UTV vs. ATV: What Are the Benefits of a UTV?
While you may see a UTV referred to as a side-by-side ATV, a UTV and an ATV are two different types of off-road recreational vehicles. They’re both four-wheel vehicles designed to tackle rough ground, but different designs set them apart from each other. A UTV will typically cost more than an ATV but will also offer more features. When you purchase a UTV you get the following benefits.
A Side-by-Side Vehicle
A side-by-side, or SxS, is an off-road vehicle with a seating setup similar to that of a car or truck. A UTV is a true side-by-side. An ATV often only has a seat for the operator and possibly a passenger seated behind the operator. A side-by-side UTV seats two riders — an operator and a passenger — or more.
Operator and Rider Protection
A UTV provides added protection for riders, with bars surrounding the passenger area to minimize the risk from a potential rollover. Often a UTV will have a roof and a windshield that protects the riders from rain, mud and small branches. You’ll also usually find seat belts and headrests on a UTV.
A Utility Vehicle
An ATV is primarily a recreational vehicle. An ATV may have a small rack on the back or front of the vehicle for securing small items, but most UTVs have a cargo bed that lets you carry more. The storage space in a UTV makes it a great utility vehicle for taking on projects around your property, and it’s also an excellent recreational vehicle for riding trails in the woods or going off-road in muddy, rocky or sandy terrain. You can easily haul tools and materials such as fertilizer, feed or fencing in the bed of a UTV.
Car-Like Controls
A UTV has a steering wheel, throttle pedal and brake pedal, giving you control similar to that which you’d have in a car or truck. A rider controls an ATV with handlebars similar to those on a motorcycle. ATVs also have brakes and a throttle on the handlebars.
UTVs may not be available in all locations or available for shipping to all areas. Check the availability for your store on Lowes.com.
Drive Type
A UTV is usually a four-wheel drive (4WD or 4x4) vehicle. Four-wheel drive UTVs will give you power and traction, making it easier to traverse rough or muddy terrain without getting stuck or bogged down. You’ll often have the option to switch to two-wheel drive for situations where you don’t need the extra traction. Operating in two-wheel drive makes turning easier and won’t damage turf like operating in four-wheel drive can. As an added benefit, switching to two-wheel drive will burn less fuel or use less battery power.
Power Type
UTVs are often more powerful than ATVs, and it’s the power that makes them great recreational and utility vehicles. This power usually comes from a gas engine, but you can also find electric UTVs.
Gas UTVs
Gas-powered UTVs are often the best choice for projects that require more power. This factor, combined with the range a gas-powered engine delivers, can also make them a good choice for recreational trail-riding. Since gasoline is typically easy to find, it may be easier to refuel a gas engine during a job or ride than to recharge a battery-powered model.
Electric UTVs
A UTV with an electric motor provides a quieter ride and less vibration. An electric model operates without the fumes of a gas-powered model. A fully charged electric model will also give you torque more quickly than a gas UTV. With fewer moving parts than a fuel-powered engine, there’s less required maintenance for an electric motor.
UTV Features and Capabilities
When you’re looking at UTVs, consider the features they offer and match a vehicle’s capabilities to how you plan to use it. Whether you’re interested in pure recreational riding or want to finish a project faster, you’ll find features that let you get the most out of your utility vehicle and add value to your investment.
Common UTV Features
Some features are common on many of our UTVs:
- A canopy provides protection from sun, weather and some debris.
- A windshield also provides weather and debris protection.
- Headlights let you keep working or riding when the sun goes down and are required in some areas.
- A tilting cargo bed makes it easy to get materials where you need them and simplifies unloading.
Features that Affect Capabilities
Pay attention to the capabilities of the motor or engine, the transmission, suspension and accessories to make sure you’re getting the power and capabilities you need:
- Engine displacement, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), indicates the potential power a gas engine can deliver.
- An engine or motor with more horsepower (HP) is capable of giving you more speed.
- Torque, measured in foot pounds (ft-lbs), describes the rotational force the engine or motor applies to the drive shaft. Higher torque means a greater ability to carry a load, better acceleration to tackle hills, and more power to keep your UTV from getting bogged down in rough or muddy ground.
- A continuously variable transmission (CVT) lets a UTV accelerate smoothly, offers good performance on inclines and can make an engine more fuel efficient than other transmission types.
- A locking differential improves traction. When engaged, the mechanism makes the wheels on an axle rotate at the same rate, allowing the engine to apply as much torque as possible.
- Front and rear independent suspension allows individual wheels to move up and down as needed, regardless of the position of the other wheels. This independent movement can help the UTV take on obstacles more easily.
- A winch helps prevent a UTV from getting stuck in mud or stranded in rocks and can help you free other stranded vehicles. You’ll see a weight rating for the winch, with larger ratings indicating more pulling power.
- A tow hitch is useful if you’ll be using a UTV for projects. It allows you to pull a trailer and haul more materials and tools. Be sure to pay attention to the UTV’s towing capacity to make sure it can pull the loads you’ll need for your work.
Comfort and High-Tech UTV Features
Finally, there are other value-oriented features as well:
- Half-doors and side nets help keep rocks, dirt and other debris out of the passenger area.
- A weather-sealed compartment provides enhanced protection from weather and dust.
- Power steering makes driving the UTV more comfortable.
- Bluetooth™ connectivity lets you easily pair a phone to an available integrated sound system.
- A 10-inch touch screen and Apple® CarPlay™ make it easy to control your phone.
- Front and rear cameras help improve safety.
Operating a UTV Legally
- Legality for use on public streets and roads
- Registration requirements
- Operator’s license requirements
- Insurance requirements
- Title requirements • Helmet requirements
- Minimum operator age
- Required UTV equipment (ex., spark arrestor, headlights and tail lights)
- Legality of public land use
- Training and testing requirements
These legal factors and more vary by state, county, city, etc. Be certain you understand and follow the laws for your area.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety.
UTV Accessories
Accessories for a UTV range from must-haves to add-ons that can make your experience more fun or protect your investment. Just check to make sure an accessory is compatible with your UTV.
- UTV Trailer: A UTV trailer gives you more cargo capabilities. Make sure the dimensions and weight capacity work with your UTV. Check local laws for any requirements on trailer use.
- Tie Downs: Tie downs are critical for hauling some loads safely and securely.
- Tire Chains: Tire chains give you extra traction on snowy or icy roads.
- UTV Helmet: A helmet is a necessity when operating a UTV. Your state’s laws may require you and any passengers to wear helmets. Look for a helmet with a peak or visor to help keep the sun, branches and mud away from your face.
- Goggles: If your helmet doesn’t include a clear face shield, pair it with a set of goggles to protect your eyes.
- ATV Speakers: Take your tunes with you on the trail with a Bluetooth™ speaker. Look for weatherproof speakers designed to attach to an ATV or UTV with clamps or straps.
- Enclosure: An enclosure fits around the bars on a UTV to protect the operator and passengers from the weather.
- Light Kit: Lights make your UTV more useful at night. Some areas require lights for UTVs.
- Snow Plow Kit: A snow plow gives you the ability to clear snow quickly and easily.
- Cover: A durable cover protects your UTV when you’re not using it, keeping your vehicle in top shape.
- Cooler: A cooler is a nice add-on if you’re going to be on the trail or on a project site. Just make sure you secure it properly.
- Work Gloves: Keep a pair of work gloves with your UTV so you can protect your hands when you’re working.
Look for other recreational vehicle accessories that fit your UTV, such as windshields, cargo equipment and organizers.
Other Types of Recreational Vehicles
Other Types of Recreational Vehicles While a UTV is a powerhouse among recreational vehicles, there are some others to consider, depending on your needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Golf carts can be great for adults who want to cruise around in comfort.
- Mini bikes are perfect for off-road recreation.
- E-bikes are great for errands, recreation and power-assisted exercise.
Take a look at our golf cart guide or our mini bike and e-bike guide for details on finding one that’s right for you.