The 17 Best UTVs of 2024 to Drive on the Wild Side
Are you ready to blast through sand dunes, peel through mud, and explore some of the world’s toughest trails? Looking for an easier way to get into the backcountry or just feed your friends a face full of dirt? Sounds like you need some seat time in side-by-side UTVs (utility task vehicles), the ultimate outdoor vehicles.
UTVs—also called side-by-sides (SXSs)—are relatively small, maneuverable four-wheeled vehicles designed for off-road use. Ideal for navigating tight trails and rough terrain, UTVs are also great for recreational riding, hunting, and hauling supplies and people to locations where a road-going vehicle might be impractical. Can-Am Maverick R X RS is our pick for the best overall side-by-side you can buy today—as long as you're looking for off-road thrills and not a farm or ranch workhorse.
But to help guide your search, we’ve rounded up our favorite side-by-side UTVs for 2024—including an EV model—for sport, ranch work, and leisure. Any of these four-wheeled beasts will satisfy your off-road appetite.
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The Best Side-by-Sides at a Glance
Best Overall Side-by-Side: Can-Am Maverick R X RS Smart-Shox
Best Budget Sport Side-by-Side: Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 eS
Best Recreational Side-by-Side: Polaris RZR XP 1000 Sport
Best Four-Seater Side-by-Side: Can-Am Maverick X3 Max X Rs Turbo RR Smart-Shox
Best Reliable Side-by-Side: Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R
Best Sport/Utility Side-by-Side: Kawasaki Ridge XR HVAC
Best Budget Side-by-Side: Honda Pioneer 1000-5
Best Entry Level Side-by-Side: Yamaha Wolverine X2 850 R-Spec
Best Overall Side-by-Side: Can-Am Maverick R X RS Smart-Shox
Can-Am launched a brand spankin' new unlimited-class sport machine for 2024. The new Maverick R is easily the wildest production side-by-side we’ve ever seen or driven. Its turbo-charged engine cranks out a face-melting 240 horsepower, and runs it through an impossibly fast 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The striking “Tall Knuckle” suspension system is easily the smoothest and most stable we’ve tested to date, especially when bolted to the Fox Podium Smart-Shox found on the flagship version. Simply put, this is the fastest production UTV in the world.
Best Budget Sport Side-by-Side: Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 eS
If you’re looking for an extremely capable rig but don’t need the ungodly power of a turbo-charged machine, Kawasaki’s Teryx KRX 1000 delivers serious bang for your buck. The brand's “eS” trim level is our favorite option because it includes Fox’s outstanding 2.5 Podium Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks while still coming in well below the $25K mark. You’re also getting shift-on-the-fly electronic four-wheel drive and a locking front differential; a rugged CVT transmission; and Kawasaki’s electronically controlled suspension, which offers three selectable modes (soft, medium, and firm) without touching a single clicker. The eS model also comes equipped with a Hifonics stereo system and 31-inch tires spooned onto bead-lock wheels, making it a particularly smart buy compared to the base model.
Best Recreational Side-by-Side: Polaris RZR XP 1000 Sport
For 2024, the entire Polaris RZR XP lineup, the industry’s best-selling sport side-by-side, has been completely redesigned from the ground up with a focus on class-leading durability, comfort, and performance. It’s available in two- and four-seat configurations in three trims: Sport, Premium, and Ultimate. RZR XP Sport certainly has plenty of oomph: Owners can enjoy 114 horsepower from a ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine. Extra traction for technical terrain comes via Polaris’ fast engaging on-demand All Wheel Drive system. Rocks, roots, sand, and mud are no match for this rig’s 20 inches of usable travel and 2.5-inch Walker Evans Racing needle shocks. It features 29-inch Trailmaster X/T tires, color-matched seats and springs, LED headlights, illuminated in-cab switches, and a new digital display. To fully align the ride experience with the terrain, there are four RZR XP rider collections with more than 60 accessories–doors, storage, fender flares, windshields–designed for trail, mud, backcountry, and all-season use.
Best Four-Seater Side-by-Side: Can-Am Maverick X3 Max X Rs Turbo RR Smart-Shox
Four-seat UTVs are great for hauling friends and family, but Can-Am’s top-of-the-line Maverick X3 Max Turbo RR also happens to be great for hauling ass. Ultra-wide, ultra-stable, and ultra-powerful—thanks to a 200-horsepower 900cc Rotax engine—Turbo RR will take you and three lucky passengers just about anywhere on the planet. This machine wants for nothing with Smark-Lok differentials, 22 inches of suspension travel via Fox 3.0 Podium Smart-Shox, 32-inch tires on bead-lock wheels, and a trophy truck-style double A-arm front end. The Smart-Shox version also gets upgraded 4-point harnesses throughout, which your kids will appreciate whenever all four wheels leave the ground.
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Best Reliable Side-by-Side: Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R
With its factory-installed Warn winch, red and tan livery, color-matched wheels, and 998cc inline-triple engine, Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R is a stylish and high-spec standout among UTVs. Its drivetrain incorporates Yamaha’s On-Command 4WD system for ultimate traction with easily selected 2WD, 4WD limited-slip, and 4WD full-differential lock modes. Lower-spec versions of YXZ1000R are the only game in town with a true manual transmission (which is just as fun as it sounds), but we’re also big fans of the flagship trim XT-R’s “Yamaha Sport Shift” system, which employs a 6-speed sequential gearbox (no CVT here) with an automatic clutch for maximum power and traction at all times.
Best Sport/Utility Side-by-Side: Kawasaki Ridge XR HVAC
Sport/utility UTVs are the most versatile rigs out there, combining equal parts work and play for speed when you want it and capability when you need it. Kawasaki earns our top pick in the segment with its all-new Ridge XR HVAC, which delivers more bang for your buck than anything else on the market. Major highlights include a rev-happy 116-horsepower, inline-4-cylinder engine, as well as a fully enclosed cab with both heat and air conditioning. Pricing was just announced for the brand-new Ridge and it starts at $23,999 for the base model; $29,999 for XR; and $31,999 for XR HVAC, featured here. That reasonable sum buys you a bunch of goodies like selectable four-wheel drive, locking differentials, selectable power modes, a handsome full-color TFT dash, an HVAC system (hence the name), as well as serious utility specs like a 2,000-pound tow/haul rating and an extra-large dump bed rated for 1,000 pounds. We’ll also note that Kawasaki offers the best warranty in the business with a full three years of coverage, adding serious value to a rig that’s intended to work as hard as it plays.
Best Budget Side-by-Side: Honda Pioneer 1000-5
Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Side-by-Side UTV can tow the whole crew around, thanks to its 999cc parallel twin engine. We love the extra safety touches Honda includes as standard, like debris-blocking side nets and an effective traction control system, which uses the brakes to limit wheel spin for optimal grip in place of a locking differential. The base model Pioneer is a great deal at well under $20,000, but if extra features are what you’re after, Honda offers three additional trim levels with extra seats, storage space, a 4,500-pound winch, and even Fox QS3 shocks.
Best Entry Level Side-by-Side: Yamaha Wolverine X2 850 R-Spec
Entry level isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Yamaha Wolverine X2 850 is wildly affordable, yet also benefits from one of the most reliable engines on the market, Big Blue’s 847cc parallel twin. The power plant has more than enough giddyup to keep you entertained on the trail, but this rig is also built to work with a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a cargo bed that’s rated up to 600 pounds. The X2’s narrower 62-inch width and 84-inch wheelbase also make it well-suited to narrow trails than your typical recreational side-by-side, so it’s a great candidate if you’re looking to venture deeper into the woods for work or play.
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More Side-by-Side UTVs We Love
How to Choose the Best UTV for You
UTVs come in various types, each designed for specific purposes and terrain. Generally you'll want to match the type of side-by-side UTV you need with your intended use, whether it's for high-speed off-roading, hard-wearing utility work, or more relaxed adventures in the great outdoors.
Utility
Designed for work-related tasks like farming, ranching, and landscaping
Prioritize functionality and durability over speed and agility
Have a more robust construction with heavy-duty frames, powerful engines, and stronger suspension systems to better handle demanding workloads
Usually come with practical features such as dump beds, larger towing capacities, and multiple seating options in bench-style configuration for comfortable transport at lower speeds
Sport
Made for high-performance driving and can be used from the dealer to off-road races
Typically have powerful engines, advanced suspension systems, and lightweight frames for agility and speed
Built for enhanced maneuverability and handling on challenging off-road features like dunes, rocky trails, and mud pits
Sleeker and sexier than most SXS designs; usually equipped with racing-inspired features like racing seats, harnesses, and high-performance tires
Sport Utility
Combine elements of both sport and utility vehicles, offering a balance between performance and practicality
Versatile and handle a wide range of tasks, from recreational riding to light-duty work
Usually have more horsepower and beefier suspension systems compared to regular utility UTVs, allowing them to go on rougher terrain
Also come with options like cargo racks, increased towing capacities, and comfortable seating for longer rides
Recreational
Designed for recreational activities such as trail riding, hunting, camping, and exploring the outdoors
Prioritize comfort, convenience, and entertainment for leisure
Often have various amenities like comfortable seating, sound systems, GPS navigation, and extra storage spots for gear and supplies
Versatile and can be customized with accessories like roof racks, winches, and LED light bars
What We Look for in the Best UTVS
Engine Size
Engine displacement and power will affect the UTV's speed, towing capacity, and overall performance. Most options offer around 100 to 200 horsepower, and the typical displacement is 500 to 1,000cc across almost all UTV manufacturers. Generally speaking, larger displacement creates more horsepower, which equals higher top speeds and better towing and hauling capacity. However, turbochargers can wring more power out of smaller engines (and several models on this list are turbocharged), so bigger displacement isn't the only way to get more oomph.
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Suspension
Suspension dictates the smoothness of the ride and handling. UTVs are typically equipped with either a fully independent suspension system or a solid rear axle setup; the former is the best option for UTVs because it provides more flexibility and balance for off-road terrain.
When it comes to shocks, typical options include standard non-adjustable shocks (while they lack adjustability, they have stronger springs to manage bumps and vibrations); preload adjustable shocks (a beginner-friendly system that offers consistent operation); and fully adjustable piggyback reservoir shocks (for the advanced rider, typically included with premium models).
Why You Should Trust Us
Eric Hendrikx has contributed to Men's Journal and conducted extensive testing, reviews, and coverage of motorsports vehicles, gear, and riders for major publications such as Rolling Stone, Motorcyclist, Revolver, and Playboy for more than 10 years. As a lifelong motorcyclist and passionate enthusiast, he's dedicated to presenting the latest and most exciting developments to readers who value detailed information to guide their vehicle and gear purchases. Motorcycling is part of his DNA. He's embraced the thrill of off-road riding since he got his first motorcycle, a 1987 Honda CR125, at age 15.
Motorcycles may be Kurt Spurlock's first love, but side-by-sides will forever be his guilty pleasure. A well-made UTV is quite simply the most capable off-road rig money can buy, and over the years they've taken him rock crawling through the Grand Canyon, slinging mud around the woods of Wisconsin, and surfing sand from the dunes of Glamis to the Wild West that is Baja California. He's seen triple-digit speeds in factory race machines, worked in the pits for championship desert teams, and ridden shotgun with some of the sport's most exciting athletes. Writing about power sports may be his full-time job, but believe him when he tells you, driving a side-by-side has never felt like work.
