With warmer weather and less travel and social distancing restrictions, parents and thrill seekers of all ages are exchanging fluorescent lights for fireflies as they return to the great outdoors; but they aren't leaving their ‘toys’ at home!

An Introduction to the Best UTV Brands of 2021

Some of the biggest, baddest, and most popular toys on the market today are UTVs. More commonly known as ‘side-by-sides,’ UTVs were originally intended for farmers and ranchers, primarily used for heavy lifting and rough terrain. Due to the rise in recreational use, many brands are releasing new and improved UTV models specifically for sport and recreation alone. Follow along to learn more about the best UTV brands of 2021 and find out which would work best for you!

Top 5 UTV Brands

Of all the UTV brands available today, five names have been consistently at the top of the list for quality, power and efficiency: Polaris, Kawasaki, Can-Am, Yamaha, and Honda. Each brand offers something a little different so it’s best for prospective buyers to have an idea of what they are really looking for before they step foot onto the lot.

Most UTV manufacturers break down their models into three main categories: utility, sport, and recreation. The overwhelming response from recreational riders motivated some brands to blur the lines between fun and function, labeling most of their models as useful for both.

Top 5 Sport UTV Brands and Models

Sport models are made for higher speeds, lighter loads, and quick maneuvers. Each one of the top five best UTV brands have specified Sport model UTVs in their line-up.

The following models are some of the most popular for our top 5 picks:

1. The Polaris RZR Series

The 2021 Polaris RZR Series includes 10 models, one of those being Youth, with prices ranging from $5,400 to $26,500. The new lineup offers turbocharged 2-seat and 4-seat options and showcases a new engine intake, rear shock guards, lightweight wheels and redesigned clutch alignment putting them ahead of the competition.

2. The Kawasaki Teryx Family

The Kawasaki Teryx family is considered part of both the sport and recreation categories for UTVs with prices ranging from $13,200 to $24,400. With 17 customizable models, the Teryx holds one of the biggest wheelbase of them all; at a whopping 98.8.” With this width the Teryx can be pushed harder than any other Sport model over even the diciest terrain.

3. The Yamaha YXZ1000R Series

Yamaha deemed their YXZ1000R Series as ‘Pure Sport’ after releasing the SS XT-R, / SS, SE, and SS SE models. In addition to the Warn VRX 45 winch, Yamaha loaded their Sport models with a 5 speed sequential transmission and column mounted paddle shifters. The new mounted LED headlights aren’t too shabby either.

4. The Honda Talon Series

Offering a total of 8 models with 6-speed dual clutch transmissions and nothing less than 999cc’s, the Honda Talon Series is all about speed. With 2-seat and 4-seat options available, Honda’s Talon models can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $27,000 or more depending on the customizations. 

5. Can-Am Maverick Series

Last, but not least, we have the Can-Am Maverick Sport Series. Offering both 2-seat or 4-seat models, Can-Am has 25 rider focused models that complete the 2021 Maverick Series line up; three of which hold a turbocharged engine! With base models starting at $11,400 and reaching upwards of 32,000, Can-Am is becoming one of the most dominant names in the world of UTVs.

Top 5 Recreation UTV Brands and Models

Even if a UTV is labeled as a recreational off-road vehicle it will always be utility-driven at heart. Most models that are designated as recreational include comfort and safety features not found on other versions. Ultimately it depends on what kind of toy the rider wants to play around in! The following models have been labeled as recreational as well as utility:

1. Polaris General

The Polaris General’s 4 base models offer a 600lb dumping cargo box, wide bucket seats, protective half doors and a class-leading 100 horsepower engine. The General comes with both 2-seat and 4 seat options and prices range anywhere from $16,300 to $25,700.

2. Kawasaki Mule

Pushing the limits with a 812cc engine and a towing capacity of up to 1 ton, the Kawasaki Mule has earned its reputation as one of the toughest UTVs around. Polaris offers 59 different available Mule models between the 2021 and 2022 lineups. A minimum 10” of ground clearance makes holding anywhere from three to six passengers a breeze. You can find the Kawasaki Mule priced anywhere between $6,800 to $19,000 depending on model and specs.

3. Can-Am Commander

The Can-Am Commander Series includes 5 base models with their 1000R engine. Consumers of all kinds can enjoy work and play with 13-15” of suspension and the choice of 27”, 28” or 30” XPS all terrain tires. Ranging from $16,400 to $22,200, the Can-Am Commander is known for its best-in-class towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.

4. Yamaha Wolverine Series

With 10 UTV models considered solely recreational, the Yamaha Wolverine is a great blend of power, capability, style, and comfort. Price tags displaying $14,800 to $25,800 are justified by the upgraded FOX iQS suspension technology, fully integrated stereo systems, Maxxis Carnage tires, WARN winches, and color-matched wheels. The Wolverine offers 2 and 4 passenger seating as well as an optional dump bin with a 600lb carrying capacity.

5. Honda Pioneer Series

The Honda Pioneer Series is one of the most affordable UTV lines with prices between $8,500 and $23,400. This series includes 8 base models with engines ranging from 475cc to 999cc’s and a brake distribution system that adjusts based on road conditions. The Pioneer Series also includes Honda’s QuickFlip seating feature for bigger loads and families. This seating arrangement allows for up to 5 passengers as the back seat flips up and down, creating space as needed. 

Top Utility UTV Brands and Models

1. Polaris Ranger Series

Releasing in December of 2021 the all new full sized electric Polaris Ranger will be upgraded with regenerative braking and instant torque in sub-zero temps. Polaris offers 18 models of their rough, tough Ranger including a youth size starting $5,600 and a special edition 3-seat model for $27,500.

2. Can-Am Defender Series

Deemed the most capable of all Can-Am ORVs, the Can-Am Defender Series has 18 insanely capable machines starting as low as $10,400. Offering an HD10: Rotax 976cc V-twin engine with up to 82 hp, a 3 mode HVAC system, a Power Tilt Bed and a 4,500 lb winch, we can’t help but agree. The Defender Series tops out at $28,200 without customizations.

3. Yamaha Viking Series

Yamaha Viking Series includes 4 base models that can seat anywhere from 3 to 6 people. Starting at $12,000 the whole crew is able to comfortably ride off-road with confidence with the 3 point seatbelts, the Torquey 700-Class engine, and a sprag clutch for all-wheel downhill engine braking in 4WD mode and reverse.

A Recap of the Best UTV Brands

With all of this momentum it's hard to imagine that the biggest, baddest toys on the market are going anywhere anytime soon. The U.S. UTV Market Share reached over 7 billion dollars in 2020; and the push for even more outdoor activities has sent its popularity through the roof. The projection for 2027 is already over 11 billion dollars with millions of fun-loving consumers happily participating in the movement.

Consumers of all ages are taking advantage of this surge, flying through the forests of WA and over the sand dunes of Idaho in their shiny new UTVs. No matter what brand or model you choose, ZM Performance has the UTV parts you're looking for. Where will you take your new toy first?