Next-Gen Family Fun: The UTV | See Dealer Cost
Move over dirt bikes and ATVs: Utility Terrain Vehicles offer everything an adventurous family could possibly want. UTVs not only give thrill seekers a good spin but also have bonus utilitarian benefits that you just can’t get in a car, truck or ATV.
The market has grown exponentially for buggy-style vehicles, and they have been self-perfecting for decades. According to researchandmarkets.com, the global UTV market witnessed a high uptick in recent years and registered US $4.63B in 2019 that is projected to reach US $7.88B in 2028.
A major reason for the UTV’s rise in popularity is that it can combine entertainment and function features into one off-road package. Owners can do everything in them from racing, hunting, and backcountry trail riding to hauling, towing, and snow removal. What is more, they tote multiple passengers at a time. The thrill of growling down into a cavernous pit, powering back out of it and catching air over the next embankment is undeniably cool. What could be better than captaining the roller-coaster for a crew full of giddy family members?
Covering ground in a UTV is a family-friendly endeavor, accessible to everyone old enough to drive or fit into a seatbelt. Every UTV is designed to carry at least two people side-by-side, and most have back seats in the rear and can carry up to four passengers. They almost always come equipped with a roll bar or cage and include seatbelts for extra safety. Even better, it is easy to introduce new family members to operate them, because they feel familiar to drive. UTVs have a steering wheel and use gas and brake pedals, just like a car. And the overall ride is not so strenuous on younger passengers or fragile backs.
UTVs work double-time as sport and utility vehicles. Unlike in the relatively limited-purpose ATV market, you can choose from hybrid and sport models, or customize with options like lifts and suspensions to make them perform in ultra-sportive conditions. You may not be ready to hit the Baja 1000 race right at the get-go, but you certainly can if that is your end goal.
Popular UTV manufacturers based in the US include Polaris, John Deere, Arctic Cat, Odes, American Landmaster, Hisun, and Mahindra. Those based outside of the US include Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda and Can-Am. UTVs range in price from approximately $8,000 for strictly utilitarian models to $30,000+ for sport/high performance models. Lifestyle, primary use, experience, and budget should all be considered when finally deciding on a purchase. There is also the engine to take under consideration: gas, diesel or electric-powered. You can read the pros and cons of each engine here.
According to ATVman.com, you can get your UTV to be street legal, but you will need to get it registered, get insurance and add the following: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, speedometer, tires, mirrors, windshield and lighted license plate holder. Check out ATV Man’s guide to getting street legal for more details.
Because the UTV market has gained such momentum over recent years, competition for new models can be fierce. Don’t let that stop you from securing one that is right for you and your family, or from getting your best deal, however. Seedealercost.com has loads of information on dealer invoice pricing for current year and older models, and resources to help you track down your battlewagon. See our Bullwhip Effect article on post-pandemic buying environment to help your research, and browse the thousands-deep options and invoice prices on top UTV brands here.
Before you head out, make sure to have the bare essentials. Those include a helmet, goggles (or windshield), tool kit, tire repair kit, battery charger and spare gas tank. Other tips and essentials from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association can be found online here.
Get going - let’s have some fun!
