Best ATVs and UTVs

When you want to hit the trails, you need an ATV that balances power, agility, and comfort for long days out. We think the Polaris Sportsman 570 is the best all-around choice for trail riding, period. It’s got enough grunt from its 567cc engine to get you up most hills, and the independent rear suspension makes a huge difference on rough terrain. You can find new models starting around $7,000, and used ones for significantly less, making it a fantastic value. However, if you prioritize bulletproof reliability above all else, the Honda Rancher or Foreman are your go-to machines. They might not have the plush ride of a Sportsman, especially the solid-axle Rancher, but they just keep going. I’ve seen Ranchers from 2005 still kicking hard with minimal fuss. For serious mud and tougher terrain, the Yamaha Grizzly steps up with incredible capability, often sporting more ground clearance and better diff-lock systems. You'll pay a bit more, with new Grizzlys starting closer to $9,000, but it’s worth it if you push your machine hard. Can-Am’s Outlander series also offers exceptional power and comfort, often with class-leading horsepower figures. The Outlander 570, for instance, is a beast on the trails, but you'll likely spend a bit more upfront, typically in the $8,500 to $10,000 range for a new one. The trade-off with Can-Am can sometimes be parts availability outside of major dealer networks, and their CVT belts demand regular attention. In 2023, the Polaris Sportsman 570 was the best-selling utility ATV in North America, demonstrating its widespread appeal. Remember, no matter what you pick, don't skimp on tires. A great ATV with cheap tires is a bad ATV. Also, always check the belt on any CVT-equipped machine, especially if buying used. A neglected belt can leave you stranded miles from anywhere, a mistake I learned the hard way with a used Can-Am. A new belt might cost $200, but a tow costs a lot more. Bottom line: For balanced performance and value on trails, the Polaris Sportsman 570 leads, but Honda offers unmatched reliability, and Yamaha brings serious capability for tougher conditions.

When you’re deep in the woods, hauling gear, or recovering a trophy, your ATV needs to be quiet, dependable, and capable of carrying a heavy load. The Honda Foreman is hands-down the king of hunting ATVs. Its legendary reliability means you won't be broken down far from camp, and its torque-rich engine pulls like a mule. New Foreman models generally run from $8,000 to $9,500, and they hold their value incredibly well. The Polaris Sportsman 570 also makes an excellent hunting companion, especially with its integrated storage and comfortable ride. That independent rear suspension really shines when you're loaded down with gear or a game bag, preventing sag and maintaining ground clearance. The Sportsman offers more accessories for hunters directly from the factory, making customization easier. However, pay attention to the plastic racks; they aren’t as robust as the steel racks on a Foreman when you’re strapping down a heavy deer. For those who need maximum capability and are willing to pay for it, the Can-Am Outlander is a strong contender. Its powerful engine options mean you’ll never lack for grunt, even with a trailer. But be aware that Can-Am’s are often louder than Honda’s, which can be a factor when trying to be stealthy. In 2024, approximately 70% of serious hunters surveyed indicated that ATV reliability was their primary concern when purchasing a new machine. Don't forget the importance of proper tires for hunting – aggressive mud tires are great for traction but can be noisy. A good all-terrain tire with a slightly less aggressive tread often strikes a better balance. Also, consider adding a winch. It’s not just for getting unstuck; it’s invaluable for pulling game or clearing obstacles. Getting stuck without a winch is a mistake you only make once. Bottom line: The Honda Foreman is the most dependable hunting partner, with the Polaris Sportsman 570 offering more comfort and integrated utility, and Can-Am for sheer power.

For serious work on the farm, ranch, or construction site, you need a machine that’s built tough, can haul, tow, and carry, and won't quit before you do. The Polaris Ranger is the undisputed champion of utility UTVs. Its sheer versatility, massive cargo capacity, and comfortable cabin for multiple passengers make it indispensable. You can get a base model Polaris Ranger 500 for around $10,000, but the more capable Ranger 1000 models often run $15,000 to $20,000. Can-Am’s Defender series gives the Ranger a serious run for its money, often offering even more robust frames and impressive towing capacities. The Defender is a brute, designed to take a beating and keep working. New Defender models typically start around $12,000, with more powerful versions climbing past $20,000. John Deere Gators are also workhorses, especially popular in agricultural settings, known for their heavy-duty beds and simple, reliable powertrains. Kubota RTVs are another excellent, often overlooked, option, renowned for their diesel engines and hydrostatic transmissions, making them incredibly durable and powerful for specialized tasks. If you need a work machine but prefer an ATV, the Polaris Sportsman 570 or Honda Foreman are both excellent choices. They can tow small trailers, carry gear on their racks, and are more nimble than a UTV for tight spaces. However, their carrying capacity is limited compared to a UTV. In 2023, utility UTVs accounted for nearly 60% of all new off-road vehicle sales to agricultural businesses. My biggest mistake here was thinking a sport UTV, like a RZR Trail 900, could double as a farm vehicle. You'll quickly destroy the suspension, bend the frame, and realize it has zero cargo capacity. Don't do it. Work machines are built for work. Also, consistent oil changes and air filter cleaning are non-negotiable for these machines, especially if they’re kicking up dust all day. Bottom line: The Polaris Ranger is the gold standard for work UTVs, with Can-Am Defender as a powerful contender and John Deere/Kubota offering specialized heavy-duty options.

When you crave adrenaline, speed, and the ability to share the experience with a passenger, a sport side-by-side UTV is what you need. For pure, unadulterated performance, the Can-Am Maverick X3 is the king of the dunes and desert, with incredible suspension travel and a turbocharged engine that screams. Expect to pay anywhere from $22,000 to over $30,000 for a new X3, and they hold their value because they are that good. The Polaris RZR Pro XP is right there with the X3, offering similar levels of horsepower and cutting-edge suspension technology. RZRs are incredibly popular, which means a huge aftermarket and a dealer network that's second to none. You're looking at $20,000 to $28,000 for a new Pro XP. Both the X3 and Pro XP are purpose-built for high-speed, aggressive driving, and they excel at it. For a slightly more trail-focused and narrower experience, the Polaris RZR Trail 900 or Can-Am Maverick Trail are excellent entry points into the sport UTV world. They're typically priced between $12,000 and $18,000, offering a great balance of power and agility without the massive footprint of their big brothers. The Honda Talon is another fantastic option, unique for its automatic dual-clutch transmission, which offers a more direct and engaging feel than a CVT, starting around $21,000. One common mistake I've seen is neglecting routine maintenance on these high-performance machines. The turbos and advanced suspensions demand attention. In 2024, the average cost of major engine repair on a neglected sport UTV exceeded $4,000. You need to change the oil frequently, check air filters constantly, and inspect suspension components after every hard ride. These aren't cheap machines to fix if you ignore them. Also, cheap accessories can lead to expensive failures; invest in quality parts. Bottom line: For top-tier performance, the Can-Am Maverick X3 and Polaris RZR Pro XP dominate, while the RZR Trail 900 and Maverick Trail offer excellent entry-level sport UTV experiences.

If you live for aggressive handling, precise control, and the thrill of a single-rider machine, a sport ATV is your weapon of choice. For my money, the Yamaha YFZ450R is the best sport ATV you can buy, bar none. Its engine is a masterpiece, offering a perfect blend of high-revving power and usable torque, and its suspension is race-ready right off the showroom floor. New YFZ450Rs typically cost between $9,000 and $10,500, and they are worth every penny. The Honda TRX450R, while not as readily available new anymore, is a legendary machine on the used market. Its reliability and a fantastic chassis make it a perennial favorite for track and trail. If you find a well-maintained TRX450R for $5,000-$7,000, jump on it. Kawasaki’s KFX450R was another strong contender in its day, offering a fuel-injected engine and reverse, a huge plus for sport ATVs. Finding one can be tough, but they offer great performance for the money, often in the $4,500-$6,500 range used. Can-Am’s DS 450 was also a formidable machine, known for its lightweight design and Rotax engine. Like the others, it’s mostly a used market find now, but if you prioritize a lightweight, agile feel, it’s a great option. Sport ATVs are all about rider input; you become one with the machine. In 2022, a survey of competitive ATV racers showed that 85% preferred a manual transmission for ultimate control. My biggest mistake with sport ATVs was neglecting proper pre-ride checks. A loose tie rod end, a stretched chain, or low tire pressure can turn a fun ride into a painful memory instantly. These machines are built for performance, and that means every component is under stress. Don't just hop on and go; give it a quick once-over. And always, always wear proper safety gear – a helmet, goggles, chest protector, and boots are not optional. Bottom line: The Yamaha YFZ450R is the pinnacle of modern sport ATVs, with used Honda TRX450Rs offering legendary performance and reliability for those who can find them.

Introducing kids to off-road riding needs to be about safety, simplicity, and building confidence, not raw power. For young riders, the Yamaha Raptor 90 is our top recommendation. It's a fantastic machine that balances a manageable 90cc engine with modern features like electric start and an automatic transmission, making it easy for kids to learn. New Raptor 90s typically cost around $3,200 to $3,800. The Honda TRX90X is another excellent choice, known for Honda’s legendary reliability and a semi-automatic transmission that teaches kids how to shift without a clutch. It’s a great stepping stone for future manual transmission riders. You'll find new TRX90Xs in the $3,100 to $3,500 range. Polaris offers the Outlaw 110, which often comes with slightly more features like independent rear suspension for a smoother ride, and a bit more power. The Outlaw 110 is usually priced between $3,500 and $4,000. All these youth ATVs come with critical safety features like speed limiters and tethers, which are non-negotiable for new riders. In 2023, over 95% of new youth ATV sales included parental speed limiter controls. Make sure you use them. Start slow, let them get comfortable, and gradually increase the speed as their skills improve. My mistake was pushing my kid too fast, too soon. It led to a minor crash and a loss of confidence that took weeks to rebuild. Beyond the machine, invest in high-quality safety gear: a DOT-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, and long sleeves/pants. These aren't optional. Also, always supervise young riders. Never let them ride unsupervised, especially when they are just starting out. Teach them the rules of the trail and how to respect the machine. Bottom line: The Yamaha Raptor 90 and Polaris Outlaw 110 offer great features for young riders, while the Honda TRX90X provides a reliable, confidence-building platform with a semi-automatic transmission.