Quads, ATVs and utility vehicles are becoming more and more popular and, as a result, there are tons of different varieties and variations out there so picking the one best for you can be a difficult task. Therefore, to make it a little easier, we’re narrowing down the search and focusing on what the side-by-side utility vehicle has to offer.

From entry-level vehicles for farm work and agricultural use to competitive high-powered sports vehicles, we’re exploring what’s currently on the UK market right now.

Designed to balance fun, practicality and quality all in a relatively compact shell, the Ranger SP 570 is one of the more entry-level options on today’s list but don't let that put you off.

A 570cc liquid-cooled engine, 680kg towing capacity and gas-assist dump box make this a practical, easy to use and manageable beast. And thanks to that suspension, spacious cockpit that includes seating for two and 25.8cm ground clearance, riding the trails will be smooth and comfortable.

For £9,499, the Polaris Ranger SP 570 is the cheapest on the list and therefore could be the perfect fit for those with a smaller budget.

Engine	567cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	36L
Brakes	Front and rear 4-wheel hydraulic discs
Suspension	Front: Macpherson strut 23cm travel Rear: dual A-arm, IRS 26.8cm travel
Seat height	792mm
Weight	548kg
Price	£9,499

Designed and engineered as a robust and high-capacity utility vehicle, Yamaha has ensured their Viking EPS is equipped with everything needed to conquer any off-road trail.

This includes a high torque 686cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with Ultramatic transmission and an engine braking function for plenty of controllable power and confidence. A 3-mode On-Command® system that offers 2WD, 4WD or 4WD with Di Lock options to suit all types of terrain. Front and rear double wishbone suspension for better handling and comfort. A walk-through floor, spacious cargo bed and staggered 3- seat layout to make jumping in and out and loading and unloading quick and easy.

And, of course, as the name suggests, electric power steering (EPS) is also included.  

2022 brings with it a new variant so, unfortunately, I can’t tell you the price just yet because we don’t know it. But what I can tell you is that just like Ragnar, this Viking hero is sturdy, strong and ready to battle the untamed conditions.

Engine	686cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve
Fuel tank	36.7L
Brakes	Front and rear dual hydraulic disc
Suspension	Front and rear independent double wishbone, 205mm wheel travel
Seat height	792mm
Weight	613kg (wet)
Price	TBC

The Wolverine from Yamaha is one of those models designed with dual-use in mind. From carting or pulling materials around to absolutely having it on an off-road racetrack, the Wolverine is as versatile as they come.

And just as his reputation suggests, and thanks to the 999cc liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine, all-new heavy-duty suspension, 3 drive modes controls (‘Sport’, ‘Crawl’ and ‘Trail’), Dirt Commander tyres, 4 full-size, high-back bucket seats, front LED lights and ‘evil eye’ marker lights, this Wolverine comes fully adrenaline-charged with the strength and ferocity to tackle any new adventure – the only thing missing are those retractable claws!

Again, this powerhouse has been updated for 2022 so prices aren’t out just yet.

Engine	999cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin
Fuel tank	35L
Brakes	Front: dual ventilated hydraulic disc Rear: dual ventilated hydraulic disc, Shaft mounted parking brake
Suspension	Front: independent double wishbone with anti-sway bar, 36 mm of wheel travel /FOX QS3 piggyback Rear: independent double wishbone with anti-sway bar, 429mm of wheel travel /FOX QS3 piggyback
Seat height	872mm
Weight	930kg (wet)
Price	TBC

It’s fair to say we have two very different Can-Am models on this list today. First of all, let me introduce you to the smart and utilitarian Traxter, a quality and practical vehicle from the Canadian company.

And with a 650cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, front double A-arm and rear TTA with external sway bar suspension, front steel bumper, skid plate, 40L fuel tank and 14” steel wheels, their Traxter Base HD7 T has all the tools needed for getting a solid days work done, built-in.

Being available from £13,507 rounds it all off nicely and, when compared against the others, places the Traxter towards the more budget-friendly end of the pricing spectrum.

Can-Am has done their homework and by engineering vehicles that are capable, well-constructed and compact, have made a real name for themselves in this industry. Because of that, you won’t be too surprised to see them up again next.

Engine	650cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	40L
Brakes	Front: dual 220mm disc brakes with hydraulic twin-piston calipers Rear: dual 220mm disc brakes with hydraulic single-piston calipers
Suspension	Front: double a-arm / 10in. (25.4cm) travel Rear: TTA with external sway bar / 10in. (25.4cm) travel
Weight	669.2kg
Price	£13,507

In looks, it’s completely different from what we’ve just seen! With a 200hp output plus the 900cc triple-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine and RC styling, it’s a fully-capable, Sportster that’s got plenty of ‘giddyap’!

This Maverick won’t need no Goose though because its terrain-handling abilities come from that 40L fuel tank, dual brakes discs, hydraulic twin-piston calipers, LED lights, front bumper, quarter-doors, skid plate and the most advanced suspension ever fitted to a Can-Am (semi-active smart-shox suspension).

It is no surprise to see Can-Am going all out here to make this a class-leading sports side-by-side that’s packed with high-performance components, but it does come at a cost, and a £24,407 one at that. Whilst prices rocket up to that mighty figure,  Can-Am’s Maverick is a purchase that will be pretty fun to race around. 

Engine	900cc, turbocharged triple-cylinder, liquid-cooled with integrated intercooler and high-performance air filter
Fuel tank	40L
Brakes	Front: dual 262mm ventilated disc brakes with hydraulic twin-piston calipers Rear: dual 248mm ventilated disc brakes with hydraulic twin-piston calipers
Suspension	Front: Double A-arm with sway bar / 20 in. (50.8 cm) travel Rear: 4-link torsional trailing-arm X (TTX) with sway bar / 20-in (50.8cm) travel
Weight	672kg
Price	£24,407

Honda’s Pioneer is one of those dependable workhorses that are frequently seen busying around farms and agricultural settings thanks to their great design, strong performance and very affordable price. 

With the space for carrying 2 people, it’s perfect for when you need an extra pair of hands. It’s strong and has a 680kg towing range, tilting cargo bed, hydraulic-assist strut and adjustable preload rear shock suspension for when you have a heavy load and want to make light work of it.

That pokey 675cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine provides just enough get up and go, has a fuel injection for reliable starts and is rubber-mounted for less cabin vibration.

This grafter has been built to explore and, at £9,999, for the spec, the brand and their reputation for superb quality and finish, Honda, is providing a reliable and affordable piece of kit for those whose work takes them off the beaten path.

Engine	675cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	30L
Brakes	Front: dual hydraulic 200mm discs Rear: independent dual-arm ; 9.1 in travel
Suspension	Front: 2 x double-wishbone; 7.9 in travel Rear: independent dual-arm ; 9.1 in travel
Price	£9,999

We’re not only saying hello again to Polaris but also giving a big salute to their General 1000 Deluxe. 

This two-row, do-it-all workhorse boasts a 12” ground clearance, long-travel suspension, beefed-up chassis and 270kg cargo box, all to avoid damage, negotiate tough terrain, smooth out the ride and provide you with all the equipment needed to get the job done.

It also has 14" aluminium rally wheels and 27" Maxxis Coronado tires for better ground grip, high-intensity LED headlights to allow you to stay out for longer and Rockford Fosgate Stage 1 audio with two dash-mounted speakers so you can soundtrack your trail.

£21,699 means it’s more premium-priced but, at home in most environments, it’s a pretty much do anything model and with plenty of class-leading spec makes it a sporty vehicle that isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty and get the job done!

Engine	999cc, Prostar, 4-stroke, DOHC, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	35.9L
Suspension	Front: dual A-arm with stabiliser bar, 31.1 cm / front shocks: fox 2.0 podium X QS3 Rear: dual A-arm with stabiliser bar, 33.5 cm / front shocks: fox 2.0 podium X QS3
Brakes	Front and rear disc with ABS
Weight	700.3kg
Price	£21,699

With three utility modes to choose from, it’s CFMoto’s U-Force 1000 that’s taking centre stage today and offering perfect use as a utility vehicle with plenty of fun thrown in, it looks set to offer people a great mix.

Features such as those projector beam headlights, tilt adjust steering wheel, 40L fuel tank, 3-person bench seat, full glass screen and full cab ensure its an efficient worker. This is only backed up further by the 1,000cc engine, EPS, hydraulic disc brakes, adjustable suspension and 900kg towing capacity.

In addition to all that, you also get a few added extras as standard that aren’t seen on some of the others such as side mirrors, horn and under-seat toolbox.

That £13,199 (+OTR) price tag includes a 2-year warranty and makes it another pocket-pleasing choice. Overall, it’s the CFMoto’s U-Force 1000’s versatility that makes it so accustomed to this line of work. 

Engine	963cc, V-Twin cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-Valve, SOHC
Fuel tank	40L
Brakes	Front: 4-wheel side brake (CBS) Rear: wheel side parking
Suspension	Front and rear double arm, independent suspension
Seat height	500mm
Weight	690kg
Price	£13,199 (+OTR)

It could be argued that Kymco is one of the smaller brands in the side-by-side world but with their UXV 450 T3B, they’re fighting hard to keep their name in the game.

The biggest USP for the UXV 450 T3B has got to be its size and weight. It’s 490kg and extremely compact so can be considered a more mid-sized vehicle. Describing its size as ‘reduced’, Kymco has purposefully made sure its small and lightweight enough to mix up the market and draw people away from the likes of Yamaha’s Viking and Can-Am’s army of beasts.

One thing to note is because of its reduced size, the fuel tank is smaller. It’s 32L which is still decent but when compared against the others who are packing 40L, is significantly smaller.

Engine	442.9cc
Fuel tank	32L
Brakes	Front: dual disc Rear: single disc
Seat height	836mm
Weight	490kg

For decades now Segway has been specialising in and perfecting their own set of on and off-road vehicles and the release of their Villain SX10 not only continues to celebrate this but also marks their entrance into the Powersports segment of the market. 

When staring it straight on, those slanted headlights animate its facial features and give it some character. It’s got that cute yet menacing look reminiscent of a Pixar villain.  

With their ‘Fear No Place’ campaign, Segway has been sure to equip it with a lightweight steel frame, front and rear shocks, adjustable dual-speed compression and rebound and EPS with standard, comfort and sport settings.

Alongside this, you also get Bluetooth connectivity through the designated Segway Powersports App.

Where a good portion on this list are utility vehicles handy for farm and woodland work, the Villain is designed purely for fast-paced fun and through the combination of a high-performance 1,000cc twin-cylinder engine, bold and aerodynamic design and modern tech, Segway has created their next generation of sleek, athletic and sports-minded vehicles.

Engine	1,000cc, 4-Stroke, twin-cylinder, DOHC
Fuel tank	40L
Brakes	4-wheel hydraulic disc
Suspension	Front: dual A-arm with stabilizer bar 15" travel Rear: multi-link trailing-arm with stabilizer bar 16" travel
Seat height	160mm
Weight	880kg

Kawasaki’s Mule Pro DX seems to be one of the chosen vehicles among all outdoor and country-living enthusiasts, and can you be surprised when it features…

A high-torque three-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine. Enough room for two so, whether it be the 9-5 shift or weekend activities you’ll always have room for company. A gas-assisted tilting cargo bed with a load capacity of 453kg and towing of 907kg.

On top of that, exterior features also include LED lights, stable and wide chassis with a 2,345mm wheelbase, digital display and simple, rugged styling that suits its no-nonsense personality.

For £12,549, we’re still considering this a budget-friendly machine and for what you get and considering the well-known and premium brand it’s from, we think you're getting a pretty good deal!

Engine	993cc, 4-stroke, diesel, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	30L
Brakes	Front: dual 212 mm discs with 2-piston calipers Rear: dual 212 mm discs with 1-piston calipers
Suspension	Front and rear double wishbone
Seat height	885mm
Weight	842kg
Price	£12,549

So there we have it, that’s our list of some of the best side-by-sides on the current UK market. Have you got a favourite? Or are you still undecided? Be sure to drop your comments, opinions and favourites in the comments below.

If you are looking for an alternative to the humble side-by-side, check out our Top 10 Road-Legal Quads list. 

Lastly, remember, if you're looking to insure your side-by-side - make sure to get a quote direct with Lexham!