Side by Side All Terrain Vehicle: How to Choose the Right UTV in 7 Steps

By Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

A side by side all terrain vehicle, usually shortened to side-by-side or UTV, is a multi-passenger off-road machine with two seats placed next to each other, a steering wheel, and a roll cage. By the end of this guide you will know what sets a side-by-side apart from an ATV, which factors matter most for your riding, and how to narrow the field to a few models worth test-driving. The short version: match the machine’s seating, engine size, suspension travel and tires to the terrain and the people riding with you.

What Makes a Side-by-Side Different from an ATV

Both machines are built for rough ground, but they handle the work differently. An ATV has a straddle seat, handlebars and a rider who leans into turns. A side-by-side has bucket seats, a steering wheel, seat belts and a fixed cab frame. That difference shapes almost everything else about how the vehicle is used.

• Seating: Most side-by-sides seat two, though four-seat and crew-cab versions are common.
• Cargo: Side-by-sides usually carry more load in a bed or rack, which suits hunting, farm chores and camping.
• Control: A steering wheel and pedals feel familiar to car drivers, but the machine still rolls more easily than a car, so speed and line choice matter.
• Protection: Doors, nets and a roof add some protection from branches and weather, though they do not make the vehicle safe in a rollover.

Step 1: Define Your Main Use

Before comparing models, write down what the machine will do most of the time. Trail riding, mud, sand, rock crawling, hauling firewood and towing all push the design in different directions.

1. List your top three uses in order of frequency.
2. Note how many people usually ride, and whether passengers will sit in the rear.
3. Estimate typical payload: tools, coolers, game or gear.
4. Mark the terrain: flat fields, tight woods, hills, or open dunes.

A rider who mostly hauls gear on flat farm land needs different features than someone running technical single-track with a friend.

Step 2: Choose Seating and Cab Size

Seating layout drives footprint and weight. A two-seat model is narrower and easier to route through tight trails. A four-seat or crew model adds length and mass, which can reduce agility but improves comfort on long rides. Check the seat belt and door design too, since those affect how easily passengers get in and out.

Measure your garage or trailer before you commit. Many four-seat units are long enough that a standard trailer gate becomes a tight fit.

Step 3: Compare Engine Size and Drivetrain

Engine displacement is often listed in cubic centimeters, and manufacturers publish horsepower and torque figures for each model. Higher displacement generally means more low-end pull for climbing and towing, while smaller engines are lighter and sometimes easier to manage on tight trails.

Look at the drivetrain as well. Two-wheel drive models are lighter and suit smooth ground. Four-wheel drive with a locking or selectable differential gives more traction in mud, sand and steep grades. Many owners prefer a switch that lets them engage four-wheel drive without stopping, though the exact system varies by brand.

Step 4: Check Suspension Travel and Ground Clearance

Suspension travel and ground clearance decide how the machine handles ruts, rocks and whoops. Manufacturers list travel in inches at the front and rear, and ground clearance as a measurement from the lowest point of the chassis to the ground. More travel soaks up bumps, while higher clearance keeps the belly pan off rocks.

Step 5: Evaluate Tires and Wheel Setup

Tires are one of the most overlooked choices. Tread pattern, sidewall stiffness and tire diameter all affect traction and ride quality. For a deeper look at tread and trade-offs, read All-Terrain Tires: Tread, Road Trade-Offs and Snow. If your riding leans toward deep mud, Mud-Terrain Tires: Tread Voids, Sidewalls and Wear covers what to look for in aggressive tread.

Keep in mind that larger tires can change gearing and speedometer accuracy, and may need a lift or fender clearance work. Confirm the factory tire size and any approved upgrades with the manufacturer.

Step 6: Assess Build Quality and Safety Features

Look for a sturdy roll cage, a solid door system, and a seat belt harness that holds passengers firmly. A quality belt system matters more than most extras. Review the safety guidance in UTV and Side-by-Side Safety: Belts, Helmets, Passengers before finalizing any choice.

Inspect the frame welds, skid plates and the exhaust routing. On a used machine, these areas show impact damage quickly. The guide to Choosing and Inspecting a Used Off-Road Vehicle walks through a practical checklist.

Step 7: Test Drive and Compare Side by Side

Spec sheets only tell part of the story. Test drive at least two models on terrain similar to yours. Pay attention to steering effort, brake feel, seat comfort, visibility over the hood, and how the throttle responds at low speed. If you are weighing several brands, a direct comparison helps; Compare Vehicles Side by Side (2026): Which Should You Choose? is a useful starting point.

Recommended gear

Gear that suits your use case can improve comfort and safety on any side-by-side. Choose items that fit the terrain you ride most.

• Helmet with a full face and proper fit: A helmet rated for off-road use protects against trail debris and rollover impacts. View on Amazon
• Four-point or five-point harness upgrade: Some riders add a harness for tighter restraint during aggressive driving. Confirm mounting points with the manufacturer first. View on Amazon
• Tire repair kit: A compact plug kit and inflator handle the most common trail flat. View on Amazon

Common mistakes

• Buying for the best-case trail instead of the most frequent use.
• Ignoring trailer and garage dimensions until after purchase.
• Skipping a test ride on comparable terrain.
• Overlooking payload capacity when adding racks, winches or cargo boxes.
• Upgrading tires without checking gearing, speedometer calibration and fender clearance.
• Assuming doors and a roof make the vehicle rollover-proof. They do not.

Tips for buying and riding

• Ask the dealer for the payload rating and tow rating in writing.
• Ride with a group before committing if you can, to see how a model handles on your local trails.
• Schedule regular maintenance: air filter, belts, brake inspection and fluid checks.
• Take a rider course or ride with experienced club members to learn throttle control and line choice.

FAQ

What is the difference between a side-by-side and a UTV?

The terms are used interchangeably in most of the US. UTV stands for utility task vehicle, while side-by-side describes the seating layout. Both refer to the same type of machine.

Is a side-by-side safer than an ATV?

Side-by-sides offer seat belts, doors and a cage, which provide more protection than an open ATV. They still carry rollover risk, so seat belt use, speed control and proper training remain essential.

How many passengers can a side-by-side carry?

Most models seat two, and four-seat versions are common. Check the manufacturer’s rated seating and payload before loading passengers and gear.

Do I need four-wheel drive?

Two-wheel drive suits flat, smooth trails and farm work. Four-wheel drive adds traction in mud, sand, hills and loose rock, and is worth the added weight if you ride those conditions often.

What tires work best for a side-by-side?

All-terrain tires suit mixed riding. Mud-terrain tires offer deeper tread for soft ground but can be louder and wear faster on pavement. Choose based on your most frequent terrain.

Can I drive a side-by-side on public roads?

Rules vary by state and locality. Some states allow registered side-by-sides on certain roads with added equipment such as lights, mirrors and a horn. Check your state’s motor vehicle and off-road rules before riding on pavement.

How often should a side-by-side be serviced?

Follow the owner’s manual for intervals. Typical items include oil and filter changes, air filter cleaning, drive belt inspection, brake checks and fluid levels. Consult a qualified service technician for repairs beyond routine maintenance.

Conclusion

A side by side all terrain vehicle suits riders who need passenger room, cargo capacity and a more protected cab than an ATV offers. Start with your main use, then compare seating, engine, suspension, tires and build quality against that need. Test ride two or three finalists on terrain like your own before you buy.

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our ATV, UTV/side-by-side & dirt bikes guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.