You're standing in the middle of a showroom floor. The smell of fresh rubber and high-gloss plastic is overwhelming. You see it—a machine that looks like a miniature tank had a baby with a rally car. Most people call it a quad side by side, though if you want to sound like you know what you're talking about around the campfire, you’ll just call it a UTV.
But here is the thing.
Buying one of these isn't like buying a lawnmower or even a standard ATV. It’s a massive investment that can easily north of $30,000 once you start adding the "necessities." Honestly, most people walk into the dealership, look at the horsepower numbers, and make a decision based on which one looks the fastest. That is a mistake. A huge, expensive mistake.
The utility vs. sport identity crisis
The first thing you have to wrap your head around is what you actually plan to do with the thing. We see it all the time: someone buys a Polaris RZR because it looks like it belongs in the Baja 1000, and then they realize they can't even fit a cooler and a chainsaw in the back to clear some brush on their property. Or, conversely, they buy a work-horse John Deere Gator and wonder why their kidneys hurt after trying to keep up with friends on a rocky trail at 40 miles per hour.
There’s a middle ground. Brands like Can-Am with their Commander line or Yamaha with the RMAX have basically mastered the "crossover" category. You get a dump bed for chores, but the suspension doesn't feel like a pogo stick.
If you're looking at a quad side by side for hunting, you want torque and low-end grunt. You want something quiet. If you're looking for dunes? You need long-travel suspension and a turbo. Don't try to make a race horse pull a plow. It won't end well for the belt or your wallet.
Why the "quad" terminology is actually changing
Technically, a quad is a four-wheeled vehicle you straddle, like a motorcycle. A side-by-side (SxS) is a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) where you sit... well, side-by-side. But the terms are blurring. Newer riders often search for a quad side by side because they want the stability of four wheels but the safety of a roll cage and a steering wheel.
🔗 Read more: Pink White Nail Studio Secrets and Why Your Manicure Isn't Lasting
Safety is the big sell here. You’ve got ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structures). You’ve got three-point or four-point harnesses. You’ve got a literal steel cage around you. Compare that to a traditional quad where, if you tip it, you’re the first thing to hit the ground—usually with the 800-pound machine landing right on top of you. It’s why the SxS market has absolutely exploded over the last decade. People want to go off-roading without feeling like they’re one wrong turn away from a helicopter ride to the ER.
The hidden cost of "accessorizing"
The MSRP is a lie. Okay, maybe not a lie, but it’s definitely not the final price.
When you buy a quad side by side, you’re buying a platform. Base models usually come with tires that are "okay" but not great for specific terrain. They often don't include a roof. Or a windshield. Or a winch.
- The Roof: Sounds optional until it rains or the sun beats down on you for six hours.
- The Winch: If you’re riding alone and get stuck in a mud hole, you’re walking home without this.
- The Windshield: Do you like eating dust? No? Then you'll need one. But then you realize a full windshield creates a vacuum that sucks dust in from the back, so then you need a rear panel too.
It’s a rabbit hole. Most owners spend an average of $2,000 to $5,000 on extras in the first year alone. If you're looking at a used machine, these upgrades can actually be a better deal, provided the previous owner didn't beat the absolute living daylights out of the engine.
Maintenance is not a suggestion
If you treat a quad side by side like your Toyota Camry, it will die. These machines operate in the worst possible conditions: heat, dust, water, and mud.
Air filters are the lungs of the machine. One dusty weekend at the Hatfield-McCoy trails can clog a filter enough to start strangling your engine performance. And the CV belts? They are the Achilles' heel of the UTV world. If you don't know how to "break in" a belt or how to drive in low gear when you're crawling over rocks, you're going to smell burning rubber and find yourself stranded.
💡 You might also like: Hairstyles for women over 50 with round faces: What your stylist isn't telling you
Always carry a spare belt. Always. And the tools to change it. There are dozens of YouTube tutorials by guys like Shock Therapy or Rocky Mountain ATV/MC that show you exactly how to do it. Watch them before you’re 20 miles into the woods.
Width matters more than you think
This is a detail people miss until they’re at the trailhead staring at a "50-inch Only" sign.
Many public trails, especially in the National Forest system, have gate keepers. These are literal metal posts set 50 inches apart. If you bought a 64-inch or 72-inch wide "wide track" performance machine, you’re legally (and physically) barred from those trails.
Before you buy, check your local trail regulations. If you’re in the wide-open desert of Arizona or the dunes of Glamis, wider is better for stability. If you’re in the tight, wooded trails of the East Coast? You might regret that extra width.
The electric revolution is actually happening
It’s not just for Teslas anymore. Companies like Polaris have released the Ranger XP Kinetic, which is fully electric.
Now, before you roll your eyes, think about this from a hunter's perspective. It’s nearly silent. There’s no exhaust smell. You have 100% of the torque the moment you touch the pedal. For ranch work or property management, electric is actually becoming the superior choice because you don't have to deal with gummed-up carburetors or oil changes.
📖 Related: How to Sign Someone Up for Scientology: What Actually Happens and What You Need to Know
The range is still the limiting factor for trail riders, but for a "working" quad side by side, the gas engine's days might be numbered.
Real talk on brands and reliability
Honda makes the Talon and the Pioneer. They use a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) instead of a belt. People love this because there’s no belt to burn up, and it feels more like a "real" car. But it’s heavier.
Kawasaki’s Teryx line is legendary for being "bomb-proof," though it's often a bit noisier in the cabin than its competitors.
Can-Am and Polaris are the heavy hitters. They have the most aftermarket support. If you want to customize your machine, these are the easiest ones to shop for. But because they push the envelope on horsepower, they can sometimes be a bit more "finicky" than a slow-and-steady Honda.
Actionable steps for the savvy buyer
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a quad side by side, don't just walk in and sign the papers.
- Rent before you buy. Most major riding areas have rental fleets. Spend $400 to beat up someone else's machine for a day. It will tell you more about what you like than any brochure ever could.
- Check the "Out the Door" (OTD) price. Dealerships love to add freight, setup, and doc fees. Sometimes these can add $2,000 to the price. Ask for the OTD price over the phone before you drive down there.
- Join a forum. Websites like RZRForums or MaverickForums are gold mines. Search for the specific year and model you're looking at. If there’s a common transmission failure or a recall, those guys will be complaining about it loudly.
- Think about your trailer. Your current utility trailer might not be wide enough or have a high enough weight rating. A loaded 4-seater SxS can weigh over 2,000 pounds. Make sure your tow vehicle and trailer can actually handle the load.
- Invest in a quality GPS. Cell service is non-existent in the places these machines are meant to go. Get an OnX Offroad subscription or a dedicated Garmin Tread. Getting lost in a SxS is fun until the sun starts to go down and you're low on fuel.
Buying a quad side by side is about freedom. It’s about getting to places you could never reach on foot and sharing that experience with someone sitting right next to you. Do your homework on the width, the maintenance, and the true cost of ownership, and you'll spend a lot more time on the trails and a lot less time frustrated in the garage.
Make sure you also factor in the cost of a good helmet and eye protection. Even with a windshield, the "rooster tail" from the guy in front of you will find its way into your face. Stay safe, keep the rubber side down, and always check your oil.
***