Side-by-sides are one of the phenomena of the last few years. They’re more accessible to most folks than quads and especially dirt bikes, you can bring the whole family along to justify some of the cost, and they’re also insanely capable on all kinds of trails. The Polaris RZR Pro R is the ultimate version of the side-by-side.

I’ve been riding dirt bikes and quads for 15 years now, and the massive proliferation of side-by-sides in the last seven years has been disorienting. It used to be quad gangs and small packs of dirt bikes in SoCal OHV parks. Now, it’s chock-full of Polaris RZRs and similar kinds of vehicles. The proof is in the pudding: they’re nuts to drive and also very social compared to the solitary experience of bikes and quads.

This RZR Pro R Special Edition is largely like the standard, insane Pro R but with a livery from legendary designer Troy Lee Designs. It’s aggressively blue and orange, with even the suspension control arms painted the signature blue. Beadlock wheels trimmed in orange complete the Fanta-like effect.

Equipment-wise, it is largely unchanged from the standard RZR Pro R. Thus, it has that high-strung 225 horsepower 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four that revs to 8,500 rpm, which is incredibly stout in a road car, let alone a skeletal side-by-side. It doesn’t come with the higher-trim active suspension setup, but it still gets advanced dampers and a full Rockford Fosgate sound system. The Special Edition gets Pro Armor tires and a Rigid Industries light bar.

Only 1,000 units will be sold worldwide, making it a little rarer than your average Polaris RZR. If you’re looking for the ultimate in four-wheeled off-road performance potential, it is not a Ford Raptor or Ram TRX. It’s one of these.

Read more: This 2023 Polaris RZR Pro R Special Edition Is a Wicked $50,000 UTV

Much as I love off-roading, I’ve never really been a fan of side-by-sides. You know, those little souped-up, golf-cart-dune-buggy-like things you see zipping around the desert and sailing off into the dunes. The truth is, my hate is a product of jealousy; right off the showroom floor, a side-by-side is faster and more capable than any off-road rig I could build myself. But a recent day with the Can-Am Maverick helped me see the light.

Actually, it was two days, and for the first, I only rode shotgun. Can-Am let me tag along with professional UTV driver Hunter Miller as he prepared for the infamous King of the Hammers race in Johnson Valley, California — a week-long event where every kind of off-road vehicle you can imagine gets its turn in the spotlight.

With 16 inches of ground clearance, up to 24 inches of suspension travel, a short wheelbase, 200 horsepower and low gearing, UTVs like the Maverick are nimble and pretty much unstoppable. Miller’s race rig wears 35-inch tires, meaning it has no problem climbing up over rocks that are legitimately taller than I am. Miller’s race line choice is precise, putting the Can-Am on two wheels more than once, and often pointing us straight up at the sky, straight down at the ground or sideways to the point where rocks are 3 inches from my helmeted head. This is some next-level capability.

Read more: 2022 Can-Am Maverick First Drive Review: Finding My Feelings

UTV stands for utility task vehicle, a type of off-road vehicle often known as a side-by-side — but neither name describes it well without further explanation. You might mistake a UTV for an ATV (all-terrain vehicle), but there are key differences: The UTV allows occupants to sit side by side (aha!) and typically is operated more like a car, with a steering wheel and pedals.

Conversely, an ATV is more like a motorcycle in that the operator straddles it and steers using the handlebars. It has three or four wheels and might allow a passenger to ride behind the operator, but if two or more people want to ride in relative comfort, a UTV is the better approach. Capable of carrying heavier loads, UTVs range from truly utilitarian vehicles not far removed from golf carts to highly engineered recreational 4x4s, sometimes abbreviated RUVs (recreational utility vehicles) or ROVs (recreational off-highway vehicle).

UTV popularity grew over the past decade in part because their seat belts and roll bars were expected to make them safer than ATVs, which had built a reputation as dangerous, but careless operators unfortunately sometimes mistake such provisions as signs of invincibility and find new ways to injure themselves. Regardless of vehicle type, driver training and caution are called for.

UTVs and ATVs can be driven on pavement, but whether they can be driven on public roads depends on the state and municipality in question (as such, we at Cars.com don’t sell them). Some allow them, some require modification, licensing or both, and some forbid the vehicles apart from prompt street crossings.

Read more: What Does UTV Stand For?

The Polaris RZR Factory Racing team, presented by Progressive Insurance, had an incredible finish in the Nevada desert this past Saturday at the 2022 Best In The Desert Jimco Racing Silver State 300. Mitch Guthrie Jr. shocked the competition as he finished second overall and second in the 1500 Unlimited Buggy class competing in an all-new RZR Pro R. Guthrie faced stiff competition, as he was slated against 35 other unlimited cars and trucks, and more than 100 UTVs. He put on a stellar racing performance throughout the 300-mile event crossing the finish line a mere 12-seconds behind the first overall vehicle. Even more astonishing, he finished 23-minutes faster than the top UTV class finisher.

“Today was a noteworthy day for the whole Polaris Racing team. We were 12 seconds from an overall win, which is an accomplishment by itself, and dominated the day among all UTVs. Mitch Guthrie Jr. came out swinging, with an amazing performance in the Unlimited Buggy 1500 class,” said Brett Carpenter, Manager of the Polaris Factory Racing Team. “He drove his RZR Pro R flawlessly to the front of the pack and showcased how the RZR Pro R is a true a game changer, not just against UTVs, but cars and trucks alike.”

Guthrie started the race in ninth and quickly began his charge towards the front. At the halfway mark, he was sitting second in the Unlimited Buggy 1500 class and top five among all vehicles. He continued to navigate his RZR Pro R through the rugged desert before taking the checkered flag in just 5 hours, 23 minutes and 8 seconds.

“I’m absolutely stoked with this weekend’s result. Coming in second overall is a huge feat,” said Guthrie. “While we were confident in the RZR Pro R’s ability, we entered the Buggy class to see how it stacked up against the full field. As we started to get times from our crew, we realized we were on pace or faster than the competition. I think our performance not only highlighted the capabilities of the new RZR Pro R but showcased the future for UTVs and UTV racing.”

In the Pro Naturally Aspirated class, Polaris RZR Factory Racing drivers swept the podium with Max Eddy Jr. finishing first, Josh Row in second, and Ethan Groom rounding out the podium in third, all behind the wheel of RZR XP1000 vehicles.

Read more: Polaris RZR Factory Racing’s Mitch Guthrie Jr. Scores Impressive Second Overall in 1500 Unlimited Buggy Class and First UTV in All-New RZR Pro R

Polaris Commercial showcased its line of UTVs at the Equip Exposition this month in Louisville, Kentucky. The expo, previously known as the GIE+ Expo, is one of the largest international landscape, outdoor living and equipment expositions.

The Polaris Pro XD Mid-Size, the Pro XD Full-Size and the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic were showcased, allowing customers to put them to the test at the event’s Drive Experience.

“With our line-up of Pro XD UTVs and the RANGER XP Kinetic, we are expanding our customer reach and the markets we serve – providing them with UTVs that embody Polaris innovation and boast uncompromised serviceability, durability and safety,” said Aaron Stegemann, vice president, Polaris Commercial. “We’re excited to showcase these innovative work UTVs at Equip Exposition to current and potential Polaris customers.”

Along with the Pro XD and RANGER XP Kinetic UTVs, Polaris Commercial’s industry experts were on-hand to answer vehicle, operating, manufacturing and service questions inside the expo hall and outside at the Drive Experience. Both Pro XD and RANGER XP Kinetic UTVs were available for customers to operate during the Drive Experience, where customers got behind the wheel to test out UTVs head-to-head on the event’s demo track.

Pro XD Lineup

Designed to withstand the toughest worksites without compromising safety features or uptime, the Pro XD line of UTVs provides superior towing and hauling capacity. Engineered from the inside-out for jobsite compliance and industry-leading durability, Pro XD comes in full-size and mid-size versions to meet the needs of customers across industries. Safety features include adjustable speed calibration, operator warnings, reverse warning beeper, highly visible lights and improved sightlines for greater visibility. Built to last, the Pro XD also provides heavy-duty wheel bearings, driveshafts, puncture-resistant Kevlar-backed vinyl seats and heavy-duty 8-ply tires.

Read more: Polaris showcases UTVs at Equip Exposition

Featuring a Cyberpunk vibe, the conceptual Hyundai UTV is envisioned with a rugged, no-frills, modular design, with a bodywork that boasts clean lines and a minimalist look while also managing to remain stylish.

“I find Hyundai’s modern design language and approach to concept cars exciting, bold and non-trivial. Inspired by their style and recent concepts, I created my own project – a vision of how a side-by-side / recreational electric utility vehicle of that brand could look like,” Roman Ignatowski says of his project.

The modular design means that there is plenty of room for customization. The vehicle’s components, including its roof, hood, and interior, can be configured based on the driver’s needs and the type of ride they want to engage in. As such, the electric UTV can serve as a beach buggy one day and an open Jeep-like vehicle to take on mountainous roads the other day.

It can even double as a transport vehicle for cargo that doesn’t require much space. This is possible because, inside the cabin, all the seats except the driver’s can be folded and make room for whatever goods the owner needs to haul.

While the designer doesn’t mention anything about the performance, range, or battery capacity for the Hyundai UTV project, the renderings do suggest that the electric motor will be fitted under the hood top at the front. Solar panels can also be installed on this section of the vehicle. The roof can also accommodate solar panels for improved battery power storage.

Considering this is envisioned as a utility terrain vehicle and is supposed to be able to go off the beaten path, perhaps it could benefit from a set of more fleshy tires.

Nevertheless, the Hyundai Electric UTV is an interesting build, to say the least, and it would certainly be a pleasant and refreshing sight both on urban streets and mountainous roads.

Read more: Hyundai-Branded Electric UTV Takes Shape Thanks to Independent Designer

Segway Powersports Inc. announced its 2023 utility and sport side-by-side lineup, including updates to the Fugleman UT10 platform and the introduction of the Villain sport side-by-side (SxS) — a highly anticipated addition to the Segway lineup, featuring two width options to choose from: 64 inches and 72 inches across three different model options.

Pushing the boundaries and setting the standard for off-road innovation, the Villain is offered in three different iterations for 2023, delivering a uniquely intelligent off-road experience. The 72-inch Villain SX10 WX is pioneered with the Smart Moving App and 10.4-inch Smart Touchscreen; the 64-inch Villain SX10 X is engineered with the same technology in a narrower application, and the value-conscious 64-inch Villain SX10 E utilizes the same narrow platform form with optional technology upgrades. All Villain side-by-sides are available in two-person configurations and up to four colors, including the Segway signature Intensive Red, Dream Green, Innovative Gray and Bold Black.

The updated Fugleman platform delivers class-leading performance with a potent 105 horsepower from its 1,000cc engine. Combining performance and functionality, the Fugleman offers a 1,000-pound bed capacity, 2,500-pound towing capacity with an industry-leading 10.4-inch touchscreen and connectivity powered by the Smart Moving App.

Available in two different models, the Fugleman UT10 X and Fugleman UT10 E both come in three-person configurations and up to four colors, including Intensive Red, Dream Green, Innovative Gray and TrueTimber® Prairie Camo.

Read more: Segway Powersports Releases 2023 Villain Sports SxSes, Updated Fugleman UTVs

The 55th running of the iconic SCORE Baja 1000 saw Polaris RZR Factory Racing driver Branden Sims and co-driver Eric Borgen put together a stellar performance to win the UTV Overall and Pro UTV Open Class. Piloting their new, race-modified, RZR Pro R through the grueling 828-mile race, the team outpaced the competition through the technical terrain of wide-open desert, crossing the finish line nearly 40-minutes ahead of the next UTV.

Sims started the race in eighth, quickly navigating his way into fourth throughout the opening 100-mile stretch. Just after the 100-mile mark, Sims got stuck in a large bottleneck on a tight trail. The first three drivers escaped unfazed, opening up a significant lead over Sims. Once Sims broke free from the bottleneck, he put his head down and began closing the gap, ultimately taking the lead at mile 300. He continued to drive flawlessly to mile mark 475, where he swapped driving duties with Borgen, who would drive the #1869 machine the final 350 miles to the finish line. By the time they took the checkered flag at 20:37:09, their lead was nearly 40-minutes.

“Considering the grueling demands of this race and the challenges we overcome, this was an incredible victory for our team and a true testament to the power and durability of the RZR Pro R,” said Brandon Sims. “With desert racing, there is always going to be adversity, but the Baja 1000 takes that to another level. In order to win, the team has to be incredibly resilient and resourceful, and the vehicle has to take a beating and keep powering through. That’s exactly what happened this weekend, and we couldn’t be prouder to get such a historic win.”

In addition to Sims’ victory, RZR Factory Racing’s Craig Scanlon also had a strong showing, leading early in the race before relinquishing the lead and finishing second in the Pro UTV Open class and fourth UTV overall. In the Pro UTV Forced Induction Class, Ronnie and RJ Anderson teamed up with their father Randy for their first Baja 1000 appearance. The team had an impressive run, sharing driving duties in route to a third-place finish and sixth overall. In the Pro UTV Naturally Aspirated class, Polaris driver Kaden Wells dominated the competition, taking the win and scoring an impressive seventh place overall among UTVs.

“It’s truly incredible to see three RZR Pro Rs finish in the top five at Baja. To have such a historic weekend at the year’s most iconic race is something that everyone at Polaris is incredibly proud of,” said Brett Carpenter, Team RZR Factory Racing Manager. “Winning the Baja 1000 is the ultimate way to finish the year, and it’s a victory that provides tremendous momentum going into the 2023 season.”

The team will be back in action at the 2023 King of the Hammers on February 2 – 11.

Read more: Polaris RZR Factory Racer Branden Sims Wins 55th Annual Baja 1000

Kawasaki has announced the new Mule SX 4×4 Fleet Edition and the return of other FE models to its 2023 line up of Mule side by side utility vehicles.

The Mule line up of UTVs is a range of models with 2WD or 4WD options, capable of seating between two and four passengers.

MULE 4010 TRANS4X4
The 4010 UTV models offer versatility for either passenger space or hauling. By using Kawasaki’s Trans Cab system, the UTV has the ability to convert from four to two passenger seating by removing the second row of seats — with no tools required — turning it into a cargo hauler.

This UTV features a 617cc, V-twin, 4-stroke engine, and a 1,200 pound towing capacity. Additionally, its steel cargo bed has a 800 pound capacity in two-passenger mode.

MULE SX

The Mule SX are two passenger models and make for compact workhorse UTVs, small enough to fit in the bed of a full-size pickup truck for transportation. The smaller size also means these models have a tight, 10.8 foot turning radius. The 2023 model of the SX is now offered in five configurations, including a fuel-injected, 4WD model.

The SX models have a nearly 400 pound capacity in their steel cargo beds, and a towing capacity of 1,100 pounds with the optional hitch attachment.

Read more: KAWASAKI’S NEW TRANSFORMING UTV

Honda has announced the Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew, a new side-by-side featuring a full-size, six-person cab, for the 2023 model year.

The 1000-6 is receiving all the features and updates found in Honda’s 2022 Pioneer 1000, as well as some model-specific features.

“We’re excited to add the Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew to our lineup of multipurpose side-by-sides,” says Brandon Wilson, manager of sports and experiential for Honda. “Since 2016, the Pioneer 1000 platform has set the standard for flagship rec-utility side-by-sides, and the all-new Crew continues to raise the bar with additional capability and performance. With Honda’s renowned reliability and a long list of functional, innovative features, the Crew is a versatile workhorse that doesn’t compromise performance on the trail.”

COMFORT FOR THE CREW

The most apparent of the new upgrade’s is the six-person cab. The second row of seats has 28 inches of legroom, giving space for a comfortable ride and easy entry and exit from the vehicle.

The 1000-6 also comes with tilt steering to adjust to different body sizes, with a padded foam seat designed for durability in all driving conditions. The UTV is equipped with six-ply OTR Dirt Master tires mounted on 14-inch wheels. The 1000-6 also has fully-independent front and rear suspension, while self-leveling rear suspension helps the UTV maintain stable handling by automatically adjusting according to the load in the vehicle.

The added seats don’t sacrifice utility — the 1000-6 features a full-sized cargo bed with 1,000 pound capacity, and front and rear under-seat storage compartments designed to transport tools and supplies. A 12-volt accessory outlet in the bed enables use of electrical devices like coolers, work lights, air compressors — whatever you need for the job.

Acceleration has been improved from previous Pioneer 1000 models as a result of engine revisions, and towing capacity has been increased by 25% to 2,500 pounds. Honda was also able to revise the transmission gear ratios to be wider, giving more pulling power at lower speeds.

Read more: HONDA’S NEW PIONEER 1000-6 UTV