How Much Does a UTV Side by Side Weigh?
Choosing your new UTV isn't just a matter of engine power, brand reputation, or price. The more you know about different UTV side-by-sides, the better you can select the right one for all the work, fun, and adventures you want it for. One of the most important considerations is side-by-side weight. Knowing how much a side-by-side weighs tells you what kind of trails can handle it, its likely towing capacity, and how much room you have for weighty features and after-market hardware. At Riva Motorsports of Miami, we have a wide selection of different UTVs for you, so swing by with a clear understanding of what makes UTVs have different weights and the benefits of varying weight tiers.
Factors Affecting UTV Weight
How much does a side-by-side weigh? There's no one answer. Instead, four main elements will affect total UTV weight:
Size: The bigger the UTV and the more capacity it offers, the heavier it is likely to be. Multi-passenger UTVs will weigh more than single-passenger UTVs.
Engines: Powerful engines are heavy, and they require heavier ancillary systems to keep your UTV running smoothly. As the engine power increases, expect the side-by-side weight to also increase.
Additional features: The more hardware your UTV houses, the heavier it will be. Some of the heaviest additions will be roof racks, audio systems, and winches. However, you can select after-market hardware with heavier or lighter weights depending on your individual requirements.
Materials: A lightweight carbon or aluminum UTV will naturally weigh less than a steel model. Weightier materials can offer more impact resistance, while lighter materials are more fuel-efficient.
Consider all these factors as you decide which UTV make and model is right for you.
The Importance of UTV Weight
Knowing how much a side-by-side weighs tells you much about how the vehicle will operate in different scenarios. The weight matters because:
Side-by-side weight impacts its ability to tow heavy weight. Heavier, stronger UTVs have a higher towing capacity. If you're hauling heavy loads, especially off-road, a heavier UTV is likely a better fit.
Lighter UTVs tend to be much more fuel-efficient than heavier models, which can reduce ownership costs.
When in good condition, heavier UTVs tend to have smoother handling, as they can handle rougher roads. Conversely, lighter UTVs can be a bit more responsive.
You need to have specific weight classes in different applications. In Florida, vehicle weight is a factor in how vehicles are classified; for example, ATVs are defined as 1,500 pounds or less, whereas ROVs must be 3,500 pounds or less. Look up your state and local regulations to decide which vehicle you can use for different outings.
Choosing the Right UTV Vehicle
There is no universal right or wrong answer when selecting a UTV based on weight. Heavier models are better if you need heavy towing capabilities and want a workhorse UTV. But if you plan solo recreational adventures with just a cooler and some fishing gear, a lighter UTV might be exactly right. As you shop around and test drive different models, we recommend focusing on factors like:
Seating capacity needs
Towing capacity for equipment and trailers
Fuel efficiency
Tank size, especially if you plan on long drives
Riva Motorsports of Miami: Your Adventure Awaits
How much does a UTV weigh? Every UTV is slightly different, and knowing what you need can help you find the right vehicle. Visit us at Riva Motorsports of Miami to explore our inventory, chat with our team about different UTVs, and drive out with the right car for your lifestyle.
Featured Image: Anton Tolmachov /Shutterstock