What’s a Side-by-Side ATV?

From the farm to the campgrounds to the backcountry, an all-terrain vehicle can be a boon for anyone needing to do some work or just have some fun.

The popularity of these vehicles is on the rise, which makes sense given they are versatile, tough, and just fun to drive. The side-by-side ATV models offer more power and functionality than a traditional quad bike, making it an ideal choice if you are in the market for an ATV.

If you’re tempted by the prospect of owning one of these for play, work, or both, a little research is definitely in order before you buy. You will find a great variety in models depending on use as well as choice for customization once you have made your selection.

Let’s look at what these off-roaders are and some of the reasons you might want one.

What is a Side-by-Side?

A side-by-side is pretty much what it sounds like – an off-road vehicle with seats for two people to ride alongside each other. Your typical ATV is a one-person vehicle most of the time, although you can have a passenger behind the driver.

As a vehicle type, side-by-side developed over time with features from other kinds of vehicles. Because of the double seats, they do tend to be bigger and beefier than other ATVs. This can limit their ability for sports use but amplifies their capabilities for work.

The most commonly seen version of a side by side is a Polaris Ranger, you see them across all types of terrains across North America.

The seating arrangement is the same as a car or truck, and a UTV will have a steering wheel, gear shift, and pedals just like them as well.

ATV, UTV, or ROV?

So, is a side-by-side an ATV or a UTV? Or maybe it’s an ROV?

ATV stands for all-terrain vehicle, while UTV means a utility task vehicle. ROV is short for recreational off-highway vehicles, which tends to be just another term for a UTV. They are all types of four-wheelers, just with different capabilities and purposes.

One easy distinction is shape and configuration. ATVs look like a four-wheeled motorcycle and drive like one as well. They’re smaller and agile, making them more focused on the recreational end of the spectrum.

UTVs or side-by-side ATVs look a bit more like a golf cart since their seats have backs and there’s usually a roof. The steering wheel and pedal configuration make them drive more like a cart as well. You’ll also find more safety features like seatbelts in a side-by-side.

Side-by-sides come in a wide range of sizes from youth sizes up to models as big as a Jeep. Sport-model UTVs come in roughly two widths – 48 inches or 60 inches. The working models range between 58-64 inches wide.

How long a side-by-side ATV is varies based on the number of seats. Two-seaters might be 110-125 inches long, with four-seaters reaching up to 160 inches long.

One difference you can’t see is under the vehicle. Side-by-sides have more forgiving suspensions and are better on bumpy terrain. Because of their size, they’re built with the power to handle multiple passengers and cargo loads.

Load up the Add-ons

A side-by-side is going to offer advantages over a quad bike for several reasons. For example, they can both pull a trailer, but the suspension system of a UTV means all your items will stay in the trailer.

But what truly makes a side-by-side a great choice for work or play is that a UTV is far more customizable than the single-seat models. The add-ons can make a rig custom for hunting or kit it out just right for light farm work.

Some of the more popular custom options are:

• Full doors
• Side and rear-view mirrors
• Hood rack for extra storage on the front
• Upgraded tires
• Winch for getting out of a jam
• LED headlights
• A-arm guards for your suspension
• Bed lift to change up your ground clearance
• Four-point racing harness

Different Uses for UTVs

With more than a million ATVs and UTVs in operation, it’s no surprise that Canadians spend more than $6 billion on activities that involve them. Their versatility for work and play has made them increasingly popular in recent years. With a side-by-side, you can enjoy the company better along the ride.

Trail Riding

One of the most common uses for play is trail riding. We have more than 80,000 km of trails in Ontario, about 40 percent of which allow for motorized use.

Some of the best trails are found in places where ATVs serve as the main mode of transportation, particularly in the northern parts of the province. If you’re riding from Cochrane, you can drop into the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village, for example. Other trail systems are a bit farther south, a few hours north of Toronto.

A key consideration in buying a side-by-side ATV for the trails is size. Smaller ones will be more maneuverable in the twists as well as give you access to narrower tracks meant for one-person ATVs. Higher ground clearance, good navigation capabilities, safety features, and a winch should also be on your wish list.

Hunting

Access to remote areas drives the use of ATVs for hunting as well with the need for some of the same features as for trail riding. You’ll also want to consider the payload and cargo setup for any gear you haul, not to mention the ability to bring back your score.

Farming and Ranching

For the work side of things, you need a powerful workhorse with great towing capacity and an elevated payload. Features such as a dump cargo box make the work of hauling hay bales, fencing, and other heavy loads much easier.

For the farmer, accessories such as sprayers and front loaders add to the value of a UTV as a worker. Protective add-ons such as windshields or cab systems can also make life easier. You don’t get to take the day off just because it’s raining!

Family

General family fun might be on the menu, which is where the seating capacity of a UTV comes in handy. Many are available with four or even six seats so everyone can come for the ride. Consider safety features such as roll bars and windscreens, and know the wider wheelbase provides for greater stability.

Racing

Speaking of fun, we can’t leave out side-by-side ATV racing.

Now, you could find a field and set up a UTV version of a drag race. But we’re talking about racing where people have spent $70,000 and up to get their vehicles into fighting shape.

For example, there’s Pro UTV Knocking Racing found happening across the southern part of the United States. It’s truly extreme racing at its craziest.

You can also find ATVs dashing through the sand in the highest form of racing. There’s the Best in the Desert racing series, and UTVs have their own division in the Dakar Rally held across Saudi Arabia’s sand dunes.

Looking for something a little closer to home? Check out the Ontario Offroad Racing Association and its short-course series.

Cost Considerations

You’re going to find quite a range in terms of pricing of UTVs, depending on what you need. Lower-end ones will be around $4,000 to $5,000, while top-quality and bigger models can run up to $25,000.

You can run the pricing up when you customize your vehicle with everything from storage racks and brush guards to speakers and floodlights. Make sure you budget for add-ons if you have big plans for your rig.

A side-by-side ATV for sale does run more than a one-passenger ATV, which makes sense given that they are bigger and have added safety features. Adding features at the dealer such as power steering and independent suspension also have a higher price tag than those for smaller ATVs.

Staying Legal in Ontario

In 2015, Ontario laws changed to expand the definition of an ATV to include UTVs and side-by-side models. You’ll want to make sure you’re familiar with all the side-by-side ATV laws in Ontario before you hit the trail.

If you’re on a trail on private property or crown land, the Off-Road Vehicle Act covers you. Its rules require you to have on you at all times:

• Vehicle registration
• License plate
• Helmet
• Proof of insurance

If you’re using your UTV on your own property for farm work or the like, these don’t apply to you there.

Ready to Get Your Side-by-Side ATV?

Maybe you need a tough vehicle for work around the farm. Maybe you’re just looking to get the wilds of the woods for fun or hunting. A side-by-side ATV gives you the power and flexibility to work and play wherever you need.

If you’re ready to get a UTV of your own, contact our team of experts to get more information and find the model that’s right for your needs.