A Guide To The Different Types of ATV’s

There are four different types of ATV’s. There is sport, utility, side-by-side (sxs), and youth ATV’s. Be sure to read further to find out what separates them apart from each other.

ATV’s, or all terrain vehicles, come in many different shapes and sizes. Each different style quad is created for a specific purpose. If you are trying to figure out which style is the best for you, it’s good to do research on the different types and what purpose each of them serve.

Sport ATV

sport atv

The sport ATV is perfect for the thrill seekers. These high performance machines can get you down the trail at high speeds and comfortable suspension. If you are an experienced rider, this is the quad for you.

There really isn’t anything you can’t do with these machines. The high performance engines they have in them will allow you to trail ride, jump ramps, pop wheelies, etc. They just equate to fun. They have aggressive designs, making them look great and aerodynamic. Another great thing about these types of ATV’s is there are a ton of aftermarket accessories you can add onto them including clutch systems, exhausts, body work, etc. Everything that you need to create the perfect machine for you.

Utility ATV

utility atv

The Utility ATV is the workhorse of the group. These are meant haul, pull, push, and everything you need them to do to get the job done. They have bigger CC engines in them making them capable of hauling bigger loads. If you have a lot of land and need to get work done on it, these are the quads for you. They are really popular in the farm/ranch community, using them for plowing roads, hauling feed, and anything else they need them for.

Now, just because these machines are made for working, doesn’t mean they cannot be used for recreational purposes. A lot of people use them for both actually. They can also get you anywhere off the beaten path and can also fly down the trails at ease. The big engines in them are mainly used for power, but the suspension they have won’t be as good as the sport ATV’s.

Side-By-Side ATV/UTV

side-by-side atv

These ATV’s have a little bit of the Sport ATV and Utility style in them besides the fact they are bigger and usually have 2-4 seats for other passengers. They are similar to the size of a golf cart, yet have a sportier look to them. With big engines and high performance suspensions, these are very popular machines.

These quads can either be sportier for great fun and trail riding, or can be more utility to haul cargo. The sport style SxS’s are the same as the sport ATV’s. There hasn’t been a trail or woods that I haven’t been able to get through. If you want to get your family involved in all the fun that you have, then these are the machines for you because you can have multiple passengers.

Youth ATV

youth atv

Youth ATV’s are exactly how they sound. Quads for kids. They are the smallest of the ATV’s in design and engine size. Perfect to get your little one started out. Each style of Youth ATV has a warning on them usually saying an age that they allow for kids to ride. Some of them even have a governor on them allowing you, the parent, to adjust the maximum speed that they are able to go to.

With smaller engines, usually around 50cc-100cc, and automatic transmission, these are the perfect quads to get your kids started in the ATV community.

This was a smaller guide of the different types of ATV’s that gets straight to the point with no fluff. If you are interested in more articles about ATV’s, be sure to check out all of our other posts here.