The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best 4×4 ATV
Are you in the market for a new 4×4 ATV? Whether you’re looking to buy or finance your first or your fifth, buying a new ATV is something that takes a lot of thought and research.
Almost 230,000 ATVs are sold within North America every year, and 4×4 ATVs also called “quads,” are by far the most popular. This means that there are tons of different models and brands to choose from. So how do you narrow it down?
Luckily, we’ve done most of that work for you. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll show you how to find the best ATV to suit your needs, plus the best 2017 models.
Getting Started: Decide Your Priorities
There’s a lot to consider when buying an ATV. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the information that is out there. It is important to figure out what your priorities are. Ask yourself what you will be using the ATV for.
Are you buying it for yourself, or for your child? Will you be using the ATV primarily for work purposes, or are you interested in ATV sports? Or do you want a flexible ATV that lets you do a bit of everything?
What you are planning to use the ATV for will determine what sort of quad you will buy. Sports ATVs are different from utility ATVs and sports-utility hybrids.
Sports ATVs may look flashy, but if you’re looking for an ATV to do heavy work around your property, you’ll only end up disappointed. If you aren’t realistic with yourself from the beginning, you may end up with an ATV that can’t do everything you need it to.
Types of 4×4 ATVs
To help you decide, we’ll break down the main types. Many models don’t fit into these categories perfectly, but this will give you an idea.
Even within these different categories, different engine types make a big difference. Learning the differences between 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines will help you make an informed decision.
Sports ATVs
The name says it all. Sports ATVs are meant primarily for fun.
They tend to be lighter vehicles, letting you rip over the landscape at high speeds and even catching some air.
Usually, have great suspension and are built to take heavy landings and to handle whatever rough conditions you throw at them.
They tend to look flashy, too. They’re more sleek-looking than utility quads.
While they’re great when it comes to fast, exhilarating rides, they don’t have the same power that a utility ATV offers. Don’t expect your sports ATV to be much good as a work vehicle.
Utility ATVs
The opposite of its sporty cousin, a utility ATV is all about work. They tend to be compact and powerful, with built-in racks and hooks to help with any sort of work.
Whether you’re hauling cargo or farm implements or carrying heavy loads across your property, a utility 4×4 ATV has got you covered.
Many even feature useful extras like power outlets, storage boxes, and removable headlights. These features make them very flexible, capable of doing all sorts of different work.
Utility quads tend to be slower moving, with strong engines and limited suspension. Still, they can handle all sorts of terrains, whether it’s a rocky trail or a steep hill.
Sports-Utility ATVs
As ATVs have become more popular, companies have started creating quads that fall somewhere in between these two categories.
A sports-utility 4×4 ATV will give you a little bit of everything. You’ll get a more powerful engine than a sports ATV and maybe some utility features while sacrificing a bit of sleekness.
It may not be able to handle the toughest jobs or be great for trick riding competitions, but if you want something that can do most work and still be good for leisure riding, consider a sports-utility hybrid.
Youth ATVs
Finally, if you’re buying an ATV for someone younger, you should look into youth ATVs. These are designed specifically for younger users.
They are smaller and lighter and tend to be less expensive than the corresponding adult models.
It also tends to be designed for fun rather than utility. They come with less powerful engines and are designed for sports riding.
If you’re considering an ATV for your child, make sure both of you have discussed ATV safety. While ATVs can be great fun when used correctly, they can still be dangerous!
Best Sports ATVs
If you’re looking for a sports 4×4 ATV, you can’t go wrong with any of these models.
Yamaha YFZ450
This sports Yamaha ATV has been a well-loved model since it was released in 2014. Its engine is durable and powerful, providing great speed and an exciting ride every time. Plus, its sleek appearance has been popular with ATV riders since its first release.
Honda TRX450R
With great suspension and excellent handling, this Honda model is an excellent choice for any skill level. It’s got a powerful single cylinder engine four-stroke engine that’s highly durable.
While there have been some updates to the model over the years, it has remained consistently high. This means that you could consider finding a used model.
APEX 450F/250F
This is a great model if you are serious about speed. The APEX is a light model with wheels and suspension ideal for racing.
It is approved for competition use and is designed more for racing than recreation. Keep it in mind if you’re looking for some severe sporting use. If you’re just looking for fun, this might not be the 4×4 ATV for you.
Best Utility ATVs
These utility ATVs are excellent choices for heavy work, no matter what your needs are. They are tough and long-lasting, sure to make your heavy-duty tasks a breeze.
John Deere Gator XUV590i
The John Deere Gator series is all about hard work. It can carry two riders. It has a powerful twin cylinder engine, suitable for hauling heavy loads.
Plus, it is compatible with over 75 attachments, meaning it has the flexibility to perform whatever types of jobs you need.
What it lacks in sleekness, it certainly makes up for in power.
Arctic Cat 500 Auto
Slow and steady defines this powerful utility ATV. It is the best answer if you will be mainly hauling heavy loads of off-road.
This stable utility quad can easily handle any terrain even with heavy, challenging cargo. It’s also got high ground clearance.
While it’s not the sort of ATV to impress thrill seekers, you’ll be amazed by the work you can accomplish with the Arctic Cat.
Polaris Ranger Series
The Polaris Ranger series is all about hard work. It can carry two riders. It has a powerful twin cylinder engine, ideal for hauling heavy loads.
Plus, it is compatible with over 150 custom fitting attachments, meaning it has the flexibility to perform whatever types of jobs you need.
It comes in a sleek design with moulded roll cages on some models for ease and fit of accessories like windshields and cab systems, and it certainly makes up for in power.
2017 Can-Am Outlander MAX 570
In addition to great power and speed, this model also provides a comfortable ride. The seat, which includes a back, will ensure you can ride all day in comfort.
It’s got front and back racks, useful for when you need to get work done.
Best Sports-Utility ATVs
If you want a balance between work and play, these powerful but fun sports-utility ATVs have got you covered.
Polaris Scrambler
The Polaris Scrambler is a classic sports-utility 4×4 ATV whose design still holds up today. No matter if you get a used, original model or the newer ones released since 2014, you’ll enjoy the great combination of power and speed these quads offer.
It’s reliable enough for work but light enough for fast rides and a bit of fun.
Kawasaki Brute Force 650
With the latest model released in 2011, there are many ways to get a Kawasaki either new or used.
A great balance between utility and sports features, the Kawasaki Brute Force is a sensible choice. It’s got the power to perform lots of work and is comfortable enough that you can work all day without saddle fatigue.
That comfort is especially nice when you use it for leisure rides. It’s a dream for a sporty ride off-road.
Choosing Used or Brand New
Now that you have decided what sort of ATV you want to look for, you need to determine whether you want to buy one new or used.
Buying used will limit the options you have available to you, but will make your purchase more affordable.
It also means that you may be able to get a higher quality ATV that would have been otherwise out of your budget.
Buying a used 4×4 ATV from an ATV retailer will ensure that you’re still getting a functioning, high-quality product.
Buying a new ATV has its advantages. You’ve got more choice, plus your ATV will likely last longer than a model that is already a few years old. Plus you get to take advantage of the newest features, innovations and warranty.
If you’ve already got an ATV and you’re just looking to upgrade to a newer model, you can consider trading in your old one.
Plus, with ATV financing, you can plan according to your budget.
With so many great 4×4 ATVs available, it can be hard to choose! Still, as long as you are looking at the right category for your needs, you really can’t go wrong with any of the ATVs on this list.
If you have questions about buying an ATV or want more suggestions and advice, contact us today. We’ll help you find the ATV that is right for you.