What Is A UTV?

What Makes A UTV Different Than An ATV?

ATVs and UTVs have a lot in common. They’re both four-wheeled, gas-powered, compact, and ideal for off-roading. With that said, there are several important distinctions between ATVs and UTVs.

• UTVs have the ability to carry more passengers than ATVs. The average ATV is designed for one to two people, whereas a UTV will typically carry a minimum of two and as many as six.
• Similarly, UTVs also offer more cargo space. ATVs are not known for having a ton of carrying capacity. On the other hand, a UTV can haul plenty of gear for hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities.
• UTVs are often safer and more comfortable than ATVs. On an ATV, you sit astride, similar to how you do on a motorcycle. This subjects riders to more vibration and leaves them vulnerable in the event of an accident. UTVs also feature bench or bucket seating and often have seatbelts, which are absent on most ATVs.
• UTVs are easier to operate, mainly because they have a steering wheel instead of handlebars. Similarly, you have a standard gas and brake pedal instead of a throttle and brake lever. For motorcycle enthusiasts, this may not make much difference. But for those who have only driven a car, a UTV’s control scheme will already be familiar.
• UTVs have more customization options than ATVs. You can customize the suspension, add fog lights, or even build a completely enclosed cab. Though an ATV can be customized to some extent — the suspension and tires, mostly — your options are more limited than with a UTV.
• UTVs are better suited for heavy-duty work. As noted above, their additional cargo space makes them more effective for hauling, but weight capacity is also a concern. A typical ATV has enough capacity for 100 to 400 pounds of weight, in addition to the driver. On the flip side, the average UTV can haul between 800 and 1,400 pounds.

When Is A UTV The Better Choice?

So now that we have highlighted some of the key differences between the two vehicle types, we must determine under what circumstances it makes more sense to own a UTV than an ATV.

There are several reasons why, and we will cover some of them below.

You Have To Access Narrow Trails

While it may seem counterintuitive, many UTVs tend to be more narrow than comparable ATVs. Though this isn’t a universal rule, it is often the case, and these UTV models give drivers access to trails that even full-sized ATVs can’t traverse. UTVs can tackle surprisingly rugged terrain and tend to be just as stable (if not more) than ATVs of a similar size. This is due to their lower center of gravity, making them less susceptible to tipping or flipping over.

Great For Avid Hunters, Campers, And Anglers

In the same way, a UTV can access those narrow back trails; it can also reach hard-to-access roads that stretch deep into the backwoods. No need to worry about lugging everything from your truck by hand.

This can be advantageous for recreations like hunting, both for bringing in your gear and hauling your game at the end of the day. You have room to bring a cooler for fishing or extra gear for camping. Essentially, it allows you to bring all the joys of civilization a little bit closer to your destination.

Performing Heavy-Duty Work

ATVs are designed for both work and recreation. They’re great choices for light-duty tasks like hauling firewood or herding cattle. But their lack of cargo capacity hinders them when it comes to performing more demanding tasks.

Conversely, UTVs have increased payload capacity, larger engines, and sturdier frames. This makes them suitable for towing and hauling - tasks that ATVs tend not to perform well.

In addition, you can also customize UTVs with a variety of utility features or purchase them ready-made with the features built-in. A dump box, for instance, is excellent for hauling dirt, while a winch is helpful in retrieving objects or even recovering vehicles.

You Need A Specialized Work Vehicle

We’ve already given a few examples of UTV customization. But if you want to do specialized work, you can perform even more extreme customizations to your vehicle. For instance, UTVs can be equipped with front loaders, fertilizer sprayers, and other tools that will radically transform them from transportation devices to modern-day workhorses.

You Are Physically Unable To Operate An ATV

Not everyone is capable of riding an ATV. It puts a beating on your body, and controlling the vehicle requires physical strength due to its configuration. A UTV is easier on your body and much easier to control, making them more accessible for a wider variety of people.

You Want To Carry Multiple Passengers

With room for up to six passengers, a UTV lets you travel with kids, relatives, and other companions. UTVs offer a seating capacity that allows you to take everybody deep in the woods for exploring - or even accessing that hard-to-find camping spot. Most ATVs only enable you to take yourself and a single passenger. If you wanted to transport six people, you would need at least three vehicles and three operators. UTV’s allow for everyone to get in on the fun.

Summary

As a result of their increased capacity and capabilities, UTVs tend to be more expensive than ATVs. But their versatility makes them a prime investment. But regardless of the type of vehicle you choose, you have the option of customizing it to fit your exact riding needs. Both UTVs and ATVs offer tremendous value to operators and riders alike. Take their contrasts into consideration when determining which is the right choice for your needs.