A utility task vehicle, or UTV, is a small, four-wheel drive off-road vehicle. In contrast to ATVs, UTVs are multi-rider vehicles that sit flat on the ground and have four wheels with a box-like cabin. UTVs are great for quickly getting around large properties, such as farms and ranches, or enjoying outdoor adventures and trail riding.
UTVs are often coveted by parents looking for kids’ vehicles that are safer than most ATVs. They can both blaze a trail through mountainous or muddy terrain and also drive on paved roads. UTV’s are versatile, affordable, and generally safe, but finding the right youth UTV for your needs can be difficult if you don’t know where to start.
There are many UTV manufacturers, a multitude of which also double as ATV brands. Fortunately, this provides consumers with plenty of different choices when it comes to buying the perfect UTV.
Although you have many options, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase, including:
Consider the age of your child or teenager when deciding on the most appropriate UTV model to purchase. The larger and more powerful the engine, the more upper body strength and balance a UTV’s rider needs to remain safe.
There is certainly some room for subjectivity when it comes to matching engine size to age. But in general, the following engine sizes are most appropriate for the indicated age ranges:
Keep in mind the size, height, and riding experience of your child or teenager when deciding on engine power. Some 12-year-olds may be big enough or strong enough to handle a 250cc engine with ease, while others may not have the size or simply are not as skilled or experienced.
No matter your budget constraints, there are many places to buy new and used youth UTVs. In fact, visiting a local ATV dealership or visiting an ATV brand's website is often the easiest way to find one, particularly if you want a new model.
If you are looking for a used UTVs, you have a few more options. However, you also have to be a little more discerning. Be sure to do a thorough inspection before buying a used youth UTV to ensure that there aren’t any mechanical problems that could lead to safety hazards.
Websites like ATVtrader.com, Facebook Marketplace, or even Craigslist are all excellent resources for finding used UTVs in your area.
Polaris makes some of the best ATVs and UTVs on the market, so it is no surprise they have a quality youth ATV s available. Discerning parents may wish to check out the Polaris Ranger 150 line in particular, as this vehicle features programmable "geo-fencing" ride control boundaries. This allows you to create an invisible and fenced-off area to control the speed limit and track the vehicle.
The Polaris Ranger also features a 150cc engine, suspension travel, and an adjustable driver’s seat, allowing the UTV to “grow” with your child as they become older and more experienced. New Ranger 150s can be purchased for $5,599, and used models can be found for around $3,999.
HISUN is an affordable UTV manufacturer, and many of their parts and support come from a specialized facility in Texas. HISUN’s Strike 250 line of youth UTVs is an excellent purchase for parents wanting a vehicle for their teenager or older child. It features a 229cc engine, half-doors, a two-piece windshield, turn signals, and a horn. New vehicles can be picked up for around $5,200, and used models are listed around $4,000.
Pitster was once a manufacturer of pit bikes, which is still somewhat recognizable in their vehicles’ shapes and styles. Pitster’s Pro Avenger kids’ UTV is relatively cheap, and each UTV has adjustable throttle controls, an adjustable driver’s seat, and can reach speeds of up to 34 mph. You can find used models on trading websites like GoKartUSA, which sells used Avengers for around $3,600.
Another Texas-based importer of youth UTVs and go-karts, Cazador, offers the Beats 180 line. Built with 169cc engines, the Beats 180 can reach speeds of 20 mph, and offers extra safety features like a brush guard and front bumper, as well as front and rear LED lighting. These Cazador’s are a good choice for parents who want their kids to have fun, but also put safety first whenever they are riding. New models are listed for $3,699, and the used Beats 180s can be found for $3,000 from sites like SmartCycleGuide.