Top 10 Side-by-Side Brands in 2024

The side-by-side (SxS) market has grown exponentially over the years, with manufacturers pushing the limits of performance, durability, and technology. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance sport UTV, a reliable workhorse, or a family-friendly recreational ride, the industry offers a wide range of options. Here’s a look at the top 10 SxS brands leading the way in innovation, reliability, and off-road capability.

1. Polaris

Best For: High-performance, utility, and recreation

Popular Models: RZR XP, RANGER 1500 XD, XPEDITION, GENERAL XP, RZR PRO R

Polaris is one of the most dominant brands in the SxS industry, with a lineup that covers everything from high-speed desert runners to hard-working utility machines. The RZR series continues to lead in performance UTVs, while the RANGER lineup is a favorite among farmers, ranchers, and hunters. Polaris also offers the GENERAL, a crossover SxS that blends utility and sport features.

Why It Stands Out: Polaris consistently pushes the envelope in suspension technology, power output, and smart features like Ride Command+ GPS navigation and the new STEELDRIVE automatic transmission in the RANGER 1500 XD.

2. Can-Am (BRP)

Best For: High-performance, trail riding, mudding and utility

Popular Models: Maverick R, Maverick R Max, Maverick X3, Commander, Defender, Defender Limited with HVAC, Defender 6×6

Can-Am’s Maverick lineup is one of the most aggressive and capable sport UTVs on the market, with the Maverick R boasting an industry-leading 240 HP. The Defender series rivals the Polaris RANGER in work-oriented models, while the Commander blends sport and utility.

Why It Stands Out: Can-Am leads the way in horsepower and suspension performance, making it a top choice for racers and adrenaline junkies. The DCT transmission found in the Maverick R isn’t the industry’s first, but Can-Am’s 7-speed transmission definitely pushed DCT technology forward in the UTV market.

3. Yamaha

Best For: Reliability, durability, and sport-performance

Popular Models: YXZ1000R, Wolverine RMAX and RMAX 4, Viking and Viking VI

Yamaha is known for bulletproof reliability, and the YXZ1000R is one of the few SxSs featuring a sequential manual transmission, giving it a true race-like driving experience. The Wolverine RMAX offers a mix of sport and trail capability, while the Viking is a solid utility machine for farm and ranch use.

Why It Stands Out: Yamaha’s proven durability and unique manual-transmission option in the YXXZ make it a favorite for those who want precision control and long-term dependability.

4. Honda

Best For: Durability, innovative transmission, and work-use

Popular Models: Talon 1000R/X, Pioneer 1000, Pioneer 700

Honda’s Pioneer lineup provides work-ready utility UTVs, while the Talon 1000R and Talon 1000X offer a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), eliminating the need for a CVT belt. This direct-drive system makes Honda one of the most reliable brands in the SxS market.

Why It Stands Out: Honda’s DCT transmission was a first in the industry, offering a more direct power delivery than traditional belt-driven UTVs.

5. Kawasaki

Best For: Rec-Utility, Utility, durability, and off-road versatility

Popular Models: Teryx KRX 1000 and KRX4, Mule PRO-FXT, Teryx and Teryx4 and Ridge

Upcoming Models: H2 KRX

Kawasaki’s Mule lineup is one of the most trusted utility UTVs for work applications, while the Teryx KRX 1000 is an underrated trail and rock-crawling beast with excellent durability. Look for the new Sport Supercharged H2 to be announced in Spring 2025.

Why It Stands Out: The Mule series is known for outstanding reliability, while the Teryx KRX 1000 provides one of the best stock suspensions for rough terrain.

6. Arctic Cat (Textron Off Road)

Best For: Work-ready UTVs and sport-recreation models

Popular Models: Wildcat XX, Prowler Pro

Arctic Cat has undergone several ownership changes, but their Wildcat XX remains a powerful sport UTV, and the Prowler Pro is a solid choice for those needing a quiet, work-oriented machine.

Why It Stands Out: Arctic Cat’s Wildcat XX features race-proven suspension, making it a great desert UTV. Arctic Cat has struggled since being acquired by Textron and will most likely slip out of the top-ten brands for 2025.

7. CFMOTO

Best For: Budget-friendly options with strong performance

Popular Models: ZFORCE 950 H.O. EX, ZFORCE 950 Sport 4, UFORCE 1000

Upcoming Models: ZFORCE Z10

CFMOTO has been gaining traction with well-equipped, affordable UTVs that offer competitive power and features at a lower price point. The ZFORCE series is aimed at sport riders, while the UFORCE lineup caters to utility users.

Why It Stands Out: CFMOTO provides great value with high horsepower and advanced tech at a lower price than mainstream competitors.

8. Segway Powersports

Best For: Innovative hybrid powertrains and affordability

Popular Models: Super Villain SX2.0T, Villain SX10, UT10 Crew

Segway is a newcomer in the SxS market, but their Villain SX10 features a turbocharged engine, and their Fugleman UT10 is a work-oriented UTV with high-tech features.

Why It Stands Out: Segway is pushing innovation with hybrid-electric models and turbocharged engines in a budget-friendly package.The introduction of the Super Villain SX2.0T signifies a groundbreaking achievement by Segway, as they unveil an industry-first hybrid powerplant. This factory turbo-charged 2.0L 4-cylinder is the world’s first SSV to break the 300hp threshold. Furthermore, this remarkable platform incorporates an innovative 6-speed automatic transmission, culminating in an extraordinary trio of industry firsts within a single product launch.

9. John Deere

Best For: Agricultural and farm use

Popular Models: Gator 850D, Gator 825i, Gator XUV 845 and XUV 875

John Deere’s Gator series is built primarily for farmers, ranchers, and property managers. While they lack high-speed sport models, their diesel-powered and work-focused UTVs are among the most durable on the market.

Why It Stands Out: John Deere Gators are the workhorse of the agricultural world, with dependability and ruggedness as their main strengths.

10. Kubota

Best For: Diesel-powered utility work

Popular Models: RTV-1140, RTV-1100, RTV-900XT

Kubota’s RTV lineup is known for heavy-duty farm and industrial applications, with diesel-powered engines and hydraulic dump beds. These UTVs are built for work, not speed.

Why It Stands Out: Kubota’s diesel UTVs are among the toughest work machines available, designed for long-lasting durability.

Final Thoughts

The SxS market is more competitive than ever, with brands offering specialized models for different needs. Whether you’re looking for a race-ready powerhouse, a farm workhorse, or a hybrid-electric newcomer, there’s an option for you.