UTVs have come a long way ever since the first UTV, Lockley Wrangler, became available for sale in 1970. It took the introduction of the Polaris Ranger RZR in 2008 for these vehicles to catch on and become popular with the public. They are now available in different sizes, and you can buy UTV performance parts to equip them for a range of purposes.
What is a UTV?
A UTV can stand for a Utility Task Vehicle, a Utility Terrain Vehicle, or Utility Vehicle. All three terms are essentially the same thing. The primary purpose of these vehicles is to drive across different terrains to provide utility services for agricultural, construction, and other work activities. The UTV will come equipped from the factory to tow, haul, pull, or push anything right for its size, or you can add various UTV performance parts to enhance its capability.
Types of UTVs
Depending on their intended use, UTVs are available in three main types:
Utility UTVs: These UTVs are excellent for use on farms, orchards, gardens, construction sites, and other job sites. They come with winches, have a powerful towing capacity, and are capable of hauling heavy loads for their size. You can also use them to transport goods and for general transportation.
Sports UTVs: Since they have larger engines than utility UTVs, these UTVs are capable of high speeds. The strong suspensions of the performance models also prove useful for racing. Apart from race tracks, you can ride sporting UTVs at high speeds on dunes and cross-country trails.
Sporting Utility UTVs: Blending in the best parts of utility and sports UTVs, the sporting utility UTVs are multipurpose vehicles that you can use for work, racing, and transportation. They are capable of high speeds, have excellent suspension, and are more comfortable to ride in. Also, they have four to six seats which makes them a good choice for family use.
Why is the UTV so popular?
UTVs have been growing in popularity for the following five reasons:
1. They can go almost anywhere
The great thing about UTVs is that you can drive them on different types of terrains. From rocky terrains to muddy paths to uneven trails to snowy grounds, UTVs can tackle nearly everything. With their powerful engines, strong axle shafts, high clearance, and off-road tires, these are vehicles that can handle the roughest of rides. You can use them for agricultural purposes, rock crawling, trail riding, racing, and more.
As the UTV suspension can absorb plenty of shocks, you can ride these vehicles comfortably enough across the different terrains. Of course, you cannot expect to have the same smooth ride over rocky terrain as you would over a level road. Still, it will be a less jarring ride than with other vehicles.
2. They have a small footprint
As compared to larger vehicles, UTVs have a significantly smaller footprint. They have smaller yet powerful engines that allow them to attain high speeds. Being small in size, they can navigate narrow spaces without any issue, and they are also easier to store and transport.
3. They can carry passengers
Unlike All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), which only one person can ride, UTVs can carry passengers. Most UTVs have four to six seats placed side by side, which is why these vehicles are also known as SxS or side-by-sides. This capability makes them a popular choice for families. You only have to buy one UTV to take your family on an outing.
4. They come with safety features
Modern UTVs come equipped with various safety factors that make them roadworthy. These include suspension seats with four or six-point harnesses, roll cages to protect passengers from potential rollovers, horns, rearview and sideview mirrors, tail and brake lights, mud flaps, and rear reflectors. Some UTVs have enclosed cabins with doors and windshields.
5. They come with various accessories
You can accessorize your vehicle with UTV performance parts like noise reduction exhausts, aggressive tread tires, beadlock rims, skid plates, and extreme angle axles. For UTVs for agricultural use, you can get tillers, plows, harrows, mowers, sprayers, cultivators, hay dollies, powerlifters, and livestock feeders. In winter, you can equip your UTV with cab enclosures, heaters, and snow tracks.
