UTV Brands Guide: A Deep Dive Into the Best Utility Terrain Vehicles in 2025

The off-road scene continues to grow with enthusiasts, farmers, and weekend adventurers seeking vehicles that deliver power, reliability, and flexibility. Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), also known as side-by-sides, are among the most sought-after vehicles in this space. Whether you’re navigating rugged trails, hauling equipment, or racing across sand dunes, the right UTV makes all the difference.

This UTV Brands Guide is designed to help you make informed choices by highlighting top manufacturers, comparing leading models, and covering what to look for in your next UTV purchase.

What Is a UTV?

Before jumping into brand comparisons, it’s important to understand what a UTV is and how it differs from ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles). UTVs are:

Larger than ATVs with seating for two to six people.

Equipped with a steering wheel and foot pedals, offering a driving experience closer to a car than a motorcycle.

Often used for both utility and recreation, with models catering to farming, hunting, racing, and trail riding.

How to Use This UTV Brands Guide

This guide breaks down the most popular and reliable UTV brands in the market, offering insight into:

Key features of each brand

Most popular models

Target audience and use cases

Pros and cons

1. Polaris

Polaris is arguably the most recognized name in the UTV market and a leader in innovation.

Key Models:

RZR Series – Built for sport and performance

Ranger Series – Designed for utility and work

General Series – Hybrid for both work and recreation

What Makes Polaris Stand Out:

Powerful engines (ProStar and turbocharged options)

Cutting-edge tech (Ride Command, GPS, Bluetooth)

Widely available accessories and aftermarket parts

Best For:

Trail riders, racers, and landowners needing heavy-duty capabilities.

Considerations:

Premium models can get expensive quickly. Maintenance and repair costs can be higher than average.

2. Can-Am (BRP)

Can-Am, a part of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), has earned its place with stylish, powerful UTVs that are trail-ready and dependable.

Key Models:

Maverick X3 – High-performance side-by-side

Defender – Built tough for utility

Commander – Combines sport and work versatility

What Makes Can-Am Stand Out:

Industry-leading horsepower in sport models

High-quality suspension systems

Modern, aggressive design

Best For:

High-speed desert racing, rugged trail riding, and backcountry exploration.

Considerations:

Can-Am’s performance focus often comes with a higher price tag.

3. Honda

Honda brings reliability, engineering excellence, and no-nonsense designs to the UTV market.

Key Models:

Pioneer 500 / 700 / 1000 – Scalable options based on power needs

Talons – Sportier options with DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)

What Makes Honda Stand Out:

Legendary Honda engine reliability

Smooth DCT transmission (no CVT belts)

Simple, maintenance-friendly design

Best For:

Families, weekend adventurers, and ranchers who want a long-lasting machine with fewer headaches.

Considerations:

Not as flashy or fast as competitors; limited aftermarket support compared to Polaris or Can-Am.

4. Yamaha

Yamaha is another big name in motorsports and brings a mix of innovation, performance, and trail-tested toughness.

Key Models:

Wolverine RMAX – Combines comfort with off-road performance

Viking – More utility-focused

YXZ1000R – Pure sport UTV with manual transmission

What Makes Yamaha Stand Out:

Manual transmission in YXZ (rare in UTVs)

Quiet and reliable engines

Excellent suspension systems

Best For:

Experienced riders who like a hands-on, engaged driving experience or need comfort on long rides.

Considerations:

Manual models may not be ideal for all users. Some models come with a learning curve.

5. Kawasaki

Kawasaki brings value, simplicity, and durability to the UTV world. The company focuses on practical, hard-working machines.

Key Models

Teryx / Teryx KRX 1000 – More aggressive sport options

Mule Series – Industry staple for utility use

What Makes Kawasaki Stand Out:

Budget-friendly options

Easy maintenance

Smooth, predictable handling

Best For:

Farmers, ranchers, and small business owners who want utility over sport.

Considerations:

Lacks some of the modern amenities and flashier tech of other brands.

6. Arctic Cat

A lesser-known but capable brand, Arctic Cat is favored by loyalists who appreciate durability and simplicity.

Key Models:

Wildcat XX – Built for sport

Prowler Pro – Utility-focused with a quiet engine

What Makes Arctic Cat Stand Out:

Strong chassis and suspension design

Value-based pricing

Good for DIY mechanics

Best For:

Budget-minded trail riders and hunters.

Considerations:

Dealer support can be limited in some regions.

7. CF Moto

CF Moto is a rising brand offering surprisingly strong features at competitive prices. Made in China but gaining trust globally.

Key Models:

ZForce Series – Sport-oriented

UForce Series – Utility-focused with good hauling capabilities

What Makes CF Moto Stand Out:

Affordable with premium features (winches, EPS, etc.)

Stylish design

Growing dealer network

Best For:

New riders or budget-conscious users who want value without sacrificing too much performance.

Considerations:

Long-term reliability is still being proven. Resale value is lower than premium brands.

Comparing UTV Brands at a Glance

Brand	Best Use Case	Key Strengths	Price Range
Polaris	Performance, utility	Innovation, accessories	$$$$
Can-Am	Racing, trail	Power, suspension	$$$$
Honda	All-around	Reliability, DCT	$$$
Yamaha	Sport, comfort	Engine quality, suspension	$$$
Kawasaki	Utility, work	Affordability, durability	$$
Arctic Cat	Budget-friendly	Simplicity, value	$$
CF Moto	Entry-level	Price, features	$

UTV Ownership Tips

If you’re thinking about joining the side-by-side community, here are some quick tips to get the most out of your experience:

1. Choose the Right Tire Type

Mud tires for off-road mud bogging.

All-terrain for general use.

Sand paddles for dunes.

2. Maintenance Is Key

UTVs endure rough terrain and loads. Regular oil changes, belt inspections, and air filter checks can extend the life of your machine.

3. Customize Your Ride

From light bars and sound systems to custom vinyl wraps, UTV customization is a booming industry. Wraps not only protect your factory finish but allow for a truly personal aesthetic.

Note: Sites like 10kwraps.com offer hundreds of vinyl wrap designs for UTVs, cars, and motorcycles, making it easy to transform your ride’s look.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right UTV for You

With so many brands and models to choose from, the UTV market in 2025 offers something for everyone. Whether you need a powerful racing machine, a dependable workhorse, or a comfortable ride for weekend adventures, this UTV Brands Guide is your starting point for making an informed decision.

Before you buy, consider how you’ll use the vehicle, your terrain, and your budget. Factor in long-term maintenance, aftermarket support, and warranty offerings.

A UTV isn’t just a tool—it’s a ticket to freedom on and off the trail. Make your investment wisely, and your ride will pay you back for years to come