
Explore Types of Off-Road Vehicles
What kind of off-road vehicle you choose depends on how you plan to use it. They generally fall into the classes of utility, sport/performance and sportutility, so consider whether you want an off-road vehicle for work, recreational riding, hunting, or something in the middle. If it’s for work, look for utilitybased features such as horsepower, towing capability, cargo and payload capacity. For sport and recreation, size, maneuverability, fine-tuned engines and ground clearance are considerations. And if sharing the experience is the goal, seating for friends and family is a must.

What are ATVs?
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are four-wheeled off-road vehicles with handlebar steering and motorcycle-style seating. Narrower and smaller than most UTVs, they’re more physically demanding to drive, as your body helps control the vehicle.
- You sit on it, not in it
- No roll cage
- Throttle controlled in handlebars
- Brake by hand control or foot control
- Can be transported in a truck bed

What are SxS Vehicles?
A side-by-side vehicle (SxS), more commonly referred to as a “UTV” is an all-purpose utility vehicle with a cab that is operated by steering wheel and foot pedals.
- Has a roll cage
- Steering wheel and foot pedal controls
- Generally wider; require trailer transport
- Can carry from 2 to 6 people
- You sit inside it; passengers sit next to or behind you

What are UTVs?
A UTV—meaning “Utility Terrain Vehicle”—is an allpurpose utility vehicle with a shielded cab operated like an automobile with steering wheel and foot pedals.
- Originally designed for work applications
- Steering wheel and foot pedal controls
- Generally wider; require trailer transport
- Can carry from 2 to 6 people
- You sit inside it; passengers sit next to or behind you
ATVs |
Side x Sides & UTVs |
---|---|
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Good for Narrow Spaces & Tight Turns |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
Haul and Tow More |
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Easier to Get On/Off |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
Ergonomic Features |
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Requires Rider Effort to Drive |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
Drives Like a Car |
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Low Cost |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
More Ways to Customize |
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Lightweight, Can be Hauled in a Truck Bed |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
Requires a Trailer for Transport |
Explore Types of Off-Road Vehicles
What kind of off-road vehicle you choose depends on how you plan to use it. They generally fall into the classes of utility, sport/performance and sportutility, so consider whether you want an off-road vehicle for work, recreational riding, hunting, or something in the middle. If it’s for work, look for utilitybased features such as horsepower, towing capability, cargo and payload capacity. For sport and recreation, size, maneuverability, fine-tuned engines and ground clearance are considerations. And if sharing the experience is the goal, seating for friends and family is a must.

What are ATVs?
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are four-wheeled off-road vehicles with handlebar steering and motorcycle-style seating. Narrower and smaller than most UTVs, they’re more physically demanding to drive, as your body helps control the vehicle.
- You sit on it, not in it
- No roll cage
- Throttle controlled in handlebars
- Brake by hand control or foot control
- Can be transported in a truck bed

What are SxS Vehicles?
A side-by-side vehicle (SxS), more commonly referred to as a “UTV” is an all-purpose utility vehicle with a cab that is operated by steering wheel and foot pedals.
- Has a roll cage
- Steering wheel and foot pedal controls
- Generally wider; require trailer transport
- Can carry from 2 to 6 people
- You sit inside it; passengers sit next to or behind you

What are UTVs?
A UTV—meaning “Utility Terrain Vehicle”—is an allpurpose utility vehicle with a shielded cab operated like an automobile with steering wheel and foot pedals.
- Originally designed for work applications
- Steering wheel and foot pedal controls
- Generally wider; require trailer transport
- Can carry from 2 to 6 people
- You sit inside it; passengers sit next to or behind you
ATVs |
Side x Sides & UTVs |
---|---|
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Good for Narrow Spaces & Tight Turns |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
Haul and Tow More |
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Easier to Get On/Off |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
Ergonomic Features |
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Requires Rider Effort to Drive |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
Drives Like a Car |
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Low Cost |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
More Ways to Customize |
<h3>ATVs</h3>
Lightweight, Can be Hauled in a Truck Bed |
<h3>Side x Sides & UTVs</h3>
Requires a Trailer for Transport |
How to Choose the Best ATV, SxS or UTV for Your Needs
How do you plan to use your off-road vehicle?




Who is Riding?
How many seats do you need?

Driver Only (One Seat)
A single-seat ATV is most likely what you’re looking for to take yourself over trails and terrain, although many single riders also choose to pilot UTV/SxS’s with additional seating and features.

Driver With a Passenger (2-3 Seats)
A UTV/SxS is typically larger than an ATV, with more seating, enabling friends and families to be part of the experience. A single row UTV/SxS is the norm, although some prefer a touring UTV with an extra row.

Multiple Passenger (4-6 Seats)
For work crews, large families and groups of friends, a UTV/SxS with rows of seating and larger cargo capacity for gear and supplies is what you’ll want to focus on.

Discover the ATV & SxS Lineup From Polaris
An off-road vehicle for every kind of rider and every kind adventure. For solo trips along winding trails, challenging climbs over rocks with a friend, transportation for a hard-working crew or the perfect vehicle for a family out for a day of adventure, Polaris has an industry-leading range of ATVs and SxS vehicles to elevate every outdoor activity.
Innovatively engineered, our line-up is consistently updated in order to elevate performance and take riders further than before. Versatile and endlessly customizable with parts, accessories, and apparel, there’s a Polaris ATV and SxS vehicle for everyone.

Got a question? Talk to one of our Polaris Product Pros. They're the experts behind the design and performance of Polaris off-road vehicles. Ask them anything. If you've thought about it, they've done it.
Call us at 855-390-0890
Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM CST
Learn More About ATV Safety
Whatever your experience level or vehicle capability, we have a wide and deep bank of resources to answer any question you might have. From safety information, gear advice on equipment and gear to maintenance tips and more, we have a world of UTV/SxS resources ready to help.

ATV SAFETY
Adventure and exploration are the ultimate goal, but safety needs to be top-of-mind for your ATV experience to be a memorable one.

ROHVA
Rider safety is our top priority and should be yours as well. Knowing safe riding practices and having the proper gear and equipment is the first step.

STATE ATV INFORMATION
It’s important to know the rules and regulations for your region. Be aware of the laws in place to protect you, others and the environment.