Short answer: Buy an ATV (quad) if you ride solo, want something nimble and lighter to haul, and love the hands-on feel of a four-wheeler on trails. Buy a side-by-side (UTV) if you want to bring passengers, carry cargo or tackle real work, and want the comfort and safety of seat belts, a roll cage, and a steering wheel. ATVs are about agility and price; side-by-sides are about capacity, comfort, and versatility.
Both are great — they just solve different problems. Here’s how to decide, from the team at Empire Cycle & Powersports in Spokane Valley.
What’s the difference between an ATV and a side-by-side?
An ATV is a straddle-seat, handlebar-steered quad you ride like a motorcycle; a side-by-side (UTV) is a small car-like vehicle you sit in, with a steering wheel, bench or bucket seats, seat belts, and a roll cage. That single difference — riding on it vs. sitting in it — drives almost everything else: how many people it carries, how it handles, how safe it feels, and what it costs.
ATV vs. side-by-side at a glance
| Factor | ATV (quad) | Side-by-Side (UTV) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 1 (some 2-up) | 2–6 passengers |
| Controls | Handlebars, thumb throttle | Steering wheel, gas/brake pedals |
| Safety features | Rider gear, skill-based | Seat belts, roll cage, often doors |
| Cargo / towing | Modest racks | Bed + higher tow ratings |
| Agility on tight trails | Excellent — narrow and light | Good, but wider |
| Comfort / weather | Exposed | Enclosed-capable, seats, sometimes cab/heat |
| Ease for new riders | Takes some balance/skill | Very approachable — if you can drive, you can go |
| Typical price | Lower entry point | Higher, scales with size/features |
| Hauling it | Lighter, fits smaller trailers | Heavier, needs a bigger trailer |
Which is safer, an ATV or a side-by-side?
A side-by-side is generally the safer-feeling choice for most families because of its seat belts, roll cage, and enclosed cockpit. You sit in it like a vehicle, everyone is belted, and it’s very intuitive to operate. An ATV is safe when ridden with proper gear and training, but it demands more active body input and balance, and there’s no cage around you. If you’re buying for mixed riders — including teens or less-experienced drivers — the UTV’s built-in protection is a real advantage.
Which is better for work vs. play?
For work, the side-by-side wins; for pure trail play and budget, the ATV is hard to beat. A UTV’s cargo bed, towing capacity, and passenger room make it the go-to for property maintenance, hunting, hauling feed, or moving tools and people around acreage. An ATV shines when it’s just you, the trail is tight and technical, and you want the lightest, most flickable machine you can get — often at a lower price.
Ask yourself: Will I usually ride alone, or bring people and gear? That answer alone settles it for most buyers.
What does Empire carry?
We stock both, across trail and utility use. Browse our ATV inventory and our side-by-sides / utility vehicles. Our biggest off-road line is CF MOTO, which builds a well-regarded range of quads and side-by-sides at competitive prices, and we also carry Arctic Cat for off-road and winter machines.
Not sure which size UTV you need? A general rule: two-seaters are lighter and more trail-friendly; four- and six-seaters are for families and crews but need a bigger trailer and more storage space.
How much do they cost?
ATVs typically have a lower entry price than side-by-sides, but at Empire the price you see is the real, all-in number either way. We use Up Front Pricing — freight, setup, and our documentation fee are already baked into the advertised price. Only sales tax and title/registration get added, which you’d pay anywhere. No surprise add-ons at the counter, so you can compare an ATV and a UTV honestly, side by side.
Still deciding?
Tell us how you’ll actually use it and we’ll match you to the right machine. Schedule a test drive, browse the full off-road inventory, or text us at 509-498-3541 with your use case — solo trail rider, family hauler, hunting rig, or property workhorse — and your budget. We’ll steer you to the ATV or side-by-side that fits.
Empire Cycle & Powersports — Spokane Valley, WA. New and pre-owned ATVs, side-by-sides, motorcycles, and snowmobiles, all with Up Front Pricing.