Whether you want to extend your off-road adventures deep into the backcountry or tackle tough terrains, having the right trail-ready UTV can make all the difference.
But with so many side-by-side sizes and models on the market, it can be tricky to find which models deliver the best blend of power, comfort, and reliability for trail riding.
So to help narrow down your search, we trimmed down the options to the 10 best UTVs for conquering challenging trails.
These trail-ready UTV models earned top honors for offering the full off-roading package most critical for backcountry touring and multi-day excursions, and the best part is that there is an option for just about any budget.
So grab your trail maps and let’s get started.
Best UTVs for Trail Riding (Least to Most Expensive)
| Make/Model/Trim | Average Cost | Displacement | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 Trail ⬇ | $10,000 | 800cc | 62 HP |
| 2. Can-Am Maverick Trail DPS 1000 ⬇ | $14,000 | 976cc | 75 HP |
| 3. Segway Villain SX10 WX ⬇ | $14,500 | 1000cc | 105 HP |
| 4. Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 ⬇ | $16,000 | 999cc | 116 HP |
| 5. Yamaha YXZ 1000R ⬇ | $16,500 | 998cc | 101 HP |
| 6. Can-Am Commander XT 1000 ⬇ | $18,500 | 976cc | 100 HP |
| 7. Honda Talon 1000X-4 Fox Live Valve ⬇ | $22,500 | 999cc | 105 HP |
| 8. Arctic Cat Wildcat XX Black Hills Edition ⬇ | $28,000 | 998cc | 130 HP |
| 9. Polaris RZR Turbo R Ultimate ⬇ | $28,500 | 925cc | 181 HP |
| 10. Polaris RZR Turbo R 4 Ultimate ⬇ | $38,500 | 925cc | 181 HP |
1. CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 Trail
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $10,000
- Displacement: 800cc
- Engine: V-Twin, Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 8-valve
- Horsepower: 62 HP @ 6700 RPM
- Torque: 53 LB-FT @ 6000 RPM
- Weight: 1,390 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 10 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 9.8 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Its 50-inch width allows the UTV to tackle narrow, technical trails that wider UTVs can’t, making it ideal for tight wooded trails, alpine trails, and other backcountry routes too small for larger vehicles.
One of the cheapest trail-rated 50-inch UTV models that you can buy is the ZForce 800 Trail, which has an average price of $10,000.
However, don’t let its budget-friendly price fool you, as the ZForce 800 trail is still a very cable off-road vehicle.
Thanks in large part to its compact size and narrower 50-inch width.
As it allows the ZForce 800 Trail to go places larger high-performance UTVs like the Honda Talon 1000X-4 and the Polaris RZR Turbo R 4 Ultimate could never go.
Powered by an 800cc V-Twin, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, the CFMoto ZForce 800 Trail has plenty of horsepower and torque for even the most challenging of routes.
Especially when you pair the engine with the ZForce 800 Trail’s very capable aggressively tuned suspension, which utilizes an arched double A-arm independent setup with adjustable, oil-damped shocks.
While the cockpit is a bit more cramped than wider sport UTVs, the seats are very comfortable with good bolstering.
Fit and finish are also excellent throughout, with tightly sealed doors, quality handles, and seals. Plus, there is plenty of storage space inside the cab.
For more information on the CFMoto ZForce 800 Trail, check out CFMoto’s website by clicking here.
2. Can-Am Maverick Trail DPS 1000
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $14,000
- Displacement: 976cc
- Engine: Rotax, V-twin, Liquid-cooled
- Horsepower: 75 HP
- Weight: 1,364 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 10 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 10 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Exceptionally nimble and capable 50-inch wide sport UTV that utilizes its trail-friendly size and ample suspension travel to master a wide variety of tight wooded trails and technical terrain.
The Maverick Trail DPS 1000 is Can-Am’s flagship 50-inch wide sport UTV and is another all-terrain side-by-side that offers exceptional value.
Featuring a 75 horsepower 976cc Rotax V-twin engine, the UTV offers plenty of power and torque, while not being overpowered, making it both beginner and trail-friendly.
In addition, the liquid-cooled motor utilizes electronic fuel injection and is mated to Can-Am’s Quick Response System CVT transmission with high/low range modes.
Suspension travel is 10 inches up front and 10.5 inches in the rear via twin tube gas-charged shocks controlling the double A-arm with sway bar setup.
This dynamic design provides a comfortable ride and stable handling on a variety of terrains, from rocky inclines to muddy trails.
The Maverick Trail DPS 1000’s 50-inch width not only makes it nimble and easy to handle but also allows access to trail systems with width restrictions, widening the scope of exploration available to riders.
Also, with Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) handling becomes even more responsive and precise, reducing fatigue and making for an enjoyable riding experience.
This feature is particularly beneficial when navigating tight turns or tackling technical sections that require frequent steering inputs.
For more information on the Can-Am Maverick Trail DPS 1000, visit Can-Am’s website here.
3. Segway Villain SX10 WX
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $14,500
- Displacement: 1000cc
- Engine: 4-Stroke Parallel-Twin Cylinder DO HC
- Horsepower: 105 HP
- Torque: 93.5 LB-FT
- Weight: 1,940 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 15 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 10.6 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Shatters the traditional image of Segway with its 72-inch sport UTV prowess, boasting a 1000cc engine and sophisticated suspension, making it an exceptional value for trail riding enthusiasts.
When most people think of Segway, the best trail-riding UTV is not what comes to mind.
As most are likely to picture the Segway Personal Transporter that was all the rage a few years back.
However, Segway has recently gotten into the powersports segment in a big way, with the Segway Villain SX10 WX, which is their flagship 72-inch sport UTV trail riding monster.
Featuring a 1000cc twin-cylinder engine producing 105 horsepower, managed by a drive-by-wire system with Eco and Sport modes. The 4-stroke parallel twin utilizes dual overhead cams for maximum performance.
The suspension consists of double A-arms up front offering 16 inches of travel and a trailing arm IRS in back with 18 inches of wheel movement.
The WX rolls on 30-inch Wanda Cross Country tires mounted to true Beadlock wheels with class-leading 15 inches of ground clearance.
Offering futuristic styling on the exterior with curved swooping body lines, this modern styling continues inside with a digital gauge cluster and a large 10-inch center screen display with an integrated dash cam.
With performance that matches its specs, the Villain SX10 WX is a uniquely styled yet highly capable wider trail sport UTV.
Making it a great value for those who want to step up their trail riding experience without having to spend Polaris RZR money.
To learn more about the Segway Villain SX10 WX, check out Segway’s website here.
4. Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $16,000
- Displacement: 999cc
- Engine: 4-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve Parallel-twin, Liquid-cooled
- Horsepower: 116 HP
- Torque: 76.7 Lb-Ft @ 7000 RPM
- Weight: 1,896.3 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 14.8 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 10.6 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Utilizes its powerful parallel twin engine and ample suspension travel to offer exceptional high-speed handling across rough terrain, making it a uniquely capable high-performance sport UTV for aggressive trail riding.
The Teryx KRX 1000 is Kawasaki’s high-performance sport side-by-side that offers maximum trail riding and off-road capability.
Featuring a 999cc parallel-twin engine producing 116 horsepower and 77 pound-feet of torque, managed by a responsive CVT transmission with high and low range, this top-rated side-by-side offers all the power you will ever need to tackle even the most challenging of trails and terrain.
It’s not just about brute force with the Teryx KRX 1000 though, as its raw power is paired with an advanced chassis and suspension system, which provides class-leading handling.
Thanks to its sturdy frame and steel double-wishbone suspension with FOX 2.5 Podium shocks, offering 19 inches of front and 21 inches of rear wheel travel.
Allowing this trail-ripping UTV to not only tackle rough terrain but to do so at speed.
Moving inside, the two-seat cab offers good comfort for long days on the trails with its high-back bucket seats and ample legroom. There’s also storage for small items spread throughout the cab.
For more information on the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000, visit Kawasaki’s website here.
5. Yamaha YXZ 1000R
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $16,500
- Displacement: 998cc
- Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC Inline 3-cylinder; 12 valves
- Horsepower: 101 HP @ 5560 RPM
- Torque: 113 Lb-Ft @ 3330 RPM
- Weight: 1,574 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 12.2 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 9 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Provides race-inspired power, suspension, and agility, making it an exceptionally capable and thrilling high-performance sport UTV for exploring trails at speed.
Yamaha’s YXZ 1000R is a high-performance sport UTV, equipped with a 998cc triple-cylinder engine that delivers 101 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque.
Power is delivered by an updated new close-ratio 6-speed transmission with manual or sport-shift auto clutch options.
While the machine doesn’t offer the highest ground clearance in its class, at only 12.2 inches for the base model, the machine is still more than capable on and off the trails.
Thanks to an advanced suspension system consisting of independent double wishbones with anti-sway bars at the front and rear. Plus, fully adjustable high-end FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 dual spring shocks on all four corners, that provide adjustable crossover positions to customize the suspension response to your needs.
Inside the two-seat cab offers adjustable high-back bucket seats with 5-point harnesses as well as a combination digital/analog gauge cluster that tilts with the steering wheel.
With a price of around $16,500, the race-inspired YXZ 1000R provides precise handling and potent high-revving power for technical trail riding and high-speed desert running, while still maintaining a somewhat reasonable price.
Making it a great option for those looking for the thrills and excitement of trail running without having to break the bank.
For more information on the Yamaha YXZ 1000R, visit Yamaha’s website by clicking here.
6. Can-Am Commander XT 1000
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $18,500
- Displacement: 976cc
- Engine: Rotax, V-twin, Liquid-cooled
- Horsepower: 100 HP
- Weight: 1,675 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 13 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 10 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Provides exceptional ride comfort and versatile trail capability, thanks to its smooth and potent Rotax V-twin engine combined with advanced long-travel suspension, making it a uniquely well-rounded high-performance side-by-side.
Designed to be a do-it-all UTV, the Can-Am Commander is available in both a 700 and 1000 configuration, both offering a balanced blend of power, functionality, and comfort.
If you’re looking for the ultimate trail-riding machine though, the Can-Am Commander XT 1000 is the way to go.
As this high-performance recreational/utility side-by-side is powered by a 976cc Rotax V-twin engine, churning out 100 horsepower.
Ensuring it has the muscle to tackle the toughest trails with ease.
In addition, the Commander XT 1000’s advanced chassis and suspension design provide exceptional ride quality and handling on diverse terrains, from steep inclines to rugged, uneven paths.
Coupled with a sophisticated 4×4 system, it offers excellent traction control, which, when paired with its dynamic power steering, makes for a responsive and engaging driving experience.
The Commander XT 1000 isn’t just about performance though, as it also boasts a rider-focused interior with ergonomic seats and intuitive controls, ensuring comfort during long rides and practicality for everyday tasks.
And speaking of practicality, with work-ready features like a 4,500-pound winch, a full roof, and a 2-inch receiver hitch with a 2,000-pound towing capacity, Can-Am achieved what they set out to accomplish, which is a UTV that excels at both utility and recreation.
To learn more about the Can-Am Commander XT 1000, visit Can-Am’s website here.
7. Honda Talon 1000X-4 Fox Live Valve
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $22,500
- Displacement: 999cc
- Engine: Liquid-cooled Longitudinally Mounted Parallel-twin 4-stroke
- Horsepower: 105 HP
- Weight: 1,790 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 12.8 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 7.3 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Offers exceptional high-speed trail handling over rough terrain, thanks to its potent engine and dynamically reactive suspension.
One of the most popular trail-riding UTVs on the market today is the Honda Talon.
Thanks to the vehicle’s stellar reputation among powersports enthusiasts for its reliability and thrilling performance.
The Talon 1000X-4 Fox Live Valve comes equipped with a potent 999cc engine that’s paired with Honda’s industry-leading dual-clutch transmission, offering riders smooth shifting and a direct connection to the powertrain.
Its well-tuned suspension system, complete with Fox Podium shocks, provides a comfortable ride even on the roughest terrain, while the 4WD system with selectable modes ensures excellent traction across a variety of surfaces.
The real stand-out feature of the Honda Talon 1000X-4 Fox Live Valve is its four-seat cab, however, which allows you to bring the whole family along for the adventure.
Inside the spacious four-door cab, you’ll also find “stadium seating” in the rear, which allows for better backseat visibility, a full roof, mud and splash protection, east-to-read LCD instruments, and robust passenger “T” grab handles.
For more information on the Honda Talon 1000X-4 Fox Live Valve, check out Honda’s website by clicking here.
8. Arctic Cat Wildcat XX Black Hills Edition
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $28,000
- Displacement: 998cc
- Engine: Liquid-cooled Three-cylinder, EFI, 4-stroke
- Horsepower: 130 HP
- Weight: 1,918 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 15 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 10 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Offers an extremely potent 130-horsepower engine and race-tuned long-travel suspension.
If you’re looking for maximum power in an SxS, then the Arctic Cat Wildcat XX Black Hills Edition needs to be on your shortlist, as this powerful off-road UTV offers a class-leading 130 horsepower.
All that power doesn’t do you any good though unless you can transfer it to the dirt.
The good news, however, is that horsepower isn’t the only feature offered on the Wildcat XX Black Hills Edition.
As this 64-inch wide trail machine offers plenty of handling and grip to go with its high-output engine.
Thanks to aggressive 32-inch trail tires, 15 inches of ground clearance, race-inspired suspension, and FOX QS3 shocks with compression adjustability.
Upgrades include a front bumper, a full roof, a winch, and more. As well as an integrated Garmin Tread navigation system standard.
Inside the two-seat cab are 4-point harnesses, a tilt wheel, a digital gauge cluster, and full doors for mud and splash protection.
For more information on the Arctic Cat Wildcat XX Black Hills Edition, check out Arctic Cat’s website here.
9. Polaris RZR Turbo R Ultimate
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $28,500
- Displacement: 925cc
- Engine: 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder Turbocharged
- Horsepower: 181 HP
- Weight: 2,013 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 16 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 12 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Dominates any trail with unrelenting power and nimble handling, thanks to its turbocharged engine and race-inspired long-travel suspension.
For those looking for the best 74-inch UTV for trail riding, there is really only one option, which is the Polaris RZR Turbo R Ultimate.
As it truly is the “ultimate” trail riding machine.
Setting the standard for all other side-by-sides, the RZR Turbo R Ultimate, offers class-leading specs across the board, including horsepower, ground clearance, and usable travel suspension.
Which when all combined creates incredible power and handling to blast through trails at top speed.
If you’re going to hit those top speeds though, you need a way to stop and that’s no issue for the RZR Turbo R Ultimate, as this best-in-class UTV can stop on a dime, thanks to 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes with triple-bore front and dual-bore rear calipers.
In addition, as you might expect from a machine of this caliber, the Polaris RZR Turbo R Ultimate also has all the best components, including DYNAMIX DV with four selectable ride modes, FOX 3.0 live valve X2 internal bypass shocks, rack-mounted high assist electronic power steering, and RIDE COMMAND integrated into a 7-inch display with a rear camera to name just a few.
All these premium features don’t come cheap though, which leads us to the only real downside of this Polaris RZR, which is cost.
As the RZR Turbo R Ultimate is one of the most expensive UTVs you can buy, with an average price of $28,500.
For more information about the Polaris RZR Turbo R Ultimate, visit Polaris’s website here.
10. Polaris RZR Turbo R 4 Ultimate
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $38,500
- Displacement: 925cc
- Engine: 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder Turbocharged
- Horsepower: 181 HP
- Weight: 2,286 Pounds
- Ground Clearance: 16 Inches
- Fuel Capacity: 13 Gallons
- Why It’s Great for Trail Riding: Allows the whole family to enjoy the ultimate trail riding experience, thanks to its four-seat configuration, turbocharged engine, and race-inspired long-travel suspension.
What’s better than a 2-seater “ultimate” trail riding machine?
A 4-seater “ultimate” trail riding machine and that’s exactly what the Polaris RZR Turbo R 4 Ultimate is.
The big brother to the above-mentioned RZR Turbo R Ultimate, these two machines are the same across the board, except for a slightly heavier dry weight and an extra gallon of fuel capacity.
This means the RZR Turbo R 4 Ultimate offers the same turbocharged 4-stroke DOHC twin-cylinder engine putting out a class-leading 181 horsepower, as well as the same racing-inspired long-travel suspension.
Allowing you to tackle the most challenging terrains this planet has to offer, from tight winding trails through dense forests to wide open dune running.
The best part though, is that unlike its smaller brother, which only offers 2-seats, this model offers 4-seats.
Allowing the whole family to join in on the adventure.
A review of the RZR Turbo R 4 Ultimate wouldn’t be complete, however, without at least mentioning its price.
As the Polaris RZR Turbo R 4 Ultimate is one of the most expensive UTVs you can buy with a wallet-busting average price of almost $40,000!
For those with the means, though that want the ultimate four-person off-road adventure machine, the RZR Turbo R 4 Ultimate truly is in a class of its own.
For more information on the Polaris RZR Turbo R 4 Ultimate, check out Polaris’s website by clicking here.
How We Picked the Top UTVs for the Trails
Determining the top trail-riding UTVs requires evaluation across a variety of performance factors.
As avid off-road enthusiasts, we understand the importance of certain capabilities when tackling rocky inclines, muddy ruts, dense woods, or wide open spaces.
To create our rankings, we paid close attention to critical criteria like power delivery, suspension travel, traction, handling precision, chassis durability, driver comfort, and cost-value ratio.
Specifically, we analyzed:
- Engine power output, throttle response, top speed potential.
- Transmission shifting smoothness for trails or high-speed running.
- Ride plushness and wheel travel over rough and uneven terrain.
- Steering precision around tight turns and over bumps.
- Overall agility and nimbleness on narrow wooded trails.
- Ability to absorb big jumps and land smoothly.
- Skid plate and underside protection from impacts.
- Ground clearance for clearing rocks, stumps, and other obstacles.
By evaluating this exhaustive list of criteria on the industry’s top models, we determined which vehicles delivered the best overall package to conquer a wide range of riding scenarios, most importantly trails.
Those who rose to the top earned a spot on our ultimate trail-riding UTV list.
What to Look for in the Best UTV for Trail Riding
When searching for your ideal trail-riding side-by-side, there are a few key features to prioritize depending on the terrain you plan to conquer.
So to help with your specific search we’ve listed a few key factors to pay attention to:
- Manufacturer – With over 20 different side-by-side manufacturers it’s important to choose one that fits your specific needs for performance, reliability, and after-sales support.
- Engine Power – Ample horsepower and torque allow you to climb steep hills without losing momentum, while strong throttle response delivers fun and fast trail ripping.
- High-Performance Suspension – Long wheel travel paired with adjustable shocks provides a smooth ride to absorb rocks/ruts while robust sway bars reduce body roll for confident cornering.
- Traction Systems – Advanced 4×4 or AWD systems paired with lower gearing improve grip on slippery trails. Locking front or rear differentials can further enhance technical prowess.
- Protective Upgrades – Look for heavy-duty components like skid plates, guards, and bash bars to shield the underside and drivetrain from trail impacts.
- Comfort Features – Cabin amenities like tilt steering and bolstered seats keep you going strong all day on the paths less traveled.
- Capable Components – Strong chassis, durable axles/bearings, sealed electrics, and high-grade fasteners allow UTVs to endure relentless off-road abuse over the long run.
- Accessorizing Potential – The ideal machine has pre-wiring, mounts, and power to support adding winches, roof lights, audio systems, and other trail essentials.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers…
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