From Suzuki’s MULE in the 1980s to modern offerings like the Honda Talon, the popularity of UTV’s has grown leaps and bounds. UTVs evolved from ATVs when manufacturers, such as Yamaha, Honda, and countless others, sensed the market desired more utilitarian runabouts to tackle various tasks. The rest - as they say - is history.
UTVs, or side-by-sides as they are also known, have become popular in many industries - ranging from farming to hunting to construction. There is also a healthy demand from the US military, as UTVs are suitable for quickly transporting armed troops over rough terrain. UTVs have also found widespread popularity for recreational purposes and have become some of the hottest products in the modern Powersports market. According to a report from Mordor Intelligence, the North American ATV and UTV market was worth a staggering $5.69 billion in 2020, and it is forecasted to reach 7.54 billion dollars by 2026.
While they are an evolution of the humble ATV, UTVs differ from ATVs in several ways. They have:
- A contoured non-straddled seating arrangement with seatbelts, usually for two or more passengers
- A traditional steering wheel with a pedal-operated throttle
- A rollover protection system (ROPS) coupled with a roof, depending on the manufacturer
- A cargo box or storage space separated from the interior of the vehicle
Affordable UTVs From Joyner
Joyner USA is a UTV brand operating in the United States with manufacturing plants located in China. The company has been in business since 2003, cranking out several well-built UTVs and ATVs that have some pretty impressive horsepower figures. One of their unique selling points is that they offer all of their models a traditional manual gearbox option, as opposed to the CVT gearboxes of competing manufacturers.
Trooper T2
One of their most well-known models is the Joyner Trooper T2. The T2 comes equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox connected to a rugged selectable 4WD system. Powering it all is a 1,083cc four-cylinder engine that cranks out a solid 86 horsepower, which is enough to haul the T2’s 1,730 lb frame at top speeds of 65 miles per hour. In addition, the T2 comes with a 10-gallon fuel tank.
Renegade R2
Another popular model from Joyner’s lineup is the Renegade R2, powered by a slightly smaller 812 cc four-cylinder engine. Although the Renegade lacks displacement, it is considerably lighter than the Trooper T2 at 1,433 lbs.
The Renegade is also equipped with a 5-speed transmission with a granny gear for the first gear. However, what exactly is a granny gear, and why does it matter? A granny gear is essentially an ultra-low gear that maximizes torque at the expense of speed and fuel economy. In other words, it is the polar opposite of an overdrive gear.
The unique gearbox in the Renegade allows it to traverse some serious terrain or pull a heavy load without breaking a sweat, and it is also equipped with selectable four-wheel drive and front and rear lockers.
Both the Trooper and Renegade have a 750-lb payload capacity and a 2,000-lb towing capacity, so you don’t have to think twice if you need to lug around some heavy equipment. If the need for speed does take you over, both models are fitted with hydraulic four-wheel disc brakes as standard and will bring you to a screeching halt when you eventually run out of space.
Renegade R4 and Trooper T4
Are you looking to take a few friends along for the ride? Joyner also produced four-seater versions of their UTVs called the Renegade R4 and the Trooper T4. While they tip the scales at 2,000 lbs. and 2,160 lbs, respectively, these four-seaters are still brisk enough to get you around with no trouble at all.
Both models come standard with A-arm suspension front and rear, 5-point seat belts with bucket seats, front and rear receiving hitches, a utility dump bed, and a sporty dash panel with a whole host of gauges to keep an eye on the vitals of your UTV.
Need a few extra features? Joyner also provides winches, brush guards, lightbars, windshields, and roof racks through their dealerships.
The Trooper and Renegade are also EPA and CARB legal, meaning that you can enjoy your UTV in the Golden State without issue.
Summary
The UTV has embedded itself as an indispensable tool in many industries, and it has also become desired in the recreational market, with the growing demand for sport UTVs. Since their inception, UTVs have been the perfect fusion of a practical runabout and versatile off-roader.
Despite the number of technological advancements that we have seen in the UTV industry, the basic concept has remained unchanged and stood firm. Even during the economic crisis of 2008, UTV sales remained strong, thus demonstrating the undying consumer demand for these rugged runabouts.
Sadly, Joyner USA is no longer in business as they bowed out of the American market in February of 2010 and ceased production entirely. However, this does not mean that all is lost.
There is still a healthy community of enthusiasts loyal to the brand. Repairs are pretty easy to perform, with parts still accessible from multiple locations across the United States. If you want to go for an underdog brand that doesn’t necessarily get the recognition it deserves - but can still give several more prominent brands a run for their money - you won’t go wrong with a Joyner UTV.
