Do you want to ride your Side by Side UTV anywhere you want? Are you up for the challenge of racing through dunes, wading through the muck, and venturing down some of the world’s most treacherous paths? There are some of the best street legal Side By Side models available in the market.  

To help you to select your options, here’s a list of the best street legal Side By Side UTVs. Your thirst for adventure may be slaked by any of these four-wheeled beasts. When mudding, these four-wheel vehicles have plenty of ground clearance and some even have Ride Command, a built-in in-vehicle communication system that enables you to communicate with riders while driving. 

In this article, you will know

•  Why are these vehicles called side-by-side? 
• Top brands that manufacture Side By Side UTVs 
• The best side by sides models 
• Some budget-friendly UTVs models 
• Can You Make a Street Legal Side By Side UTV?
• Common applications of UTVs 
• How Can you Get Region-Specific Side-by-Side Information?

Why Are These Vehicles Called Side By Side?

The meaning of the term “side-by-side” is straightforward: most of these vehicles have two seats that are positioned side by side. Although “side-by-side” is a  popular way to describe this vehicle, Riders may also refer to this vehicle using one of the terms listed below:  

• A vehicle that travels off-road (ORV)  
• Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV)
• Off-road utility vehicle with multiple functions (MOHUV) 

Top Brands that Manufacture Side By Sides UTVs

There are a number of heavyweights competing, but let’s begin with the champion that nobody can argue with: Honda.

• Honda 

 Anyone who has ever purchased a Civic or an Accord knows why they rank first  on this list. You are purchasing a Honda if you intend to ride it rather than just look at it or speak about it with other holders of the same brand. 

Before they started making vehicles, Honda was already a well-known motorbike company. Honda was the first to mass-produce ATV-like vehicles, which they marketed as “three-wheelers” rather than the more accurate “all-terrain bikes.”

 The ATC90, their first model, was initiated in 1970. They gradually increased the deformation of their dirt bikes up to the sturdy ATC350X. 

In any case, Honda not only controlled the ATV market during this period; they practically designed and ran it.  They’ve maintained their position as the world’s biggest motorcycle maker since 1959, and that’s helped them stay ahead of the competition. When it comes to UTVs, Hondas are among the most dependable and durable options available.

• Can-Am 

When it comes to all-terrain vehicles, Bombardier Recreational Products’ CAN-AM brand is relatively new on the scene. Can-Am has a full line of UTVs, all of which are excellent choices for a street-legal UTV transition. 

• Polaris 

 Polaris Industries began as a snowmobile manufacturer and is headquartered in chilly Minnesota. Polaris has expanded over the years, now being a major player in the ATV movement before moving into the UTV market. They were the second top UTV  producer in 2020, trailing only CAN-AM. 

Best Side by Side UTVs 

We’ll go over the top models that can be your ideal companions for thrilling rides off the beaten path.  

• Polaris RZR Pro R 

The RZR Pro R is the most powerful, durable, and easy-to-drive model in its class. It provides you with the confidence and control you need to make the most of the biggest factory-installed side-by-side engine in history.

• YAMAHA YXZ1000RR SS XT-R 

Powered by a robust 998cc inline-three engine and paired with a paddle-shifted five-speed sequential gearbox, the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R is one of the most competent and well-equipped stock SxS models on the market.

The Yamaha YXZ1000R SS XT-R, available in a limited edition color scheme, has a WARN winch, wheels wrapped in Yamaha-exclusive Maxxis Carnage tires, a choice between 2WD and 4WD, and a 3-position locking diff.

• ARCTIC CAT WILDCAT XX SE 

Arctic Cat’s Wildcat XX is a top-tier side-by-side vehicle regardless of trim level, but the SE version of the Minnesota company’s flagship SxS model adds several desirable factory extras.

Among the features included is a WARN winch rated at 3,500 pounds, premium FOX 2.5 PODIUM QS3 shocks, a front steel bumper, rock sliders, and a custom paint job with ROPS and suspension components that match the rest of the vehicle. The engine is the best in its category.

With its new ADAPT CVT clutch, the American automaker pairs a 1.3-liter inline-three engine with 130 horsepower.

• Hisun Strike 1000R 

Motorcycle enthusiasts looking to save money might choose the Hisun Strike 1000R, which has a 976cc V-twin engine, electronic power steering, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive modes, and a locking rear differential.

• Segway Villain SX10 H 

Since its first two-wheeled personal transporter hit the market two decades ago, Segway has come a long way. With its cutting-edge technology and high-octane performance, the new Villain SX10 H inspires confidence in its driver for any adventure.

The Villain has a 1000cc four-stroke, twin-cylinder DOHC engine that generates 195 hp, and a hybrid drivetrain that gives quick torque. A smartphone app and the in-car touchscreen work together as part of Villain’s Smart Commanding System (SCS) to provide access to real-time vehicle data and enable the adjustment of settings based on the preferences of the driver and the current environment.

• Talon 1000X Honda 

 The Honda Talon 1000X has a lot to offer. First, it has a full-roll cage that conveniently seats four fully-grown adults. The Talon is powered by a 999cc liquid-cooled twin mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, doing away with belt-driven transaxles.  

The Talon 1000X is capable of a good 73 mph peak speed on a closed track, making it more of a devoted ripper than a utility vehicle, which is acceptable for a street-legal UTV. You already know that the Talon 1000X will provide you with many decades and kilometers of trouble-free service, which is why it is at the top of our list. 

• RZR Turbo R Polaris 

If speed is what you’re looking for, the Polaris RZR Turbo R delivers. Even though Polaris doesn’t disclose a specific peak speed, a brief Internet search indicates that the factory governor engages at roughly 85 mph. Changing up the RZR’s knobby tires with a pair of radials is a must if you want to spend significant time traveling at 30–40 miles per hour on excellent roads.

The Turbo R is a two-seater SXS with a 925cc engine that produces an incredible 181 horsepower, making it ideal for tearing across trails and dunes.

• ROXOR, Mahindra 

The original ROXOR was an excellent option since it improved upon the practicality of the Ford Jeep while also incorporating cutting-edge technology in terms of both its engine and its safety features. However, Mahindra has returned with an improved and modernized ROXOR, the best street-legal UTV available today.

The ROXOR is pure utility thanks to its 2.5L turbo diesel engine. Twelve gallons of petrol can take you far, and 3,490 pounds is a fantastic amount for towing. If your primary use for a UTV is ranch and farm work, the ROXOR is an excellent choice. 

Why Are Side By Sides So Expensive?  

 In comparison to the rest of the automobile industry, the side-by-side industry is still in its infancy. Because of this, production costs have gone up, driving up the price of UTVs.

Here are some other factors that can raise a machine’s price: 

• Year  
•  Mileage  
• History (where it has been ridden and how often)  
•  Dimensions of the engine  
• Condition  
• Upgrades available aftermarket  
• Appearance 

Many side-by-sides are also available in limited edition versions. These models are more expensive because they include unique accessories and features. 

Can You Make a Street Legal Side By Side UTV? 

To drive your utility terrain vehicle on public streets, you’ll need to modify it to meet local regulations. The steps necessary to make a UTV street legal are different in each state. But any vehicle driven on the street should have the following features: 

• Turn indicators 
• Horn 
• Plates and license bracket 
• Insurance and registration 

The process of registration to make side by side street legal can be complicated and time-consuming, especially for a new person. 

However, if you don’t want to deal with the complicated process to make your side by side street legal, let the experts at 5 Star Registration do it for you.

Contact 5 Star Registration to know how to make your side by side Street Legal within a matter of few weeks.

5 Budget-Friendly Side By Side 

1) MASSIMO Buck 450X 

2) MASSIMO Buck 250 

3) MASSIMO Buck 450 

4) MASSIMO T-Boss 410

5) X-Pro 

General Rules for Driving a Side by Side  

 If you live in one of the states that allow side-by-side vehicles to be operated on open streets, there are a few things you should know before you get started. However, you must be aware that these regulations vary from state to state.

The laws are as follows: 

• A side-by-side must pass the state’s safety check and emission tests before it can function. 
• Driving side by side on a state-maintained highway necessitates insurance.  
• A valid driver’s license is required before operating side-by-side.  
• Side-by-side driving is forbidden on all roads with high-speed limits and in densely populated areas. 

Most Common Applications For UTV 

Here are a few of the most common applications for UTVs: 

• Transporting hunting, fishing, or camping equipment

  

• Working on your property or on a construction site  

 

• While passing through town  

 

• Having fun means going trail riding, mud bogging, or sandboarding 

How Can you Get Region-Specific Side-by-Side Information? 

DMV 

The best place to get detailed information is the Department of Motor  Vehicles (DMV). It is the department of the government responsible for issuing permits and registering vehicles.

Law 

 Learning about state and regional laws from official sources is incomparable, even when it comes to vehicles. Reading the specific laws yourself will provide you with the most accurate information.