UTV stands for utility task vehicle, a type of off-road vehicle often known as a side-by-side — but neither name describes it well without further explanation. You might mistake a UTV for an ATV (all-terrain vehicle), but there are key differences: The UTV allows occupants to sit side by side (aha!) and typically is operated more like a car, with a steering wheel and pedals.

Conversely, an ATV is more like a motorcycle in that the operator straddles it and steers using the handlebars. It has three or four wheels and might allow a passenger to ride behind the operator, but if two or more people want to ride in relative comfort, a UTV is the better approach. Capable of carrying heavier loads, UTVs range from truly utilitarian vehicles not far removed from golf carts to highly engineered recreational 4x4s, sometimes abbreviated RUVs (recreational utility vehicles) or ROVs (recreational off-highway vehicle).

UTV popularity grew over the past decade in part because their seat belts and roll bars were expected to make them safer than ATVs, which had built a reputation as dangerous, but careless operators unfortunately sometimes mistake such provisions as signs of invincibility and find new ways to injure themselves. Regardless of vehicle type, driver training and caution are called for.

UTVs and ATVs can be driven on pavement, but whether they can be driven on public roads depends on the state and municipality in question (as such, we at Cars.com don’t sell them). Some allow them, some require modification, licensing or both, and some forbid the vehicles apart from prompt street crossings.

Read more: What Does UTV Stand For?

The Polaris RZR Factory Racing team, presented by Progressive Insurance, had an incredible finish in the Nevada desert this past Saturday at the 2022 Best In The Desert Jimco Racing Silver State 300. Mitch Guthrie Jr. shocked the competition as he finished second overall and second in the 1500 Unlimited Buggy class competing in an all-new RZR Pro R. Guthrie faced stiff competition, as he was slated against 35 other unlimited cars and trucks, and more than 100 UTVs. He put on a stellar racing performance throughout the 300-mile event crossing the finish line a mere 12-seconds behind the first overall vehicle. Even more astonishing, he finished 23-minutes faster than the top UTV class finisher.

“Today was a noteworthy day for the whole Polaris Racing team. We were 12 seconds from an overall win, which is an accomplishment by itself, and dominated the day among all UTVs. Mitch Guthrie Jr. came out swinging, with an amazing performance in the Unlimited Buggy 1500 class,” said Brett Carpenter, Manager of the Polaris Factory Racing Team. “He drove his RZR Pro R flawlessly to the front of the pack and showcased how the RZR Pro R is a true a game changer, not just against UTVs, but cars and trucks alike.”

Guthrie started the race in ninth and quickly began his charge towards the front. At the halfway mark, he was sitting second in the Unlimited Buggy 1500 class and top five among all vehicles. He continued to navigate his RZR Pro R through the rugged desert before taking the checkered flag in just 5 hours, 23 minutes and 8 seconds.

“I’m absolutely stoked with this weekend’s result. Coming in second overall is a huge feat,” said Guthrie. “While we were confident in the RZR Pro R’s ability, we entered the Buggy class to see how it stacked up against the full field. As we started to get times from our crew, we realized we were on pace or faster than the competition. I think our performance not only highlighted the capabilities of the new RZR Pro R but showcased the future for UTVs and UTV racing.”

In the Pro Naturally Aspirated class, Polaris RZR Factory Racing drivers swept the podium with Max Eddy Jr. finishing first, Josh Row in second, and Ethan Groom rounding out the podium in third, all behind the wheel of RZR XP1000 vehicles.

Read more: Polaris RZR Factory Racing’s Mitch Guthrie Jr. Scores Impressive Second Overall in 1500 Unlimited Buggy Class and First UTV in All-New RZR Pro R

Polaris Commercial showcased its line of UTVs at the Equip Exposition this month in Louisville, Kentucky. The expo, previously known as the GIE+ Expo, is one of the largest international landscape, outdoor living and equipment expositions.

The Polaris Pro XD Mid-Size, the Pro XD Full-Size and the all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic were showcased, allowing customers to put them to the test at the event’s Drive Experience.

“With our line-up of Pro XD UTVs and the RANGER XP Kinetic, we are expanding our customer reach and the markets we serve – providing them with UTVs that embody Polaris innovation and boast uncompromised serviceability, durability and safety,” said Aaron Stegemann, vice president, Polaris Commercial. “We’re excited to showcase these innovative work UTVs at Equip Exposition to current and potential Polaris customers.”

Along with the Pro XD and RANGER XP Kinetic UTVs, Polaris Commercial’s industry experts were on-hand to answer vehicle, operating, manufacturing and service questions inside the expo hall and outside at the Drive Experience. Both Pro XD and RANGER XP Kinetic UTVs were available for customers to operate during the Drive Experience, where customers got behind the wheel to test out UTVs head-to-head on the event’s demo track.

Pro XD Lineup

Designed to withstand the toughest worksites without compromising safety features or uptime, the Pro XD line of UTVs provides superior towing and hauling capacity. Engineered from the inside-out for jobsite compliance and industry-leading durability, Pro XD comes in full-size and mid-size versions to meet the needs of customers across industries. Safety features include adjustable speed calibration, operator warnings, reverse warning beeper, highly visible lights and improved sightlines for greater visibility. Built to last, the Pro XD also provides heavy-duty wheel bearings, driveshafts, puncture-resistant Kevlar-backed vinyl seats and heavy-duty 8-ply tires.

Read more: Polaris showcases UTVs at Equip Exposition

Featuring a Cyberpunk vibe, the conceptual Hyundai UTV is envisioned with a rugged, no-frills, modular design, with a bodywork that boasts clean lines and a minimalist look while also managing to remain stylish.

“I find Hyundai’s modern design language and approach to concept cars exciting, bold and non-trivial. Inspired by their style and recent concepts, I created my own project – a vision of how a side-by-side / recreational electric utility vehicle of that brand could look like,” Roman Ignatowski says of his project.

The modular design means that there is plenty of room for customization. The vehicle’s components, including its roof, hood, and interior, can be configured based on the driver’s needs and the type of ride they want to engage in. As such, the electric UTV can serve as a beach buggy one day and an open Jeep-like vehicle to take on mountainous roads the other day.

It can even double as a transport vehicle for cargo that doesn’t require much space. This is possible because, inside the cabin, all the seats except the driver’s can be folded and make room for whatever goods the owner needs to haul.

While the designer doesn’t mention anything about the performance, range, or battery capacity for the Hyundai UTV project, the renderings do suggest that the electric motor will be fitted under the hood top at the front. Solar panels can also be installed on this section of the vehicle. The roof can also accommodate solar panels for improved battery power storage.

Considering this is envisioned as a utility terrain vehicle and is supposed to be able to go off the beaten path, perhaps it could benefit from a set of more fleshy tires.

Nevertheless, the Hyundai Electric UTV is an interesting build, to say the least, and it would certainly be a pleasant and refreshing sight both on urban streets and mountainous roads.

Read more: Hyundai-Branded Electric UTV Takes Shape Thanks to Independent Designer

Segway Powersports Inc. announced its 2023 utility and sport side-by-side lineup, including updates to the Fugleman UT10 platform and the introduction of the Villain sport side-by-side (SxS) — a highly anticipated addition to the Segway lineup, featuring two width options to choose from: 64 inches and 72 inches across three different model options.

Pushing the boundaries and setting the standard for off-road innovation, the Villain is offered in three different iterations for 2023, delivering a uniquely intelligent off-road experience. The 72-inch Villain SX10 WX is pioneered with the Smart Moving App and 10.4-inch Smart Touchscreen; the 64-inch Villain SX10 X is engineered with the same technology in a narrower application, and the value-conscious 64-inch Villain SX10 E utilizes the same narrow platform form with optional technology upgrades. All Villain side-by-sides are available in two-person configurations and up to four colors, including the Segway signature Intensive Red, Dream Green, Innovative Gray and Bold Black.

The updated Fugleman platform delivers class-leading performance with a potent 105 horsepower from its 1,000cc engine. Combining performance and functionality, the Fugleman offers a 1,000-pound bed capacity, 2,500-pound towing capacity with an industry-leading 10.4-inch touchscreen and connectivity powered by the Smart Moving App.

Available in two different models, the Fugleman UT10 X and Fugleman UT10 E both come in three-person configurations and up to four colors, including Intensive Red, Dream Green, Innovative Gray and TrueTimber® Prairie Camo.

Read more: Segway Powersports Releases 2023 Villain Sports SxSes, Updated Fugleman UTVs