What Is A UTV: Differences Between UTV And ATV

Many people are familiar with 4×4 recreational vehicles like ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs. Most people often confuse ATVs with UTVs; these two vehicles are different in several ways and should not be interchanged. However, ATVs and UTVs are used for off-roading, racing, and trail riding.

A UTV is a powerful and large off-terrain vehicle with a side-by-side passenger seat and is designed to have storage space. Some differences between UTV and ATV include that ATVs are mostly used for recreation and are smaller than UTVs, while UTVs are mainly used for work.

If you wish to get into off-roading or trail riding, the two terms, ATVs and UTVs, will be something you must have heard well. However, you must know that there are some differences between those two vehicles even though they have few similarities.

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Differences Between UTV And ATV

Understanding the difference between a UTV and an ATV is key if you wish to purchase an off-road vehicle. Although UTVs and ATVs look similar, there are some major differences between them. There are some special characteristics that UTVs have that make them different; let us look at these differences.

An ATV is a recreational off-terrain vehicle that can seat only one rider; the operator straddles the seat and controls the vehicle with handlebars. A UTV, on the other hand, is larger and has a side-by-side design that provides room for a passenger so you can ride the vehicle with your friend; the operator controls the vehicle with a steering wheel.

ATVs are smaller than UTVs; hence, you can enjoy maneuvering easily and better, especially on challenging terrain. In contrast, a UTV is bigger than an ATV and is used for hauling supplies and can be used as storage space for tools. A UTV is more expensive than an ATV and uses a standard wheel, while ATVs use low-pressure tires.

ATVs can be used for agriculture; farmers use them while applying fertilizers to their crops and during an inspection. UTVs, on the other hand, are used to perform heavy-duty activities like transporting heavy loads like sports equipment from one place to another. You can operate an ATV in a narrow space due to its size, but a UTV cannot be operated in a narrow space.

UTVs are commonly referred to as side by sides, while ATVs are called quads. ATVs do not have safety features, unlike UTVs, which have windshields, seatbelts, a cabin, and roll bars. A UTV does not have electronic power steering, unlike ATVs that can handle sudden changes in direction and turns due to this feature.

What Does UTV Stand For?

Acronyms are commonly used for easy communication in an industry or profession. Several abbreviations are peculiar in the automotive industry; sometimes, you can use these abbreviations in other industries. The acronym UTV is popular in the automotive industry; however, it also has a different meaning in other industries.

The abbreviation UTV stands for Utility terrain vehicles or Utility task vehicles. It is a unique off-road vehicle manufactured with solid materials that ensure high durability, efficiency, performance, comfort, and safety.

Farmers and builders first used this vehicle to tug heavy and large materials, products, or equipment across rugged and difficult terrains. However, as technology improves and modifications are made, off-road enthusiasts now use UTVs for sports activities and forest adventures.

UTVs are designed to be agile to operate on rugged terrains like pebbles, sand, or mud. You can operate on the most challenging terrain and through different obstacles with a UTV. A UTV comprises a solid body frame with a roll cage that protects the passengers and rider.

This vehicle comes with a structure that allows up to 6 people as passengers at a time. One excellent feature of UTVs is that they have an exposed structure that ensures enough air is entering the vehicle from every angle. UTVs are designed with a sitting structure to contain about 1 to 6 people at once.

However, most UTVs are fitted with motor-cycle-sized engines; the engines can deliver high efficiency, performance, and durability to conquer every challenge faced on any terrain.

UTVs deliver the same off-road performance as ATVs but are improved, and there is extra room for more passengers. UTVs are designed to be safer than ATVs, with the addition of roll bars and seat belts.

Is A Polaris An ATV Or UTV?

Some people claim all Polaris vehicles are ATVs and others believe they are UTVs; the truth is that Polaris produces both ATVs and UTVs. Polaris does not focus on producing a specific type of ORV (Off-Road Vehicles). We will look at some Polaris ATVs and UTVs.

Polaris Scrambler XP 1000S

The Polaris Scrambler XP 1000S is an ATV you can trust to deliver absolute durability. Thanks to its improved designs, tuber frame, and component size, you are confident enough to conquer any terrain. The ground clearance of this ATV is 14 inches, and the engine has a horsepower of 89HP.

This ATV is one of the fastest of 2021, and it has a top speed of 38 mph. The price of the ATV is $15,400. The dry weight of the Polaris Scrambler XP 1000S is 881 pounds, and the payload capacity is 290 pounds.

Polaris Sportsman 570

The Polaris Sportsman 570 is an ATV; it is 50.5 inches long, 83 inches wide, and 47 inches long. It features a ProStar 4-stroke single cylinder, 567 cc engine. The dry weight of this ATV is 705 pounds, the payload capacity is 485 pounds, the ground clearance is 11.5 inches, and the fuel tank capacity is 17 liters.

The front-rear rack is 90 pounds, the rear rack is 180 pounds, the wheelbase is 50.5 inches, and the seat height is 33.75 inches. This ATV costs about $7,500.

Polaris RZR Pro XP 4

This is one of the most popular Polaris UTVs available; it is 125 inches long, 73.6 inches high, 155 inches wide, and has an estimated dry weight of about 2015 pounds. This UTV has a ground clearance of 14.5 inches, a payload capacity of 900 pounds, and a wheelbase with a length of 125 inches.

It uses a 4-stroke twin cylinder 925 cc engine with a liquid cooling system. The fuel system of this UTV is electronic fuel injection, and the engine has a horsepower of 181 HP. The Polaris RZR Pro XP 4 is designed to deliver powerful performance and take control of the roughest terrains.

Polaris RZR Pro R4

This is another UTV produced by Polaris, the Polaris RZR Pro R4. It is 133.5 inches long, 165.5 inches wide, 76.5 inches high, the estimated dry weight is 2365 pounds, and the payload capacity is 900 pounds. The fuel tank capacity of the Polaris RZR Pro R4 is 46.56 liters.

This UTV features a 4-stroke inline four-cylinder 1997 cc engine with an electronic fuel injection system. It uses a pro performance 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD Lock, a velocity needle shock with position adjustable clickers front and rear shocks. This UTV costs about $36,000.

Why Is It Called A UTV?

You might be wondering why the name of this type of off-road vehicle is utility terrain vehicles and something else. Well, these types of vehicles are used for work rather than recreation. UTVs are used for transporting supplies on ranches, plowing, harrowing, raking, mowing the soil, and spreading seeds.

Final Thoughts

If you are new to ORV operations and are about to purchase your first ORV, you might not know the one you need, whether an ATV or a UTV. It is simple to differentiate them; ATVs are usually for sports and off-road activities, UTVs are mainly for work. Also, ATVs do not have protection; UTVs do.