Buying a UTV or an ATV can be a very big decision. Whether you’re purchasing a used or new vehicle, the price tag isn’t cheap. That’s why it’s important to understand all of the options available to you and to fully explore all of the questions that may come up. In this article, we help you do just that. Read on to learn more on what is the difference between an ATV and UTV.
What You'll Learn Today
Know The Terms
1. ATV is “all-terrain vehicle”. You may also hear it called a four wheeler or a quad. This type of vehicle is intended for one rider.
2. UTV is “utility task vehicle”. You may hear this type of vehicle referred to as side-by-side or SxS. This type of vehicle is intended for 2 to 6 passengers.
The Main Difference Is Size
Obviously, ATVs are smaller than UTVs, and this can be a good thing when you want a vehicle that will get around quickly in tight spaces and make quick turns. Typically an ATV is used for racing and pure recreation; however, it can be used for simple farming tasks too.
A UTV is more comfortable and typically safer than an ATV. Because of this, it’s usually a better choice for family fun. Riding astride an ATV is far more physically demanding than riding inside a UTV.
A UTV is also quite a bit more powerful than an ATV and can be used to haul and tow fairly heavy loads. Being larger also gives the UTV the added benefit of having quite a bit of storage space.
The Price Tags Are Quite Different
A smaller, standard ATV is generally quite a bit less costly than any UTV. Of course, a big reason for this is that UTVs typically have a lot more safety features. These include:
- Roll Cage
- Seatbelts
- Windshield
Furthermore, lots of upgrades and modifications can be added to a UTV, such as:
- Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
- Specialty Lighting
- Power Steering
All of these add up to a pricier overall cost.
No matter what type of off-road vehicle you’re planning to buy, you should always factor safety into the price tag. For an ATV, think about safety gear. Examples include:
- Protective Clothing
- Heavy-Duty Boots
- Helmets
- Gloves
Both types of vehicles will also need means to transport them from place to place, so you’ll need to consider the cost of:
- Trailering
- Tiedowns
- Loading Ramps
Remember that both your recreational vehicle and your means of carrying it to and from will need to be registered. Both will need tires, regular maintenance and other ongoing expenses.
How Do You Choose?
In the final analysis, you’ll just have to pick the option that’s right for you. If you like riding alone and zipping around, an ATV may be the right choice for you. This is also typically the more economical choice.
If you have a little more money to spend (or a lot) and you want a vehicle that can haul and tow and carry all of your friends and relations about, you’ll want to look at a UTV.
Once you’ve done your homework, take your time with shopping. Weigh all of the options and you’re sure to end up with the perfect recreational vehicle to suit your needs and bring you lots of fun. Just don’t forget to register it.
To sum up: ATV = all-terrain and UTV = utility. The names say everything.