Is a UTV Good for Riding in the Desert?


UTV for desert
desert UTV

If you are wondering about whether UTVs are good for riding in the desert, then you have come to the right place. I have researched this topic in order to give you the best possible answer.

So, are UTVs good for riding in the desert? UTVs are a good option for riding in the desert. These vehicles are often used to race in the desert and have designs that work well in sand and difficult terrain. Most types of UTV perform well in desert areas.

If you are interested in finding out the best UTV’s for you to ride in the desert, read on. I will also offer some advice towards driving the UTV’s and what to wear.

Best UTV’s for Riding in the Desert:

The UTV is very suitable for desert terrain.

If you are considering heading out for a ride with your UTV in the desert, you may love it and you may not. Each UTV is built differently and contains different features. Some are built to match the terrain of a desert, but some are suited for more urban areas.

In order to help you recognize the best UTVs for desert riding, I’ve provided a list of some of the best speciallized UTVs.

  1. Yamaha YXZ 1000R SS SE – This UTV is a manual shift. It contains a sport shift paddle shifter. This is a lightweight UTV with that is guaranteed to provide a high-quality performance.
  2. RZR XP 1000 EPS- This UTV was built with several modern technology considerations. It has a touch screen interface, navigation, connectivity, and speaker system.
  3. Kawasaki Teryx- Although this is not the fastest UTV on the market, it has great cargo capacity and utility. This is helpful if you’re planning on a long day of riding in the desert. You can store all of your food and water in its 28-gallon covered storage. You may not win races in this vehicle, but it’ll get you where you want to go.
  4. Polaris ACE 500- This is a one-person UTV. It is smaller and more maneuverable than other models. This allows it to easily ride through a variety of terrains and trails.
UTVEngineHPPrice
Yamaha YXZ 1000R SS SE998cc incline three-cyclinder112$22,399
RZR XP 1000 EPS999cc twin-cyliner110$19,499
Kawasaki Teryx783cc V-Twinn/a$12,999
Polaris ACE 500500cc Prostar32$6,999

These are the best UTV options for your desert riding experience. These have been used in the desert and will be able to ride easily in that terrain.

Check out our ATV/UTV Page to Learn More!

Tips for Driving a UTV:

Driving a UTV is a super fun experience and it appeals to a lot of people. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before you head out though. These tips will help you get the most out of your trip and help you stay safe and happy.

If you follow each bit of advice, you’ll have fun driving your UTV for years to come!

  • Don’t do doughnuts. This is a common mistake that people make the first time they drive a UTV. UTVs are not built to safely perform doughnuts. (You technically shouldn’t do this in any vehicle, but UTVs are particularly unbalanced and unprotected). They can tip over if you try to make sharp turns and drifts.
  • Carry what you need to get home. Some good things to keep in your UTV include tools and a first aid kit. Although entertainment items are great to have in your UTV, prioritize the basic maintenance and safety gear.
  • Wear safety gear. No matter how safe of a driver you are, there are dangers with driving a UTV. Wear the proper gear to protect your body. Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and sunglasses to prevent glare from the sun.
  • Learn and follow trail etiquette. Many outdoor trails will have a list of rules for UTV drivers to follow. Some of these may include staying on the right side of the trail, going slow near campgrounds, going cautiously around corners, and staying on marked trails. It is a better experience for everyone driving when you know the rules.
  • Spend money on safety before speed and bling. Having a fancy looking UTV can feel great, but you should spend the money where it counts. Your vehicle won’t be good for much if it gets broken. Don’t worry, once you are safe you can buy those extra things!
  • Drive with a group. If there are other people on the trail, you can join their group. If your UTV breaks down, you do not want to be alone to walk all the way back through the trail.
  • Buy the right tire size for your UTV. Even though other tires may look cooler, they will end up ruining your performance. Your UTV is built with a certain tire size in mind.
  • Use your suspension settings. Your suspension is adjustable so you can make sure that the ride height is set correctly. If you’re too low to the ground, you might get stuck on rough patches of trail.
  • Check your tire pressure. This is important with any vehicle, but especially with a UTV. The tire pressure will effect the safety and performance of your UTV.

These elements will all help you to have a great and safe drive. If you keep these in mind every time you go, you’ll be safer and happier.

Overall, it is important to put safety first when you’re preparing your UTV for a trip. But, once you’re sure you’re safe, feel free to have fun and explore the outdoors in your UTV. UTVs were not built to be a boring experience. Enjoy the ride!

“Welcome to the hellish deserts of the American West — an unforgiving expanse once bravely traversed by pioneers and frontiersmen. To this day, surviving these dusty, unpaved roads takes more than steely determination and a sense of direction; it takes a purpose-built off-roader to bolster favorable odds.”

What to Wear to Race UTV’s:

If you want to take your UTV out in the desert for a race, there are a few things that you will need.

You attire is very important, especially in a desert. The conditions can be rough, and you’ll want to make sure you’re properly protected from sand, wind, and sun. Here is what you will need:

  • Helmet. Just as with any time you ride a UTV, you need a helmet. Race helmets should have shatter-proof shields and liners that are certified to not flame up.
  • Fireproof driving suit. When you are racing, you are sitting over a fuel tank in a cage, strapped to a seat. If there were a fire, you would be in a lot of danger. This precaution will give you a layer of protection if there’s an emergency.
  • Driving shoes. Not only will driving shoes protect you from a fire, but they will also help you improve your driving. You pedal feel is improved if you use lightweight race shoes.
  • Driving gloves. Again, having fireproof gloves is a great option. Your gloves should also be designed for racing and karting. Make sure they’re breathable so your hands don’t get too hot and sweaty though.
  • Safe racecar setup. You need to have a cage with a six-point design. Also, you need four-point harnesses, window nets, a metal roof, doors, and a fire extinguisher.

These items can ultimately save your life when you are out in the desert for a race. Fireproofing everything is the most important thing you can do before a race.

Related Questions:

What is the difference between an ATV and a UTV? An ATV is an all-terrain vehicle. ATV’s are smaller than UTV’s and usually are meant for a single rider. UTV’s are utility task vehicles. UTV’s can seat between 2 and 4 people. UTV’s are more often meant for rough terrain, and hauling.

What’s the best UTV for the money?

  • Kawasaki Mule SX XC- $8,399 (good for doing chores around the farm)
  • Honda Pioneer 500- $8,999
  • Yamaha Wolverine- $10,999
  • Can-Am Maverick Trail 800- $10,999 (great handling machine)
utv for desert
side by side for desert
utility vehicle for desert

Can a UTV be street legal? UTVs are street legal in almost half of the United States of America. However, if you are looking to make your UTV street legal in an illegal state, there are usually kits you can buy to make your UTV street legal. There are a few states where UTVs can never be driven on public roads, however.

Geoff Southworth

I am a California native and I enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. My latest adventures have been taking the family camping, hiking and surfing.

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