV or an ATV

Do you have an interest in off-road riding? If you do, you'll undoubtedly have come across the terms "UTV'' and "ATV" before. This is unsurprising; after all, these terms refer to two of the most popularly used off-road riding quad vehicles. Some people use the terms UTV and ATV interchangeably, but this is wrong as these terms refer to very different things. So before even considering whether to buy a UTV or ATV, let's look at what these terms mean and the difference between ATV and UTV.

What Is a UTV?

A UTV, also known as a side-by-side or "SXS" is a large four-wheeler vehicle explicitly designed for heavy-duty purposes. The hint is all in the name; after all, the full meaning of UTV is (Utility Task Vehicle). Thanks to their utilitarian design, UTVs can be used to carry out several "heavy-duty" tasks like dragging big loads, carrying equipment, moving cargo, and so much more.

ATV vs. UTV: The Difference

As mentioned earlier, UTVs are utilitarian-style four-wheeler vehicles that can be used to carry out a lot of heavy-duty functions. On the other hand, ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) are designed primarily for sports and recreation. This is evidenced by their smaller size and easier handling. The size or build difference between these two off-road vehicles is the primary root of the differences between them.

You could say that an ATV is more like a bike that offers easy handling, speed, and freedom but lacks "seat capacity" and strength. A UTV, on the other hand, is more like a car that offers you great mobility but also enough operating power that you can use to carry out more energy-intensive tasks. It's also worth mentioning that a UTV has more seat capacity than an ATV. This basically means that, unlike ATVs that can only seat one or two people at most, UTVs are much bigger and can seat more people at once.

Now that you know the difference between an ATV and a UTV, it's time to explore some things to consider when making a UTV vs. ATV comparison and choice.

ATV vs. UTV: Which Is Better For Me?

A decision on whether to buy a UTV or ATV is a pretty big one, and this is primarily because it's a decision backed by significant financial investment. In simpler terms, these two vehicles tend to be somewhat pricey. So you'll want to ensure you've considered all the pros and cons of each vehicle to be sure that you're making the right decision for yourself.

There are many things to consider when choosing between a UTV and an ATV. Ideally, you'd have had to carry out this research for yourself, but there is no need to because we've already done that for you. Read on to learn all you need to know about choosing an ATV or UTV.

ATV vs UTV Handling

This is a factor that comes down to the size difference between ATVs and UTVs. Thanks to their small size, ATVs tend to be much more maneuverable and easier to control than their larger counterparts (UTVs). So if you want a four-wheeler that you'll be able to easily "handle" or control while riding, an ATV is the perfect option for you.

ATV vs UTV Work Capacity

In this aspect, UTVs rank as the best option. This is because they have a utilitarian design backed by impressive power output and a bigger size. UTVs are big and strong enough that you'll be able to use them for several energy-intensive tasks like farming, cargo and equipment haul, and so on.

So if you're looking for a four-wheeler that offers you a perfect blend of work capacity and recreation, then UTVs are the perfect option for you. You can still do some of these things with an ATV, but it has to be said that ATVs aren't as strong as UTVs, so they really aren't the perfect option for carrying out activities like these.

UTV vs ATV Seat Capacity

As mentioned earlier, an ATV is more like a bike, while a UTV is akin to a car. This representation is a really apt one because it perfectly describes their seat capacity. Just like bikes, ATVs, by design, can only carry a maximum of two people at a time. Most brands only carry one person. UTVs, on the other hand, are just like cars in that they can carry up to 6 people simultaneously, depending on the UTV brand.

So if you're more of a solo rider who's out to experience the thrill of off-road riding, then an ATV is the perfect choice for you. However, if you're looking to make off-road riding a fun family experience, then you should definitely consider getting a UTV because it'll offer you the sitting capacity you need.

ATV vs UTV Price

Cost of purchase is always something to consider, irrespective of what you want to buy, and it's not different where ATVs and UTVs are concerned. ATVs are cheaper than UTVs, thanks to their smaller design and fewer feature inclusions. So if your spending budget is pretty limited, you should consider getting an ATV instead of a UTV.

Storing an ATV vs a UTV

ATVs and UTVs are pretty similar in that they are quad-wheelers and can be used for sporting and other activities. However, this is more or less where the similarity ends. This is because, despite their similarities, they have a host of differences, the most obvious being the size difference.

ATVs and UTVs differ significantly in size, with the former tending to be somewhat smaller than the latter. So when choosing between an ATV and a UTV, it's important to consider the amount of storage space you have available. If your garage is small or has small available space, an ATV might be a better choice for you than a UTV since you'll be able to park it inside. If you, however, still want to go for a UTV, you should consider getting a UTV cover for yourself. This is to ensure you'll be able to ensure your UTV is well protected and remains in perfect condition.