In 2020 the global ATV market reached a value of $3.9 billion.
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing an ATV – it isn’t as simple as figuring out what the best ATV on the market is.
For a rundown of the key things to think about when purchasing a 4 wheeler, keep reading.
Different Types of ATV
There are several types of four-wheeler on the market. When looking at different quads and ATVs, the type you will want will depend on what you will be using it for.
Sports
Sports ATVs are built for speed and performance. They are fast and have precise handling, perfect for racing. They also have premium suspension to make handling rough terrain more manageable.
A top-of-the-line example is the Polaris Scrambler XP 1000S. It puts out 89HP, making it one of the most powerful ATVs on the market, and a 55″ stance for excellent stability.
Utility
Utility/recreational ATVs are powerful like sports ATVs but designed with more of a focus on work. They are often used on farms to perform tasks that larger vehicles are less suited to.
Common features include:
- Large towing capability
- Storage racks
- Winches
- High ground clearance
- Power steering
- Independent suspension
Despite the main focus being around work, utility ATVs still give a great trail ride due to their power, handling, and size. It is not uncommon for ATVs to be designed in the midground between sports and utility, resulting in some very versatile models.
Entry-Level
As the name suggests, these are ideal for beginners. If you’re new to ATVs, this is where to start.
Entry-level ATVs are generally not too powerful and are designed around being easy to ride. They handle very well over normal terrain and are often used by smaller riders.
The lack of power does mean that these can have a hard time navigating more rough terrain, so that should be kept in mind when deciding what type of ATV to buy.
Youth
These are small, light models specifically designed for youths. They are usually not too powerful, suitable for children and teenagers to get to grips with ATV riding.
They are mainly focused on giving a fun and comfortable ride, but there are some quite competitive stock models available for youth division racing.
Engine sizes typically range from 50cc to 125cc, and the prices of these vary more than other model types.
Best Brands
There are several large ATV brands currently doing well on the market. It is difficult to name a definitive ‘best brand,’ but based on your own needs, you may be able to settle on which is best for you. Different brands have different core focuses:
- Honda – most consistently reliable models
- Polaris – toughest ATVs
- Arctic-Cat – excellent value for money
- Suzuki – best for sport/utility ATVs
- Can-Am – most innovative
- Yamaha – best sports ATVs
This is not absolute across all models but gives a general idea of what each brand stands out for. There are also other brands that put out some high-quality models.
Cost
When buying an ATV, the cost will likely be one of the biggest factors in your decision. Prices range greatly depending on the quality and functionality of ATVs, so if you are on a budget, you may need to decide based on the most important functions for you.
It is worth keeping in mind that ATVs are marked at an MRSP (Manufacturer’s suggested retail price), so if you know how to barter, you may be able to save some money on your model.
How to Choose the Best ATV
There is no definitive best ATV; it all comes down to personal needs. The best thing to do is figure out what you want from your ATV and compare models that fit your requirements to make a final decision.
For more tips on factors to look at when making different purchases, check out some of our other blogs.
