Top Brands Revving Up the Side-by-Side ATV Scene

Side-by-side ATVs, also known as UTVs, have become increasingly popular for their versatility, offering a perfect blend of utility and recreational use. Renowned for their durability and performance, brands like Polaris, Can-Am, and Yamaha are leading the market with top-of-the-line models. These brands consistently innovate to provide enhanced off-road capabilities, safety features, and user comfort. To help make your decision easier, a comprehensive list of the best side-by-side ATV brands is provided below.

Illustration of side by side atv

Best brands of side by side atv in 2025

Polaris

Polaris is a leading manufacturer in the side-by-side (SxS) ATV market, holding a significant market share. As of 2018, Polaris owned a whopping 41% of the SxS market, far surpassing its competitors such as Can-AM at 13% and John Deere at 12%. In 2023, Polaris continued to dominate the North American market, with five of its models accounting for 10.4% of the total market volume. The company's strong presence is attributed to its innovative products, such as the RZR sport side-by-side and the RANGER utility side-by-side. Polaris's extensive network of dealers and its ability to meet changing consumer demand also contribute to its market leadership. For more information on Polaris's off-road vehicles, their official website offers a detailed overview.

Can-Am

Can-Am, a prominent brand under BRP Inc., is a significant player in the side-by-side UTV market, known for its robust and versatile vehicles. In 2023, Can-Am saw a sales increase of 5.2%, although it was overtaken by Honda in the rankings. Despite this, Can-Am remains a distant second to Polaris Industries in market leadership, according to Power Products Marketing (PPM) analysis. The Can-Am Defender MAX Limited was among the top 10 best-selling UTVs in 2023, contributing to the brand's market presence. Can-Am's products are highly regarded for their off-road capabilities and comfort.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a leading producer of side-by-side ATVs, known for its versatility, power, and intelligent design. The company, which originated as a piano manufacturer, transitioned to motorsports in 1955 and has since become a global leader, with its Rhino model being one of the first major sport-oriented UTVs to impact consumer markets. In the global UTV market, Yamaha competes closely with other top brands, although Polaris currently leads the market share. Yamaha's market presence is significant, with the company being among the top ten purveyors of UTVs in 2023. The global UTV market, which includes Yamaha's products, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030. For more details on Yamaha's journey in motorsports, visit the history of Yamaha Motor Company.

Honda

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. stands as a leading producer in the side-by-side ATV and UTV market, renowned for its robust and versatile vehicles. In 2023, Honda unveiled the Pioneer 520 and Pioneer 500, its most compact side-by-sides, which deliver strong performance and exceptional value. These models, along with the Foreman, Rubicon, and Rancher families, address both work and recreational purposes. Honda's innovations have played a pivotal role in driving market growth, with the global ATV and UTV market anticipated to reach $17.6 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 7.6%. For detailed insights, visit the ATV and UTV market report.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki is a prominent player in the side-by-side UTV market, known for its robust and versatile vehicles. In 2023, Kawasaki held a significant share of the North American UTV market, although it trailed behind Polaris and Can-Am. The company's offerings, such as the Kawasaki Mule, have been popular for both commercial and consumer use, offering a balance of industrial capability and off-road adventure. Kawasaki's history in off-road vehicles dates back to its pioneering motocross machines, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation and performance. As the UTV market continues to grow, Kawasaki remains a key competitor, particularly in regions like North America and Asia-Pacific.

Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat, a renowned brand in the powersports industry, has historically been a significant player in the global side-by-side ATV market. By 2017, Arctic Cat was projected to reach a market share of about 10 percent in the global side-by-side ATV sector. The company gained market share in North America, particularly in the ATV segment, where it increased its market share by one point during the fiscal year 2010. Despite challenges, Arctic Cat managed to improve its operating results and return to profitability, highlighting its resilience and innovation. However, the brand transitioned to Textron Off Road for its side-by-side and ATV models starting with the 2018 lineup, although the Arctic Cat brand remains on snowmobile product lines.

CFMoto

CFMoto is a leading Chinese manufacturer of side-by-side ATVs and UTVs, exporting 73% of the total sector to nearly 100 countries worldwide. The company's powersport business accounts for over 60% of its revenue and more than 66% of vehicles sold. In 2023, CFMoto achieved a global sales increase of over 22%, with its two-wheeler sales reaching a milestone of over 100,000 units for the first time. The company's product series, including CForce, UForce, and ZForce, are highly regarded for their quality and performance. CFMoto also has a significant presence in the US market, with over 600 dealers across the country. You can explore more about their innovative vehicles by visiting their official website.

John Deere

John Deere, although primarily known for its agricultural equipment, is not a leading producer of side-by-side ATVs. However, the company is renowned for its innovative agricultural technology, such as the ExactEmerge planting system, which has resulted in up to a 9% increase in grain yields, and the X9 combine, which can harvest up to 30 acres an hour in wheat. For side-by-side ATVs, brands like Polaris, BRP, Honda, and Kawasaki are more prominent in the market, with the global ATV and UTV market expected to reach USD 29.23 billion by 2030, driven by factors such as the increasing popularity of adventure sports and the introduction of electric ATVs and UTVs.

Textron Off Road

Textron Off Road, a brand of Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., is a leading global manufacturer of side-by-side ATVs and other off-road vehicles, known for its robust and reliable products. The brand's diverse product line includes the Prowler™, Stampede™, Havoc™, and Wildcat™ lines, catering to various uses in work and play. Textron Off Road vehicles are popular in North America, which accounted for a significant market share of USD 2.69 billion in 2023, with the region expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.1% until 2032. The brand's focus on driver experience and performance is evident in models like the Prowler Pro, which offers quiet gas power and advanced features like electronic power steering and 26-inch Pro Terrain tires. Textron Off Road's products are widely used in agriculture, construction, and recreational activities, contributing to the overall growth of the ATV and UTV market.

Kymco

KYMCO, though primarily known as a leading scooter specialist, also produces a range of vehicles including side-by-sides and ATVs. In 2023, KYMCO saw a significant recovery in global sales, increasing by 12.1% to 390,700 units, with strong performances in East Europe and North America. While the company's main focus is on scooters, its production capacity includes over 600,000 vehicles per year, indicating a substantial manufacturing capability. However, the UTV market is dominated by other brands like Polaris, Can-Am, and Kawasaki, with Polaris leading the North American UTV market in 2023. KYMCO's global presence and production facilities in several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and China, highlight its potential in the powersports sector. For further insights, visit KYMCO's dedicated page.