I'm looking to buy an ATV used for mainly weekend trailing in our local off road trails where mostly off roading trucks run.Mostly red dirt, hills, ruts and jungle.
I'm already looking for something above a 450 but just don't know if I should get a 4wd or a 2wd rig.Also because the main dealers out here are Yamaha,Suzuki and Kawasaki I'm looking to stick with these brands.

 

Depends on your trail conditions. 2wd do go through some wild stuff ok enough, but even if you choose 2wd, a Utility 2wd has larger 25" tires while a sport ATV has smaller 22" to 23" tires or so.
Also sport ATVs have chain drive so the fact they have a larger dia. rear chain sprocket in combo with there smaller tires they do not have the ground clearance a 2wd Utility ATV with a rear diff would have and will hit trial objects more and high center easier.

I live in Northern Ontario Canada and the trails are rough remote and long, so you do not see many sport ATVs at all due to there ground clearance and with no racks you cant bring much with you on long 100 mile day rides.

If you riding on trails that trucks can run then they must be tamer,our trails are to narrow and rugget to let a truck go down even side X side UTVs can not fit through many sections.

 

If there's deep mud, large rocky hill climbs, snow, and bad ruts I'd go with the 4x4. If it's pretty tame without much of the above, a 2wd will do it. But, as others have said the 4x4s have more of the crucial ground clearance for obstacles.

 

I would go with a Can-Am Renegade 500, good upgrades in 2013. A blend between sport and utlity. Switchable 2x4 & 4x4, sporty look, and many functions.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. It seems like 4wd is the way to go for me, I don't want to be pulled out by someone plus, I usually like to go overkill so if a 2wd will get through OK then I'm guessing a 4wd will get through even easier.
I did a little research on the Renegade and it seems like an awesome rig though parts for that will be a 2 week transit to get to me if it ever goes down so I might have to rule that out for a while. Looking for something similar with 2wd/4wd mode also maybe one with adjustable lockers seems fun.

 

Most all utilities ATVs have AWD diff lock except Honda and selectable 2wd/4wd.

The renegade is really Can AMs Utitity Outlander without racks and sporty plastic,so its really more of a Utitity ATV. Check out the spec comparison link below

2010 Can-Am Outlander™ 500 EFI ATVs
Front suspension is the only real difference 7" vs 8.5".
You would think the Outlander would cost more since it has racks.

Yamaha could put Sporty Raptor Plastic on a Grizzly but its still would be a Grizzly really.

 

Yamaha might still have some leftover Wolverine 450s. I don't think they have a current model year in the Wolverine though. It's kind of a sporty cross between utility and sport.

 

There is difference but not big. Like frame, brakes, wheels & shocks.

Sixhundred71, go check out the Kawi Brute Force 650 4x4i (with 'i' at the end) or Yamaha Wolverine 450 which both have Selectable 2x4 & 4x4.

 

I have a 2008 Polaris 525 limited edition outlaw for sale. I havent found any trails muddy or rutts that it wont power through I have rode with many 4x4s and I can go 99% of places they can go. If you have some open area trails also the 525 outlaw is a blast to ride. Send me a message if u want any pics or info its in great shape and is priced right. Thanks

 

Thanks for the offer, but after a little research I think that a 4x4 is what I'm looking for. Plus, I'm not too much of a speed demon.
But please send info to sixhundred71@gmail.com and I'll be sure to keep your offer in mind.