Updated Jan. 19, 2024
One of the most frequently asked questions that customers ask us here at Brooks Power Sports is whether a Side by Side or a 2-up ATV four-wheeler is right for them. Have you ever wondered the same thing about the debate of ATV vs UTV? Read on for some insight.
To get a better understanding of what might be the right choice or work better for you, we recommend that you learn more about and understand the capabilities of each. Traditionally, when people ask if you want to go off-roading we think of hopping into a Jeep or truck and driving it off the beaten path. The idea, of course, is to get it a little muddy and test the boundaries of the vehicle. Over time, off-road vehicles have evolved, especially Can-Am off-road vehicles.
Utility Vehicle (UTV), Side by Side (SXS)
What is a side by side? Side by Sides or UTVs are simply off-road vehicles in which two people sit beside each other. The seating configuration is the same as in a car or truck. You have a steering wheel, pedals and a gear shift just like a vehicle. The UTV is larger than an ATV and typically costs a little bit more. Today these vehicles are made for utility / work uses (like the Can-Am Defender), sports (just plain fun) like the Maverick X3, and in the case of the Can-Am Commander, a mix of both work and fun! To decide which type of side by side is right for you, you should first determine how you will use your UTV.
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV / Four-Wheeler)
ATVs, also known as four-wheelers, have a different look, design and feel than a side by side. With an ATV, you straddle the seat, brake with your hands and feet, steer with handlebars, and throttle up with your thumb or a twist throttle. Today’s ATVs are available in four-wheel and six-wheel models. With engine sizes ranging from 50cc to 1000cc, there’s an ATV size for nearly everyone!
How do you choose?
For two-up riding, it can be hard to choose the right machine for you. Do you purchase a side by side (UTV) or do you purchase an ATV/four-wheeler? To help decide, ask yourself these questions:
1) How much do you want to spend?
If you’re going to spend under $10,000 then a side by side might not be the right unit for you. Typically, a side by side is a little bit more money than an ATV. Can-Am Side by Side pricing is a little less than $10,000 and it goes up depending on your package. A Can-Am adult ATV (450cc or higher) will start at $5,999 and up. ATVs are a more affordable option for going off road. With the right financing that we can get at Brooks PowerSports, it might not be too difficult to get the off-road vehicle you want, at the right monthly payment for you. This way you won’t need to upgrade or change in a year or two. Be sure to check out our used off-road vehicles to see if something fits your budget there, too!
2) What trails are you riding on?
Depending on what part of the country you’re from, the trails may range in size. From my experience here in Pennsylvania, a lot of the trails may be for units that are close to 50” or less in width. For trails like this, you will likely need an ATV instead of a Side by Side. Can-Am Side by Sides start at 58.5” in width and go up to 72” or more depending on the unit and accessories that are installed on it. If you’re on private ground or an area with no restrictions, it doesn’t matter too much.
3) What are your uses and what is your comfort level?
Comfort: I took a friend of mine out riding for the first time a few weekends ago. Because it was his first time, he immediately loved the Can-Am Maverick Side by Side that I had taken up because he felt like he was driving a car. The ATV he found a little more challenging and different. He was more comfortable with side by sides than with ATVs.
Uses: If you’re looking to purchase something for pure sport and fun, then it’s a toss-up.
Can-Am produces some of the most comfortable and reliable ATVs and Side by Sides on the market. A Can-Am Renegade ATV will give you plenty of sport and fun, just like the Can-Am Maverick Sport, Maverick Trail or Maverick X3 will. The difference may lie in your uses for the utility models.
If you’re looking for more pulling power and plenty of storage to do pretty much any job, then the Can-Am Side by Side is right for you. If you’re looking to plow and pull a trailer here and there, than an ATV would work as well.
Overall: If you’re still not sure about the whole ATV vs UTV debate, stop into our Grantville, PA dealership, or call to learn more. We're conveniently located near Harrisburg, Reading, Lebanon and Lancaster. We're also just a short drive away from Philadelphia and Baltimore.
At Brooks Powersports, we're more than happy to take you through the showroom and our overflow garage to show you the difference on each of the units and figure out which one might be best for you. Sure, I can tell you a side by side is right because it’s more money, but I promise you that’s not what we’ll do. We’ll make sure we find the right ATV or side by side for you based on YOUR needs and desires. Don’t forget, everyone is different.