Side x Side Action Magazine’s 2009 UTV Shootout
The 2009 Side x Side Action Magazine UTV Shootout was a head-to-head competition that brought together the industry’s leading utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to test their performance, durability, and off-road capabilities. Held in rugged terrain designed to push each machine to its limits, the shootout featured popular models from top manufacturers like Polaris, Yamaha, Can-Am, Arctic Cat, and Kawasaki. The event focused on critical performance aspects such as power, handling, suspension travel, ground clearance, and cargo capacity, providing readers with an in-depth comparison to help them choose the best UTV for recreation or work. The shootout highlighted how rapidly the UTV market was evolving, with manufacturers continually raising the bar in horsepower, comfort, and advanced off-road technology.
The event was held over three days at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California which offered varied terrain for different tests.
Here are the vehicles we tested:
