ATV or UTV? There are big differences between an all-terrain vehicle and a utility vehicle so let's look at which one will suit you best.
With an ATV, you have to be quick thinking and agile. These are great machines for sharp, fast turns. This makes them ideal for riding in the woods or when you have to haul around small loads (they let you hop in and out quickly). They're also easy to tow, so it's simple to get your ATV to the trails. According to ATV Magazine's Managing Editor Tom Kaiser, "The ATV is more physically demanding to ride, and the rider must use balance to manipulate and control the vehicle. It's fun."
Something that you should definitely take into account is their size. They're relatively small and easy to manipulate, and to many, they are a great starter vehicle for teens who have undergone safety training courses. Simply put, ATVs are more active.
There are different types of ATVs, ranging from quads to high-performance racing machines. A lot of people also modify two-wheel ATVs for special events. If racing is in your future, and you're looking at using a UTV or ATV, there's no trumping an ATV. Even if you go with a heavier model like a Polaris Sportsman, racing will be dramatically different between the two. Heavier ATVs can help protect you, especially on messy trails. If you're a racer, a hunter, or a landowner with small projects on the horizon, these are great choices. As an added bonus, ATVs are usually more cost-effective than UTVs—to the tune of several thousands of dollars.
ATVs are great options, but there may come a time when nothing but a utility vehicle will do. UTVs are equipped with heavy, specialized lifting, so if you have a big project and a lot of hauling, UTVs are your golden ticket. They feature a bigger rear cargo area for holding/dumping and can manage larger projects than ATVs (without needing a trailer). To put it simply, they're kind of like mini trucks complete with cabs, more comfortable seats, and are better suited for older drivers.
You can go several miles comfortably and enjoy plenty of storage, which is something you won't easily find with an ATV. That's what makes them the easy choice for specialized work since you can customize a UTV for your needs. Go sporty with an Arctic Cat Prowler or high performance with a Can-Am Commander. But don't get tricked by their aesthetics; these are real workhorses.
If you’re deciding between an ATV or UTV, but being a show-off is kind of your thing, UTVs might be the perfect ride for you. With a UTV, you can add LED lighting, in-cab heaters, killer stereo systems, and anything else you can dream up. Lots of UTV owners will upgrade the wheels for an ultimate vehicle that is sure to turn some heads.
Whether you’re deciding between an ATV or UTV, at TerraRider UTV Windshields and Accessories, we carry a wide range of windshield and accessory options. All of our windshields are proudly made in America and boast high-quality and workmanship. We also sell accessories to make your ride all your own. If you're ready to take your UTV to the next level, shop our extensive line of accessories and windshields, stop by our office to talk to our friendly staff, or contact us today!
