ATV vs Side by Side | 7 benefits of each

ATV’s vs Side by Side’s has been an argument had time and time again. So which one is better? Well, that’s a complicated question and has a lot of variables. In this video, we help you decide.

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Deciding whether or not you should buy an ATV or a Side by Side can be a very tough decision. Not to mention the growing number of options each brand keeps adding to their inventory. So instead of debating over which on is “better”, the real question should be, which one is better for you? Lets break down a few of the differences in hope to help you decide what will fit your lifestyle the best.

ATV’s provide better maneuverability - Due to their overall smaller size, ATV’s are easier to maneuver around. So if you take a few minutes to picture where you do/will ride, do you think maneuverability will be a concern?

Easy to Transport - If you are looking to avoid spending (possibly thousands) of extra dollars on purchasing a trailer to tow your new machine around on, an ATV may be for you. With their smaller size, they are much easier to transport. In fact, with a decent set of ramps you can fit most ATV’s right in the back of a pickup truck.

More Narrow More Trails - Many trails have maximum width requirements. So depending on where you live, Side by Side’s may not have near as many places to ride as a standard ATV. Tip, check the trails for the state / area you plan to ride to ensure what widths are legally allowed.

Low Storage - If you don’t have an extra garage available to store a large UTV, then an ATV may be for you. In fact, you can fit about 4 ATV’s in the same garage you would stick a single UTV. With their smaller size, you can often fit them in a garage while still having enough room for your car…but your truck might be pushing it. If that’s not an option, you can easily buy or build a small shed for your machine.

A whole Lot Less Benjamin's - If you are on a limited budget, you might want to just scratch side by sides off the list. When comparing an ATV to its side by side counterpart, you will quickly find they are thousands more expensive.

It forces that “up close experience” - Now depending on your relationship this could be a good or bad thing! However, if you are looking to snuggle up close next to that special someone the ATV may be your better option.

That “ATV Feeling” - There is something about the power and feeling of riding an ATV that you just can’t replicate with a side by side. I mean after all, at the end of the day riding around in a side by side is familiar because its so similar to driving a car.

Horsepower - If horsepower is your came, a side by side may be what you are looking for. When it comes to overall horsepower, UTVs will usually lead the pack. For example, the Polaris Sportsman 1000 has 85 horsepower pushing it down the trail. While the the Can-am Maverick X3 Turbo R has 172 horsepower pushing it down the trail.

Convenience of Riding and snacking - If you want to be able to ride down a nice relaxing trail while sipping a cup of coffee, a UTV might be for you. Most side by side’s even include at least two cup holders now. Gone are the days where you need to use a thermos and store your drink in a backpack until you stop.

Much More Cargo - Whether it comes to having a nice size cooler, or lots of camping gear, when it comes to wanting extra space for your stuff a side by side is the way to go. Even if you manage to use every inch of space on a side by side during a long camping trip, you can still simply add more buy getting a luggage rack on top. So if you want space, you might want a side by side.

Safety - If you are concerned about safety, keep looking at side by sides. There is no question that with options such as roll cages and 4-point harnesses, side by sides are better options for keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Comfort - When you find a comfortable side by side, you can ride all day without straining your body near as much as you do on an ATV. Especially with adjustable seat and steering wheels that are starting to come standard on many machines now, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.

Speed - If you are looking to test the speed of sound (not really), you may find yourself more attracted to a side by side.

Allowed on a lot of Streets - Now this one will vary by Country and State. Here in North America, most places allow side by sides and ATVs on the same roads. However, there are places that allow side by sides but not ATVs. Tip, check the area you plan to ride and see what their laws are regarding ATVs and UTVs on roads and trails.

#midwestatv #atvvsutv #atvorutv

[myronanton]

Pro-UTV
you can drive faster and feel safer, ditch running at anything over 40 mph starts feeling a bit sketchy on my ATV, while my buddies passed me and were doing up to 65, in there UTV, no way I am doing that.
Roll cage, don't need to explain that.
You can drive while eating, drinking, smoking, or whatever you do, it's much easier/safer driving with one hand.
Riding with passengers, much more ergonomic, especially if it's another dude.
Pro-atv
If I go throw deep water, a UTV has to put his feet in the water to accelerate.
If I get stuck, I can get off and walk it out most of the time
When riding on very steep and rugged areas, I can stand up and see what's over the hill I am climbing, UTV you need to get out to see.
I can manipulate my weight distribution much more than a UTV.
On very rough terrain I can stand up to soak allot of abuse up in my legs, UTV your back soaks it all up

[joebiker]

Reasons for ATV with me are:
No passengers to be responsible for.
Power to weight ratio.
Most MN trails are ATV friendly.
More maneuverable.
More space in the garage.
Price point.

[MrJeffyb]

I agree with your #1 reason Chris, as a "snowmobiler" sharing that same feeling( like a free bird), is why I chose my Sportsman 850SP over a RZR 900 !

[danlux]

I’m more confortable on my atv since I can stand up to stretch out and keep moving.

[ATVtherapy]

The last one is why I love a atv more. I own both but a SxS just feels like I’m driving my car

[MrJeffyb]

You CAN drink your coffee or energy drink on the trail while driving an ATV, its called a 2017> Polaris 850 SP or 1000 XP ! They have a cup holder :-)

[froggygamer]

Ok the price argument I somewhat disagree for me and my wife to get out on the trail and have fun we would need 2 4-wheelers for a comfortable experience but only 1 side by side

[scottyoung]

I currently own a Kawasaki Brute Force 650 and wanted to see if I was missing out on something, so I test drove my 1st ever Side By Side today, a new Kawasaki KRX 1000, on the same rocky trails I've been riding my BF on for the last 16 years. It didn't take 30 seconds behind the wheel of the KRX to figure out that Side By Sides are not for me. I felt TOTALLY detached from the driving experience and isn't that why we ride off-road? Yes, the cabin was roomy and comfortable, but if I really want comfort, I can drive my A/C Jeep down the rocky trails.

[terrytesh]

I just like getting out in the woods. To me the difference is do you want to drive or ride:-) I prefer to ride right now. Body English, technical trails. I'm in my sixties and I can say maybe in the future, but for now I would rather ride.

[dkkauffmanjr]

They also have full road kits on ATVs... Polaris has standard road kits on sportsman in the UK

[mattyyoungcloudsart]

I feel as though "You got me there" is both of these guys' catchphrase

[XMR_King]

Great video guys, it’s simply about personal preferences, where you’re at in your life physically, where you’re at in experience, myself I have less than a year of experience with any kind of off-road vehicle, luckily still physically capable, I’m having way too much fun with that “ATV feeling” to think about sxs yet

[dallastymkiw]

Reason ATV are better : smaller
Reason UTV are better: storage, safety, horsepower, everything.

[donalddennis]

I only own an atv currently and I’m way late to this video but on the side of the side x side and on the comfort side which was mentioned, using your feet to throttle versus your little thumb. And nowadays you can even carry multiple people on a sbs

[Hayven]

A side by side is a very different experience than riding an atv. On a sxs you can really put a ton of accessories, way more capability in terms of offroad and utility, bring passagers along, being protected from the elements, doors, more clerance etc.. the cons in my opinion is that you can really feel the weight in those high speed turns, not as manubreable compared to an atv (speaking for a sport utility sxs) also not compatible with small trails, you get a rubber belt as your main cvt drive for a 1500+ pound machine, and you need a trailer to transport it, the starting price.. there is the possibility to make it street legal in some states but I think 70 or 80% of the people may never have the energy or the time to buy the st. Legal kit, modify the vehicle, call the dmv, get inspection etc.
I guess its all up to the consumer, different tastes, different opinons, different budgets, different needs 🤷‍♂️

[DanielGarcia-zzeg]

It was hard to determine which one to buy . I went ahead and brought both of them.

It works out. Best of both worlds

It depending. ATV is for hanging out with friends, joy riding on your own, easy to move around

Side by side :
You can throw all your junk on the right, take friends with you, family with you. But it's not easy to storage, need a trailer,

The best part of sxs is you can add a ton of accessories.

Sxs is way better

[DirtObseXXion]

AWESOME!!!! Chris, your vids are next level man, great job! I"M ALL ATV! Nothing like throwing your weight around and moving the machine... SXSs are the right choice for anyone who even occasionally want's to bring a friend along (lady friend, or really REALLY good buddy) LMAO!!!

[Austinsairplanes]

As a passenger sxs's suck, I get motion sickness even in the front passenger seat, especially in the back of a 4 seat.

Never had an issue on a two up atv.

[alpinemusic]

4:00 no because can am makes the 50 inch maverick trail

[HomerRules]

Driving a car on dirt roads or driving an awesome atv. Hp means jack shit. Hp/weight means everything. I can carry gas, and a small back pack for food and water on an atv. What more do you need on a trip? You can throw an atv around with your weight. Sxs are for old people or families.