What’s the Cheapest 4-seat Side-by-Side?


Best UTV
cheapest 4 seat UTV
cheapest 4 seat side by side
cheap UTVS
cheap side by sides

The cheapest side-by-sides divided into the categories of Utility, Sport/Recreation, and Extreme Performance are as follows…

  • Utility: Kawasaki Mule 4000 – $9,999
  • Sports/Recreation: Can-Am Commander Max DPS – $14,299
  • Extreme Performance: Polaris RZR S4 1000 – $19,599.

Having compared many different models, across many different brands in the side-by-side market, those are the cheapest models in their class. There are other models of course that are more expensive and that include more things making them comparatively cheaper.

However, as far as the base models go, the aforementioned models are the cheapest four-seater side-by-sides models that you can find on the market right now.

These prices are based on the brand’s website buying them brand new from the site itself. You may be able to find varying prices when purchasing used side-by-sides from different dealerships or even private sales.

For the sake of this article, I will go ahead and use different tables that will illustrate the various prices of various four-seat side-by-sides. I’ll have a large table that will have all of the side-by-sides listed in this post, and then will go about dividing them by the groups of Utility, Sport/Recreation, and Extreme Performance, as well as by brand.

That way you can not only just know what the cheapest side-by-sides are that are on the market currently, but also you can get a good idea of how the prices stack up against other models and brands so that you can get the best idea of price and what each side-by-side has to offer compared to its competition.

Cost of Popular Side by Side Make and Models

BrandModelPrice
KawasakiMule 4000$9,999
PolarisRanger 570-4$11,399
KawasakiMule 4010$11,999
HondaPioneer 700-4$12,399
Can-AmDefender Max (HD8)$13,199
HisunSector 750 Crew$13,799
YamahaViking VI EPS$13,999
Can-AmCommander Max DPS$14,299
PolarisRanger 1000 Crew$14,399
Arctic CatProwler Pro Crew$15,399
MahindraRetriever 750 Gas Crew$15,499
KawasakiTeryx4$15,799
MahindramPact XTV 750 C Gas$15,999
YamahaWolverine X4$16,499
John DeereXUV825M S4$16,549
KubotaRTV-X1140$16,875
HisunStrike Crew 1000$16,999
HondaPioneer 1000-5$17,199
Hisun Sector 1000 Crew$17,299
Can-AmDefender Max XT$17,399
MahindraRetriever 1000 Gas Crew$18,099
MahindramPact XTV 1000 C Diesel$18,599
Can-AmCommander Max XT$18,999
Can-AmMaverick Sport Max DPS$19,599
PolarisRZR S4 1000$19,599
Can-AmMaverick X3 Max Turbo$21,999
PolarisRZR XP 4 Turbo$23,699
PolarisRZR XP 4 Turbo S$25,999
Can-AmMaverick X3 Max X RS Turbo RR$29,999

Visit our UTV Page for more great content!

Utility UTVs

Let us start off by first understanding what a Utility vehicle is. Most people believe that every single side-by-side on the market is a utility vehicle, and in a sense it is. That is if you are classifying at Utility Task Vehicle or Utility Terrain Vehicle.

So in the sense of the title Utility Task Vehicle/Utility Terrain Vehicle, yes every single side-by-side on the planet would fall under the utility section in this article.

Most people, however, consider a side-by-side that is classified as a “utility” type side-by-side is a side-by-side that is specifically designed to do hard and versatile work.

The majority of side-by-sides classified as such will be the ones that have larger cargo beds, have 4×4 capability…typically, and have larger towing and cargo bed capacities.

Almost every single side-by-side has a cargo bed and can hold things, but the utility class side-by-sides are the side-by-sides that have higher capacity rates and specs in these areas.

Utility class vehicles can range from smaller 500cc sized engines to larger 1000cc sized engines and in this table we have a range of engine sizes. Regardless of the engine size, however, utility vehicles will perform better in lower power ranges where it can maximize its torque.

So now that we have a better understanding of what a utility vehicle is and why it is different from the standard UTV nickname for all side-by-sides, let us get into the different side-by-sides listed here in this table.

BrandModelPrice
KawasakiMule 4000$9,999
PolarisRanger 570-4$11,399
KawasakiMule 4010$11,999
HondaPioneer 700-4$12,399
Can-AmDefender Max (HD8)$13,199
HisunSector 750 Crew$13,799
YamahaViking VI EPS$13,999
PolarisRanger Crew 1000$14,399
Arctic CatProwler Pro Crew$15,399
MahindraRetriever 750 Gas Crew$15,499
John DeereXUV825M S4$16,549
KubotaRTV-X1140$16,875
Honda Pioneer 1000-5$17,199
HisunSector Crew 1000$17,299
Can-AmDefender Max XT$17,399
MahindraRetriever 1000 Gas Crew$18,099

Arctic Cat Side by Side

ModelPrice
Prowler Pro Crew$15,399

Arctic Cat is a name that has been around in the side-by-side world for quite a while. They are a Powersports company that has gone by Textron Off-Road for a while when they were bought out by Textron in 2017

Recently, however, the company decided to go back to have their ATVs and side-by-sides under the Arctic Cat name to appease the Arctic Cat enthusiasts out there.

Arctic Cat currently has around five side-by-side models on their website right now, so they are most certainly not the largest provider in the side-by-side market.

While the selection from Arctic Cat may be thin, their products are actually very well made and reliable. They currently only have one four-seat side-by-side which is disappointing, to say the least.

The fact that the only four-seat side-by-side from them is a utility class vehicle makes me even sadder. I personally am hoping that they make a four-seat side-by-side under their sports series, the “wildcat” series.

For now, however, we will just have to make do with the Prowler Pro Crew. Like I said before Arctic Cat side-by-sides are great quality and the Prowler Pro Crew is no exception. It may not be a Wildcat but it is still a good side-by-side.

The Prowler Pro Crew has a three-cylinder, 812cc engine so it certainly is not lacking size or power. What I like best about the Prowler Pro Crew is the engine because it comes with a Whisper Quiet engine.

Arctic Cat went out of their way to make sure that the engine was as quiet as possible by optimizing the engine mountain, having a specially tuned exhaust, and a sound-dampening intake.

Engine noise is a common issue with side-by-sides. Many of the engines are really loud even inside the cabin and it can make conversation hard to have with others so a quiet engine is a nice touch.

The Prowler Pro Crew is quite the workhorse, or should I say workcat, having a towing capability of 2,000 pounds, and a cargo box capacity of 1,000 pounds.

While this article is about four-seat side-by-sides this vehicle can actually hold up to six due to the dual bench seats one in front and the other in the back.

Storage certainly is not a problem for the Prowler Pro Crew either with 17.95 cu-ft of storage. It has behind the seat storage, as well as many other storage compartments in the cab.

While the Prowler Pro Crew is not the cheapest side-by-side on our list, with the storage, quiet power, and much more it is not a bad option.

Can-Am Side by Side

ModelPrice
Defender Max (HD8)$15,199
Defender Max XT$20,399

Defender Max (HD8) – $15,199

Can-Am is a market leader which I feel needs no introduction. The Defender Max is one of many of Can-Ams side-by-sides and when I say many I do mean many. The 2021 side-by-side lineup for Can-Am is huge with over twenty different models to choose from.

There are a lot of different four-seat Defender models as well at least six of them, however since this article is focusing on the cheapest models, I did not list the other four Defender Max models.

The Defender Max Can-Ams Rotax HD8 V-twin engine that produces 50 horsepower and 50 ft-lb of torque. The Defender Max is fit for any worksite job with a towing capacity of 2,500 pounds and a 1,750-pound payload capacity.

The cargo box is nothing to scoff at and has a capacity of 1,000 pounds so you won’t need to be afraid to pack that thing up. One thing I do love about the Defenders is their 40-20-40 seating that can seat up to six adults comfortably.

Can-Am also uses a TTA, torsional trailing arm suspension so that you can have 10 inches of travel throughout the vehicle. And if you happen to be traveling up a hill and need to take a break half-way up no worries, the Defenders parking brake assist will keep your vehicle in place.

Defender Max XT – $17,399

You might think that there can’t be much difference between the Defender Max and the Defender Max XT. After all, how can two letters make that much of a difference between the two side-by-sides?

Well while the letters X and T, do not make much of a difference, the 4,200 dollars extra you are putting into this vehicle does make a difference.

The Defender Max XT can come with the same Rotax HD8 V-twin engine that the Defender Max does, however, if you want it can come with the HD10 engine which is just a bit different from the HD8.

The HD10 could be considered the 1000 model of Can-Am’s Defenders. It is still a V-twin Rotax engine but it produces 82 horsepower and an industry-leading 69 ft-lb of torque.

If you thought the Defender Max was tough with its towing capacity and cargo box capacity, then take that and apply it to this side-by-side but then add a 4,500-pound winch with roller fairlead.

That few extra thousand dollars put into this vehicle does not stop there though, you also get Dynamic Power Steering that you would not get with the base model Max.

Oh, and the suspension is a bit more enhanced than the Defender Max as well. The XT has 13 inches of ground clearance while the Defender Max has just 11.

That about does it for the Utility side-by-sides for Can-Am so you can see what spending a little extra money for these models can add to the vehicle.

Related Reading: Can-Am Polaris Side-by-Sides: 75 Pros and Cons of the Brands

Hisun Side by Sides

ModelPrice
Sector 750 Crew$13,799
Sector 1000 Crew$17,299

Hisun is a Chinese company that has been making side-by-sides for a while and is actually competing quite well with the powerhouses in the market like Polaris and Can-Am.

The biggest reason for that is that they are including a lot of different features for their base models that cost thousands of dollars more with the other name brands and the Sector 750 and 1000 Crew are the perfect examples of that.

Related Reading: Are Hisun Side-by-Sides Good Quality?

Sector 750 Crew – $13,799

The first notable thing with any Hisun side-by-side is that it comes with a 2-year warranty. The Sector comes with a 735cc, single-cylinder, OHC engine. It has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and a cargo box capacity of 500 pounds.

The Sector 750 Crew has 2WD/4WD capabilities, hydraulic shocks with nitrogen assist, a 12-inch ground clearance, and a CVT transmission which are all pretty standard in side-by-sides these days.

So stacked up against the models that Can-Am and arctic Fox offer this seems like not a lot, however, we have yet to touch on the included things that Hisun gives you with their side-by-sides that the competition does not.

Included with the Sector 750 there is A roof, windshield, doors, rearview mirror, aluminum wheels, and a 3,500-pound winch. If you were to put that much stuff on the competitors side-by-sides they would run you up and around the $17,000 mark that we see in the other side-by-sides.

Sector 1000 Crew – $17,299

The Sector 1000 Crew is not that different from the 750 crew except for the fact that it has a larger engine. The Sector 1000 Crew has a 976cc, V-twin engine.

It can tow up to 2,000 pounds, 500 more than the 750, and its cargo box can hold up to 1,000 pounds. Everything that is included with the 750 is included with the 1000 as well, with the addition of a hydraulic cargo dump bed.

So you are getting more power and a hydraulic bed with this model, oh and not to mention that the winch is a 4,500-pound winch not a 3,500 pound one like the 750 models.

Honda UTVs

ModelPrice
Pioneer 700-4$12,399
Pioneer 1000-5$17,199

Pioneer 700-4 – $12,399

I love Honda. I love their cars, and their side-by-sides are no exception. Plus the fact that this Honda Pioneer 700-4 is one of the cheaper models listed in this article that makes me even happier.

Honda uses a 675cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, OHV engine. My favorite part about this vehicle and the Honda side-by-sides, in general, is that it does not use a CVT transmission but instead uses an automatic clutch transmission.

It has three drivetrain modes, 2WD/4WD/and 4WD with a differential lock. The deluxe models even allow you to have a paddle shifter so that you can control the gear shifting, but that is a bit more expensive than the model we have listed here.

The Pioneer 700-4 has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and a cargo bed capacity of 1,000 pounds as well as a ground clearance of 10.5 inches. The suspension really is not all that exciting with this model, it is just a standard wishbone suspension

Pioneer 1000-5 – $17,199

The Pioneer 1000-5 is very similar to the Pioneer 700-4. The primary differences are that the Pioneer 1000-5 has a 999cc, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine.

The transmission is slightly different too, with a fully Automatic Dual-clutch Transmission with six forward gears and reverse. the 1000 model also has an added Turf mode that the 700-4 does not have.

The Dual-clutch transmission is really the selling point for me here on this side-by-side. I personally do not like CVT transmissions and I have said that quite a bit in my posts so to have a dual-clutch transmission in a side-by-side is an upgrade for me.

The Pioneer 1000-5 seats five people rather than four and has a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a 1,000-pound cargo box capacity.

Related Reading: Honda Side-by-Sides: How do they compare with Polaris?

John Deere Side by Sides

ModelPrice
XUV825M S4$16,549

I will be completely honest here, for me, this side-by-side simply is not worth the money. If you are a die-hard John Deere fan, then perhaps you will get it, but with all the other options out there, I do not believe this vehicle should cost what it does.

That is not to say that the vehicle is trash, on the contrary, it has some awesome specs. The vehicle has an 812cc engine that produces 52 horsepower and can get up to 71 mph in high gear.

The cargo box has a capacity of 1000 pounds, and the vehicle has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds couple that with an On-demand true 4WD and you will not be lacking for power. and potential.

That is about it. The suspension is standard, and nothing is included. No roof, noo doors, other than the mesh things they give you. There are attachments that you can buy and put on to your side-by-side but that, of course, costs more money.

So all in all a pretty run of the mill side-by-side that costs way too much money because of the John Deere name in my opinion, but buy what you will, it is your decision in the end after all.

Kawasaki Side by Sides

ModelPrice
Mule 4000$9,999
Mule 4010$11,999

Mule 4000 – $9,999

The Kawasaki Mule 4,000 our winner of what is the cheapest four-seat side-by-side. I will start off by saying it is not a terrible side-by-side as far as options go but it certainly is not the best.

It is a pretty good quality side-by-side and it is decent for work, my biggest hangup is that this thing is as ugly as the many Christmas sweaters that haunt my closet.

Besides it being ugly, the Mule 4000 does not really pack the biggest punch when it comes to payloads, towing, drivetrain, and much more, despite the website calling it a “workhorse” and “versatile.”

The four-person Mule 4000 is only 2WD, but it does have a front and rear differential lock. Though the Mule has a 617cc, twin-cylinder engine, it only produces 34.3 ft-lb of torque. That translates into a meager 1,200 pound towing capacity.

And while a steel cargo bed sounds nice and flashy, when you realize that it only has a 400-pound cargo capacity for the four-seater model, it is less attractive. Plus the ground clearance on this thing is only 7.7 inches.

It may be the cheapest four-seat side-by-side on the market right now and have a 3-year warranty but the reasons why it is so cheap are quite apparent.

Mule 4010 – $11,999

So does the Mule 4010 Make up for the faults in the Mule 4000? the answer is no. The only difference with this vehicle is that it has Electric Power Steering, and has 4×4 capability that is all. Everything else is the same.

Kubota

ModelPrice
RTV-X1140$16,875

Moving on toe Kubota, a brand that is well known within power-tools and construction vehicles and equipment. So to start off, Kubota does give a 2-year/1,000 hour warranty on this side-by-side so you can at least be at ease with knowing you’re covered within reason.

Once again I find myself feeling that this vehicle simply is not worth the price. The RTV’s engine is 1000cc so it is quite big and it is a 3-cylinder.

What confuses me is how the vehicle only produces 24.8 horsepower it can only tow up to 1,300 pounds. You would think that an engine of that size would produce more if they had tuned it to do so.

If you get the long cargo bed it can hold up to 500 pounds and if you have the short cargo bed it can hold only up to 300 pounds. The side-by-side only has a ground clearance of about 11 inches and is a 4WD vehicle.

Looking at the pure specs, I would not say this vehicle warrants an almost $17,000 price tag. Perhaps it is because of the brand, or the attachments you can put on it but still, if you are not working at a job site and using a bunch of attachments, this would not be my go-to.

Mahindra

ModelPrice
Retriever 750 Gas Crew$15,499
Retriever 1000 Gas Crew$18,099

Retriever 750 Gas Crew – $15,499

Perhaps you know of Mahindra, perhaps you do not. I got to know them in my time spent in Honduras where they had trucks everywhere. They are a little less known here in the United States in my opinion.

I will give it to them though, their side-by-sides look really cool. I love the design. The Retriever 750 Gas Crew comes with a 3-year warranty and a 747cc engine that can get up to 33 mph.

Currently, the Mahindra has te best cargo bed capacity, with a 1,200-pound limit and the cargo bed has an electric lift to help with the dumping. The towing capacity is not that bad either with a 2,100 pound limit for the 750 Gas model.

You will get 12 inches of ground clearance with this model and it has True 4WD with front and rear diff lock that can be activated by the push of a button.

The cargo bed is not the only thing best in its class. Mahindra is also top of the line for legroom/seat comfort with a 19-inch entry space. The vehicle comes with 14-inch aluminum wheels and a 4.3 inch LCD instrument display panel.

It is actually a pretty decent side-by-side and it is powerful and tough, the 1000 gas model is even tougher, so let us get into that.

Retriever 1000 Gas Crew – $18,099

The 1000 Gas Crew has everything that te 750 has but with some added features such as 83 horsepower, and 2,500 lb towing capacity. Everything else is basically the same with this model, except the 1000 gas model has a 1,000-pound cargo box capacity instead of the 1,200-pound capacity.

Polaris UTVs

ModelPrice
Ranger 570-4$11,399
Ranger Crew 1000$14,399

Ranger 570-4 – $11,399

The Ranger 570-4 has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and a cargo box capacity of 500 pounds. Its 570cc engine produces 44 horsepower so you can get to places fairly quickly while towing what you will.

The Ranger 570-4 has True On-Demand AWD coupled with a suspension that gives you 10 inches of total ground clearance. This is actually a really good side-by-side and it is fairly cheap coming from the world leader in Powersports.

I would say compare this to the cheaper Mule 4000 and this is your better buy.

Ranger Crew 1000 – $14,399

If you have a little extra money to spend though then I would consider getting the Ranger Crew 1000. The Crew 1000 uses a 999cc single overhead cam engine that produces 61 horsepower and 55 ft-lb of low-end torque.

You get 12 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of suspension travel front and back. The CVT transmission was also specifically protected in this model to ensure longer lasting transmission life.

There are plenty of other features as well that make this side-by-side a good buy such as thicker seats, improved bushings, added storage space, and much more.

Yamaha Side by Sides

ModelPrice
Viking VI EPS$13,999

Now we come to another one of my favorite side-by-sides, the Viking VI EPS by Yamaha. Personally like this side-by-side because it looks awesome and rides pretty well too. Plus for the price, you save a couple of thousand dollars while not losing out on quality.

The Viking comes with electronic power steering, a 688cc liquid-cooled, SOHC engine, as well as On-command 4WD. Really the suspension is pretty standard for this vehicle using a double-wishbone suspension as well as an 11.4-inch ground clearance.

The Viking can tow up to 1,500 pounds and can carry up to 600 pounds in its cargo box. Some of the best features of this vehicle though is that like Arctic Cat, Yamaha went above and beyond to ensure the engine was much quieter.

Sport/Recreational Side by Sides

The Sport/Recreational side-by-sides are not all too different from the utility-style side-by-sides except for the fact that I would classify them as a bit more adventure capable.

Whereas the utility side-by-sides are tuned to haul and tow more things, the sport/recreational side-by-sides are made to better handle the trails, mud, and rocks.

The engines can be a bit bigger, but the big difference is how the suspension is tuned. These side-by-sides tend to have nicer shocks and suspension systems. They also tend to be a bit thinner to fit down trails and have added protection like front end bars, skid-plates, and the like.

Utility vehicles can come with added things that make them trail-capable, but sport/recreation models are usually made from the factory to be ready for the trails and fast speeds.

BrandModelPrice
Can-AmCommander Max DPS$14,299
KawasakiTeryx4$15,799
MahindramPact XTV 750 C Gas$15,999
YamahaWolverine X4$16,499
HisunStrike 1000 Crew$16,999
MahindramPact XTV 1000 C Diesel$18,599
Can-AmCommander Max XT$18,999
Can-AmMaverick Sport Max DPS$19,599
PolarisGeneral 1000-4$21,799

Can-Am

ModelPrice
Commander Max DPS$14,299
Commander Max XT$18,999
Maverick Sport Max DPS$19,599

Commander Max DPS – $14,299

The Commander series only has 3 four-seat side-by-sides which are the two we have mentioned here. These side-by-sides are very similar to the Maverick Sport mentioned in the table as well.

They are essentially a more trail-capable Ranger. The Commander Max DPS uses the V-twin, Rotax 800R engine that produces 71 horsepower. the Commander Max DPS, obviously has dynamic power steering, hence the DPS in the name.

The Commander Max uses Can-Am’s torsional trailing arm suspension to help to have better handling over the vehicle. The cargo box of the Commander is not as durable as the Rangers, but it can handle up to 600 pounds which is still quite a bit.

The commander seems to lack just a bit when it comes to ground clearance, only having 11-inches of ground clearance and 10-inches of travel.

Commander Max XT – $18,999

If you want to pay an extra $5,000 then you can get the Commander Max XT, that gives you a bit more than the Commander Max DPS does. The XT comes with a 4,500 pound winch as well as a 1000R engine that produces 92 horsepower.

Everything else is really the same as the Max DPS though.

Maverick Sport Max DPS – $19,599

The Maverick Sport Max DPS is the only 4-seat Maverick Sport that Can-Am has to offer. It has the same V-twin 1000R engine as the Commander Max XT does, so not too different there.

The Maverick Sport does have 12 inches of ground clearance so it sits higher than the Commander does. The real kick about the Maverick Sport is that this machine was made for the trails.

It has a 60-inch wide stance making it extremely slim and able to fit in close-quarters trails. It has a front steel bumper and reinforced skid plates under the side-by-side so it is well protected on all ends.

With the power, protection, and the small size it has to offer, the Maveric, Sport Max DPS is a trail beast.

Hisun

ModelPrice
Strike 1000 Crew$16,999

While the Hisun Strike is not the coolest, fastest, or most versatile side-by-side on the market, it wins you over in included features true to the Hisun standard.

The Strike 1000 Crew has V-twin OHC, 976cc engine typical for a 1000 model side-by-side. It has a CVT transmission and is 2WD/4WD. The suspension is all standard Dual A-arm suspension and the vehicle has a ground clearance of 13 inches.

Its cargo bed can hold up to 350 pounds and it has a towing rate of 1,764 pounds. The included features on this side-by-side are windshields, doors, a roof, a 4,500-pound winch, side-mirrors, and aluminum wheels.

Kawasaki

ModelPrice
Teryx4$15,799

The Teryx4 is Kawasakis take at a sport/recreational vehicle, and they do not do too bad for the most part. I know I have been pretty tough on Kawasaki in this article, but they actually hold up a good product when it comes to the Teryx4.

The Teryx has a 783cc Twin-cylinder engine, Fox Podium 2.0 Piggyback shocks, as well as EPS steering. The side-by-side has a ground clearance of 11 inches, a cargo bed capacity of 250 pounds and a towing capacity of 1,300 pounds.

So while it is not the fastest side-by-side on the market it is a good quality side-by-side with reliable power and suspension. Kawasaki also gives a 3-year warranty on this vehicle.

Mahindra

ModelPrice
mPact XTV 750 C Gas$15,999
mPact XTV 1000 C Diesel$18,599

mPact XTV 750 C Gas – $15,999

The Mahindra mPact XTV 750 C Gas comes with a 3-year warranty and a 747cc engine. It is quite similar to the Kawaski Teryx in those senses. The Cargo box carries more than the Teryx4’s having a capacity of 1,200 pounds, and it tows more as well with a capacity of 2,100 pounds.

You get 12 inches of ground clearance with this mPact as well as True 4WD This Mahindra is very similar to the aforementioned Retrievers.

mPact XTV 1000 C Diesel – $18,599

The Diesel is not too different from the 750 gas except for the fact that it runs on diesel and has a 3-cylinder 1000cc engine. The towing capacity is the same and the cargo box capacity is only 200 pounds less than the 750 gas model.

Everything else is the same.

Polaris

ModelPrice
General 1000-4$21,799

The General 1000 is an interesting addition to the Polaris lineup. There are now smaller Generals, they are all 1000 models. You might wonder why it is so expensive compared to the rest of the vehicles Polaris offers.

That has a lot to od with what is included in the General. The General comes with half-doors and a 4,500-pound winch. It also has a bumper attached to the front.

It has 12 inches of ground clearance and the General is nice and slim with a width of 62-inches so it can get into those small spaces. The shocks are great too, Fox 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks so you have a smooth ride over tough terrain.

Also, the General puts out power from its ProStar 1000cc engine, producing 100 horsepower. So while it is very expensive, remember you are paying for additional features and brand name stuff.

Yamaha

ModelPrice
Wolverine X4$16,499

The Wolverine X4 comes with a 847cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 8 valve engine. Its transmission is an Ultramatic V-belt. The drivetrain is an On-Command 3-way locking diff; 2WD, 4WD, and full diff-lock 4WD.

The suspension is not all too fancy just a standard independent double-wishbone suspension. Although the shocks on the Wolverine are self-leveling so you get a softer ride.

The Wolverine X4 is honestly a great side-by-side. I have no real issues or things to say about it. they use industry-leading technology to help give you a great ride.

UTVs for Extreme Performance

Getting into the big-boys of the market, we have extreme performance side-by-sides. These side-by-sides are the most powerful and fastest on the market.

They will push around 120-200 horsepower and are meant for racing in the forest and hopping the dunes. They are all pretty pricey but for the technology and kind of ride you are getting, they can’t be beaten.

BrandModelPrice
PolarisRZR S4 1000$19,599
Can-AmMaverick X3 Max Turbo$21,999
PolarisRZR XP 4 Turbo$23,699
PolarisRZR XP 4 Turbo S$25,999
Can-AmMaverick X3 Max X RS Turbo RR$29,999

Can-Am

ModelPrice
Maverick X3 Max Turbo$21,999
Maverick X3 Max X RS Turbo RR$29,999

Maverick X3 Max Turbo – $21,999

Can-Am currently has a plethora of Maverick X3s in their 2020 lineup, we just chose two that show the ends of the spectrum. Many other ones are very similar with only a few additions here and there.

The X3 Max Turbo has a turbocharged ACE engine that produces 120 horsepower, more than enough to whip around and put you in the back of your seat.

It also has a high-quality CVT transmission, a QRS-X CVT to be exact that helps eliminate lag from the turbo when shifting. The Max Turbo has 20-inches of travel coupled with a TTX suspension with 13-inches of ground clearance.

You add all of that to a Double A-arm suspension and front swaybar you really have one heck of a handling machine. The suspension uses Fox 2.5 Piggyback shocks what are adjustable.

Maverick X3 Max RS Turbo RR – $29,999

This is by far, one of the most expensive side-by-sides out on the market withholding some of the electric side-by-sides starting to make an appearance.

The Max RS Turbo RR is a monster really. It is 72-inches wide, has a 16-inch ground clearance and has a 195 horsepower engine. The suspension is pretty similar to the Max Turbo except for the fact it uses 3.0 Fox Podium RC2 shocks.

Whether you choose this behemoth or the lesser Max Turbo, know that you will be going fast and having one heck of a ride.

Polaris

ModelPrice
RZR S4 1000$19,599
RZR XP 4 Turbo$23,699
RZR XP 4 Turbo S$25,999

RZR S4 1000 – $19,599

The RZR S4 1000 is Polaris’s way to match the Maverick X3 Max Turbo. The S4 1000 uses a ProStar 1000 engine that produces 100 horsepower. It has 13.5-inches of travel and 12.5 inches of ground clearance.

One area that the RZR has the leg up on the Maverick Max Turbo here is that it has a 60-inch stance. It is not as wide as the Maverick ad so that makes cornering easier and gives better stability.

While it doesn’t have a turbo the S4 keeps up with the Maverick X3 Max Turbo just fine.

RZR XP 4 Turbo – $23,699

With the RZR XP 4 Turbo, take everything I said about the S4, jack it up, make it a bit wider, and slap a turbo in it and you’ll have the XP 4 Turbo.

The XP 4 Turbo has a 64-inch width, 168 horsepower, and 20-inches of usable travel with 14-inches of ground clearance. While it is still a bit short of the ground clearance of the Maverick of its class, I believe the small width make sup for it.

The Walker Evans Needle Shocks help to keep the side-by-side stable and on the ground, well that is when you aren’t sending it over a hill or dune.

RZR XP 4 Turbo S – $25,999

So why spend an extra three grand for the XP 4 Turbo S? Well, do you like cool tech inside the cabin? New tech isn’t the only thing it offers.

The Turbo S has a slightly wider stance at 72-inches and a higher suspension. It has 25-inches of usable travel and a 16-inch ground clearance rivaling that of the Maverick X3 Turbo RR. They also put Walker Evans Velocity shocks so that when you hit the ground hard, you don’t even feel it.

Oh, and those shocks are internal by-pass live-valve shocks so you can adjust them through the touch screen display inside the vehicle, pretty worth the upgrade if you ask me.

The Turbo S comes with a reinforced roof, 7-inch digital display and Ride Command (that’s how you control the shocks). So all in all Polaris makes that 3 grand extra go a long way.

Why Do UTVs Cost So Much?

Side-by-side vehicles, or UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles), have surged in popularity recently, capturing the interest of both off-road enthusiasts and weekend adventurers. These versatile all-terrain machines are often favored over ATVs for their superior comfort and performance.

However, the higher price tag of UTVs may prompt some to question its justification. After all, many components found in a UTV are comparable to those in other vehicle types. Yet, multiple factors converge to determine the cost of a side-by-side, leading to its premium pricing.

Foremost, crafting a UTV demands intricate engineering surpassing that of many vehicles. The robust and enduring nature of UTVs requires meticulous design, necessitating top-grade materials and components equipped to tackle uneven terrains.

Additionally, UTVs frequently boast larger engines than conventional ATVs. These larger powerhouses mandate sturdier transmission systems and other elements to adeptly handle the essential torque for off-road escapades and heavy-duty hauling.

Moreover, UTVs often necessitate specialized tires providing optimal traction across diverse terrains, ensuring both a smooth ride and optimal performance. These purpose-built tires often command a higher price compared to those used in similar vehicles.

In essence, the amalgamation of precision engineering, potent engines, and specialized components collectively contributes to the elevated cost associated with side-by-side vehicles.

To more on why these vehicles sell at such a high cost, click here.

Best Side-by-Sides Under $10,000

If you’re looking for something a little more expensive and advanced, we have a great collection of UTVs selling under $10,000.

These UTVs stand out for their excellent fuel efficiency and user-friendly design, avoiding common complications associated with UTVs.

While many UTV buyers focus on aesthetics or speed, it’s important to identify a dependable and budget-friendly option that suits your specific needs. Keep reading to discover how to spot these exceptional qualities in a reliable side-by-side.

While the mentioned UTVs are excellent choices, it’s crucial to be able to identify these qualities firsthand.

  • Kawasaki Mule SX XC – $8,649.
  • Honda Pioneer 500 –  $8,599
  • Polaris Ranger 500 – $9,999
  • Can-Am Defender HD5-$9,999*
  • Polaris ACE 570ESP: $9,299
  • CF Moto ZFORCE 800: $9,999
  • Polaris Ranger 570: $9,999
  • Kymco UXV450: $8,799
  • 2016 Hisun Sector 750: $8999
  • Textron Prowler 500: $8,999

To read more on each one of these amazing UTV models, check out “Best Side-by-Side Vehicles Under $10,000.”

Best Electric 4×4 Utility Vehicles

Individuals are becoming increasingly attuned to their carbon impact, spurring the search for eco-conscious solutions. This awareness extends to both daily commutes and off-road adventures, prompting leading UTV brands, along with a fresh contender in the Powersports arena, to respond.

While gas-powered engines have traditionally reigned in the UTV domain, electric vehicles are now asserting their presence. Although electric vehicles have been in existence since 2009, their recent surge in popularity is noteworthy. This resurgence owes much to advancements in technology, rendering them more reliable and adaptable than their earlier iterations.

Enhanced technology has ushered these vehicles into a new era, garnering attention from hunters and environmentally-conscious enthusiasts. The marriage of innovation and environmental responsibility is fueling a growing investment trend in electric side-by-sides.

The 5 Best Electric 4 Seater UTV are as follows…

  • Polaris Ranger EV
  • Polaris Ranger EV LI-ION
  • Nikola Zero
  • Hisun Sector E1
  • Textron Prowler EV

To learn the specifics on each of these models, read our whole article on the 5 Best Electric 4×4 Utility Vehicles.

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.

Recent Posts

outdoortroop-21 outdoortroop-20