Best ATV Brands and Features
On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Automotive
Common Questions About ATVs
- Engine Classes:
- Youth ATVs: 50 - 125cc; suitable for beginners.
- Utility/Sport ATVs: 200 - 600cc for versatility or speed.
- High-Performance: 350 - 900cc for power and racing.
- Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke: Two-stroke provides more power per cycle, but four-stroke requires less maintenance.
-
Cooling Options: Includes fan controllers, water cooling, and liquid-cooling systems.
-
Suspension Types:
- Non-Adjustable: Basic, found in youth models.
- Preload Adjustable: Entry-level sport and utility ATVs.
- Compression Adjustable: High-performance ATVs with nitrogen canisters.
- Compression & Rebound Adjustable: Maximum control for advanced riders.
-
Air Shocks: Lightweight and adjustable by air pressure for precise control.
-
Towing & Carrying Capabilities:
- Racks: Available on front, rear, or overhead; know the carrying capacity.
- Weight Distribution: Balance weight evenly to avoid rollovers.
-
Stopping Power: Ensure brakes are sufficient for towing loads.
-
Fuel Types:
- Gas: High-octane recommended for cleaner engine performance.
- Diesel: For heavy-duty ATVs with towing needs.
-
Electric: Quiet engines ideal for hunters; requires battery charging.
-
Drive Types:
- 2x4: Power to two wheels; suitable for lighter terrain.
- 4x4: Made for rough terrain like mud, rocks, and snow.
-
6x4 & 6x6: Heavy-duty options for extreme tasks.
-
Tires:
- Mud Tires: Angled treads for muddy or rough terrain; avoid hard surfaces.
- Sand Tires: Paddle-like treads for sand; poor stability elsewhere.
- Trail Tires: All-terrain with moderate treads; most versatile.
- Bias Ply vs. Radial Construction: Bias Ply is tougher; Radial offers better flexibility and fuel efficiency.
Types of ATVs
- Youth ATVs:
- Small, lightweight, with automatic transmission and minimal suspension.
-
Engine size: 50 - 110cc.
-
Utility ATVs:
- Popular for work (ranching, agriculture).
-
Engine size: 250 - 700cc; short-travel suspension for payloads.
-
Sport ATVs:
- Lightweight with large suspension for racing and jumps.
-
Engine size: 200 - 600cc; highly customizable.
-
Side-by-Sides (SxS):
- Room for multiple passengers and cargo.
- Engine size: 700 - 950cc; used by families and emergency services.
People Who Use ATVs
- Ranch & Agricultural Workers:
-
Utility ATVs for hauling supplies, feeding livestock, and navigating large properties.
-
Hunters:
-
All-terrain vehicles to carry gear and game through rugged landscapes.
-
Hobbyists & Thrill Seekers:
-
Sports ATVs for customization, speed, and recreational riding.
-
Public Service Workers:
-
Search and rescue, law enforcement, and park services for covering large, rough terrain.
-
Families:
- Side-by-Side ATVs for safe transportation of multiple passengers and cargo.
Key Considerations for Buying an ATV
- Purpose: Decide if you need an ATV for work, recreation, or family use.
- Engine Size: Match the engine to your experience level and intended use.
- Drive Type: Choose 4x4 for rough terrain or 6x6 for heavy-duty work.
- Fuel & Maintenance: Gas is versatile, diesel is powerful, and electric is quiet but requires charging.
- Customization: Sports ATVs allow performance upgrades, while utility ATVs focus on accessories.
Top ATV Brands and Overview
1. Yamaha ATV
- Founded: 1955, Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan.
- Specialties: Sport, utility, and side-by-side ATVs.
- Notable Features:
- Early innovator: Introduced three-wheeled ATVs in 1980 and four-wheelers in 1984.
- Wide range of options for beginners and experienced riders.
2. Polaris ATVs
- Founded: 1954, Medina, Minnesota.
- Specialties: Recreational vehicles, including ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.
- Notable Features:
- Extensive range: Youth, utility, and sport models.
- Known for off-road innovation.
3. Kawasaki Motors
- Founded: 1966, Foothill Ranch, California.
- Specialties: ATVs under the Sport and Sport Utility categories.
- Notable Features:
- Expertise in recreational vehicles, including motorcycles and watercraft.
- Durable designs for rugged use.
4. Arctic Cat
- Founded: 1960, Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
- Specialties: ATVs, snowmobiles, and utility vehicles.
- Notable Features:
- Comprehensive packages: 15 ride options tailored to recreation, utility, and sport needs.
- Strong online resources for model comparisons.
5. Honda ATV
- Founded: 1946, Hamamatsu, Japan.
- Specialties: Recreation, sport, utility, and side-by-side ATVs.
- Popular Models:
- TRX Series: From beginner-friendly TRX90X ($3,049) to race-ready TRX450R ($7,799).
- FourTrax Recon: Compact utility ATV starting at $4,099.
- FourTrax Rincon: Honda's most powerful utility ATV starting at $9,399.
- Pioneer Series: Side-by-sides for multiple passengers and heavy-duty tasks (starting at $10,000).
6. Can-Am
- Founded: 1942, Canada (BRP).
- Specialties: High-performance ATVs and engines.
- Popular Models:
- Outlander 450/570: $8,500 - $9,300 for versatile use.
- Outlander 6x6: Heavy-duty models with a towing capacity of 1,650 pounds (starting at $13,000).
- Defender: Most versatile side-by-side with accessories for work and recreation ($10,000 - $17,000).
7. SYM
- Founded: 1954, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Specialties: Affordable ATVs, scooters, and motorcycles.
- Notable Features:
- Quadlander: Standard single-cylinder, four-stroke engine.
- Quadraider: Two-person utility ATV with 15-horsepower engine.
8. DRR
- Founded: 2000, Brunswick, Ohio.
- Specialties: Race-ready ATVs and dirt bikes.
- Popular Models:
- DRX 50: $2,900 - $3,800; beginner-friendly with throttle limiter.
- DRX 300: Largest ATV with a 280cc liquid-cooled engine.
- Focus: Safety features like spark arrestors, gripper seats, and enclosed floorboards.
9. KYMCO
- Founded: 1963, Taiwan.
- Specialties: Scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs.
- Popular Models:
- Mongoose Series: Entry-level ATVs ($2,199 - $3,899).
- UXV Series: Side-by-sides with towing capacity up to 1,200 pounds ($7,999 - $10,199).
10. QLINK
- Founded: 1988.
- Specialties: Affordable ATVs and UTVs.
- Popular Models:
- Rodeo 500/700: Utility models starting at $5,299.
- Frontrunner 800S: Two-person, 800cc V-twin engine for $9,499+.
Key Considerations for Choosing an ATV
- Purpose: Work, recreation, family use, or racing.
- Budget: Entry-level models start at ~$2,000, while premium options exceed $15,000.
- Engine Power: Match engine size to the terrain and tasks.
- Customization: Brands like Honda and Can-Am offer extensive accessory options.
- Durability: Look for models with proven off-road performance and solid warranties.
With these options, you can find an ATV tailored to your needs, whether you're working the ranch or chasing adventure.
