Recreational vehicles are a fun way to splurge on something for yourself or an activity to enjoy with others. Two such popular vehicles are the ATV and the UTV. However, there are some distinct differences between these two types of vehicles. There are also some reasons why you may want to own both. 

An ATV Is Single-Passenger Only

While you could carry one extra person behind you while driving an ATV, it is definitely not recommended. They are meant to be single-passenger vehicles that you can take over any terrain, and there is nowhere on the vehicle that a second passenger can comfortably sit or hold on. That is very different from a UTV, which can sit three in the bench seat up front, and if need be, two more people can ride in the small flatbed behind the passengers and driver. 

An ATV Is Completely Open

An ATV is similar to a dirt bike on steroids. It is oversized and heavy duty with tons of power and massive tires to go over rock and through sand. There is nothing to protect the rider because it is completely open to the elements. A UTV, on the other hand, is like a modified jeep. It is more open than a jeep but more enclosed than an ATV. If you want, you can buy an accessory kit for the UTV that encloses it fully, allowing you to drive the UTV in all weather without getting wet or freezing from the cold. 

An ATV Needs a Separate Trailer to Haul Anything

An UTV has its own flatbed hauling space behind the cab. Most people use this space for hauling coolers, hunting supplies, fishing supplies, etc. If you only have an ATV, you will need an additional trailer to haul anything. If you want to haul more than what the flatbed of the UTV can haul, you could buy a trailer for that as well, but most people find that the UTV's flatbed space is more than sufficient. 

Why You May Want One of Each

Both vehicles can go anywhere you want to go regardless of roads. However, the UTV is street-legal in almost every state, meaning that you can drive it on city roads, take it grocery shopping, and use it as a second "car" if your usual vehicle is in the shop. The UTV and the ATV can both act as towing vehicles for each other if one of them breaks down or gets stuck in mud or swampland. If you're already looking into Polaris ATV sales, you may want to shop around for a UTV as well.