10 Best Utility Side-By-Sides and Recreational UTVs for Work and Play

For an everyman, a side by side is a vehicle driven by lovers of extreme recreation somewhere in the mountains or over the sand dunes, but people of labor would argue that a UTV is primarily a hard worker in the field and only then a toy to play off-road.

In today’s episode of Automotive Territory we will be reviewing the top 10 pure utility and recreational utility models that can be your perfect companions for the day-to-day farm work and exciting thrill rides on the beaten trails. Prices, technical specifications of the best models currently on sale are on their way,

Other episodes from #AutomotiveTerritory that you should check out:

All models shown in this #AT_Trucks video:

Honda’s side by side lineup isn’t as broad as those of the competitors, but workhorses from the Pioneer family have recommended themselves as reliable companions for quite a few years. Displacements on offer include 500, 700 and the leader of the fleet 999cc fuel injected twin cylinder EPS 1000.

For over 10 years, the Polaris Ranger lineup has been among the most successful side-by-sides on the market, growing to include 15 models in 2019.

Advertised as the company’s most universal offering, the General side-by-side offers a middle ground between the work-oriented Rangers and the performance-beast RZR. For the 2019 model year, it comes in 2 and 4-seater configurations, with the former one offering three trims to choose from: standard, premium and Deluxe.

As its name suggests the Mule gets the job done and is considered one of the toughest machines out there. he latest Kawasaki newcomer is the 2-passenger 2019 Mule Pro MX. This fully capable mid-size side by side lets you finish the task at hand and then have some fun off-road.

The limelight within Yamaha’s side by side crowd is taken by the recently launched Wolverine and pure sport YXZ models, but Vikings are the ones that are truly admired by the people of labor.

The new 2019 Yamaha Wolverine X2 is a universal UTV that retains the dynamics and maneuverability of a sports off-road vehicle, but significantly adds in comfort, reliability and utility.

For the 2020 model year, the entire Can-Am Defender side-by-side family gets updated, featuring a new frame, a more rugged front bumper, plus an improved engine lineup with a redesigned exhaust system.

The 2020 model year marks the 10th production year for the Commander model that debuted as CanAm’s first-ever side-by-side in 2010. Its top trim is the Can-Am Commander Limited, offered in 2 and 4-seater body styles both equipped with a 92-hp Rotax V-Twin engine.

For the 2020 model year, responding to the popular demand, Textron is returning the Arctic Cat brand to the market, releasing its updated line-up of side-by-sides under the original name once again. Among such SSVs are the truck-like Prowler Pro and the sporty Havoc UTVs.

The history of the American manufacturer, Deere, dates 170 back years and even though their primary products are agricultural equipment, the Gator line of UTVs deserves our attention. The XUV835 full-size crossover utility vehicle could be viewed as the company’s flagship.

Mahindra Retriever lineup counts 15 models, but the most powerful Retriever is the 1000 Gasoline model that features an 83-horsepower 1L V-Twin TGB engine. It allows for the maximum towing capacity of 2500 pounds. The crew configuration of the model can also carry up to 2200 lbs of payload.

[stevecantin]

I have a 2019 Yamaha Wolverine X2. I a very satisfied with it. I drive this thing all year long in mud and snow and i have never had a problem with this machine.

[snorelacks]

Caterpillar now sells both a gas and diesel version for both 2 & 5 passenger. Very well built with a roomy cab, big switches and extremely quiet. We used to rent Polaris from our local Cat dealer and had issues with electronics, doors, etc. The Cat machines are designed for construction and harsh utility sites.

[brockburnside]

Yamaha Wolverine X2 all the way!!! I have a 2020 X2 and it is literally bulletproof. I have a group of 7 people that all have X2’s, we ride them pretty hard and they have held up amazingly. If I was going to recommend one to someone, I would definitely recommend the Yamaha Wolverine X2.

[safetyall]

I acquired a 2021 Yamaha Viking 700 SE Realtree Camo, awesome machine, we love it

[scottpulver]

I’ve had a Yamaha Griz for 19yrs with a plow and it has worked a LOT! I have a Polaris ranger 500 that I’ve owned for 15yrs and it is on the move working all the time. Love both.

[nhlcfl]

Well done. Current and includes all major contenders. From lots of reading it’s good to see the reliably rated Yamahas (Viking and Wolverine) with likely the best CVT and full lock differential.

[thegraybeard]

Thank you for a really good review. if the 2021 pioneer 1000-5 LE just ordered is half as good as the Honda VTX I've had since 2001. I will not be let down. Reliability of Honda is many levels above. I cant see myself buying anything but a Honda. I plan to be using this pioneer 25 yrs from now, if Im still alive. Not the most powerful or best looking of the bunch but reliability is enough. Just my personal experience. Its a retirement gift from my wife after 25 years in the US Army.

[onegoodturngetsmostofthebl]

Honda Pioneer all the way. 20 years from now it will still be going strong.

[midgebarker]

After watching this, I'm more confused because their all good.

[nhlcfl]

I appreciate the comment by George W. II, mentioning an overheating issue. I presume he’s only speaking of the newer rendition of the Wolverine (2018- onward with 847 CC engine). Or maybe the newest Viking version (2014- onward). I’ll inquire further. Other than that I’ve only heard “better” by comparison end user comments. I plan to buy a Wolverine.

[davidhypes]

Just bought a 2019 John Deere 835M with HVAC and love it!

[forever]

Weekly rides a bunch of us run along creeks, rivers, hills all around riding ...only Honda and Yamaha /did not have, husin, can am, threw belts and were done for the day

[CABINDAD]

I got the 2016 Honda pioneer. Honda’s are always bullet proof. Polaris is affordable junk.

[agi]

The list is awesome, thanks for the video, we understand you work really hard to compile and organize the video .

[NickWRayl]

How about Kubota, they have side by sides in the UTV class?

[dmo]

I jus can't understand how these r more than some nice used trucks. How n why?

[joeellis]

There's not ten manufacturers that make UTV'S. It should be top 3 Utility and top 3 sport UTV.

[kathyl]

I purchased a CF Moto 1000 I noticed you didn’t review that CF Moto I was considering getting a Kawasaki or a Honda CF Moto was a fair price and it had had been a pretty good machine for us so far I would highly consider looking into CF Moto’s product they’ve been around for a long time 12:17

[safetyall]

I Love my 2021 Viking 700 SE Realtree Camo

[staying_spooky]

I’m completely new to this stuff. Which sxs would be best for a 25 acre property with woods. I’m looking for a perfect mix of work and play for all year round!