A UTV adventure is a great way to bond with family members on the weekend.
You may have an interest in small UTVs for travel. Alternatively, you may want a large UTV that can seat your entire family. Either way, there’s a UTV that’s perfect for your needs.
In the last few years, UTVs have taken America by storm. Initially, people viewed UTVs as a reliable workhorse.
For example, most owners felt that these vehicles were great for handling farm and industrial work. Over time, however, people started to recognize that UTVs are great for having family fun.
To learn more about family-friendly UTVs, read on.
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An Overview of UTVs
A UTV is a great vehicle for creating an exhilarating family weekend getaway. They’re also relatively safe and affordable.
You might also hear someone call a UTV a side-by-side. UTVs are easy to spot. They have unique side-by-side bucket seats, hence the name.
UTVs are mid-sized four-wheeled vehicles. Unlike ATVs, however, UTVs feature a steering wheel and foot pedal system much like a car.
Also, most UTVs have a protective roll bar or cage. The cage provides wind protection and creates an enclosed feel and look.
Manufacturers make UTVs with a durable, protective exterior. For this reason, they’re a top choice for outdoor recreational fun. However, a UTV is equally adept on the job.
Accordingly, they’re also called utility task vehicles (UTVs). This name more closely relates to the original purpose of UTVs. Manufacturers created UTVs as an affordable option for accomplishing work-related tasks.
Accordingly, farmers and ranchers make the most of a UTVs ability to haul impressive loads. However, hunters also use UTVs as their trusted companions on the trail. Today, many people view UTVs as the perfect tool for both work and play.
Choosing the right UTV for your family can prove challenging. There are many offerings on the market, all with a range of available options.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to help narrow down your choices. Before going over the best UTVs on the market, however, it helps to know a few things about operating these powerful vehicles.
UTV Tips for Family Fun
More families across the United States are choosing a UTV for weekend fun. Others choose UTVs for vacation adventures.
No matter your plans, you can take advantage of a range of customizations before your UTV even leaves the assembly line. For example, you can have your UTV customized to meet the seating needs of your family. With your customized UTV, you can create exciting family experiences across off-road terrain.
If you’re reading this, you most likely plan to enjoy weekends riding around with your family. With that in mind, there are a few things that you should consider. A few features can make riding around with your family easier.
For example, look for a model with electric power steering (EPS). An EPS system will help you to steer your UTV.
If you’ve ever driven in an older car, you know what it’s like to drive a vehicle without power steering. Steering a car feels much heavier without some sort of powered assistance.
You’ll also want to consider a winch for your UTV. More than likely, you’ll come across your share of muddy areas.
If you get stuck in the mud, you’ll most certainly want a winch on hand. A winch is especially beneficial if your UTV doesn’t have an all-wheel-drive transmission.
Finally, you’ll want to consider a UTV that has an automatic transmission. It’s true that manual transmissions are fun. However, shifting gears can get tedious during long outings. Furthermore, a UTV with pedal shifters can prove equally entertaining.
UTVs and Safety
A UTVs a great way to have fun with your family. However, it’s also important to consider safety.
UTVs are powerful. Accordingly, they can prove dangerous. If you’ve never driven a UTV, you’ll need to get familiar with the vehicle.
It’s also important not to overload your UTV. Excessive weight can cause your UTV to tip over.
When it comes to choosing UTVs, you should also consider seatbelts. Seatbelts are one of the most important safety features of any vehicle.
However, not all UTVs come with an included seatbelt harness. Fortunately, you can install an aftermarket three-point seatbelt easily.
It’s also a good idea to choose a UTV with a roll cage. Today, most new UTVs ship with this feature.
A roll cage will protect you and your family should your vehicle rollover. Some manufacturers even make UTVs with reinforced frames.
Manufacturers design reinforced frames to withstand heavier impacts compared to standard steel bars. Accordingly, a reinforced frame is a great feature.
Finally, you should think about safety gear for yourself and your family. At a minimum, you should purchase a helmet and chest protector for all passengers.
A Note on Kids, UTVs, and Seatbelts
Seatbelt safety is very important, especially when it comes to kids. Furthermore, most UTV manufacturers include a safety sticker with their vehicles. In short, the sticker typically states that children must be 12 or older to ride in the vehicle.
Some state laws even require that young passengers can grasp a handhold at all times. They also require children to wear a three-point seatbelt and sit in the backseat.
Typically, these rules don’t apply when you use your UTV on private land. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to follow these precautions. It’s helpful to teach your children to get into the habit of holding a handhold and putting their seatbelt on every time they get in a UTV.
The Best UTVs for Families
You probably want a UTV to have fun with your family over the weekend. If so, you most likely want to know about the best UTVs that are available.
There are a lot of great UTVs on the market. Some are better than others. However, others are better for family use.
With this in mind, the following are great picks for a family UTV.
Polaris RZR S4 1000
The Polaris RZR S4 1000 is one of the best UTVs on the market. They’re especially great for families.
Still, the four-seater Polaris RZR looks and feels especially sporty. Nevertheless, it has a firm feel on the ground.
As you drive the Polaris, you’ll notice that it has very little body roll. The UTV features a firm suspension. However, it’s well-damped and doesn’t feel excessively unforgiving or harsh.
Furthermore, the Polaris RZR ships well-equipped. For example, it has included standard power steering. Still, there are plenty of aftermarket parts that you can install to make your Polaris your own.
Yamaha Wolverine X4
The Yamaha Wolverine X4 is another UTV offering that ships with plenty of features, such as power steering. The Wolverine also offers excellent resale value if you should ever decide to part ways with your SUV.
Yamaha’s Wolverine is one of the top-selling UTVs in the United States. For this reason, you can also find plenty of aftermarket parts for this industry-leading UTV.
The Wolverine lives up to its name. The UTV has an aggressive powerband.
It provides a great feel if you like to corner hard. However, the forgiving suspension complements the corning ability of the Wolverine nicely.
Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX DPS
Can-Am’s Maverick Sport MAX DPS is a top choice for enthusiasts who enjoy off-road fun. The maverick excels at tackling muddy conditions and challenging trails.
However, the Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX DPS also has exceptional ground clearance. Can-Am backs up that clearance with a reliable all-wheel-drive system.
Together, these features allow you to cross through mud and streams easily. More importantly, you don’t have to worry about bogging down when the going gets tough. In the end, the Can-Am Maverick Sport is a competent four-seater off-road vehicle.
Kawasaki Teryx4
The Kawasaki Teryx4 is a good selection if you’re concerned about UTV cost. Nevertheless, it’s a highly dependable vehicle.
The Teryx4 is one of the most affordable UTV’s out of the bunch. Nevertheless, it’s a solid, reliable UTV. With factory rebates and discounts, you can easily find a Kawasaki Teryx4 that costs less than all other options.
However, the suspension of the Kawasaki Teryx4 isn’t quite as forgiving as other models. If you choose the Teryx4, expect a bumpy ride. Still, it’s a great option if you want a budget-friendly vehicle for family fun.
Make Family Time Exciting With a Shiny, New UTV!
Now you know more about family-friendly UTVs. With this information, you may want to upgrade your current UTV.
Alternatively, you might use this information to make your first UTV purchase. Either way, a brand-new UTV could enable you to provide a perfect weekend for your family.
If you’re serious about choosing a UTV for your family, you can always learn more about the fun world of UTV adventure. Check out our blog for more cool articles about UTVs!