Utility Task Vehicles also known as side-by-sides are primarily designed to be carriers of cargo as well as carriers of passengers. As per usual, there are more than a few types and styles of this type of four wheeler but in particular we will discuss payload capacity to give you a rough idea of what the UTV can handle. With a range of 800 to 1500 pounds and the ability to carry up to 4 passengers comfortably, understanding a UTVs payload can be vital to purchase and functionality.
Breaking it down by type
Recreational UTVs
Think of a UTV that’s great for field riding but not exactly used for heavy off road travel or high speed stunts and you have a Recreational side-by-side four wheeler. With fun being the main objective the payload is lighter coming in at around 300 to 600 pounds.
Sure, although I can’t actually create a table, I can simulate one using text. Please note that speed, payload, pricing, and seating capacity can vary greatly between different brands and models of UTVs, and these are only rough estimates as of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021.
General Specs for Recreational UTVs:
- Speed: Up to 45-50 mph
- Payload capacity: 300-600 lbs
- Pricing: $8,000-$15,000
- Seating capacity: 2-4 seats
***Keep in mind that these are just estimates and actual specifications can change based on the specific model and manufacturer. Check your manual or handbook for details that line directly with your specific model UTV***
Sport UTVs
What is a UTV without a little fun and excitement at the hands of nature and defied gravity. With emphasis on off road performance, speed, and overcoming obstacles, the sport UTVs are more in the middle of the payload pack averaging between 300 and 800 pounds. Of course, lighter can be better for speed but check your manual on specifics before making a judgement call on which machine to go with!
General Specs for Sport UTVs:
- Speed: Up to 75-85 mph
- Payload capacity: 300-800 lbs
- Pricing: $15,000-$25,000
- Seating capacity: 2-4 seats
Utility UTVs
So imagine a Park Ranger getting a call that a hiker in the middle of the woods has suffered a sprang and is unable to walk or be carried to safety. With a loaded up med pack, folding stretcher, and safety gear our hero is going to need his Utility UTV to conquer a heavy load. This is even more critical if a person is unconscious or in need of immediate medical attention. This is only one example of why the payload on a Utility UTV ranges from 1000 to 1500 pounds. If you take the same scenario but apply it to a group of 3 hikers with one or more injured but all needing to be brought to safety, you see how a Multi-Passenger UTV could also be a good fit for the job. Both Utility and Multi-Passenger vehicles are equipped to haul lots of gear along with multiple people.
General Specs for Utility UTVs:
- Speed: Up to 45-50 mph
- Payload capacity: 1,000-1,500 lbs
- Pricing: $10,000-$20,000
- Seating capacity: 2-6 seats
General Specs for Multi-Passenger UTVs:
- Speed: Up to 45-50 mph
- Payload capacity: 1,000-1,500 lbs
- Pricing: $15,000-$25,000
- Seating capacity: 4-6 seats
Understanding payload for your UTV adds to the measures of safety and performance needed to have the safest most effective ride (not to mention function). Part of having a quality ride and a quality experiences is knowing the quantity limits your four wheelers can hold. From taking on the hills of a mountain to dashing across open fields of grass and dirt fun, UTVs have a type and a payload that works for you!
