What makes off-roading more appealing than, say, racing around a track? The thrill of real victory. This is why side-by-sides are growing in popularity — the conquest of fields and turf with the company of friends.
This model earns outstanding grades for comfort and user-friendliness. The seat fabrics keep passengers held securely and doors are easily maneuvered without flimsiness. Its solid construction bears up against the most beastly and difficult trails. Kawasaki’s first attempt at a sport side by side is a solid one. Pick up this bad boy for the trails and ease of use.
The Fox Racing shocks on this machine make for easy adaptation to multiple terrains and driving styles. With a lightweight, super-durable chassis, this vessel can take an off-road beating and give as good as it gets. One of many from the X3 line in our top 10 list, this side by side is a solid pick for the trail rider needing more speed and agility.
The Wolverine X2 has a reputation for nimbleness and durability, as well as optimal visibility. This sport vehicle also sports a one-ton towing capacity and 600-pound cargo bed. Longing for the Yamaha Rhino, the Wolverine is a great modernization of the simple platform. Fast, agile and way safer, this machine is great for the first timer or long timer looking for great power and reliability from the OEM that created the SXS craze.
The dual-clutch transmission and instant throttle response makes this machine handle the nastiest overland obstacles. Meanwhile, the launch control makes for rapid acceleration. In fact, for a side-by-side, it moves like a powerful dirt bike. This is a way different machine than the others on the list, all having CVT transmissions and belts, the drivability feels more like a car than a snowmobile.
As good as the R gets, the Talon 1000X maintains a thinner frame, helping the vehicle traverse narrower trails. Plus it’s a Honda… everyone loves Honda from back in the day.
For speed and smoothness, the Maverick X3 MAX DS TURBO is an addictive ride. For those familiar with tight, sandy, and unpredictable trails, this vehicle performs with ease, even over hazardous off-camber sections. No matter what the terrain, riders feel completely settled on a firm foundation. Its finely tuned suspension tempers the 195-horsepower engine. Different from the Xrs and Xrc models, this sits somewhere in the middle of the line up for the want-to-ride-anywhere person. Fully accessorized and fits on your trail, this can compete with the big dogs.
The future of the Polaris sport side by side line-up, the RZR Pros are also turbocharged and the XP offers 181 horsepower. Available in Sport, Premium and Ultimate releases, this vehicle’s engine endures hotter temperatures and full-throttle better and longer. This model loses nothing with additional seating in the XP4. Their styling is more modern, sleek and might we say, sexy?
The 2nd and 3rd generation RZR Chassis that accelerated the industry into a frenzy! Polaris markets the turbo RZR models as having “Instant Acceleration, Instant Response.” Experience confirms the salesmanship. The cutting-edge fuel injection system and turbocharger generate 114 foot-pounds of torque that deliver speed and power in a moment. There are more RZR Turbo models out there than any other side by side purchased through out the years than any other model.
The 2021 editions of these machines added some improvements like an increasingly chiseled stance and better clutch alignment for greater longevity. Their power, chassis, steering geometry, and suspension all add to superior agility. Still a great seller at an attractive price, plus the ability to purchase and install thousands of accessories built for this chassis.
“Meet The Beast” is how Polaris rolled out their marketing for this badass machine. The Polaris RZR S stake their reputations on a combination of high speed and highly effective suspension. With 168 horsepower, the Turbo S2 and S4 are tough to beat in an off-road race and its shocks take the punch out of large bumps. 72 inch stance and ride command really hit a home run with this one. Unfortunately, was not announced as a return to the model line-up for the 2022 model year.
The most sold model (2 and 4 seat), The X3 Xrs Turbo RR is renowned for its 22-inch suspension, leading to incredible overland performance. Rocky terrain, frequent slopes, and off-camber turns hold no challenge for this vehicle, especially since passengers barely notice the difference. With its widened stance, 72-inch wheelbase, and 24-inch suspension, the RS Turbo RR version is designed for the most demanding topography.