Side by Side Buying Guide: ATVs vs. UTVs Explained

So you're standing in a dealership or scrolling online, and suddenly you're drowning in acronyms. ATV? UTV? RTV? SxS? Honestly, it feels like someone just threw alphabet soup at you and called it a day.

Picking the right off-road vehicle shouldn't require a decoder ring. Let's cut through the jargon and talk about what these machines actually do—and which one's going to make your life better.

The ATV: Your Four-Wheeled Freedom Machine

You know that friend who's always up for an adventure at a moment's notice? That's an ATV. These are your classic four-wheelers—quick, nimble, and always ready to rip down a trail.

ATVs are pretty much the rebels of the off-road world. One rider, handlebars instead of a steering wheel, and enough zip to make your morning commute feel painfully slow by comparison. They're not trying to be practical. They're trying to be fun.

You'll love an ATV if: You're the type who'd rather explore alone, you've got narrow trails behind your property, or you just want something that makes you forget about Monday morning meetings.

The reality check: You can strap some cargo on there, sure. But if you're thinking you'll haul lumber or take your whole family, maybe keep reading.

The UTV: When Fun Meets Function

Here's where the Kawasaki Mule enters the chat. UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles) are what happens when someone says, "What if we made a tiny pickup truck that doesn't care about roads?"

These side-by-sides have actual seats, a steering wheel, and a cargo bed that can handle real work. The Mule has been doing the heavy lifting on farms and ranches for so long that it's basically earned retirement—except it's too tough to quit.

You'll love a UTV if: You've actually got work to do. Feed to haul. Fences to check. Kids to shuttle around the property. Or maybe you just like the idea of bringing friends along for the ride instead of leaving everyone in the dust.

The Mule difference: The mules are super tough.. They're not the fastest, but they'll keep working long after fancier machines have broken down.

The Kawasaki Ridge: Plot Twist

Now here's something interesting. While the Mule was busy being everyone's reliable workhorse, Kawasaki decided to shake things up with the Ridge.

The Ridge is like the Mule's younger sibling who went to college and came back with some new ideas. It's still got that utility DNA, but it's faster, handles better, and honestly? It's way more fun on the weekends.

This is your machine if you need something that can switch gears between hauling hay on Saturday morning and tearing up trails Saturday afternoon. It's proof that you don't have to choose between responsible and exciting.

So... Which One's for You?

Get an ATV if: You're solo most of the time, you love speed, your trails are tight and twisty, and cargo space ranks somewhere below "exciting engine noise" on your priority list. Also, your wallet will thank you—they're usually the most affordable option.

Get a Mule (or similar UTV) if: You've got actual jobs to do. Multiple passengers to haul. Equipment that needs moving. You're thinking 10+ years down the road, and you want something that'll still be running when the odometer looks like a phone number.

Get an RTV if: You're not messing around. You need maximum capacity, industrial-grade everything, and you'll actually use those capabilities. These are for people who make their living from their machines.

Get a Ridge if: You refuse to pick a lane. You want to work hard Monday through Friday and play harder on the weekend. You like having the newest tech and best handling without giving up that cargo bed.

The Money Talk

To be honest, ATVs are the gateway drug. Lower price, easier to justify. UTVs like the Mule cost more upfront, but here's the thing: they're basically indestructible. That higher price tag starts looking pretty smart when you're still riding it a decade later while your buddy's on his third ATV.

RTVs? Yeah, they're pricey. But if you need one, you know you need one.

Making Your Decision 

Here's what nobody tells you: there's no "best" choice. There's only the best choice for you.

Are you the person who disappears into the woods alone every weekend? ATV. Got a farm that needs running and a family that wants to come along? Mule. Need something that can do it all without breaking a sweat (or breaking down)? Ridge.

The smartest thing you can do? Get out there and actually ride these machines. Seriously. What looks perfect on paper might feel completely wrong in person—or vice versa.

At the end of the day, you're not just buying a vehicle. You're buying adventures, memories, and probably a few great stories. Make sure you pick the one that fits your story.

Ready to figure out which machine is calling your name? Choose the right dealership. Come see us and let's find your perfect match. No pressure, no sales pitch—just real conversations about real machines.