Which Side-by-Side (UTV) is Right for You Sport vs Utility vs Hybrid

Trying to decide which UTV you should buy?  The first question you need to answer is how will you use it?

UTV’s come in 3 categories: Sport, Utility and Hybrid (Recreational).  Sport UTVs are great for high speeds and rough trails.  Utility UTVs are great for getting work done.  Hybrid UTVs combine some of the features of both categories but make sacrifices to achieve their dual-purpose intent.

In each class of Side-by-Side (SXS) you will find several seating configurations.  Sport and Hybrid models typically come in 2 and 4 seat versions with each passenger having their own “bucket” seat.  Utility models often have bench seats, so 3 and 6 passenger models are available there.

I will look at the pros and cons of each category and who should buy them.  I’ll also provide several examples of models to choose from in each category with some price ranges.

Sport UTVs (side-by-side)

If you are looking for something fast, agile and fun a sport class side-by-side (SXS) is what you want, just don’t plan on using it to get any work done.

Popular Sport SXS Models

The Polaris RZR is probably the most well-known model in this class.  Sport models are extremely popular so there is no shortage of new and used models for sale.  Here is a list of models to check out, in no particular order.

More Sport SXS Models

• Polaris RZR
• Can-Am Maverick
• Arctic Cat Wildcat
• Honda Talon
• Yamaha YXZ
• Kawasaki Teryx KRX

Sport UTV Uses

Sport UTVs are designed to handle the roughest terrain and the highest speeds.  Here is a short list of popular uses for this class.

• Trail Riding
• Rock Crawling
• Dunes and Deserts
• Deep Mud

Sport SXSs will not excel at all the uses listed above.  Each model is designed with a set of applications in mind.  For example, Rock Crawling requires a lot of ground clearance and plenty of power so a smaller 45hp model like the Polaris RZR 570 might not cut it.  On the other hand, if you are looking for a lower cost UTV than is under 50” wide the RZR 570 would be a perfect fit (many tight trails are restricted to vehicles no wider than 50”).

Drawbacks of Sport UTVs

The downside of sport UTVs are that they aren’t designed to do work.  Most have a small cargo area in the back, but don’t plan on loading it up with dirt to dump somewhere else.  Cargo is not only restricted by the small size, but also by low weight capacities.  Those tall flexible suspension components that make sport UTVs great on rough terrain aren’t so good for carrying a heavy load.

How much does a Sport Side-by-Side Cost?

Because of the wide range of models available from sub 600cc engines to 1200cc engines and 2 – 4 seats there is also a wide range of prices.  Below are a couple examples I found on atvtrader.com.  I’m sure you can find cheaper listings, but I was limiting my search to vehicles that were low mileage ready to ride and not abused or damaged.  You can always find a better deal if you are willing to put in a little work yourself to do some minor repairs, just be careful that you don’t get in over you head.

New Sport SXS Cost

Model	Engine Size	Seats	Price
2020 Polaris RZR Pro XP Ultimate	925cc	2	$28,499
2019 Can-Am Maverick Trail 800	800cc	2	$9,379
2020 HONDA TALON 1000X-4	1000cc	4	$21,999
2020 POLARIS RZR XP 4 1000	925cc	4	$18,842

Used Sport SXS Cost

Model	Engine Size	Seats	Price
2019 ARCTIC CAT WILDCAT XX	998cc	2	$16,499
2014 POLARIS RZR 800 EPS	800cc	2	$6,299
2019 POLARIS RZR XP 4 TURBO	1000cc	4	$19,999
2014 CAN-AM MAVERICK MAX X RS DPS 1000R	976cc	4	$12,599

There are many more models you can choose from in prices above and below the ones I have shown, but this should give you a pretty good idea of the what you are getting into.  If you don’t need the brand new model off the show room floor you can save several thousand dollars with a nice low mileage used model.

Who Should Buy a Sport UTV?

The ideal buyer for a sport UTV is someone looking for a big toy to have fun with.  If you only plan on taking your side-by-side to the trails desert or dunes, these machines are made for that task.  If think you might want to do some work as well, check out the Hybrid models.

Utility UTVs

This is the workhorse group of UTVs and the original creators of the segment.  The John Deere Gator was introduced in 1992 and continues to get a large share of this market.  Long before people were purchasing side-by-sides for fun they were buying them to get work done.  The category has the highest weight capacities and features like dump beds and snowplows. Some Utility UTVs like the Bobcat Toolcat can even accept a variety if implements like brush hogs and post hole diggers.

Popular Utility UTV Models

As I already mentioned the John Deere Gator is well-know, the Kubota RTV Sidekick has also been a long time favorite in this group.  Polaris, Can-Am and Honda also have great options.  Again this list is in no particular order.

More Utility UTV Models

Utility UTV Uses

Utility UTVs are designed to get work done.  They can also move more people to do the work.  Models like the Polaris Ranger Crew are designed for 6 passengers.

• Farms
• Construction
• Landscaping
• Maintenance

Like the sport category not all utility SXSs are equally suited for every task.  You need to evaluate what you plan to use your vehicle for and then find the best fit.  Do you need a fully enclosed cab with heat and A/C? What about a dump bed for moving material around or attachments like plows and sweepers?  If you are looking to haul a lot of material, models like the Defender Pro XT have a 6ft bed with 1,000 lbs of cargo capacity.  Another consideration in the category is fuel type.  While all sport UTVs run on gasoline, their utility counterparts have diesel options that are more expensive but provide longer life and better efficiency. 

Drawbacks of Utility UTVs

Utility SXSs are not designed to handle the rough terrain and high speeds that their sport counterparts are.  They are easier to get in and out of, but that means less ground clearance and suspension travel on the trails.  Most utility models have less aggressive tires, so they won’t tear up grass, but again that means less traction on trails and in mud.

New Utility UTV Cost

Model	Engine Size	Seats	Price
2020 Can-Am Defender Pro XT HD10	1000 cc	2	$20,099
2020 Polaris Ranger 1000	1000 cc	2	$11,399
2020 Can-Am Defender Max	800 cc	4	$14,999
2020 John Deere XUV590i S4	600 cc	4	$11,599 (msrp)

Used Utility UTV Cost

Model	Engine Size	Seats	Price
2016 Kubota RTV X900 Diesel	900 cc	2	$11,593
2017 KAWASAKI MULE SX XC	400 cc	2	$6,999
2017 Polaris Ranger	1000 cc	6	$19,900
2019 YAMAHA VIKING VI EPS	700 cc	4	$13,988

Who should buy a Utility UTV?

Utility SXSs are designed to do work, if you are on a farm, construction site, pipeline, forestry or grounds maintenance crew this is the UTV for you.  These machines get things done, so if you have work to do they are for you.

Hybrid SXS

The Hybrid or Recreation class of Side-by-Sides is the “jack of all trades”.  These vehicles split the line between work and play.  While they may not be the best for either application, they may be perfect for most people.

Hybrid Side-by-Side Models

Some makes and models fall either closer to the Utility or Sport Class.  Here are my picks for the best hybrid for work and for trails.

• Best Work Oriented Hybrid SXS – Honda Pioneer
• Best Trail Oriented Hybrid SXS – Polaris General

Hybrid UTV Models

• Honda Pioneer
• Polaris General
• Can-Am Commander
• Arctic Cat Havoc
• Yamaha Wolverine
• John Deere RSX
• Kubota RTV-X

Hybrid Side-by-Side Uses

As I mentioned above hybrid models are as their name implies a hybrid of utility and sport.  They make some compromises to do both tasks but are the perfect choice when you want a vehicle will make you more productive when working and provide miles of fun when you aren’t.

This category has a wide range of sizes and configurations suited for different uses.  For example, the 2-seat Honda Pioneer 500 is one of the smallest UTVs with a 50” width perfect for getting thru narrow trails or a cluttered horse barn.

On the other end of the spectrum there is the 4-seat Can-Am Commander Max at 64” wide and over 12 feet long.  This beast has a 600lb cargo capacity and can tow up to 1,500 lbs giving it the capability to do some serious work.

These utility models range from 2 seats to 5 seats (Pioneer 1000-5) and have varying cargo capacities as well.  Most 4 seat models in this group do not have a separate cargo box.  The Polaris General 4 stands out in this category with 4 seats and a dumping cargo.

Drawbacks of Hybrid UTVs

The biggest drawback of Hybrid UTVs is the compromises make to do it all.  If you do a lot of work than a hybrid model might be harder to get in and out of or have a smaller cargo area for carrying your stuff.  On the other hand, you might sacrifice some ground clearance and have to pass on hardcore off road activities like rock climbing.

New Hybrid UTV Cost

Model	Engine Size	Seats	Price
2020 Polaris General XP 1000 Deluxe	1000 cc	2	$22,999
2020 Arctic Cat Havoc	1000 cc	2	$12,799
2020 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe	1000 cc	5	$17,199
2020 Yamaha Wolverine X4	850 cc	4	$16,099

Used Hybrid UTV Cost

Model	Engine Size	Seats	Price
2016 Can-Am Commander 1000 XT	1000 cc	2	$10,999
2016 Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec EPS	700 cc	2	$8,888
2017 Polaris General 4 1000 EPS	1000 cc	4	$16,999
2016 Honda Pioneer 1000-5	1000 cc	5	$11,999

Who should buy a Hybrid UTV?

If you are looking to make you first UTV purchase and are planning to use it for work and play, I would recommend a Hybrid or Recreational Model.  Down the road you may decide to get something made specifically for work or the trail, or you may find that the hybrid was the perfect choice.  These models are great for anyone with a large estate or a cabin in the woods.

UTV Manufacturer Listing

To help you in your search for the perfect UTV here is a list with links to the manufacturers websites where you can find all the specs for the model you are interested in.

How to pick the right Side-by-Side

If you know you will be using your vehicle exclusively for work or trail riding, the choice is easy, pick a sport model for the trails or a utility model for work. 

Now, if you need something that can do both it gets a little complicated.  My first instinct is to suggest a Hybrid model with their blend of sport and work they are a great all around option.  To help you decide I suggest the following exercise.

1. Split a page into 2 columns, Work and Play
2. Under each column list all the work and play related activities you think you will use your UTV for.
3. Put a number next to each activity with the number of times each month you think you would do that activity.
4. Add up the totals for each column

Now you should be able to see which type you should look at.  If your totals are fairly even then look for a hybrid.  If you lean heavily toward Work or Play, then maybe you should stay in that category.

The last thing you should do before deciding is get out to a couple dealerships and see them in person.  Looking at pictures and specs is a great place to start, but nothing compares actually sitting in the driver’s seat and walking around the vehicle.   You may find out that you can’t stand the seat or have a hard time getting in and out of the model that you thought would be perfect for you.  You might also realize that that 1000cc SxS is just way too big and you would rather have a smaller model.

Please check out the comments below if you have a question leave it there and if you can answer someone else’s question please help them out and reply.

Thanks for reading and happy riding,

Jason