You already know the excitement that off-roading brings. But have you ever thought about switching gears and trying out other types of fun off-road vehicles? Whether you’re looking for a new way to tackle rough terrain, want to get your kids more involved, or just want to mix it up, ATVs, UTVs/SxSs, quads and dirt bikes offer a whole new level of fun.
This newbie guide will walk you through what you need to know about these ‘other’ fun off-road vehicles—what they are, their differences, what they’re good for, and which one might be your next toy. So without further ado, here’s a bunch of other fun off-road vehicles (other than your 4×4).
ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
An ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) is a versatile off-road vehicle, typically with four wheels but sometimes with three or six wheels. They’re designed for a variety of terrains and are equipped with a straddle seat and handlebars for steering, accommodating either one or two riders. ATVs are often called “quads” or “four-wheelers” and are great for both recreation and utility purposes.
Quads
The term “Quad” is synonymous with ATV but refers explicitly to four-wheeled off-road vehicles. While ATVs were initially produced with three wheels, modern quads always have four wheels. The quad’s design is optimised for stability and handling on varying terrain.
UTVs/SxSs
Depending on what side of the Pacific you reside on, UTV stands for either “Utility Terrain Vehicle” or “Utility Task Vehicle”. Either way, a UTV is also known as a SxS, or Side-by-Side. A UTV/SxS is a larger off-road vehicle designed to carry more people and equipment.
These fun off-road vehicles have a steering wheel, foot pedals and seats arranged side-by-side, accommodating from two to six passengers. They often come with roll cages and protective enclosures for added safety.
Dirt bikes
A dirt bike is a two-wheeled fun off-road vehicle (a motorbike). When compared to a regular motorbike, you’ll notice they feature long-travel suspension, knobby tyres and higher ground clearance to navigate rocks, mud and uneven trails. They’re lightweight and perfect for those who love the thrill of both two wheels and leaving the tarmac. As that even quite young kids can learn to ride dirt bikes, they’re a great choice of fun off-road vehicle for those with younger family members.
Key differences between ATV, Quad, UTV/SxS, and dirt bikes
| Type | Seating capacity | Enging capacity (cc) | Typical terrain | Common applications | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATV | 1-2 riders | 49cc-1000cc | Varied trails, mud, sand. | Recreational trail riding, farm work, hunting. | Compact, easy to handle, versatile, towing & hauling capabilities. | Limited seating & limited stability on steep or uneven terrain. |
| Quad | 1-2 riders | 49cc-1000cc | Trails, diverse terrain. | Recreational riding & work, although more commonly used for recreation. | Compact, easy to handle, versatile, good performance in uneven terrain. | Limited seating and cargo capacity. |
| UTV/SxS | 2-6 riders | 400cc-1000cc | Rugged, steep, or technical terrain. | Worksite hauling, recreational adventures, racing, hunting, farming. | Higher safety standards, capacity to transport passengers & equipment. Superior performance in rugged and steep terrain. | Larger, more expensive, & harder to maneuver in tight spaces compared to ATVs. |
| Dirt bike | 1 rider | 50cc-500cc | Tight trails, rough terrain. | Motocross, trail riding, enduro racing. | Lower initial cost, light, fast, great for tight trails. | No room for passengers or gear. Requires a higher level of skill and experience to ride. |
Choosing the right off-road vehicle
Choosing between these fun off-road vehicles depends on your needs. ATVs and quads are perfect for solo adventures or light work, while UTVs are better for heavy-duty tasks or riding with friends. Dirt bikes, on the other hand, are ideal for those who want to traverse rough trails or perhaps want their kids to experience the fun of riding a motorbike. Consider factors like terrain, how many people you’ll be riding with, the ages of the riders, and whether you need to haul gear. They each bring something different to the table.
Major brands and what they sell
| Brand | ATV | Quad | UTV/SxS | Dirt bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta Motorcycles | 🟢 | |||
| Can-Am | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |
| CF Moto | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |
| Electric Motion | 🟢 | |||
| GasGas | 🟢 | |||
| Honda | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |
| Husqvarna | 🟢 | |||
| Kawasaki | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 |
| KTM | 🟢 | |||
| Kymco | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |
| Polaris | 🟢 | |||
| Sherco | 🟢 | |||
| Sur-Ron | 🟢 | |||
| Suzuki | 🟢 | |||
| Yamaha | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 |
Now that you know what’s available, stay tuned for our upcoming articles that go into each fun off-road vehicle type a bit more, including what to look for when purchasing, reviews, the best of the best, and handy buyer guides.
