A Beginner?s Guide to UTVs

If you’ve been thinking about going on an offroad adventure with some of your friends, you might have heard a thing or two about UTVs. However, people seem to be misusing this term, and some even confuse a UTV with an ATV, which is a big misconception.

Because of this, we’ve thought about making a short but descriptive article regarding UTVs, what they are, and how a beginner off-road enthusiast can benefit from driving one. Let’s take a look at some of the distinctive facts and features that make a UTV appealing.

A UTV Isn’t an ATV

ATV stands for “all-terrain vehicle,” while UTV stands for “utility task vehicle.“ ATVs are purely recreational. They often don’t come with a roll cage, so you’re going to be exposed in case of an accident. While they handle well on just about any terrain, they don’t offer much in terms of cargo space, and most of the models can only hold the driver and one passenger. As far as steering goes, it’s more akin to a motorcycle than a car.

UTVs, on the other hand, are useful both for work and play. Some UTV models can hold up to eight passengers, though those come at a hefty price. However, even the best cheap UTV comes with a hard roof and windshield included, so you’re far more protected from the elements than you would be even on one of the best ATVs out there.

The Fine Details of a UTV

A UTV is designed to handle more akin to a car or a truck rather than a motorcycle. In this sense, you have a steering wheel, pedals, and an increased seating capacity. Not to mention that you can carry far more cargo with a UTV and that you can customize it with a plethora of aftermarket accessories.

Speaking of which, seat belts come standard on UTVs, and you can also change the seats, opt for more complex harnesses (both for passengers and equipment), and install even a big sound system if you want to start a party somewhere in the middle of nature. 

UTVs are also increasingly used in power sports. You’ll find them involved in off-road racing, especially in desert racing. These vehicles pack plenty of power, and driving them around a racecourse or in longer point-to-point competitions is a thrill. 

Tips on How to Ride a UTV

Now that we got the main characteristics out of the way, let’s see a few neat tricks that’ll teach you how to drive a UTV smoothly.

Check out the Manual

Know your UTV inside and out. Checking the manual will ensure that you know the best way to operate your UTV, what parts and accessories to customize it with, and how to shift gears and brake for optimum performance.

Practice Ahead of Time

If you have a huge backyard or if you live near an abandoned field, it’s a good idea to practice along with someone who knows what they are doing. They can teach you the basics and even some advanced stuff before you go and hit the real rough terrain.

Get the Right Gear

You’ll need a protective helmet, offroad-ready clothes, a first aid kit, some communication equipment that doesn’t rely on a cellphone signal, a specialized off-road GPS unit or app, and, of course, some food and water.

The Bottom Line

UTVs are reliable, big, and resilient. You can use their versatility to your advantage both when you’re having fun and when you’re out and about in the wild, on a desert plane, or somewhere near the woods.

Get your gang ready and prep for some fun off-road racing with these astounding vehicles. What are your thoughts on UTVs and other off-road vehicles? Leave us a comment down below and share your thoughts with the rest of our community. Don’t forget to share on social media for an even more intense discussion on the topic.