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Why is a UTV called a side by side?

Author

Avery Gonzales

Updated on March 10, 2026

Why is a UTV called a side by side?

Typically known as a UTV (utility task vehicle), it's designed more like a golf cart. They're called side-by-sides because they usually have two seats beside each other, sometimes with the addition of back seats. Some smaller UTVs only have one seat, but they're still technically classified as side-by-sides.

Beside this, what is the difference between a UTV and a side-by-side?

An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) is also known as “quad†or “four wheeler†and is meant for single-riders. A UTV (utility task vehicle) tends to be beefier and allows for “side-by-side†riding, which is why some simply call it a “side by side†or “SXS†for short.

Additionally, is a side-by-side an ATV or OHV? All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles or dirt bikes, Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs or side-by-side vehicles), snowmobiles, and four-wheel-drive vehicles (such as jeeps and trucks) can all be defined as OHVs.

Then, what is a side-by-side considered?

The side-by-side (SxS or SSV), also called a utility task vehicle (UTV) or recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV), is a small, 1- to 6-person four-wheel drive off-road vehicle.

Why are side-by-side UTV so expensive?

The main reason for the high cost is the improvement in the performance of UTVs and the increase in their available accessories, add-ons and luxuries.

Who makes ATVs side by side?

UTV Brands

Popular brands include Honda, Can-Am, Polaris, Kawasaki, and Yamaha. These five brands don't represent the entire makeup of the UTV segment, but they offer some of the most broad lineups – including a variety of models at different price points and with different ranges of power specs and features.

Is a RZR an ATV or UTV?

The RZR is a sport UTV specifically built to provide you with an unforgettable off-road experience.

What does the U stand for in UTV?

Utility Terrain Vehicles, or UTVs, are built and used more for work than recreation. They are large, powerful, able to seat passengers side by side, and built with lots of storage space.

Can Am vs Polaris?

In short, the Can-Am excels at higher speeds, thereby making it the faster of the two vehicles. However, the Polaris is more of a true all-terrain vehicle. If you're looking for a UTV for all types of terrain, the RZR is the better option.

Is a razor considered an ATV?

Yamaha Rhino and Polaris Rangers and RZRs are examples of off-highway motor vehicles commonly referred to as side-by-sides for their seating configuration, as opposed to an ATV with a seat that is straddled by the operator.

Is a gator a UTV?

There's a whole lineup of Gators to choose from, including Mid-Size, Work Series and Full-Size models, starting with the XUV560E at $8,999. It's technically classified as a mid-size UTV that's good for getting around the farm while carrying about 900 pounds in the bed.

Do you need a title for a side by side?

Do Side by Sides Have Titles? The short answer is yes, they usually do. However, some states don't require titles for ATVs or UTVs. Always check with your state's DMV before you buy a side by side to be sure you get all the paperwork you need.

Is a golf cart a UTV?

Is a golf cart considered to be a UTV? Golf carts are not considered to be UTVs, they are designed for recreational use and they usually cannot go much over 20 miles per hour.

What is the difference between an ATV and a RTV?

Most UTVs have built-in rollover protection in the form of a cage on top of the vehicle. An ATV is more akin to a dirt bike with four wheels while many UTVs look like rugged, off-road golf carts. The RTV is a Kubota side-by-side. ATV's (quads) and UTV's are completely different animals.

Whats a UTV accident?

Utility task vehicle (UTV) crashes may not make the headlines on a daily basis, but they occur regularly in Texas. Unlike passenger vehicles that are fully enclosed, drivers and passengers in UTV vehicles are exposed to the elements, creating the risk of more serious injuries in a crash.

Who made the first side by side UTV?

The first vehicle in UTV history was the Kawasaki Mule in 1988. Mule stood for multi-use light equipment and the vehicle was a four-wheel model blending aspects of the ATV with something new.

Is a Go Kart considered an ATV?

Off-road go-karts fall under the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) category in California. All OHVs must be registered. After registration you'll be issued a green or red sticker. After that you are able to drive your go-kart on public lands and unpaved roads, depending on each county.

What does it mean when the rider in front of you pats his or her helmet with an open palm ATV?

Cops Ahead - When you see a fellow rider coming at you in the opposite direction and they are tapping the top of their helmet with their open palm face down, they are letting you know that law enforcement is ahead.

What are the different types of side-by-sides?

What are the Different Types of SxS/UTVs? The basic classes of side-by-sides include utility, sport/performance, and sport-utility.

What does a red sticker on a dirt bike mean?

The Red Sticker is for motorcycles and ATVs model year 2003 and newer that fail to meet the emission standard established by the California Air Resources Board. As a result, the vehicle will be issued a Red Sticker.
UTVs/Side-by-Sides are considered off-highway vehicles, do not meet on-highway emission regulations, and cannot be registered as on-highway vehicles. To get your Side-by-Side street legal you're going to have to add a few accessories or required components to meet federal and your state's requirements.

What does a green sticker mean on a car?

The Green Sticker indicates vehicles allowed to operate on public lands open to motor vehicles all year. The Red Sticker is issued to motorcycles and ATVs model year 2003 through 2021 that do not meet the emission standards established by the California Air Resources Board (ARB).

What's the most expensive side by side?

2021 Most Expensive Sport Side-by-Sides
  • #7 2021 CFMoto ZForce 950 Sport: $13,199.
  • #6 2021 Arctic Cat Wildcat XX: $19,999.
  • #5 2021 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R: $21,999.
  • #4 2021 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 eS: $24,399.
  • #3 2021 Honda Talon 1000X-4 Special Edition: $26,999.
  • #2 2021 Polaris RZR Turbo S 4: $31,999.

Is a UTV a good investment?

While many use the UTV only for recreational purposes, others have found it to be a useful aid in their daily life. This includes those living in rural areas or farms, where hauling of farm equipment and goods is necessary. Be it a need or a want, it's also worth noting that buying a UTV isn't going to be cheap.

How many miles can a side by side go?

5.000 miles can be considered as high mileage for a UTV. With good maintenance and service, a UTV can last for thousands of miles. There is no exact number of how many miles and how long your UTV can last. It is really a matter of many factors like service intervals and driving style.

How much is a Yamaha side by side?

Yamaha utility side-by-sides in the Viking series have starting prices between $11,999 and $15,699. Wolverine recreational UTVs start at $14,499 and have a top end of $25,299. The performance-oriented YXZ models have a floor of $18,999, and their starting prices go up to $21,799.

What are side-by-sides used for?

UTVs are a class of four wheel drive vehicle designed to handle off road conditions. They're most often used by farmers to carry out various jobs on their land, mowing, tilling, plowing etc.

Why are ATV prices so high?

ATVs are expensive because it takes a lot of valuable parts to make them. They are also expensive because they are not perceived as vehicles in the classical sense, but rather as utensils.

What is a razor side-by-side?

The Polaris RZR (pronounced "razor") is a sport side-by-side produced by Polaris Industries. When launched in 2007 as a 2008 model, it was officially known as the Ranger RZR, as it was marketed as a sub-model of the larger, work-oriented Ranger.

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