Choosing a UTV or an ATV
Powersports vehicles are extremely popular for both work and recreational purposes. While ATVs and UTVs sound the same, they are different beasts, each one suited to different tasks and riding styles. When you’re looking to invest in a powersports vehicle, you want to make sure you’re getting one that you’ll actually be able to use for the purposes you have. That’s why it’s important to know the differences between these styles before making your choice.
Your local UTV & ATV dealer is Mid-State Motorsports in Cookeville, Tennessee, and we’re here to take the guesswork out of choosing between these two great powersports vehicles. Here, we’ve outlined some key differences and similarities between four-wheelers and side by sides to help you make a decision about the right powersports vehicle for your needs.
Main Differences
The primary difference between ATVs and UTVs is how the operator is positioned. On an ATV, the rider straddles a motorcycle-like seat and operates the vehicle with handlebars and a throttle. Generally only one or two people will fit on an ATV and they lack cargo space or enclosures of any kind. They also don’t have seat belts, increasing the chance that the rider will be thrown in an impact.
UTVs, on the other hand, are more like small, open passenger cars. They’re operated with a steering wheel and gas and brake pedals, and they have seat belts for riders. Their seating is bench-style for anywhere from two to six passengers, leading to the term side by side. They are larger than ATVs and sometimes have a rollover cage, although this doesn’t necessarily protect the riders as much as reducing damage to the vehicle in a rollover crash. UTVs can haul more cargo than ATVs can, but ATVs are more nimble and can go faster.
When To Choose An ATV
ATVs are made for recreational riding. Their small size, easy handling and quick acceleration are geared towards off-roading fun and track riding. You’ll have so much fun riding your ATV over fields, through creeks and across rocky outcroppings. Many trails and tracks exist for recreational ATV riding throughout the country.
You can also perform tasks with your ATV, but you are limited in how much you can carry in terms of people and cargo. At best, an ATV will hold one extra passenger riding straddle-style behind the operator, and they may have a small cargo rack, but they won’t be able to carry nearly as much as a comparable UTV. ATVs can also be used for towing if they’re strong enough, and some use them for hunting transportation. Primarily, though, their superior handling and agility makes ATVs best suited to riding for pleasure over difficult terrain.
When To Choose A UTV
UTVs are perfectly good for recreational riding purposes, particularly if you want to take a group of friends or the kids with you. However, where UTVs really shine is when they’re doing heavy duty tasks. Side by sides have high towing capacities to pull heavy payloads and equipment around a job site. They also have more storage space for tools and cargo. A UTV seats anywhere from two to six people so you can easily transport your whole work crew across the farm, ranch or job site in one trip to prevent people from having to walk back and forth, making UTVs a great time-saver on large properties and farms.
UTVs can also be more useful for hunting since they have the necessary cargo space to haul your game back to your car or truck. They are larger than ATVs so they may not fit in as many narrow spaces, which you’ll want to be conscious of when you’re driving through the forest. You can easily add accessories like light bars and gun racks to your UTV to make it even better suitable as a hunting vehicle.
Feel like you have come to a decision? View our full inventory of new and used UTVs and ATVs when you visit our Cookeville dealership. Our experienced sales staff can answer any further quad questions you have. We serve the states of Kentucky and Tennessee, including the cities of Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
