Best Rated Side by Side ATV – 4 Insane Options in 2024!

Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Jeremy

Going camping shouldn’t always be about disappearing into the wild with a tent and a backpack. Nor should it be about staying at a campground near a golf course. It should include having fun, excitement and an adventure with one of these best rated side by side ATV options!

What is a side by side ATV? According to Wikipedia, a side by side is:

“an off-road vehicle with a minimum of two seats positioned side-by-side and enclosed within a roll cage structure. They have a minimum of four wheels (or continuous tracks) and are operated by foot controls and a steering wheel. Depending on use and application they can also be called a utility task vehicle, utility terrain vehicle (UTV), recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV), or multipurpose off-highway utility vehicle (MOHUV)”

That said, what are some options of the best rated side by sides out on the market to date? The answer is this; Polaris, Yamaha, Can-Am & Honda all have something to brag about, so let’s find out for sure why they deserve this title as “best rated“.

HONDA TALON 1000XS-4

First on the list of insane options, is this monster of a machine rated for 4-people, the Honda Talon 1000XS-4. The 2023 version of this all terrain vehicle comes with a whole line of awesome features.

To start, what they call launch mode, you are given an automatic gear driven transmission to start you off at a super speed unlike never before. The transmission is a 6-speed DCT transmission, where the DCT stands for Dual-Clutch Transmission. What this means is that it shifts gears automatically instead of manually like some machines.

Another display of awesomeness that is showcased in this model is the stadium seating, where the seats are positioned 3″ higher and 2″ closer to each other than the front seats, allowing the passengers to get the full experience as their front riding counterparts.

Let’s not forget to mention a superb and simplified LCD display that shows your speed, fuel level, engine speed, transmission mode, fuel gauge, coolant temps and even your trip info, all of which are important on your journey when exploring the countryside.

What makes this unit one of the top 4 best rated ATV’s has got to be all of its features. They include:

Engine – Powerful 999cc Engine

• -The engine is liquid cooled, has a powerful torque, runs at a 10:1 compression ratio, plus has quick-revving horsepower. It is also extremely responsive in lower revs as well as mid-range. As for the fuel delivery, its PGM-FI (fuel injection) engine mapping system completes precise delivery to this powerful motor.

Chasis – Fox Live Valve Suspension w/ Premium 2.5″ shocks on all 4 wheels

• -Included with these shocks, is a long wheelbase which equals superior handling and stability. The reason for having such shocks is that it adjusts the damping automatically up to 16x per second giving this machine a very smooth ride.

Drive Train – 6 Spd DCT Transmission w/ i-4WD

• -If you want manual or fully automatic mode with this ATV, you have that choice, in addition, you have the capability of using sport mode which allows the driver to shift at higher RPM’s. The dual clutch transmission puts drivers in control of engine speed and gear ratio, while the “i” in i-4WD stands for intelligent. Not to mention the brake-traction control system that maintains front wheel traction if one wheel is spinning on mud, snow, ice or dirt.

Design – Stadium Seating & Driver/Passenger Protection

• -As mentioned earlier about the stadium seating, those back-seat drivers are guaranteed to be riding higher with better views, while being engaged in a first-class feel. The large tubing adds for safety in roll-over protection, whereas the 3-pt seat belt comes with an emergency locking retractor.

Some other cool features this unit has include:

• -Front Tires = 28 x 9-15
• -Rear Tires = 28 x 11-15
• -Ground Clearance = 12.8″
• -Length = 152.5″ or 12.7 feet
• -Width = 64″ or 5.3 feet
• -Height = 78.5″ or 6.5 feet
• -Curb Weight (Can & US) = 1,735 – 1,739lbs
• -Fuel Capacity = 7.7 gallons
• -Safety = 16yrs or older
• -Warranty = 1 yr.

YAMAHA YXZ1000R

Next on the list of best rated side by side ATV’s is this built for two model, the Yamaha YXZ1000R. Designed with pure sport performance in mind on any terrain, this mean machine is bound to make you enjoy fun in the dunes or deserts, or even the woods and muddy trails in the Kootenays.

Features on this blue beast include:

• -High Spec Fully Adjustable FOX shocks in all 4 corners
• -Ultimate Pure Sport Side by Side is most focused on high performance
• -Unique & Powerful Engine and Transmission offering high revving output combined with sequential shift gearbox
• -High Spec Chasis that is adjustable and capable of side by side designs
• -On-Command 4WD makes the driver have ultimate traction to tackle challenging terrains
• -Ergonomics with high back seats and extra lateral support including outside shoulder bolsters
• -LED lighting with 4 supremely bright headlights
• -300 Pound Cargo Capacity
• -Additional Accessories including folding windshield, brush guard and a cargo box

While the above list of features are impressive, lets dive into other specifications of the YXZ model starting with the Engine itself.

Engine – 998cc Liquid cooled DOHC (Dual Over-Head Cam) inline 3 cylinder has an 11.3:1 compression ratio, and fuel injection while the transmission boasts a 5-speed sequential shift with reverse. It’s manual foot clutch gives you that opportunity, plus the on-demand 3-way locking differential with selectable 2WD & 4WD come with differential lock.

Chasis – The fully adjustable chasis showcases 2.5 Podium RC2 dual spring shocks w/ adjustable crossover. The shocks provide 16.2″ travel in the front, and 17″ of travel in the back. Also, featuring 29 x 9R14 and 29 x 11R14 tires in the front and back respectively. 0 – Measuring 123″ x 64″ x 68.9″ or 10.25 feet long x 5.3 feet wide x 5.7 feet tall, the YXZ is slightly shorter than the Honda, but still provides comfort with 13.2″ of ground clearance. As well, 9.0 gallons of fuel capacity allows you to go on quite the adventure in your 1521lb machine.

Fun Fact – If you were to compare these two machines side by side (no pun intended), which one would edge out the competition from each other? Let’s assume the Talon comes in a 2-seater version (which it does), what would your answer be? The answer is… You’ll have to watch the video to find out! 😉

Rather impressive for a machine that offers 6-month limited factory warranty, wouldn’t you agree? What’s next?

CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 X RS TURBO RR 72

This next machine is one of many Can-Am models that offers its riders extreme 200hp ummph with a 72″ wide stance. Of the 17 X3 models available, this unit comes equipped with a leading triple-cylinder engine, offers next-level handling, and has a Smart Lok differential system that allows you to have grip and control.

“All hail the champion of rocks, dirt and dunes. The Maverick X3 can handle any adventure you can dream of. Pack it up and head way off-road to reach the most remote campsites, or win the toughest race.”

As for everything else:

Engine –

• -900cc Turbo RR
• -200hp Rotax ACE
• -Liquid Cooled
• -Intelligent throttle control with EFI
• -pDrive primary & quick response system
• -Lockable front differential
• -High-Tourque power steering system

Suspension –

• -22″ front travel
• -24″ back travel
• -FOX 2.5 Podium front shocks w/ dual speed compression
• -FOX 3.0 Podium rear shocks

Tires / Brakes –

• -32 x 10 / 10×14 Front & Rear tires
• -Dual Disc w/ hydraulic twin-piston calipers

Dimensions –

• -132″ x 72.7″ x 68.5″ LxWxH
• -16″ ground clearance
• -1680lbs
• -200 lb rack capacity
• -2.5 gallon storage capacity
• -10.5 gallon fuel capacity
• -6-month BRP limited warranty

In a nut-shell, this machine is simply an off the grid mammoth when it comes to styling and profiling in a side by side. Specifically the higher ground clearance than the other 2 machines, gives more of an “I’m bigger than you” statement, and that’s really not that bad.

POLARIS RZR XP 4 1000 ULTIMATE

Into our last machine, the Polaris RZR is probably one of the most well known side by sides out there. Available in a 2 or 4 seater (4 seater featured above), this unit comes in two different color options. But is color important when I tell you about the rest of it?

Having a distinct design that delivers proven performance, here’s a machine that offers superior suspension and the whole 9-yards. For instance:

• -Body design & cockpit geometry
• -sharp-edged cut and style
• -On-demand all-wheel drive
• -LED lighting
• -64″ stance with 100hp
• -Accessories made for machine – light bar, 1/2 windshield, low profile bumper guard, 4500lb winch
• -Ride Command – from GPS mapping to Diagnostics

As for some more specs and features of the RZR (pronounced Razor), we have:

Engine & DriveTrain –

What has liquid cooling, 999cc’s, an EFI (electronic fuel injection), 110 horse power and 4-stroke DOHC twin cylinders, this engine is built to rule the side by side world. Built like Honda’s engine, both are quite respectfully comparable to one another. It would be interesting to see these two units side by each.

Dimensions –

With a length of 119″, width of 64″, and Height of 73.75″, this unit sports a back cargo bed that measures 28 x 22 x 7″ and has a weight capacity of 300lbs. Also, having 14″ ground clearance, the total weight of the machine is 1470lbs and can carry a payload of 740lbs. It goes to show you that even with a 40″ wheelbase, it’s definitely a top contender with a 9.5 gallon fuel tank.

Brakes / Tires –

Keeping this section simple, this machine has 4 wheel hydraulic discs w/ dual bore front and rear calipers along with a Park-In transmission. Not to mention, 29 x 9-14 front tires and 29 x 11-14 rear tires. Gripped to the nine’s, let’s see where we can gain more traction…

Suspension –

With 2″ front and 2.5″ rear Walker Evans Needle Shocks, both offer 16 -position adjustment clickers.

Additional –

• -Lock & Ride Cargo system
• -Full Doors
• -Standard w/ Quick Turn Power Steering system
• -Ride Command
• -Bolstered Brackets w/ driver slider & height adjustment seat belts

Conclusion

And there we have it folks, a simple quick look at the best rated side-by side ATV models in 4 popular options.

All offering extreme features and specifications making it that much harder for you to decide which one is the best! In my opinion, the RZR has a lot of control, plus is simple to ride.

I was first introduced to a Polaris when we were at the Shuswap Lake campgrounds last year, and my daughter had a chance to do a quick photo op with one (see below).

Lesson learned, don’t ever let them sit in one, because they feel they can drive it next. Full disclosure, you need to be 16 years of age to operate these machines, and this was precisely just that, a photo Op.

Besides this little side story however, if you have any intentions in learning more about these all-terrain vehicles, like finding out where to purchase tires for them, leave me a message in the comments below.

Until then, RIDE SAFE…

Cheers!