In a sport as fun and exciting as offroading, there are a thousand different ways to find your thrill. Some people choose UTVs as their four wheeler of choice, while others get their kicks on an ATV. Knowing which is best for you is a big deal when deciding to rent or purchase. Today, we’re quickly covering how they are different and how they’re used.
What is an ATV?
The abbreviation ATV stands for All-Terrain Vehicle. Based on off-road trikes, ATVs gained a fourth wheel for stability and safety while maintaining the driving style of a trike or dirtbike. ATVs are used for offroading, racing, hunting, or anything from plowing fields to plowing snow. It’s considered a “four-wheeler” because, well, you sit on it like a bike but it’s got four wheels and is designed for the trails.
Why choose an ATV?
First things first: they can be a blast to ride. That’s not the only reason to ride ATVs, though—fans love the utility, maneuverability, and power of a quad. Narrow trails, heavy hauling, or a long day mending fence or patrolling property is easier with an ATV.
More experienced drivers who feel the need for speed start to take a shine to racing. Specialized quads for racing can keep up with just about anything and are becoming more and more popular.
Hunting, fishing, mudding, camping, racing, or work—there’s an ATV built for just about anything. Finding the right one isn’t hard with the right guide. Let’s dive into the best of the best.
Top ATV models in the US
High Lifter works with all of the top ATV manufacturers and their riders across the continent, and we’ve found out that every rider has their own preference.
It’s hard to say who’s the best with so many different types, so we broke it into three categories: Utility, Sport, and All-Around Riding. Across our fans and customers, here are the top three ATV models available now:
UTILITY
Polaris Sportsman
Not only is this ATV a tried-and-true workhorse, it’s also considered one of the best values on the market. With thousands of available in the used market, they’ve become a favorite of generations of riders. Polaris focused a lot of energy into making sure there was ample storage across the board for the Sportsman series, with the suspension to hold it up. Check out the storage and payload highlights here:
- Bed Box Dimensions: (L x W x H)N/A
- Estimated Dry Weight: 701 lb (318 kg)
- Front/Rear Rack: 90 lb /180 lb (40.8 kg /81.6 kg)
- Ground Clearance: 11.5 in (29 cm)
- Overall Vehicle Size: (L x W x H)83 x 48 x 47 in (210.8 x 121.9 x 119.4 cm)
- Payload Capacity: 485 lb (220 kg)
Newer models offer tons of customizations for 25” tires and more. If you want to go bigger, we say the more, the merrier. Discover the best ATV tires here.
SPORT
Yamaha Raptor
If you’re riding courses and taking to jumps, you know that the trail isn’t always going to be in perfect conditions. High Lifter fans love the Yamaha Raptor series because it was built with that in mind. Newer models feature a powerful 686cc engine and are surrounded by all the makings of a great racer. This thing has no trouble trekking through some mud or smoothly maneuvering over uneven, bumpy terrain while maintaining the throttle response you need on the corners.
Here’s why High Lifter loves the Raptor powertrain:
- Engine: SOHC, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder; 4 valves
- Transmission: 5-speed with reverse
- Clutch: Wet multiplate
- Claimed Wet Weight: 422 lb.
One of the first upgrades that people make to their sport ATV is a set of lightweight, high-offset tires. Lightening your ATV increases top speed and acceleration, and the additional offset can improve cornering as well. Find the best options for wheels available here.
ALL-AROUND RIDING
Can-Am Outlander
With room available for two, the Outlander series has been a hit by casual and multiple-use riders for years. At High Lifter, we’ve loved it because of the insane versatility of the machine. Its engines range between the sweet spot of the middle range in size, with the newer models available up to 850cc! A sizable front rack accompanies sporty looks and sizable power. It’s just an all-around win for anyone looking for a one-style-fits-all approach.
At High Lifter, we see a lot of riders purchase this model thinking the ground clearance will be perfect for them, but they need just that last bit to make it where they want to go. High Lifter makes standard 2’-3’ kits right here in the US to get Can-Am riders back on the trail as fast as possible. Find them here!
ATVs are—and will always be—a standby of the four-wheeler community, and they’re only getting better and better. But they are only a part of the picture. There’s a whole other style of off-roader who likes to take it to the trails. UTVs are gaining popularity every year: here’s why.
What is a UTV?
A Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) is a vehicle designed for offroad use—and with four wheels, it’s also considered a four-wheeler. UTVs were designed with passengers in mind—the most popular models sold are two-passenger or more. That gets us to the other thing—you don’t ride on a UTV; you ride in a UTV. It’s got a chassis like a dune buggy or car with seats that put passengers side by side each other. That’s why they’re usually referred to as Side by Sides or Buggies.
What do people use UTVs for?
If there are no roads—and miles to go, rocks to climb, cargo to haul, or stumps to yank, a UTV is there to take care of the hard labor. The first UTVs made were almost exclusively for work on trails, farms, and parks and trails.
Not soon after the first models launched—people found out they were fun. Then, companies started responding to demands for faster, bigger, badder, and more racing and sport-oriented models. From there, like ATVs, they made it to the roads and D.O.T.-approved areas started to pop up. Now, there’s a thousand different uses for a UTV:
- Ranching & Farming
- Park Trails/Public Works
- Hunting
- Construction
- Racing
- Neighborhood driving
- Sand dunes
- Mudding
- Racing
The list goes on, but most people like to figure out new uses for their side by side on their own.
What model you get can greatly affect how well it is going to perform at what you buy it for.
H3: Popular UTV Brands and models
With so many different styles of side by side riding, it’s hard to pick what you may need. Here’s a quick run-down on the best UTVs for some of the most popular ways to take it offroad:
MUDDING
Can-Am Maverick
The Maverick’s maintained popularity amongst Can-Am and High Lifter fans for years because it’s got the low-end torque to keep the wheels turning, with newer models offering multiple drivetrain settings with a specific mud riding mode! The fastest among them are lighter by around 100 lb or more compared to the top competition and put out 200hp.
Here’s why mudders are excited about the 2023 Maverick:
- Quick Response System (QRS) CVT transmission and Selectable 2WD / 4WD
- Visco-Lok† (QE on DPS packages) auto-locking front differential
- Full skid plates under the chassis
- Double A-arm front suspension with sway bar / 10 in. (25.4 cm) travel
Mudding requires big, chunky treads on large wheels, and a heck of a lot of ground clearance. A good first step would be getting more clearance with a lift kit. Find the best lift kits here.
HUNTING
Polaris Ranger
Known across the planet as a steadfast option for the outdoors, this UTV is a High Lifter pick because of its versatility and towing prowess. Having the utility of the bed behind the passengers is great for hunting. You can pack in and pack out what you need easily.
But, most impressive is the overall effort put into the design of its utility functions. Check out the capacity and payload of the newest Ranger here:
- Bed Box Dimensions (L x W x H): 36.75 x 54.25 x 12.5 in (93.3 x 137.8 x 31.75 cm)
- Box Capacity: 1,000 lbs (453.6 kg)
- Hitch Towing Rating: 2,500 lb (1,134 kg)
- Hitch Type Standard: 2 in (5 cm) Receiver
- Payload Capacity: 1,500 lbs (680.4 kg)
A good hunter doesn’t just bring his firearm—he brings salt and pepper. That’s to say, you want to come prepared to succeed! Adding a gun rack from Seizmik to your Ranger or UTV is a great way to keep your firearms secure and protected. See what Seizmik gun racks are available here.
RACING
Kawasaki Teryx
Kawasaki has stayed in the limelight with the Teryx for not only being a high-quality thrill-ride, but remaining one of the best values for buyers. The transmission that’s currently used in models is a CVT that is tuned to take hills and straightaways as fast as possible, coupled with amazing handling right from the dealership.
Here’s what to expect from cornering in a Teryx:
- Front suspension travel: 19”
- Rear suspension travel: 21”
- Shocks: Fox 2.5 Podium (24 clicks of manual compression dampening)
- Brakes: Front: Hydraulic disc. 2 piston calipers
- Rear: Hydraulic disc. 1 piston caliper
ATVs and UTVs: What is the difference?
Both ATVs and UTVs are great for offroading, have four wheels, and they’re both called four-wheelers. No wonder people get confused! Luckily, once you know what to spot, it’s pretty easy to tell them apart from one another. The main difference is in how you operate them. While an ATV is like a dirtbike, a UTV is like a car.
The differences between ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) and UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles) starts with chassis, seating, and passenger/cargo safety. Rider-mounted ATVs are smaller, lighter, and fit 1-2 people. A UTV’s larger, car-like chassis harnesses in 1-5 safely and has more storage space.
An ATV’s (All-Terrain Vehicle) smaller size does better in tight trails, whereas a UTV’s (Utility Terrain Vehicle) size fits more labor-intensive jobs like towing, winching, hauling heavy payloads, etc. Here’s a quick comparison:
| ATVs | UTVs | |
| Chassis Style | Bike, Straddled. Open-air | Car/Buggie, Caged. |
| Avg. Weight | 600 lb | 1600 lb |
| Avg. Length x Width | 83” x 42” | 135” x 56” |
| AVG. Engine Size | 450-1000cc | 600 to 1000 cc |
| Passenger Capacity | 1-2 | 1-5 |
So, there’s clearly some differences and they’re pretty big ones when it comes down to capability and having the right ride for your needs. Finding that shouldn’t be a chore.
Which is right for you?
Here’s the deal: an ATV can go hunting and a UTV can race. They’re both totally capable of doing anything the other one can (within reason), so how do you choose? At High Lifter, we see this happen all the time. First, you have to think of the things you can’t live without. That could be a variety, so check out these keys for your checklist:
- Seating capacity
- Torque/horsepower
- Towing Capacity
- Maneuverability
- Speed
- Size
Once you’ve thought about these, you’re more likely to get the rig that’s what you needed in the first place. As Powersports fans everywhere know, the best part about getting a UTV or ATV is customizing it! Whether you want upgraded tires, need more torque for the hills, or want to lift your ride and give it some aggressive appearances with lights and accessories, High Lifter is ready. Find your best upgrades for your UTV or ATV here!