ATV vs. UTV for Desert Riding

With its warm days and cool nights, the desert seems made for year-round riding. The terrain is varied and challenging, with steep climbs, epic flatlands and a constantly churning mix of rocks of sand. Still, the question remains: Should you hit the dunes on an ATV or in a UTV?

Here are three things to consider before your next down ‘n’ dirty trip into the wild.

Size

ATVs are smaller than UTVs, but both are suitable for off-roading and compatible with a variety of motorcycle aftermarket parts on sale nearby and online. Also known as a four-wheeler, an ATV was meant to be driven by a solo rider who straddles the seat and brakes with his or her hands and feet and deploys a thumb or handle-twist throttle.

A UTV, also known as a side-by-side, is driven like an automobile, and can seat two passengers, hence the nickname.

Because of their more petite frame, ATVs are better for racing, making tight turns, and navigating narrow trails. In the desert, trails and other size restrictions are few and far between, making a UTV just as rideable as an ATV.

In fact, a UTV is often more comfortable in the desert because of its bench seats (or bucket, depending on the model). It has the ability to easily seat multiple people as well as stow your gear. If you need a desert tow, the UTV is your pick for that, too.

Safety

As you scramble across unpredictable desert flatlands and tackle crumbling hills, the UTV will generally provide a safer ride. This is due, in part, to its larger size and more conventional driving configuration.

However, it can also be chalked up to the UTV’s built-in safety features, such as roll bars, seat belts, and in some cases, windscreens. The best UTV riding gear only increases the safety of your ride.

An ATV, on the other hand, offers fewer safety features. Controlling it can take considerable strength and balance on the rider’s part, and with that comes inherent risks. For some riders, however, this is precisely the appeal of an ATV. It can provide more control and a more exhilarating ride.

Experience

Because driving a UTV is not unlike driving your car, it’s usually the better choice for new or relatively inexperienced riders thanks to its smoother ride and handling. It’s far more customizable than an ATV, so you can enhance future ride experiences, too. Owners can pour thousands of dollars into everything from upgraded tires to in-cab heaters.

An ATV, on the other hand, is a rougher ride that demands substantial physical effort on the driver’s part in some cases. If that rough and tumble style is your jam, and you’ve logged plenty of off-road hours, an ATV might be a solid, adrenaline-boosting pick.

Plus, both the best women’s ATV riding gear and the most popular accessories for men take all of these factors into account to increase your comfort and endurance as your straddle your quad.

Ultimately, for most users, a UTV is a better pick for desert riding. It’s safe, it’s comfortable, and it’s ready to rock and roll — literally if need be — as you conquer shifting sands. Opting for ease and security doesn’t mean sacrificing thrills, though. Choose a UTV for your next run through the desert and you won’t be disappointed.

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