8 Things to Consider Buying For Your UTVs in 2026

Many wheeled vehicles are designed exclusively for paved roads, and although some trucks perform well in mud, sand, and dirt, they hardly ever equal the efficiency of a specially designed side-by-side. In contrast, their suspension, ride height, and chassis are all designed with off-road use in mind. They are more capable in difficult, uncontrolled situations because of their special qualities, which enable them to tolerate far more harm.

Since its inception in the 1980s, the SxS market has seen several significant developments, culminating in the most recent generation of these devices. Manufacturers have responded to this market’s increasing popularity by creating more competitive and durable models to draw customers to their products. However, purchasing a UTV might be intimidating, especially for people who are not familiar with it, as there are now many more models and model variations to pick from than ever before. To provide you with this guide on the most crucial factors to take into account when shopping, we have scoured the market.

Purchasing a side-by-side is a very different experience and procedure than purchasing a typical car or truck, even if they have similar parts and purposes. We’ve listed seven of the most important factors to think about before making a purchase to aid in your selection.

Engine

A model’s powertrain is vital because it is the heart of an SxS. Take into account the size, layout (quantity of cylinders and arrangement), cooling system, and whether or not a particular engine is turbocharged, supercharged, or naturally aspirated while examining this category. In recent years, the industry has begun to see hybrid, gas-electric, and fully electric vehicles.

Components

An SxS’s performance is primarily dictated by its engine and running gear, including the frame, suspension, braking parts, and other critical components. When looking at this area, it’s crucial to analyze the suspension parts’ manufacturer, the sort of setup employed, and the performance parameters supplied with regards to ground clearance and travel.

Collision Protection

Because side-by-sides are designed for off-road use, they must be capable of handling a lot of stress, which is where collision protection comes in. Many SxS versions come with skid plates, rock sliders, and steel bumpers or bullbars right out of the box. Protected exhaust systems are also available on a number of these vehicles.

Transmission

This area has grown in relevance, as simple five- and six-speed gearboxes are no longer the industry norm. These transmissions have been augmented with semi-auto things, paddle shifters, and other features that make this area well worth investigating. It’s also worth looking at gearing and two- and four-wheel drive modes.

Comfort Components

Side-by-sides used to be spartan, austere objects with only the core essentials and very little beyond that. However, this has altered in recent years as personal conveniences like windows, heating and air conditioning, and infotainment systems have grown more popular.

Supplementary Features

Smart devices have infiltrated nearly every sector globally, and the SxS market is no different. High-end sound systems, Bluetooth connectivity, battery charging stations, and pairing with dedicated smartphone apps have grown increasingly commonplace.

Upgrade Bundles

Most SxS models come in various trim levels, including a base model and up-specced variants with factory improvements like winches, crash bars, and specialized liveries. Although you can always upgrade a base model with hand-selected aftermarket parts, some of the higher-spec SxS versions are fantastic standalone machines.

Dual Battery Isolator

Dual battery isolators are essential to any UTV veteran as batteries are susceptible to discharging as UTV owners employ excessive electronics, extra lighting, and a winch. They allow your vehicle’s accessories to be powered by a secondary battery while the engine is turned off. It keeps your primary battery charged and ready to go whenever you need it. That is why UTV enthusiasts have gone absolutely nuts over Dfna’s True® UTV Dual Battery Isolator; now with the added function to connect and monitor your battery’s charge in real-time! The updated battery kit even includes a single meter with dual displays. Visit the consumer’s videos on youtube and on their website for installation guides.