Yep. An ATV just takes a quick winch pull (we also have lighter and cheaper winches) and some wiggling around. That's the difference, your weight actually effects how the ATV moves around, specifically weight transfer, and especially if you're a bigger person
@@lucahoganyt4435 even getting off to the side and pushing the bike with a little throttle normally goes a long ways in most situations. Can't say I haven't tried that in side by side when I was in a pinch but definitely wouldn't recommend
@@jthomp997 I've done that on snowmobiles, haven't done it on an ATV. A snowmobile has a tether so I know it won't take off. Also snowmobiles are way more maneuverable. You actually do that on snowmobiles a lot when riding off trail. Especially in the trees when you get stuck, just tip the sled on it's side and pin the throttle to the bar. Then shake the sled side to side until the track grabs the snow and shoots out of the hole. Off-trail guys call it the "pin n' wiggle" method.
Great video. Here in Colorado, a lot of the trails have steel posts set in concrete 50 inches apart at the trail heads to keep anything wider than 50” off the trails. Huge consideration when choosing an off-road machine.
I agree with the other guys that are "more advanced in years" I was young and liked dirt bikes, then 3 wheelers then quads, but now after all that hard riding and a life of hard working, I'm glad we have SXS's so I can still go out and ride hard and not feel like I was in a bar fight at the end of the day. I think I earned it.
Great review! A couple of small things I'd like to add that weren't really touched on. You'll need more gas for a side by side. If you want to explore trails out of town, you can stuff an ATV into the box of a pick up but will need a trailer for a side by side. And, one small thing that I'm surprised Steven didn't touch on was the fact that pretty well anyone can physically lift the back or front of an ATV off the ground for added manoeuvrability for the REALLY tight spots. I'd love a side by side, but I can't justify the price when I can buy a used SUV and put brand new MTZ's on it and still have 10k leftover when compared to a side by side.
I live in a prime location for trails and I found the utvs are more popular here because of the fuel range they get the same mileage but have sometimes double the capcity
I’ve got both, 2018 Rubicon and 2018 Pioneer 1000. Pioneer is faster, better for work (dump bed, 2,000 lb towing capacity, etc.) but if I don’t have the kids wanting to come with me I prefer the ATV. More comfortable, I prefer handlebars over steering wheel and way more fun on the trails.
David Anderson Where in the conversation is anyone attempting to make a comparison with a Can Am 570? Is it faster, yes. But the reference to a Can Am being “faster” has nothing to do with this video or discussion. Is a Can Am Outtie 1000R faster than a Yamaha Kodiak? Yes. Does that make it “better”? Depends. So seeing how your bent on comparisons, I happen to own both a Can Am 570 Outlander Max and a Honda Rubicon 520 and a 2017 Kodiak and a Honda Pioneer 1000. Is the Can Am faster, yes. Is it better? At some things, yes. It other things, no. It depends on expectations and needs. Speed and drag racing isn’t the “end all”. If I’m going for a 150 mile day ride with a group, Can Am. If I’m alone, Honda. Buggy or ATV.
the only thing you forget to mention was transportation, its alot easier to transport a atv in the box of your truck or a small trailer but and full size utv requires a full sized trailer
I've been researching this topic for the better part of a year and a half, and while I think I've settled on the Polaris Big Boss 6x6, which is probably the most in the middle machine out there in regards to this topic, I have to thank you for producing easily the most useful bit of media on the topic that I have found in over a year and a half. Very well done sir
Side by Side for me. Though, I'll agree that a ATV is more fun but for my uses which are mainly utility the Side by Side is just better and I can still have some fun with it too. Ideally, I want both haha. So maybe once the side by side is paid off, I'll get an ATV too! Best of both worlds!
I've now got one of each. I've had my Ranger since 2002 and it is still going strong. It's my hunting buggy. I can't tell you how many critters it has hauled out of the back country over the years - a good number. Biggest con is that it needs a trailer. I've run out of room in my suburban HOA home to store both the Ranger and its trailer, so now it lives on my Mom's "mini-ranch" property about 1-1/2 hours away. I use it now only for hunting trips, no longer recreationally because of the storage issue. Mom uses it the rest of the year. I just got a two-up ATV, specifically for geocaching with my wife. That GPS treasure hunting game is our off-road recreation activity. I have room for the quad in my garage, and I don't need a trailer for it since I can transport it in the bed of my truck. Sure the Ranger may be more wife friendly, but the Polaris Sportsman Touring is really pretty comfortable for the passenger as long as I drive sanely. I don't see using the quad for hunting because it just does not have the game hauling ability of the Ranger.
I know a lot of ranchers/property owners that have both. They buy a good side by side for hauling loads and carrying people. Then they have an atv for quick trips or to make it into tough tight places. We grew up with atvs on the ranch before Utvs and you can pen cows with them and walk them out of mud throw a bag of feed on them and go. I'm scared to take my long Mule Pro FXT in any uneven terrain. I think I'm gonna buy an atv as secondary vehicle.
I think both SXS and ATV are great fun, but one of the big issues with SXS is this: In many areas, only ATV are legal for the trails. I live in Oregon, for example, and 90% of the trails are legal only for 48" and smaller width, which means ATV.
Great video man! I had to go with an ATV first and then work on my sxs purchase. Unfortunately, I lost my atv due to fire and had to purchase another and this put my sxs aspirations on hold. Would have been great, I was looking at the Can Am defender HD8 or the redesign Ranger just like you have here in this video. The atv just works better for me now as it will fit in the truck, get into tighter spots and was less expensive. Love the channel!
It is certainly nice to be able to fit the ATV in the back of a pickup truck. No trailer needed, just a good set of ramps (or a steep enough hill)! Thanks for watching - Stephen
This video just saved me $10-20k lol cause i have a 450 high performance atv and love it but always thought what if a 2 seater or even one seater RZR would be more fun and I'm realizing it's actually not and it's not as cheap to maintain or get yourself into a high performance one
I know this video is older and I wanted to compliment a job well done. One perspective that I would add is this. I had an atv. I got the itch to upgrade and bought a side by side. Deer season last year I was blessed to harvest a big beautiful buck that ran down hill into some pretty rough terrain. The closest I could get my side by side was about 150 yards away from the animal. I was using the side by side to haul out my groceries. If I would have had my atv, I would have been much easier to drive right up to the animal as its smaller size and nimbleness would allow for greater obstacle avoidance and clearance. I still have my side by side and use it often on our property BUT I now own a brand new atv as well. When we shell out this kind of money for a machine, the last thing I want to do is drag a heavy animal for a football field and a half over rocks and in and out of ravines. Just my $.02
I pull a travel trailer, so without a large Toyhauler, my only option is a quad in a standard 6’ bed with a front rack so I can close the tailgate. Anything over 51” wheel base is to long. Including all the new passenger quads that are around 8” longer. Side by sides are nice, but expensive and to big for my set up. So basically it all comes down to budget, what will fit your need, comfort, work or play, both, dependability. You buy what fits your budget and lifestyle. 2020 Can Am Outlander 850XT Mossy Oak Camo fits in my truck bed, I can still pull a 30’ travel trailer and the quad gets me to my hunting areas and out. Good video and well spoken! 👍
Each machine has its place and purpose and you need to buy according to your individual needs and purpose. I do prefer the quad over a side by side for the jobs I do and an $800 dollar trailer is cheaper than an extra $5000-$8000 for the more expensive side by side. As far as comfort goes being the driver of any machine is always more comfortable than being the passenger but I’ve driven and ridden both and I don’t like being thrown around in a side by side. They are far to rough for me. I prefer to drive a quad where I can absorb the rough stuff like demonstrated in this video. 2 good quads for almost the same price as a good side by side is a no brainer for me. Why carry a passenger when you can both enjoy the drive.
I like the idea of side-by-sides but the fact they cost more than a Honda Civic is ridiculous. When you consider how much more R&D has to go into a car with safety regulations etc, a side-by-side should be $12000, not a penny more and ATVs even less. Perhaps I missed it but an ATV is easier to store. I can fit an ATV in my garage and still park my suv in it, not so with a UTV.
M K yes its 30 x 22. It will fit two cars and has single car size workshop divided from the parking area by a wall (but no car door access). A quad will fit across the front with a small suv. Guess your just too cool for the majority of the population.
M K yes, everyone reading this gets it. You’ve got a giant garage and have a jeep and a side-by-side parked TOGETHER. You have mastered the universe. The Whitehouse could be your next stop.
First time my friend saw a side by side she thought it was a golf cart. They only recently became popular where I live and she hasn't been out on the trails in a long time. I'm not a fan of side by sides myself, but then again it's just me so I don't need any extra space. Only rarely is anyone else with me. My atv can haul a trailer just fine and we already own a few do it's not an extra expense. My saddlebags can carry enough supplies for two people for a day.
I'm an older guy these days, and it would be difficult for me to handle the atv anymore. I bought a Textron Wildcat Trail and enjoy it very much! I can ride the trails for as long as I want and not be sore and exhausted. :)
this is the one way they make any sense to me. when a guy gets older but still wants to enjoy the fresh air. but they still are pretty much just road-machines.
Not a "road machine" at all! My Trail (their smallest model) is like a billy goat! It's gone up steep, nasty, rocky hills, run creeks, over twisting trails- it amazes me constantly with what it can go up and over. The only thing it's not good at with the stock tires is gooey mud.
I dunno man. When I ride in a SXS off-road it beats the crap out of me. On the atv I can move my body around, let it bounce and move. Strapped into a SXS it beats you up. Can’t imagine how it’d be without seatbelt. I can more easily control the momentum on an atv in rough stuff, probably because you have a better view of the tires and the terrain and hand controls are easier to use smoothly than pedals.
How are you. I add that in the utv you wet your seat when passing through a stream, if you fit in, you can't go out and push yourself, in the atv you get off and you can push it. The ATV is more fun .. Greetings from Uruguay
Thanks TFL, I know it's been 4 years since you posted it, but it's still the most genuine and relatable comparison out there . Have had a solid atv experience ( so much fun and riding) but realized it's limits when working in a forest and the farm. And now I'm not sure if I should get a 6x6 atv or a utv 😑🤔
Honestly, they are both great and have ridden both, but only owned an ATV many years before the SXS came on scene. ATV's allow body language which is very important, and SXS are great to take friends / family with you. A good 50" SXS is awesome for someone who wants to take their wife for rides down the beach, or their kids for a nice camping trip / adventures. The issue comes down to price and what your friends ride (IF you intend to ride with friends).
Yes, you've covered the bases very well here Stephen. I do like my Can-AM Outlander 500 Max EXT, 2-up, I only wish that Power Steering was available when I bought mine in 2009. If I were to go shopping for another ATV, that option of Power Steering would be at the top of my list.( today most ATV/UTV manufacturer's offer this, don't they? ) Thanks for this video.
In Australia side by side is choice because safety n tax rebate on safety but fuel use is atv. I am farmer and If I was going spraying the side by side is much safer I wouldn’t load atv up, just small box on back rack on atv. Another great vid 👍
In NY, an ATV has to be registered. A UTV (over 1000lbs, IIRC) doesn't. But slap a safety triangle on it and you can pretty much drive it anywhere you could drive a farm tractor.
i made the mistake of buying a new 18 can am outlander 850xt before test riding one . Everything you say in the video about your body being the suspension on a atv and using your body to control it is why i switched to a sxs . I was always sore as hell after riding and in certain situations a atv is more prone to roll overs vs a sxs . i loved the fact i was the first owner of my brand new atv and knew how it was treated being it was brand new . I paid $13200 Canadian back in 2018 now there 15 k plus tax . I can’t afford a new sxs at almost $30k so i’m rocking a old 11 rzr 800 but hoping to upgrade to a rzr 1000 .
atvs are more fun, but yet because most don't have a cup holder for their beer.. they are lagging behind utv sales , so people are paying a lot more for that cup holder. sorry i'll just never understand how a purist can say the utv is more fun. its cool to hav a passenger, but that's about it
Solid debut video. I agree with almost every single point. The ATV to me is a little bit more fun and can also go to a lot of public land that currently prohibits UTVs. As always, with this question, the answer is....IT DEPENDS. You really need to know what your use case is to decide which way to go.
I Think the best Title in this Video is "Why you have to Choose UTV than ATV" But I Love Atv more than Side by Side... and by the way, 90% of People Prefer ATV in Trailing.. But Great Video!! :)
I'd go for a ATV for the sake of practicality. Up here in Newfoundland a lot of trails are rough, narrow, and winters often bring a lot of snow. A SXS are to big and limits where you can go, restricting you to the main trail. Take a SXS down a wood trail and you'll destroy it on stomps and rocks, and get stuck constantly by getting hung up. Hell some of the trails up here it's hard enough getting a ATV through them, let alone a SXS. With a ATV you also don't need to fall back on a winch at the first sign of trouble. You can shift your weight around or rock the bike if you get hung up or bogged down and sometimes the bike will manage to chew itself free. In winter SXS has a much greater risk of getting high centered on a snow drift then a ATV, plus snowmobiles andATV's are generally what beats down the snow and breaks a path going through. Then you always got that one asshole on a SXS that's to big for the winter trail, tries to follow the ATV tracks, and either gets stuck creating deep ass holes/ruts or it rips the trails to all hell while making it's way through. Utility isn't a concern for me. ATV's are are smaller, lighter, and just more practical from a off road perspective.
These videos never talk about tasks where in and out vs on and off are frequent. I used a side by side for a while and hated climbing in and out vs just jumping on and off a ATV which is much faster. Also being 6'4" I find even the big UTVs put my knees in my face.
I have a can am commander 1000 and i love it. I upgraded. I use to drive a four wheeler. The only time it's in a trailer is when it needs oil change or maintenance.
it depends on what you're wanting to do. We've always owned ATV's but as the kids are getting older we're starting to look towards getting a side by side because the kids want to ride also and I'm not taking them trail riding with them holding on to me on an ATV, that's just dangerous... side by side is the way to go. The bigger battle is for going to the trail once or twice a year and then just putting around the yard or riding down the street to see the alpacas or horses, it's hard to justify the cost of side by sides. Even the Chinese ones are expensive and the used market you just don't know what you're getting. Sure, you can finance them, but who wants to pay a monthly fee for something that will sit a lot.
This is just my opinion, but I feel that everyone should start out on an atv...especially if it’s their first time purchasing an off road toy/tool. The experience gained on an atv (as far as water/mud fording capabilities, up/down/side hill characteristics, loading & unloading onto a truck or trailer can be extremely valuable.
Everyone saying I'd buy a Jeep instead of a side by side is totally missing the point of a side-by-side... they are meant for work and Hauling anyting around your acreage effortlessly not to mention they can go in tighter places than a Jeep
Would recommend going to the dealer and trying both out. Asking them where you can test them even if around their parking lot or back lot is fine. Where I am at one of my 4 wheeled toys dealers here's they have a backyard for testing and driving around in.
For us it was a easy choice, atv are way more fun to ride,easy to store, easier to load and unload. Side by sides one person enjoys driving will the passenger just sits there Bobbing their head atvs each person can ride the way they want.
Lol I towed a 30’ bumper pull dual axle flat bed trailer full of furniture and lawn equipment through frozen and wet mud with my 2017 Kodiak. It was pretty much riding on the bump stops in the back.
fair point but i have a saw grip on my atv which does the same thing.. if its 5 in the morning and your going duck hunting you cant cut the tree up so you have to go around
My saw rides on the front or rear racks around our property. However, I do pull a 5x8 trailer behind it to collect the wood and move it to our burn pit. Don't need a big 4 wheeler for the job either. Most of the time this gets handed off to our Honda Recon 250 which is dead reliable. Anything too heavy waits for the Deere's loader.
Honda 300 fourtrax, best atv ever made. 90% of trails we ride you cant take a side by side. Now for a farm or light riding a side by side would be ok, but if your going through crazy trails or making trails a atv would be ideal.
I personally like atv's more. Easier to transport, gets into deeper mud, can ride in tight places, get a 2 inch reciever so you can hook a tiny trailer for work around the farm and boom no utv needed
Roman get Stephen his jetski with the bigger motor that he thought he would not miss the extra horsepower. Yes in his video, Stephen said it was only so many horsepower and for the price he went with the smaller motor. I would really like to Stephen review his jetski, but with larger motor. Just a thought!
ATV $5,000-6,000. Trailer for ATV $200-400. UTV cheapest maybe $13,000. ATV will sit behind my truck of can buy a cheap 4x8 trailer of 5x8 trailer. UTV need a 10-14" long trailer. ATV will basically fit in any storage shed. UTV needs a garage or a barn. Need a logging trail for the UTVs. When cutting wood I can pull right up to the tree with my ATV and trailer
I agree the prices are outrageous for either machine. There is an a way to get aound it, buy yourself a $2000 surround sound tv and stay inside all summer. When you venture outside you could go to yard sales. Make sure to save all your money so when you die someone else will inherit it and they'll buy the toys you wouldn't.
Oooo ooooo ooooo something I learned is if you have a family driving is most the fun and if you have a side by side it is harder for everyone to drive than if you have multiple quads
I will tell you the reason why I bought a $13,000 Kawasaki Teryx 800 had a $8000 Kawasaki Brute Force for speed and utility use but when we ride I like to drink beer so after a couple valuable, painful roll overs that almost resulted in my death along with I missed several wks of work!! Also there was the time that we were in a pack of quads and rail buggy came around a blind curve and plowed into several quads luckily nobody got seriously hurt. The smartest thing I have ever done was to sell the quad and buy the sxs. It's reassurance for me to know my girlfriend is safer in a accident than on a quad.
I’d rather go through water on an Atv. You can pick your feet up when it gets deep. And on the large bumps you can stand up. Transporting them to the riding area is cheaper and easier. Atv throw it in the back of your truck. SxS you have to have a fair size trailer. And it’s funny you mentioned you have to have a trailer with an Atv to pull as much payload and it’s mine more thing to buy and maintain. But an ATV trailer just to haul is smaller cheaper and you don’t have to register.
Ive owned a minimum of 20 ATV's....I now have 2 Rzr's......which one is more fun? Side by side hands down. In fact, I don't know if I will ever go back.
All you have to do is get a trailer for your ATV and save yourself $20,000 by not buying a glorified golf cart with a belt driven golf cart transmission.
Motorcycle or ATV, you don't ever want to be strapped to it. If it rolls, you must separate yourself from the ride. You'll never see belts on a motorcycle or ATV. So that topic isn't an issue of comparison. I don't like the thumb control on a throttle; I prefer the twist grip. After a while, I'd think my thumb would get tired. I actually own a side x side for the advantages you state. ATV or side x side; sometimes you might wish you had both.
Stephen - great video. I am in the process of buying a 2020 Grizzly. Primarily going to use it for ranch and yard work, with odd trail ride in the Rockies foothills. My only hesitation on the Griz is wondering if the 2021 model will come with the 850 twin. Like the Honda 1000 Pioneer or Yamaha Wolverine. The down side is both have a price tag just under $20K. My challenge with the UTV is I bought an 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty for $1,800 bucks with V10. Its my ranch beater truck, but capabilities for the dollar goes to the Ford. Bottom line ATV all the way...
A small ford or Chevy truck can do all that a side by side can do , I can get a Chevy 4by4 read to go for less then 1k ,unlike the side by side with is over 12k.
cant dump my wood hydraulically or carry 6 people,cant fit down a 50" trail,way bouncier if it could fit on a trail,i never saw a pick up on a true atv trail system BUT yeah a old beater can be bought for dirt cheap and be fun bombing around no doubt
I prefer the smaller ATV if I’m using it for winter trails and going out on the ice. I don’t want to be worrying about falling through the ice due to excessive weight
Not necessarily. I can buy a brand new side by side for $15 grand hell some of the atv are over $17. The performance uta are expensive but the regular ones are in the atv price range.
I like SxS because they offer 2 seaters and 4 seaters to bring friends and family plus they have good storage bring logs make a fire or bring a tent and go camping the possibilities are endless
I see comments about price. Those people obviously didn't watch the video. Not all UTV is $30grand you can get a good side by side for $12 grand. Those same people obviously haven't seen atv that are close to $20 grand.
After researching my next purchase I have come to the following conclusion istening to people with UTV. The first is that UTV drivers are all about sports driving off road meaning jumps and faster speeds and tricks. The second is comfort and utility of the UTV comments from owners are steering wheel - beer - cooler and more beers. Not one person ever had a destination in mind when driving a UTV just going for RIP. So I have decided on a ATV as I alway have a end of route destination and do not want to jump - speed or rip. I just want to explore the forest and have a fun and good time.
Side by side all day. I personally can’t stand atv’s handle bars are over rated but with the side by side your safer and here in Az we prefer our side by sides over atv’s because of our trails and because we’re not far from places midlands Blythe California or glamis but it’s all about preference.
Don’t get me wrong I like side by sides but they are way up there in price and I grew up riding four wheelers, maybe if I have a family someday I’ll go with a side by side but like you said I’ll always go with the atv for more of an engaging experience
Not true. I have a Honda Pioneer 700-4. Which is on the lower end of the price range for 4 person sxs, and it goes 90% of the places my Suzuki Kingquad will.
You can play with an atv more, say when you get into a hole you can rock it lean to one side and if you have more people lift it, in my eyes, side x side if you are using it for work, if for fun never would buy one!
What size the motor is drastically affect gas mileage also. A 300cc could get 30 miles per gallon while a 700cc will get 20 miles per gallon. Better mpg means you can go further without having to bring extra gas cans.
actually atvs have always had free ac that comes with them
Doesn't come with heat tho
@@sharkfriendlyanimations6081 the engine is hot enough to warm your butts though.
To cool of the engine
SHARKFRIENDLY ANIMATIONS heated enclosed handle bars....
Keep telling yourself that while riding in the desert when its 110 degrees.
Good thing about an ATV is you can get yourself out of jammups much easier
Yep. An ATV just takes a quick winch pull (we also have lighter and cheaper winches) and some wiggling around. That's the difference, your weight actually effects how the ATV moves around, specifically weight transfer, and especially if you're a bigger person
@@lucahoganyt4435 even getting off to the side and pushing the bike with a little throttle normally goes a long ways in most situations. Can't say I haven't tried that in side by side when I was in a pinch but definitely wouldn't recommend
@@jthomp997 I've done that on snowmobiles, haven't done it on an ATV. A snowmobile has a tether so I know it won't take off. Also snowmobiles are way more maneuverable. You actually do that on snowmobiles a lot when riding off trail. Especially in the trees when you get stuck, just tip the sled on it's side and pin the throttle to the bar. Then shake the sled side to side until the track grabs the snow and shoots out of the hole. Off-trail guys call it the "pin n' wiggle" method.
Great video. Here in Colorado, a lot of the trails have steel posts set in concrete 50 inches apart at the trail heads to keep anything wider than 50” off the trails. Huge consideration when choosing an off-road machine.
a lot of sxs drivers just drive around them and make the trail like 30 feet wide. pretty cool community
Just found this channel and i'm loving it, this guy has a natural ability to talk in front of a camera and explain things.
I agree with the other guys that are "more advanced in years" I was young and liked dirt bikes, then 3 wheelers then quads, but now after all that hard riding and a life of hard working, I'm glad we have SXS's so I can still go out and ride hard and not feel like I was in a bar fight at the end of the day. I think I earned it.
Same. My knees and back are tore up after a day of atv, almost to the point that you dont want to get on it for weeks.
With age comes the cage.
Big Red or Yellow Yamaha?
Great review! A couple of small things I'd like to add that weren't really touched on. You'll need more gas for a side by side. If you want to explore trails out of town, you can stuff an ATV into the box of a pick up but will need a trailer for a side by side. And, one small thing that I'm surprised Steven didn't touch on was the fact that pretty well anyone can physically lift the back or front of an ATV off the ground for added manoeuvrability for the REALLY tight spots. I'd love a side by side, but I can't justify the price when I can buy a used SUV and put brand new MTZ's on it and still have 10k leftover when compared to a side by side.
Now that you say that, humm totally makes sense to jus buy a small pick up truck then. Screw it I'm sold
It really makes no sense buying a side by side when you can buy a nice tundra or tacoma for that price!
I live in a prime location for trails and I found the utvs are more popular here because of the fuel range they get the same mileage but have sometimes double the capcity
I’ve got both, 2018 Rubicon and 2018 Pioneer 1000. Pioneer is faster, better for work (dump bed, 2,000 lb towing capacity, etc.) but if I don’t have the kids wanting to come with me I prefer the ATV. More comfortable, I prefer handlebars over steering wheel and way more fun on the trails.
Chris Boyd I’m same same with u I own 2018 rubicon and 2013 450 Yamaha I think atv are better
Chris Boyd Honda rubicon is slow isn’t made for speed. A can am 570 will beat it. Honda ATVs are for reliability not performance.
David Anderson Where in the conversation is anyone attempting to make a comparison with a Can Am 570? Is it faster, yes. But the reference to a Can Am being “faster” has nothing to do with this video or discussion. Is a Can Am Outtie 1000R faster than a Yamaha Kodiak? Yes. Does that make it “better”? Depends. So seeing how your bent on comparisons, I happen to own both a Can Am 570 Outlander Max and a Honda Rubicon 520 and a 2017 Kodiak and a Honda Pioneer 1000. Is the Can Am faster, yes. Is it better? At some things, yes. It other things, no. It depends on expectations and needs. Speed and drag racing isn’t the “end all”. If I’m going for a 150 mile day ride with a group, Can Am. If I’m alone, Honda. Buggy or ATV.
the only thing you forget to mention was transportation, its alot easier to transport a atv in the box of your truck or a small trailer but and full size utv requires a full sized trailer
mathew h he mentioned that bud
I have a Mule sx xc and I can drive it right into the bed of my Ford f 150, fits perfect.
Yea no doubt
Well if it’s fast enough, mayyybe you could drive it yourself to the place you need to go.
I've been researching this topic for the better part of a year and a half, and while I think I've settled on the Polaris Big Boss 6x6, which is probably the most in the middle machine out there in regards to this topic, I have to thank you for producing easily the most useful bit of media on the topic that I have found in over a year and a half. Very well done sir
Side by Side for me. Though, I'll agree that a ATV is more fun but for my uses which are mainly utility the Side by Side is just better and I can still have some fun with it too. Ideally, I want both haha. So maybe once the side by side is paid off, I'll get an ATV too! Best of both worlds!
I've now got one of each. I've had my Ranger since 2002 and it is still going strong. It's my hunting buggy. I can't tell you how many critters it has hauled out of the back country over the years - a good number. Biggest con is that it needs a trailer. I've run out of room in my suburban HOA home to store both the Ranger and its trailer, so now it lives on my Mom's "mini-ranch" property about 1-1/2 hours away. I use it now only for hunting trips, no longer recreationally because of the storage issue. Mom uses it the rest of the year.
I just got a two-up ATV, specifically for geocaching with my wife. That GPS treasure hunting game is our off-road recreation activity. I have room for the quad in my garage, and I don't need a trailer for it since I can transport it in the bed of my truck. Sure the Ranger may be more wife friendly, but the Polaris Sportsman Touring is really pretty comfortable for the passenger as long as I drive sanely. I don't see using the quad for hunting because it just does not have the game hauling ability of the Ranger.
I know a lot of ranchers/property owners that have both. They buy a good side by side for hauling loads and carrying people. Then they have an atv for quick trips or to make it into tough tight places. We grew up with atvs on the ranch before Utvs and you can pen cows with them and walk them out of mud throw a bag of feed on them and go. I'm scared to take my long Mule Pro FXT in any uneven terrain. I think I'm gonna buy an atv as secondary vehicle.
I think both SXS and ATV are great fun, but one of the big issues with SXS is this: In many areas, only ATV are legal for the trails. I live in Oregon, for example, and 90% of the trails are legal only for 48" and smaller width, which means ATV.
This is a side by side comparison
i hate you
@@zacharysauson6418 why
@@samuelhere41 lol
@@zacharysauson6418 ooohh I get it
Great video man! I had to go with an ATV first and then work on my sxs purchase. Unfortunately, I lost my atv due to fire and had to purchase another and this put my sxs aspirations on hold. Would have been great, I was looking at the Can Am defender HD8 or the redesign Ranger just like you have here in this video. The atv just works better for me now as it will fit in the truck, get into tighter spots and was less expensive. Love the channel!
It is certainly nice to be able to fit the ATV in the back of a pickup truck. No trailer needed, just a good set of ramps (or a steep enough hill)!
Thanks for watching - Stephen
Best part of TFL is TFLoffroad, hands down... great video
This video just saved me $10-20k lol cause i have a 450 high performance atv and love it but always thought what if a 2 seater or even one seater RZR would be more fun and I'm realizing it's actually not and it's not as cheap to maintain or get yourself into a high performance one
Ik a less powerful atv is more fun than a faster utv
I know this video is older and I wanted to compliment a job well done. One perspective that I would add is this. I had an atv. I got the itch to upgrade and bought a side by side.
Deer season last year I was blessed to harvest a big beautiful buck that ran down hill into some pretty rough terrain. The closest I could get my side by side was about 150 yards away from the animal. I was using the side by side to haul out my groceries.
If I would have had my atv, I would have been much easier to drive right up to the animal as its smaller size and nimbleness would allow for greater obstacle avoidance and clearance.
I still have my side by side and use it often on our property BUT I now own a brand new atv as well. When we shell out this kind of money for a machine, the last thing I want to do is drag a heavy animal for a football field and a half over rocks and in and out of ravines. Just my $.02
I have a Honda Recon 250 ES and I love it. My dad has a rancher.
I have a recon also best small quad on the market
I'm just about to do my first oil change on it.
I got a 420 ranch I
If you got enough money to even be asking yourself this question you can afford both lol
Fordman 1991 that’s what I just did😂😂 2017 outlander xmr and just bought a 19 maverick x3 xmr turbo r
No. I only have nuff for one m8.
Well myself i got a Truck payment so ATV it is for me. SXS Sucks in my opinion id rather deal with a trailor with my atv then deal with a SXS
Z71Silverado14 I got a truck and two bikes. I tear my fourwheeler up and cruise on my x3
@@kraemerdustin hell yea ive wondered if i could still get a loan for an ATV while still paying on my truck but idk if they will do that or not.
I pull a travel trailer, so without a large Toyhauler, my only option is a quad in a standard 6’ bed with a front rack so I can close the tailgate. Anything over 51” wheel base is to long. Including all the new passenger quads that are around 8” longer. Side by sides are nice, but expensive and to big for my set up. So basically it all comes down to budget, what will fit your need, comfort, work or play, both, dependability. You buy what fits your budget and lifestyle. 2020 Can Am Outlander 850XT Mossy Oak Camo fits in my truck bed, I can still pull a 30’ travel trailer and the quad gets me to my hunting areas and out. Good video and well spoken! 👍
Each machine has its place and purpose and you need to buy according to your individual needs and purpose. I do prefer the quad over a side by side for the jobs I do and an $800 dollar trailer is cheaper than an extra $5000-$8000 for the more expensive side by side. As far as comfort goes being the driver of any machine is always more comfortable than being the passenger but I’ve driven and ridden both and I don’t like being thrown around in a side by side. They are far to rough for me. I prefer to drive a quad where I can absorb the rough stuff like demonstrated in this video. 2 good quads for almost the same price as a good side by side is a no brainer for me. Why carry a passenger when you can both enjoy the drive.
I like the idea of side-by-sides but the fact they cost more than a Honda Civic is ridiculous. When you consider how much more R&D has to go into a car with safety regulations etc, a side-by-side should be $12000, not a penny more and ATVs even less. Perhaps I missed it but an ATV is easier to store. I can fit an ATV in my garage and still park my suv in it, not so with a UTV.
LOL maybe you have a small garage, i got jeep, and 2 side by sides in mine..
M K yes its 30 x 22. It will fit two cars and has single car size workshop divided from the parking area by a wall (but no car door access). A quad will fit across the front with a small suv. Guess your just too cool for the majority of the population.
NO I think maybe you dont have a big enough garage, like the rest of us do. THAT is what I am saying.
M K yes, everyone reading this gets it. You’ve got a giant garage and have a jeep and a side-by-side parked TOGETHER. You have mastered the universe. The Whitehouse could be your next stop.
The envy is thick.. that is my point..
If i wanted a in closed cab and AC and heat
I'd buy a jeep
Would be cheaper too
Been saying the same thing 4 years.
Except Jeeps are Garbage👍
Except you can't drive through my forest with a jeep, it's either hike, ride a Quad or a Side by Side, A jeep would never make it through my trails.
polaris ranger hvac edition
Thanks. I chose an ATV because of this video and I'm so happy.
I had a hard time deciding but now I’m leaning more towards the atv 👍
First time my friend saw a side by side she thought it was a golf cart. They only recently became popular where I live and she hasn't been out on the trails in a long time. I'm not a fan of side by sides myself, but then again it's just me so I don't need any extra space. Only rarely is anyone else with me. My atv can haul a trailer just fine and we already own a few do it's not an extra expense. My saddlebags can carry enough supplies for two people for a day.
I'm an older guy these days, and it would be difficult for me to handle the atv anymore. I bought a Textron Wildcat Trail and enjoy it very much! I can ride the trails for as long as I want and not be sore and exhausted. :)
jedironin380 this is why I’m looking into a side by side next year. It’s more comfortable and less work to ride
this is the one way they make any sense to me. when a guy gets older but still wants to enjoy the fresh air. but they still are pretty much just road-machines.
Not a "road machine" at all! My Trail (their smallest model) is like a billy goat! It's gone up steep, nasty, rocky hills, run creeks, over twisting trails- it amazes me constantly with what it can go up and over. The only thing it's not good at with the stock tires is gooey mud.
I dunno man. When I ride in a SXS off-road it beats the crap out of me. On the atv I can move my body around, let it bounce and move. Strapped into a SXS it beats you up. Can’t imagine how it’d be without seatbelt. I can more easily control the momentum on an atv in rough stuff, probably because you have a better view of the tires and the terrain and hand controls are easier to use smoothly than pedals.
I worked my butt off and got a nice 08 Ranger 700xp because of my dog. She loves it and can enjoy the outdoors with her.
How are you. I add that in the utv you wet your seat when passing through a stream, if you fit in, you can't go out and push yourself, in the atv you get off and you can push it. The ATV is more fun .. Greetings from Uruguay
Utv. Atv
Hunting Trails
Powersports easy storage
Round house work
Thanks TFL, I know it's been 4 years since you posted it, but it's still the most genuine and relatable comparison out there .
Have had a solid atv experience ( so much fun and riding) but realized it's limits when working in a forest and the farm. And now I'm not sure if I should get a 6x6 atv or a utv 😑🤔
Honestly, they are both great and have ridden both, but only owned an ATV many years before the SXS came on scene. ATV's allow body language which is very important, and SXS are great to take friends / family with you. A good 50" SXS is awesome for someone who wants to take their wife for rides down the beach, or their kids for a nice camping trip / adventures. The issue comes down to price and what your friends ride (IF you intend to ride with friends).
ATV is DEFINETLY better for me. i'm used to them more and they have more fun in them
Yes, you've covered the bases very well here Stephen.
I do like my Can-AM Outlander 500 Max EXT, 2-up, I only wish that Power Steering was available when I bought mine in 2009.
If I were to go shopping for another ATV, that option of Power Steering would be at the top of my list.( today most ATV/UTV manufacturer's offer this, don't they? )
Thanks for this video.
Thanks Chief. Am in the process of deciding atv or sbs. This helps. Am leaning towards atv (2up) but have some time to decide.
In Australia side by side is choice because safety n tax rebate on safety but fuel use is atv. I am farmer and If I was going spraying the side by side is much safer I wouldn’t load atv up, just small box on back rack on atv. Another great vid 👍
Very in-depth video with lots of great information... great job.
Noticed the atv had tags & Side-by-Side didn’t ....
ATV’s & Side by Sides aren’t considered road legal in Missouri
In NY, an ATV has to be registered. A UTV (over 1000lbs, IIRC) doesn't. But slap a safety triangle on it and you can pretty much drive it anywhere you could drive a farm tractor.
i made the mistake of buying a new 18 can am outlander 850xt before test riding one . Everything you say in the video about your body being the suspension on a atv and using your body to control it is why i switched to a sxs . I was always sore as hell after riding and in certain situations a atv is more prone to roll overs vs a sxs . i loved the fact i was the first owner of my brand new atv and knew how it was treated being it was brand new . I paid $13200 Canadian back in 2018 now there 15 k plus tax . I can’t afford a new sxs at almost $30k so i’m rocking a old 11 rzr 800 but hoping to upgrade to a rzr 1000 .
This guy always has good reviews! Hees not about just one brand! He talks about all brands!!!!
atvs are more fun, but yet because most don't have a cup holder for their beer.. they are lagging behind utv sales , so people are paying a lot more for that cup holder. sorry i'll just never understand how a purist can say the utv is more fun. its cool to hav a passenger, but that's about it
none ya I said that same thing but my dad bought a rzr and it is pretty fun
Hey, my 2011 550 Touring came with cup holders ;O) And frankly my RZR Trail IS every bit as much fun, hell, it's MORE fun...
im glad its more fun for YOU. id rather have the utmost control and you don't get that in a utv… I like leaning and wheelying my ride ;)
Id like having the roll cage to keep tree branches off my face, a passenger seat, and the cargo box
One's for work , the other is for play.
Solid debut video. I agree with almost every single point. The ATV to me is a little bit more fun and can also go to a lot of public land that currently prohibits UTVs. As always, with this question, the answer is....IT DEPENDS. You really need to know what your use case is to decide which way to go.
Grandpa says ATV's are better...but on second thought he still has orange shag carpet and eats bologna sandwiches everyday for lunch. 😬
I like your grandpa.
Atvs are better. They are more fun.
I like your grandpa!
I Think the best Title in this Video is "Why you have to Choose UTV than ATV" But I Love Atv more than Side by Side... and by the way, 90% of People Prefer ATV in Trailing.. But Great Video!! :)
I love both but ATV I like more because it goes through more mud
A quad is too small, a ranger is too big. I like my 800 50 inch RZR.
I'd go for a ATV for the sake of practicality.
Up here in Newfoundland a lot of trails are rough, narrow, and winters often bring a lot of snow. A SXS are to big and limits where you can go, restricting you to the main trail. Take a SXS down a wood trail and you'll destroy it on stomps and rocks, and get stuck constantly by getting hung up. Hell some of the trails up here it's hard enough getting a ATV through them, let alone a SXS.
With a ATV you also don't need to fall back on a winch at the first sign of trouble. You can shift your weight around or rock the bike if you get hung up or bogged down and sometimes the bike will manage to chew itself free.
In winter SXS has a much greater risk of getting high centered on a snow drift then a ATV, plus snowmobiles andATV's are generally what beats down the snow and breaks a path going through. Then you always got that one asshole on a SXS that's to big for the winter trail, tries to follow the ATV tracks, and either gets stuck creating deep ass holes/ruts or it rips the trails to all hell while making it's way through.
Utility isn't a concern for me. ATV's are are smaller, lighter, and just more practical from a off road perspective.
These videos never talk about tasks where in and out vs on and off are frequent. I used a side by side for a while and hated climbing in and out vs just jumping on and off a ATV which is much faster. Also being 6'4" I find even the big UTVs put my knees in my face.
For the same reason, I would hate climbing on and off an ATV all day. Older with bad hips.
Great content. TFL Off-road for the win!
I have a can am commander 1000 and i love it. I upgraded. I use to drive a four wheeler. The only time it's in a trailer is when it needs oil change or maintenance.
it depends on what you're wanting to do. We've always owned ATV's but as the kids are getting older we're starting to look towards getting a side by side because the kids want to ride also and I'm not taking them trail riding with them holding on to me on an ATV, that's just dangerous... side by side is the way to go. The bigger battle is for going to the trail once or twice a year and then just putting around the yard or riding down the street to see the alpacas or horses, it's hard to justify the cost of side by sides. Even the Chinese ones are expensive and the used market you just don't know what you're getting. Sure, you can finance them, but who wants to pay a monthly fee for something that will sit a lot.
ATV is always the better choice!
This is just my opinion, but I feel that everyone should start out on an atv...especially if it’s their first time purchasing an off road toy/tool. The experience gained on an atv (as far as water/mud fording capabilities, up/down/side hill characteristics, loading & unloading onto a truck or trailer can be extremely valuable.
I think ATVs are just more fun than sitting in a cage with a steering wheel.
Don’t get me wrong I love SXS in the dunes!!!!!!!!
Everyone saying I'd buy a Jeep instead of a side by side is totally missing the point of a side-by-side... they are meant for work and Hauling anyting around your acreage effortlessly not to mention they can go in tighter places than a Jeep
I'd rather buy a Japanese mini truck for way way less
Would recommend going to the dealer and trying both out. Asking them where you can test them even if around their parking lot or back lot is fine. Where I am at one of my 4 wheeled toys dealers here's they have a backyard for testing and driving around in.
For us it was a easy choice, atv are way more fun to ride,easy to store, easier to load and unload. Side by sides one person enjoys driving will the passenger just sits there Bobbing their head atvs each person can ride the way they want.
This was a thoroughly interesting video. As someone who knows far less about these kind of vehicles than I do cars and trucks, this was very helpful.
Lol I towed a 30’ bumper pull dual axle flat bed trailer full of furniture and lawn equipment through frozen and wet mud with my 2017 Kodiak. It was pretty much riding on the bump stops in the back.
I seen the side bye side get stuck alot more on youtube the quad for my first purchase
Side by Side can carry a chainsaw for those downed trees .
fair point but i have a saw grip on my atv which does the same thing.. if its 5 in the morning and your going duck hunting you cant cut the tree up so you have to go around
a quad can hold a chainsaw easily. but the quad would rarely need one, whereas the SXS almost HAS to have a chainsaw.
My saw rides on the front or rear racks around our property. However, I do pull a 5x8 trailer behind it to collect the wood and move it to our burn pit. Don't need a big 4 wheeler for the job either. Most of the time this gets handed off to our Honda Recon 250 which is dead reliable. Anything too heavy waits for the Deere's loader.
You shoulda put a sportsman or a can am 1000 vs a Side BY side..in my opinion atv is more fun
Honda 300 fourtrax, best atv ever made. 90% of trails we ride you cant take a side by side. Now for a farm or light riding a side by side would be ok, but if your going through crazy trails or making trails a atv would be ideal.
I personally like atv's more. Easier to transport, gets into deeper mud, can ride in tight places, get a 2 inch reciever so you can hook a tiny trailer for work around the farm and boom no utv needed
ATV for me! But if I win the lottery I will have multiples of both. Stephen great job. Tell Roman to get you more test machines
Roman get Stephen his jetski with the bigger motor that he thought he would not miss the extra horsepower. Yes in his video, Stephen said it was only so many horsepower and for the price he went with the smaller motor. I would really like to Stephen review his jetski, but with larger motor. Just a thought!
Yay, another southern Ontario person :D
ATV $5,000-6,000. Trailer for ATV $200-400. UTV cheapest maybe $13,000. ATV will sit behind my truck of can buy a cheap 4x8 trailer of 5x8 trailer. UTV need a 10-14" long trailer. ATV will basically fit in any storage shed. UTV needs a garage or a barn. Need a logging trail for the UTVs. When cutting wood I can pull right up to the tree with my ATV and trailer
I agree the prices are outrageous for either machine. There is an a way to get aound it, buy yourself a $2000 surround sound tv and stay inside all summer. When you venture outside you could go to yard sales. Make sure to save all your money so when you die someone else will inherit it and they'll buy the toys you wouldn't.
Should be ATV vs UTV review. Lots of trail ready 50" side-by-sides on the market that are great for work.
That side by side is a UTA.
Oooo ooooo ooooo something I learned is if you have a family driving is most the fun and if you have a side by side it is harder for everyone to drive than if you have multiple quads
Congratulations ! You have mentioned everything on this test
I think atv's are more used for fun stuff while a side by side is used for work duty
I will tell you the reason why I bought a $13,000 Kawasaki Teryx 800 had a $8000 Kawasaki Brute Force for speed and utility use but when we ride I like to drink beer so after a couple valuable, painful roll overs that almost resulted in my death along with I missed several wks of work!! Also there was the time that we were in a pack of quads and rail buggy came around a blind curve and plowed into several quads luckily nobody got seriously hurt. The smartest thing I have ever done was to sell the quad and buy the sxs. It's reassurance for me to know my girlfriend is safer in a accident than on a quad.
I’d rather go through water on an Atv. You can pick your feet up when it gets deep. And on the large bumps you can stand up. Transporting them to the riding area is cheaper and easier. Atv throw it in the back of your truck. SxS you have to have a fair size trailer. And it’s funny you mentioned you have to have a trailer with an Atv to pull as much payload and it’s mine more thing to buy and maintain. But an ATV trailer just to haul is smaller cheaper and you don’t have to register.
ATVs for the win when it comes to Riding the Trails while SXS is good for wide open trails and hauling work
Ive owned a minimum of 20 ATV's....I now have 2 Rzr's......which one is more fun? Side by side hands down. In fact, I don't know if I will ever go back.
All you have to do is get a trailer for your ATV and save yourself $20,000 by not buying a glorified golf cart with a belt driven golf cart transmission.
Great video. Very well presented. Settles the debate for me.
Motorcycle or ATV, you don't ever want to be strapped to it. If it rolls, you must separate yourself from the ride. You'll never see belts on a motorcycle or ATV. So that topic isn't an issue of comparison. I don't like the thumb control on a throttle; I prefer the twist grip. After a while, I'd think my thumb would get tired. I actually own a side x side for the advantages you state. ATV or side x side; sometimes you might wish you had both.
Stephen - great video. I am in the process of buying a 2020 Grizzly. Primarily going to use it for ranch and yard work, with odd trail ride in the Rockies foothills. My only hesitation on the Griz is wondering if the 2021 model will come with the 850 twin.
Like the Honda 1000 Pioneer or Yamaha Wolverine. The down side is both have a price tag just under $20K. My challenge with the UTV is I bought an 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty for $1,800 bucks with V10. Its my ranch beater truck, but capabilities for the dollar goes to the Ford. Bottom line ATV all the way...
Thank you for the video. I've been torn between the 2.
A small ford or Chevy truck can do all that a side by side can do , I can get a Chevy 4by4 read to go for less then 1k ,unlike the side by side with is over 12k.
cant dump my wood hydraulically or carry 6 people,cant fit down a 50" trail,way bouncier if it could fit on a trail,i never saw a pick up on a true atv trail system BUT yeah a old beater can be bought for dirt cheap and be fun bombing around no doubt
I prefer the smaller ATV if I’m using it for winter trails and going out on the ice. I don’t want to be worrying about falling through the ice due to excessive weight
But you can get two (2) ATV's for the price of one UTV.
Not necessarily. I can buy a brand new side by side for $15 grand hell some of the atv are over $17. The performance uta are expensive but the regular ones are in the atv price range.
I like SxS because they offer 2 seaters and 4 seaters to bring friends and family plus they have good storage bring logs make a fire or bring a tent and go camping the possibilities are endless
Im staying ATV, UTV to big for most any trails i can get to, get stuck in a UTV, alone bigger chance walking home, winch or not
I love my prairie 700. It's more convinient for me to have than a utv due to shop height and property size
I see comments about price. Those people obviously didn't watch the video. Not all UTV is $30grand you can get a good side by side for $12 grand. Those same people obviously haven't seen atv that are close to $20 grand.
I'm just going to buy an fj cruiser. Although a UTV would be fun for the smaller trails in my woods
After researching my next purchase I have come to the following conclusion istening to people with UTV. The first is that UTV drivers are all about sports driving off road meaning jumps and faster speeds and tricks. The second is comfort and utility of the UTV comments from owners are steering wheel - beer - cooler and more beers. Not one person ever had a destination in mind when driving a UTV just going for RIP. So I have decided on a ATV as I alway have a end of route destination and do not want to jump - speed or rip. I just want to explore the forest and have a fun and good time.
you got the words backwards lol all good!
Side by side all day. I personally can’t stand atv’s handle bars are over rated but with the side by side your safer and here in Az we prefer our side by sides over atv’s because of our trails and because we’re not far from places midlands Blythe California or glamis but it’s all about preference.
Yamaha all the way !!!
Simple solution...have one of each and use the one that best suits the purpose at the time.
Don’t get me wrong I like side by sides but they are way up there in price and I grew up riding four wheelers, maybe if I have a family someday I’ll go with a side by side but like you said I’ll always go with the atv for more of an engaging experience
You forgot the Pioneer 500. I have 3865 miles on mine and all I do is fallow atvs. They are lots of fun and no rubber band.
The problem with SXS is that you need to have a high end expensive model to conquer the same trails that a 6k base ATV can do.
Not true. I have a Honda Pioneer 700-4. Which is on the lower end of the price range for 4 person sxs, and it goes 90% of the places my Suzuki Kingquad will.
Good news. Lowes Home Improvement has a utv for $7999 with nice extra features. 👍 2021
You can play with an atv more, say when you get into a hole you can rock it lean to one side and if you have more people lift it, in my eyes, side x side if you are using it for work, if for fun never would buy one!
If you have private land and you’re loaded you could teach your kid to drive early on your land.
What size the motor is drastically affect gas mileage also. A 300cc could get 30 miles per gallon while a 700cc will get 20 miles per gallon. Better mpg means you can go further without having to bring extra gas cans.
I think an ATV is more fun. You are more connected to the vehicle like you would be on a dirt bike or motorcycle. UTVs are more like driving a car.