Best-Selling UTV and ATV Brands
Over the past few years, it seems like more and more people are looking for ways to get outside and explore. And what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by hitting the trails with a side-by-side or ATV?
If you’re looking for ways to leisurely cruise on the open trails or hit the dunes, having the right ATV or UTV can make all the difference. However, if you're new to the game, it can be tough to choose the right ride with so many amazing brands to consider.
With so many options out there, it’s impossible to know which one is right for your needs without a little research. That’s where we come in! In this guide, we’re going to explore the leading UTV and ATV brands, so you can start your off-roading journey the right way!
Leading UTV Brands
Polaris
When it comes to UTVs, few brands are as synonymous with quality as Polaris. With decades of experience in the off-road industry, they’ve set the bar high for performance and reliability.
Polaris may not have been the first to bring a workhorse UTV to the market, but their Ranger is certainly one of the most popular and versatile. Known for its outstanding torque and task-handling ability, it’s become a popular side-by-side all-around. Add in a massive list of Polaris Ranger aftermarket accessories, and you have a UTV that can be customized to fit almost any buyer.
Beyond the Ranger, Polaris also revolutionized the world of sport side-by-sides with its RZR lineup. From the RZR XP 1000 to the RZR Pro R, Polaris redefined what a performance machine could be.
I’d also recommend checking out the Polaris Xpedition if you want more of a Jeep-style side-by-side, as it was designed specifically for overlanding. It has rugged off-road capability and the kind of space and comfort you need for long, extended trips.
Can-Am
Can-Am chased down Polaris for many years in an effort to match their performance and innovation. And over the last decade or so, Can-Am has more than caught up. In fact, in many ways, I feel like they’ve surpassed Polaris in many areas, especially with some of their newer models.
When it comes to looks, Can-Am UTVs overall have a sleek, modern design. Not only do they look fantastic, but they also offer incredibly comfortable cabs, which makes them great for driving long hours at a time.
One of my favorites in the lineup is the Can-Am Maverick. With multiple models to choose from, it’s one of the best UTVs in the industry for pure performance (I’d recommend the Maverick R for the biggest adrenaline rush). As of now, it's the most powerful factory side-by-side on the market.
If you're on the hunt for a Polaris Ranger alternative, the Can-Am Defender is the way to go. It’s built tough and is great for hauling gear, transporting tools, or getting work done around your property.
On the other hand, if you want a solid crossover vehicle, I’d suggest looking into the Can-Am Commander. It’s sporty enough for trail riding yet beefy enough to handle tough jobs. You can enjoy a really comfortable cab with ergonomic seating and plenty of space, which is perfect for riders who want the best of both worlds.
CFMOTO
While many riders view CFMOTO as the “new kid on the block,” the brand has actually been around for over three decades, quietly building its reputation. Over the years, CFMOTO has carved out its place in the market with competitively priced and also very competently designed UTVs.
While you might not get the insane performance of some of the bigger names like Polaris or Can-Am, the value proposition CFMOTO offers is tough to beat.
One of my favorite models in the lineup is the ZForce. If you're looking for a sporty side-by-side, this is the one to check out. The ZForce combines solid performance with a sleek design, and with the new turbocharged model, it packs even more punch than before.
However, if you need something more utility-focused, CFMOTO’s UForce is the brand’s flagship side-by-side. It was built to tackle heavy-duty work, and it comes equipped with a large bed for hauling gear.
Leading ATV Brands
Polaris
Polaris also happens to make some of the best ATVs on the market. They've been in the ATV game since 1985, and over the years, they've consistently raised the bar for what riders can expect in terms of performance, durability, and innovation.
In fact, in 2001, Polaris received an industry revolutionary award for their ATVs.
One of the most iconic models in the lineup is the Sportsman, and it seems like every time you look around in a crowd of ATVs, you can spot one. Its rugged build was what originally made it a good choice for heavy-duty tasks, but people soon found out that they were incredibly fun to bomb around on.
Can-Am
Can-Am also holds its own with its ATVs and, in my opinion, makes models that are even more exciting than Polaris. The company’s lineup includes two main models: the Renegade and the Outlander. Both are available in various editions for different needs and riding styles.
However, if you’re looking for the absolute best in power, look no further than the Renegade X MR 1000R. As of now, it’s the most powerful ATV on the market, with 91 horsepower, 2 and 4-wheel drive selection, and cutting-edge suspension that allows it to fly through any mud hole in front of it.
Honda
When I think of Honda, I can’t help but think of the working man’s ATV.
Over its many decades of operation, Honda built a reputation for creating some of the most reliable and long-lasting ATVs on the market.
The Honda Rancher, Foreman, and Rubicon are all excellent choices for anyone who needs a dependable workhorse.
Key Feature Comparison Across Brands
The best way to compare brands and figure out which one is the right one for you is to take a look at the ethos of those brands and some of the key features they offer.
Performance
For all-out performance, I wouldn’t waste time looking beyond Can-Am and Polaris.
Can-Am’s Maverick series, especially the turbocharged models like the Can-Am Maverick X3, offers incredible horsepower, similar to the Polaris RZR lineup.
These brands focus heavily on performance, while CFMOTO and Honda provide more balanced crossover options.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, Polaris is usually my recommendation. The brand has some of the most advanced suspension systems on the market today, and the Ranger, in particular, has some of the cushiest seats out there.
Durability & Reliability
While all of these brands are durable and reliable in their own right, I have to give this one to Honda.
Honda’s ATVs last for several years under tough conditions, and many say they sweep the rest of the industry with their CVTs. I’d go as far as to say that the early TRX300(FW) models are still the most reliable quads Honda ever made.
Customization
Polaris takes the cake here with its massive range of aftermarket accessories for virtually every model. Whether you’re looking for LED aluminum roofs, window shields, upgraded suspension, or anything else you can dream up, you’ll no doubt be able to find it in the worldwide Polaris community.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, I can’t tell you which UTV or ATV you’ll like the most, as it truly comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Plus, just because a brand has a big name doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the brand for you.
Hopefully, however, this guide gave you a sense of direction and helped you narrow down your choices with some usable information.
Whatever UTV or ATV you end up with, don’t forget that the right gear can make all the difference, too! Be sure to check out our top-of-the-line aftermarket accessories here at SartknightMT for the best off-roading experience.
FAQs
Q1: Which ATV Brand is the Most Reliable?
A1: While many would say that Honda makes the most reliable ATVs on the market, Polaris is a close number two.
Q2: Which is the Most Reliable UTV Brand?
A2: Polaris makes some of the most reliable UTV brands on the market today. The company’s Ranger models can easily last anywhere from seven to ten years with proper maintenance.
Q3: What is the lifespan of a UTV?
A3: Most UTVs will last anywhere between 10,000 and 12,000 miles, though with the right care and routine maintenance, you can extend that average lifespan significantly.
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