Choosing the Best ATV or Side-by-Side/UTV for Hunting

You’ll want to begin by thinking about where you’ll take your off-road vehicle. While pretty much any ATV or SxS/UTV can handle compact dirt, you might need a more robust setup to safely take on deeper and looser surfaces such as sand or mud. Really challenging terrain might mean you’d like lots of ground clearance, a winch and aggressive tires like those found on the mud-specialized Can-Am Defender X MR.

Keep in mind there are loads of accessories to choose from to tailor your off-road vehicle to your needs. So if a ready-made model isn’t exactly what you need, you can easily make it perfect. If you’ll be hitting trails with width restrictions, you might want to look at more compact vehicles to be able to explore those areas.

The importance of color choice

Recreational riders sometimes enjoy a bit of flash and bright colours on their ATV or Side-by-Side; but when it comes to hunting, you’ll probably want something a lot more subtle. Look for neutral-coloured vehicles in earth tones like olive greens, greys or blacks to better match surroundings. Some Can-Am models, like the Outlander ATV or Defender Side-by-Side are offered in exclusive camouflage patterns such as Wildland Camo.

For Cargo and Storage: SxS

When comparing ATVs and Side-by-Sides for hunting, It's important to compare cargo space. While a four-wheeler like the Can-Am Outlander can certainly carry its fair share with multifunction racks and a bevy of attachable accessories, an SSV—much like a car or truck—has storage in countless places, like under the seats, in the cargo bed and in other pockets and nooks all over the vehicle.

For example, just the cargo box on a Can-Am Defender Side-by-Side will carry up to a 1,000 pounds. Add to that a waterproof toolbox, dash and under-dash storage, and a lower box... you see our point. This means you have loads of places to store hunting, camping, and survival gear, not to mention the ability to haul home hides, racks, and meat. Want more? With six wheels, the sky's the limit. Experience superior storage space and bed capacities with the Defender 6x6 or Defender PRO.

Hunting quads, meanwhile, have far more limited storage, with rear and front racks to hold around 300 pounds combined. While this might be plenty for some, hunters after big game tend to go for a hunting SxS when it comes to storage. That said, the mighty Can-Am Outlander MAX 6x6 DPS is an exception with its ability to carry up to 700 pounds in its racks.

For Manoeuvrability: ATV

When it comes to manoeuvrability, it’s the ATV’s turn to shine. If the SSV wins on cargo capacity, the 4-wheeler is far more nimble than its bigger, wider cousin. With most ATVs being no wider than 50 inches, you can squeeze through gaps where larger vehicles fear to tread, while also being able to fit in the bed of a truck for easier long-distance transport.

Basically, the capabilities of a 4WD or 6WD SxS make it ideal for wider open country, while ATVs dominate in the deep woods and tight spaces. With a smoother ride, the SxS is appreciated over longer roads especially with the comfort of traditional seats. Overall, when it comes to hunting, the choice between the two is comfort versus agility.

For Passenger Capacity: SxS

Since quads are generally one-seaters, they have limited passenger-carrying capability than an SxS, like the Can-Am Defender, which can comfortably sit three adults. If your hunting trips include friends or family members, then a side-by-side might be a better choice. Some SxS vehicles can transport up to six people, allowing you to bring along a sizeable hunting party. The Can-Am Defender MAX XT is one of many models from our 4-seater and 6-seater side-by-side lineup that is perfect to bring your crew to your hunting trip.

A larger 2-up ATV can accommodate a second passenger, and some are designed with a good deal of passenger comfort in mind. The Can-Am Outlander 500-700, for example, boasts dynamic passenger comfort ergonomics and multi-position passenger handgrips.