There’s an old story about a bear buying an ATV that goes something like this:

The first ATV that the bear sat on was cold and wouldn’t start, so he moved on to the next.

The second ATV that the bear sat on was too hot, and he was afraid the engine was going to explode, so he sat on a third one.

When the bear sat on the third ATV, it was just right.

Whether you’ve owned multiple all-terrain vehicles or you’re a first-time buyer, the number one priority is to find a machine that feels good. The price is right, it’s a reputable brand, and you feel confident that you can keep it running.

Sometimes it takes more than three tries to find a super ATV, but the good news is that you can learn from experience. Follow along, and you’ll find the best ATV you’ve ever owned in 2021.

 

Which ATV Fits Your Priorities?

If you’re interested in an ATV, you have a purpose in mind for it. Whether you’re going to put the quad to work or play should drive your decision-making.

Questions to Ask:

1. Are you buying for a beginner or a child?
2. How frequently will you be riding?
3. How much time are you willing to budget for maintenance?

If you answered “yes” to the first question, your number one priority is to find an ATV with a low center of gravity. You don’t want to put an inexperienced driver on a machine with a 500cc engine and watch them crash and burn on slick surfaces.

If you’re not going to be more than an occasional rider, you may want to consider a used ATV. A shiny new quad sitting in your garage for too long is going to need maintenance. You can expect to be switching parts in and out of a used ATV during the life of ownership anyway.

Do you still have that vintage muscle car on blocks? You’re going to want an ATV that requires the bare minimum amount of attention each year. If you look at parts in your spare time, you’re already planning your next build.

 

What Is Your Budget?

Establish a budget is about much more than naming a price. If you buy an ATV with a plan for how you will get a return on your investment, you’ll be thrilled with every purchase.

Can you stand more good news? There’s even an easy tool available that will help you calculate financing payments.

Questions to Ask:

1. How long do you want the ATV to last?
2. What kind of wear and tear do you expect?
3. Are there any accessories you want that are must-haves?

It’s important to be realistic about the first question. A used ATV could outlast a new ATV, or vice versa. If you know that your quad needs to be ready to take a bruising and keep moving, buying used is a practical option.

That transitions us to the second question: how much punishment will you put your ATV through every year? Be honest about the real-world uses, and the quad that fits your needs will show itself.

If you’re a casual rider who doesn’t plan on removing tree stumps or hauling hay from the fields, you don’t need a winch or extra storage. If you need a solid winch, a brand that also makes snowmobiles will often have excellent options.

 

What Are Some Trusted Brands?

Do you remember the Ford Pinto? It was a subcompact car that released new models from 1971 to 1980.

The Ford Pinto had a terrible flaw in its early models: if they were rear-ended, they could explode. No one wants to be the person who buys the Ford Pinto of ATVs.

Keep reading for a list of trusted ATV manufacturers who will make you proud and not crispy.

Suzuki

This manufacturer is first on the list because they have a great reputation for making reliable machines. Whether you’re looking for something to drive around the arm or race around the track, there’s something for you to love.

Suzuki also has a solid reputation for innovation. The Japanese company introduced the world to the four-wheeler in 1983.

Honda

If you’ve spoken to someone who’s a Honda fan, they’ve told you that they “bleed red.” The phrase is redundant, but their loyalty is absolute.

Honda is famous for having reliable engines that thrive in any weather. If you treat their engines well, they will keep kicking pistons for a long time. You won’t have to make an embarrassing phone call for someone to pick you up.

Yamaha

Yamaha is another Japanese company that has a long history of reliability. The corporation was founded in 1887, and today it’s one of the world’s largest corporations.

They also make ATVs worth considering for any level of experience. Anyone from a casual rider to an avid racer can find a model that fits their needs.

If you want a good quality machine at a great price, start searching for a Yamaha ATV. One great option would be is to try to find a Yamaha Kodiak or Yamaha Grizzly quad for sale.

Polaris

A Polaris ATV is a “bread and butter” type of quad. They keep up with the times, and they stay competitive with the previous four giants.

Polaris doesn’t have a history that goes back to the 1800s, but they have made popular options that dominate the marketplace. Their ATVs have been popular with new riders since they introduced the Scrambler ATC and the Trail Boss.

Arctic Cat

This Minnesota-based manufacturer started as a snowmobile-only company before they introduced their first ATV in 1996. While the brand exists today, the company was sold to Textron in 2017 for $247 million.

Arctic Cat offers excellent mid-range options for novices, and they keep up well with their competition. This is good advice for any brand, but especially for this manufacturer. It’s helpful to talk to someone familiar with the pros and cons of models from different years.

 

What’s New?

There’s no room to provide a complete list of changes to the most popular brands so that we will hit the highlights. Big manufacturers slimmed back their new offerings, but there’s plenty to look forward to for casuals and enthusiasts.

2021 Arctic Cat Alterra 700

The 2021 Alterra models are a good middle of the road option, but the 700 is this manufacturer’s flagship ATV. The transmission received an upgrade from last year’s offerings, and that’s a welcome change.

Important Features:

• 695cc engine
• Adjustable front shocks
• On-the-fly 4×4 to 2WD

Arctic Cat offers an upgrade package called the Alpine Kit. The offerings include:

• Winch
• 53-inch steel blade plow
• Hand/thumb warmers

2021 Polaris Sportsman 570 Ultimate Trail LE

Polaris’s latest offering has an attractive facelift to the frame, improved steering, and a smoother ride.

Important Features:

• 567cc engine
• 11.5-inch ground clearance
• True On-demand all-wheel drive

If you haven’t heard of the True On-demand AWD, it’s a popular addition to the latest Polaris models. Flip a switch, and the quad decides if you need help getting out of a deep hole. The machine can identify which wheel has traction and use it to pull you forward.

Polaris offers the following in its utility packages:

• Front and rear cargo racks
• Utility front bumper with integrated hitch
• Switchable rear power plug

2021 Honda FourTrax Rancher 420

Honda sells the most multipurpose ATVs in the world because of this trusted line of machines. The FourTrax Rancher offers flexibility for customers who want anything from a working quad to a casual ride with friends.

Important Features:

• 420cc engine
• 7.2-inch ground clearance
• TraxLok two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive

Honda’s TraxLok also means that your machine is designed to give you power and torque when you need it the most. It’s important to note that the engine is less powerful than competitors and less towing power. If you’re looking for a beginner’s model in 2021, you can’t go wrong with this Honda.

 

Which ATV to buy in 2021?

While the shiny new features are interesting, the best ATV to buy in 2021 is the one that fits your personal choices. You may be reading this with no intention of buying the latest model, after all.

Remember the questions from earlier? There’s good news: you’ve done most of the work already.

Are you buying for a rookie rider? Buy a model with a low center of gravity and have them read these tips on how to be a better rider from our blog.

Do you need speed? Are you planning to get into racing? Dive into the specifications of popular models and learn about the effect tire size will have on your performance.

 

Do You Have More Questions?

You’re not going to find the exact ATV you’re going to buy in a blog post, so the next step is to talk to trusted friends and colleagues. Take advice with a grain of salt. Gather feedback, and then head to a dealership to have an in-depth discussion with an expert.