When you hear the word “off-roading,” you may picture a large pickup truck or Humvee driving around unstable terrains. However, you may not want to invest a lot of money and instead downsize to a smaller off-road vehicle. If so, why not choose between an ATV or UTV? Keep in mind these vehicles are not the same. If you’re asking yourself, “What’s the difference between a UTV and an ATV?” this guide will help.

UTV

UTVs (utility task vehicles) are vehicles used primarily for work or recreation. People also commonly refer to them as side-by-side or SxS vehicles due to their cabin of two to four riders. They’re great for work-related duties, such as transferring cargo loads or hauling materials. Driving a UTV is similar to a car, as there’s a foot pedal to accelerate and decelerate and a steering wheel. UTVs also have specialty lighting to make them more efficient for off-road travel. While some UTVs can reach speeds up to 85 mph, they’re generally slower than ATVs.

ATV

On the other hand, ATV stands for all-terrain vehicles. ATVs are also known as four-wheelers or quads. These vehicles house only single riders, and people mostly use them for recreation. Riders use handlebars to steer and a throttle to accelerate or decelerate. They come standard with four-wheel drive to tackle rugged terrain. Whereas UTVs are better for work or carrying multiple passengers, the single-rider ATV reaches faster speeds and performance.

Which One’s Better?

When thinking about the differences between UTVs and ATVs, you’re probably wondering which one is better for you. There’s no simple solution, so you should consider their purpose, design, and cost. ATVs are single-rider, off-road travel vehicles. UTVs can hold multiple riders for both recreation and work yet are often slower than ATVs. Also, because of this, UTVs cost more than ATVs. However, even some ATVs have prices that can range in the tens of thousands of dollars. Look around for an ATV or UTV that fits your lifestyle. Like other vehicles, feel free to customize yours for a better off-road experience overall.