Hello everyone!

I'm new to ATVs/SxSs, and even though I read a few thing, please bear with me if I'm talking rubbish!

Now the reason for me to get a SxS was using it as a BOV in case I need to get from my home to a safer place in the countryside.

First I thought about getting a motorcycle or ATV, but lesser hauling/towing capacity and the need for multiple vehicles (for family members) put me off.

A Side-by-Side with 4 (or more) seats should fit my needs pretty well, or so I think...

Now that's where I need your help:
I'm quite overwhelmed with the choices of maker and model, so hopefully you can point me in the right direction here.

My requirements are:
-enough space for 4 (grown-up) persons, plus as much storage as possible
-as reliable as possible, with easy maintenance and repairs
-good miles to the gallon (that's why I won't use a car)!
-no need to be sporty, though shouldn't be a tractor (obviously, if you need to get out of town, you better get out at, let's say, reasonable speed)
-protection from the elements: the winter can get rough, don't want to freeze to death while driving, so a closed cab is required
-should handle bad roads etc easily, though I guess all SxSs do that...

That should be about it I guess... Now I don't know much about brands/makers, so any input is appreciated!

Any ideas?

Thank you very much!

 

Polaris Crew Cab diesel. Not fast but has great gas mileage, towing and can seat 6 people. 2013 Polaris RANGER CREW DIESEL Utility Vehicle: Features

Polaris Crew Cab gas 500 cc. Faster than the diesel. Good fuel economy. Can seat 4. 2013 Polaris 4 Passenger RANGER CREW 500 EFI Solar Red UTV: Features

Polaris Crew Cab gas 800 cc. Fast. Room for 6, great towing and toting numbers.
2013 Polaris RANGER CREW 800 Sage Green 6 Seat Utility Vehicle: Features

There are cabs and tons of other accessories available for these rigs.

Other like vehicles are the Kawasaki Teryx 4 and Mule. The Teryx is fast and can carry 4. Mule is more work oriented.

 

Yeah the polaris ranger crew came to my mind as well.
Unfortunately I can't find much about gas mileage for the diesel vs the 800/500, can someone help me out?

Kawasaki Mule is another option, but i really got no idea which of them is more reliable/well built...
Also saw the Deere gator, how does that hold up?

 

The major makers, like those that have been mentioned, all put out good machines. I don't know actual gas mileage figures. Might be something to ask at a dealership.

 

A mint condition used jeep cost as much as the larger SXS and has more power ,options and can be used everyday and never to to be hauled.

 

I agree with TLC the jeep would have a farther fuel range think 16 gallon tank is the smallest it would be versus 5 gallon tank at the biggest on a SxS much more storage and can haul 4 grown-ups +1 if the backseat is a bench, very off-road capable, no need to take a special safety course to learn how to operate properly, very low maintainence, fully enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning. Sounds like the perfect BOV to me.

 

I've read up on some MPG of the Rangers, and I've got to say I'm unpleasantly surprised... 14 to 17 MPG (even for the diesel) is not what I expected.

Even my Range Rover can reach that with clever driving, and that's with a V8...

Maybe I've got to rethink the ATV approach altogether.

 

The only advantage to having an ATV or UTV over a regular vehicle is that the UTV is thinner and can get through smaller areas than a car. That and traction. A SUV going over soft terrain is more likely to sink than a UTV or ATV. I've had many situations where we tried to pull out things like an industrial sized chipper and the trucks didn't have the traction. When we hooked up a quad it pulled the chipper and other trailer based rigs without a problem.

 

Indeed, that's a huge advantage, considerung my RR weighs about 2.8 tons, wet ground might be a challenge!

 

We've used the Rangers in trail construction projects with the National Forest Service and I'll be honest I was suprised at how well they could carry a load. We would load the back end down with slag rock and it had no problems at all pulling the load into the woods where we were working.
I've also used the Gators, Mules, and Kobutas. All of those are very capable as well for hauling, but not as "drivable" as the Ranger. What I guess I mean is they seem more for straight out work and I wouldn't think would get the milage of even the Ranger.
I tell ya a good choice might be the Samari if you could find one. They are very small but still able to carry your things, should be relatively cheap as compared, and very capable for a BOV. Of course, with the age most are getting on them maintenance might be an issue. Oh well, just a thought.