ATVs vs. UTVs

If you are new to off-roading, it can be challenging to decide which recreational vehicle to opt for. Both ATVs and UTVs are motorsport vehicles geared for sports, recreation, and heavy-hauling. Whether you’re driving on riverbeds, muddy tracks, rough roads, or sand, motorsports can offer an experience like no other. 

If you are trying to decide between an ATV and UTV, this guide will help you make an informed choice. 

What are they?

ATV: An All-terrain vehicle or ATV is a four-wheeled off-road vehicle with straddle seating and handlebar steering. Also known as quads, they typically accommodate a single rider. ATVs are smaller than UTVs but more physically intensive than four-wheelers.

UTV: These are all-purpose utility task vehicles popularly seen at hiking trails and off-roading rallies. They are also known as Side-by-Side (SxS). It has four or six wheels and offers seating for up to six passengers. The vehicle is shielded by a cage or roll bar; you can also add rear and front windshields. If you want extra protection, you can enclose the entire cabin. 

When to use?

ATV: They can easily fit in most full-size pickups and standard utility trailers, making them easier to transport than UTVs. For farming chores, an ATV has the advantage as it’s quicker to hop on and off. 

They’re also narrower and can fit through narrow trails, tight gates, and other obstacles that would typically block a UTV. Although a side-by-side delivers more seating space and hauling capacity, ATVs offer cargo racks and towing capabilities. An ATV is more maneuverable than a UTV and can handle tight turns, dense timber, and forest outgrowth with ease. It’s more suitable for people who like riding on challenging roads. 

UTV: People gravitate toward UTVs for their recreational potential, as they can access a wide variety of trails due to their narrow width. 

Hunters, farmers, ranchers, and others who require tough-as-nails rides with plenty of cargo capacity and payload appreciate the UTV’s ability to tackle difficult terrain and heavy loads. 

Its bigger engine and higher towing capacity are ideal for hauling machines on ranches, farms, and other work sites. 

The most significant advantage of a UTV over an ATV is its larger size, greater payload, and stronger towing capacity. Although a quad, too, can be turned into a workhorse with an attached trailer. 

About Basecamp Motors

It’s difficult to say which one is better between an ATV and a UTV. Both motorsport vehicles have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of their capacities, trails, activities, riding environments, and logistical considerations. Recreationalists prefer to own both UTVs and ATVs so they can experience the best of both. 

If you want to buy a new or used motorsport vehicle, Basecamp Motors is an authorized dealer for Can-Am®, Sea-Doo®, Ski-Doo®, and BRP Spyder in Calgary, AB. We provide maintenance service, parts and accessories, and gear for ATVs, utility vehicles, PWCs, and snowmobiles. You can call us at 403.441.1299 or fill the contact form to get in touch. You can also sign up for our newsletter.