How Much Is a Side by Side? (2020)
Table of Contents
Introduction
Side by sides or commonly called UTVs, are very similar to their ATV brethren. The difference is their ability to carry multiple passengers and how you sit on the vehicle. On an ATV, you swing your leg over the seat, so one leg is on each side, like riding a motorcycle. On a side by side, you sit like how you sit in a car or a chair, upright with pedals at your feet. UTVs are more geared for work than for play as they often have largo cargo areas and massive hauling capabilities, but don’t sell them short— they can also be a ton of fun out on the trails.
In this article, we will cover the pricing for some of the most popular side by side manufacturers as well as pricing on used vehicles. Hopefully, this article will give you an idea about what you can expect to spend on the three most common types of side by sides, sport/recreation, utility, and performance.
How Much Does a Side by Side Cost?
Generally, in the current 2020 market, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4k-$30K+ for a new side by side. Based on GoRollick data, the average price of a new side by side is $15,626. Side by side pricing is highly dependent on two factors, engine size, and accessories. The larger the engine, the more expensive. Likewise, you will notice your total skyrocket when you start making upgrades and adding accessories to your vehicle.
Currently, there are 145 SxS’s to choose from made by six different manufacturers. There are three primary categories of side by sides:
- Utility — primarily used commercially for farming and hauling
- Sport/Recreation — best personal use for fun, hunting, etc
- Performance – hyper-focused on one goal like mudding or speed
If you are more interested in learning about the types of side by sides, read our guide to selecting the best UTVs on the market. e.
How Much Does a Sport or Recreation Side by Side Cost?
Sport side by sides and recreation side by sides are geared for fun out on the trails. Many of the sport and recreation models do not have a cargo trunk and are recognizable by their roll-bar aesthetic. The sport side by sides are known for having amazing suspension and a more compact design than the utility UTVs. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5K-$30K+ for a sport/recreation side by side.
Example pricing of popular sport/recreation models:
2020 Polaris RZR 170 EFI
– MSRP: $5,299
– Engine Size: 169cc
2020 CanAm Commander 800R
– MSRP: $11,199
– Engine Size: 799.9cc
2020 Kawasaki Teryx Base
– MSRP: $12,999
– Engine Size: 783cc
2020 Yamaha YXZ 100R
– MSRP: $18,999
– Engine Size: 998cc
2020 Polaris RZR XP Turbo Base
– MSRP: $20,999
– Engine Size: 925cc
How Much Does a Utility Side by Side Cost?
Utility side by sides are usually a lot bigger than the sport category. They also have more focus on towing capacity and cargo space. Utility side by sides are typically used for heavy-duty work purposes and are more frequently purchased commercially for uses like hauling, towing and farming. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5K to $25K for a new utility side by side.
Example pricing of popular utility models:
2020 Polaris Ranger 150 EFI
– MSRP: $5,499
– Engine Size: 150cc
2020 Kawasaki Mule SX
– MSRP: $6,699
– Engine Size: 401cc
2020 Honda Pioneer 500 Base
– MSRP: $9,199
– Engine Size: 475cc
2020 Arctic Cat Prowler 500
– MSRP: $9,399
– Engine Size: 443cc
2020 CanAm Defender DPS HD5
– MSRP: $11,699
– Engine Size: 427cc
2020 Yamaha Viking EPS Ranch Edition
– MSRP: $14,199
– Engine Size: 686cc
2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT EPS
– MSRP: $14,899
– Engine Size: 812cc
Pro Tip: Notice on this list there are two Kawasaki Mules. One is $6K and the other is almost $15K. Each side by side line has dozens of trims and options that can highly influence the cost.
How Much Does a Performance Side by Side Cost?
There are significantly fewer performance side by side options on the market. This is because they are built for a very specific purpose, as opposed to the utility or sport categories which can do multiple things well. The performance UTVs are huge in size, engine, and cost. You can expect to see prices in the low to high $20K range for most performance UTVs.
Example pricing of popular performance models:
2020 CanAm Maverick X3 X RS Turbo R
– MSRP: $27,799
– Engine Size: 900cc
2020 Polaris RZR XP Turbo S
– MSRP: $28,199
– Engine Size: 925cc
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How Much is a Used Side by Side?
If you are interested in purchasing a used side by side, like any other recreational vehicle, you can expect the cost to be lower than buying a new side by side. Based on GoRollick data, the average price of a used side by side in 2019 was $10,762. Many people choose to purchase used because you have more negotiating power and you can often get a higher-end vehicle, potentially with aftermarket upgrades for significantly less than a brand new model. One drawback to purchasing a used side by side is that if you buy the vehicle from a third party, you lose the option to finance through a dealer. Also, depending on the age of the side by side, it may not be under warranty anymore and if the side by side has not been maintained properly, there can be hidden issues that can be costly.
Here are some examples of used side by sides on the market currently:
2019 Honda Talon 1000R
– Price: $17,799
2018 Textron Wildcat X
– Price: $8,999
2017 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS
– Price: $15,688
2017 Kawasaki Teryx4
– Price: $13,999
2016 Yamaha YXZ 1000R SE
– Price: $11,895
2016 Polaris RZR 170 EFI
– Price: $4,962
2015 CanAm Commander XT 1000
– Price: $8,999
2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 700 XT EPS
– Price: $7,988
Conclusion
Side by sides can be an affordable purchase as long as you’ve done your research. They are a fun and efficient way to be able to both work and play. If you are worried about affordability, check out our Guide to Financing for UTVs or our Guide to Getting a Loan with Bad Credit. Also, if you feel like you are ready to start deciding which UTV to add to your garage, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to the Best UTVs.
GoRollick Buying Experience
When you’re ready to find your perfect Side by Side, be sure to check us out at gorollick.com. You can:
- See nationwide inventory, specs, and incentive information
- Get an upfront, transparent price on your desired vehicle
- Receive special offers on both the vehicle, as well as additional accessories
- Shop at one of our Certified Dealers who are committed to providing an exceptional buying experience
