what is a utv
Are you not sure about ATVs and UTVs? Do you need help picking the right one? This makes many people feel lost. We will help you see all the big and small ways these off-road rides are not the same.
Table of Contents
What Are ATVs and UTVs?
ATV Basics
An ATV is a small off-road ride. It has:
- Four wheels
- One seat
- Handlebars to steer
- Room for just one rider (some fit two)
ATVs let you feel all the bumps. You sit on top like on a bike. They are fast and can turn quick on trails. [1][4][17]
UTV Basics
A UTV is a bigger off-road ride. Look at what makes it not the same:
- Seats side by side (why they are called “side-by-sides”)
- Room for 2-4 people
- Steering wheel and pedals
- Roll cage for safety
- More storage room
- Bigger size overall [1][3][7]
Key Differences Between ATVs and UTVs
Size and Design
ATVs are small. UTVs are big. This is the first big way they are not the same.
ATVs:
- Fit in tight spots
- Take up less space
- Easy to move around
UTVs:
- Wide and tall
- Like small cars
- Need more room on trails [1][14]
How You Ride Them
The way you sit and steer is not the same too:
ATVs:
- You sit on top
- You use handlebars
- You move your body to help steer
UTVs:
- You sit in seats
- You use a wheel to steer
- You use foot pedals
- You stay in one spot [1][9][17]
Room for Friends and Stuff
UTVs win when it comes to space:
ATVs:
- One rider (some fit two)
- Small rack for stuff
UTVs:
- Seats for 2-4 people
- Big box in back to haul stuff
- More room all over [2][3][5]
What Can They Do?
ATV Uses
ATVs are best for:
- Fun rides on tight trails
- Fast turns
- Small jobs
- One rider trips
- Lower cost off-road fun [5][6][10][15]
UTV Uses
UTVs shine when:
- You need to carry more people
- You have big loads to haul
- You want more safety gear
- You need to tow big things
- You want car-like seats and controls [1][2][8][19]
Safety Talk
ATV Safety
ATVs are fun but need care:
- Less safe than UTVs
- No roll cage
- Need to wear safety gear
- Need good skills to ride safe [6][13]
UTV Safety
UTVs have more built-in safety:
- Roll bars to keep you safe
- Seat belts
- More stable on hills
- Feel more like a car to drive [3][8][13]
Cost Talk
ATV Price Tags
ATVs cost less to buy:
- Start around $3,000
- Less parts to break
- Less to fix
- Less gas to run [5][10]
UTV Price Tags
UTVs cost more but do more:
- Start around $8,000
- Can cost up to $30,000+
- More parts that can break
- Need more gas [3][19]
Which One Is Right For You?
Pick an ATV if:
- You ride alone
- You like to feel the trail
- You want to spend less
- You have tight trails
- You want a small, quick ride
Pick a UTV if:
- You ride with friends
- You haul big loads
- You want more safety
- You like car-like controls
- You do work with your ride
Custom UTVs for All Needs
As a UTV maker, we know you need the right ride for your use. We make UTVs with room for 4 people that work hard and play hard.
Our UTVs fix the big pain with off-road rides – they are made just for you. Do you need to haul big stuff? We add big beds. Need to fit your team? We make room for 4 seats. Want to tow? We build tow kits.
With our custom side-by-side UTVs, you get just what you need. No more rides that don’t fit your jobs.
How to Pick Between ATV and UTV
Think about:
- How many people ride with you?
- What do you need to carry?
- Where will you ride?
- How much can you spend?
- Do you need it for work or fun? [2][7][16][19]
FAQ About ATVs and UTVs
What does UTV stand for?
UTV means Utility Task Vehicle or Utility Terrain Vehicle. They are made to work hard and carry stuff.
Can kids ride ATVs or UTVs?
Some small ATVs are made just for kids. UTVs are most times for grown-ups. Kids should not drive full-size ATVs or UTVs. [5]
Do I need a license to drive an ATV or UTV?
Rules are not the same in all states. Some need no license. Some need a license. Check your state rules. [13]
Which is best for snow – ATV or UTV?
Both can go in snow. ATVs are good for tight spots. UTVs can plow more snow. You can put tracks on both. [6]
Can I add seats to my ATV?
Most ATVs can’t add seats. They are made for one or two at most. For more seats, pick a UTV. [9][17]
The Big Things to Know
- ATVs are small, one-seat, handlebar rides
- UTVs are big, multi-seat, steering wheel rides
- ATVs cost less but do less
- UTVs cost more but work more
- ATVs are for fun and small jobs
- UTVs are for big jobs and more people
- Pick based on what you need to do
Need a custom UTV with 4 seats and a trailer for your team? We make UTVs that fit just what you need!
