When it comes down to it, how much horsepower is enough in a side-by-side?
With so many options and advancements in the SXS market, it's tough to find out the baseline for things like high speed, handling, and horsepower. Every brand is going to claim their specs are in the sweet spot, but how can you be sure?
Horsepower represents a lot of things to a SXS owner, and a wide range available from one brand or manufacturer is definitely a good thing, but it makes the decision a little tougher.
Polaris is a good example of a company generating high-quality side-by-sides with the power diversity we just mentioned. But, really, how do you zoom in on the right number of horses without paying for more than you need?
Ask the right questions
It breaks down like this: Will you be needing an off-road vehicle capable of getting you from A to B efficiently, with enough power to take on basic tasks? Then something in the 40-50 hp range makes the most sense. Heck, the RZR 570 has 45 horses, deemed plenty by the Polaris team of designers and builders.
Will you be doing more heavy duty work with your SXS (like hauling), and do you anticipate steep, rough terrain? Then you're probably going to want to up the ante to something with 60 hp or above.
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Kick it up a notch
There's still a higher number to bring up, and anything over 80 hp is undoubtedly going to be able to handle what you can throw at it. What's important is that you understand what you're paying for, and making sure you use what you end up with to its fullest potential.
Take the new Polaris RZRXP 1000, for example. It has 110 horses, withHigh Performance True On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and electronic power steering.
Where's that leave you?
Generally speaking, the 40-60 hp range is a good number to zoom in on. Adjust accordingly based on your needs and wants, and you should be good to go.
Above all else, be sure to check the selection from Polaris while shopping around, you'll likely find just the right fit, in terms of horsepower and more.
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FAQs
Trail Riding and Recreational Use: For casual trail riding and recreational use, a UTV with moderate horsepower, between 30 and 60 HP, can provide a fun experience.
What size engine for side-by-side do I need? ›
ATV/UTV Engine
If you're a veteran on the tracks or off-road and you're confident in your riding abilities, a 1000-cc engine can give you plenty of power. However, if you're new to quads, consider starting with a 500-cc engine to maintain control of the vehicle as you learn to ride.
Is a turbo better than a non turbo side-by-side? ›
Specs. Turbo UTVs tend to have more options and better overall specs than non-turbo machines. Better seats, improved suspension, and more durable drive belts are just a few things you'll most likely get in a turbocharged machine.
What side-by-side has the best power to weight ratio? ›
The Most Powerful Side-by-Side Ever
At 240 hp, the Maverick R's 999cc turbocharged three-cylinder Rotax engine produces more power than any side-by-side that has come before. With a curb weight of just 2,250 pounds, the R sports a power-to-weight ratio similar to many modern sports cars.
What is the best engine size for a UTV? ›
You'll find utility ATVs with engines ranging from 450 cc to 1100 cc, but for most people, somewhere around 550 or 600 cc will be more than sufficient to accomplish the vast majority of jobs they have around their property. Sport: Sport ATVs are primarily used for riding around trails or dirt tracks.
Is 500 hours a lot on a UTV? ›
Thinking strictly of ATV mileage range and hours, 500 or fewer hours is ideal. 5,000 and up is considered high miles for ATVs and UTVs. But don't just go for the vehicle with the fewest miles. Consider the age of the vehicle.
What side-by-side has the most horsepower stock? ›
You may or may not know about the Polaris RZR Pro R and its status as the most powerful factory side-by-side out there. It makes 225 horsepower at the crank from a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is crazy for a stock rig that weighs less than a ton.
What is high mileage for a side-by-side? ›
While there are varying opinions and factors on this matter, most off-roaders consider anything above 5,000 miles to be high mileage. An ATV with 1,000 miles or under is considered to have low mileage.
What are the disadvantages of turbo? ›
Maintenance: Because turbochargers stress the engine and its parts, turbocharged engines often require more routine maintenance. Towing capability: Turbochargers aren't a good option if you plan to haul heavy loads. You typically need a larger engine, not a turbo-boosted smaller engine.
What are the cons of adding a turbo? ›
Another disadvantage is reliability. When you add a turbocharger to the engine, you are adding another layer of mechanical complexity to just an ordinary engine. So more things can go wrong, thus it requires maintenance more often. And subsequently make the turbocharger engine more expensive.
This is because naturally aspirated engines last longer and are more reliable than their supercharged counterparts. Forced air engines work harder as they use higher compression and run hotter combustion chambers.
How many pounds per HP is fast? ›
20 lbs per HP is street car. 10 lbs/HP is mild performance. 8 lbs will get your attention.
Who makes the fastest side-by-side? ›
What is the Fastest Side-By-Side in 2024? Packing massive amounts of turbocharged horsepower, more than 2 feet of suspension travel, a revolutionary dual-clutch gearbox and a top speed nearing triple digits, the Can-Am Maverick R is the ultimate side-by-side experience.
What is the best non turbo UTV? ›
Best Non-Turbo Sport Side-by-Side: Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate. As far as halo products go, look no further than the 74-inch, wide-open stance RZR Pro R Ultimate. Polaris' strongest RZR, the 2024 Pro R Ultimate has an all-new chassis that delivers two times the torsional stiffness.
Is 400 horsepower a lot? ›
300–400 horsepower — Delivers supercar acceleration and speed for most drivers. 400–500 horsepower — Common in pro-level sports cars meant for track and racing use. 500+ horsepower — Found in top-tier exotic supercars. Provides incredible power only suitable for expert drivers.
How fast does a 1000cc UTV go? ›
1000cc—80 MPH
They jump off the line and get to high cruising speeds in no time at all. That kind of speed and acceleration makes for some hair raising trail rides and gives you the ultimate adrenaline rush.
What is considered high mileage for a UTV? ›
What's considered high mileage for a UTV? A typical UTV is capable of traveling up to about 5,000 miles on average, though some are able to travel much farther. This is due to the fact that UTVs are designed to be driven over rugged terrain, and thus require frequent repairs and routine servicing.
Is 7 000 miles a lot for a UTV? ›
While there are varying opinions and factors on this matter, most off-roaders consider anything above 5,000 miles to be high mileage. An ATV with 1,000 miles or under is considered to have low mileage. This number suggests the quad has been used for a year or so and did not require much maintenance.
