Levi KeswickKey Takeaways:
- Utility side-by-sides offer great versatility, power, and functionality without the need for exorbitant prices.
- The best bang for your buck UTVs in 2023 include models from Kawasaki, Can-Am, Honda, and Polaris, offering a balance of cost-effectiveness and performance.
- Features, towing capacity, customizability, and price points differ, offering a range of options for prospective buyers.
- Despite their affordability, these UTVs don’t compromise on reliability, power, and utility.
The Affordable Powerhouses: A Closer Look at Utility Side-By-Sides
Utility side-by-sides (UTVs) bring forth an impressive combination of ruggedness, power, and functionality. As a prospective buyer, you need not break the bank to acquire a capable workhorse. Here, we present a rundown of the best bang for your buck UTVs in 2023.
2023 Kawasaki Mule SX: A Timeless Classic
In the world of UTVs, the Kawasaki Mule is a stalwart with a legacy of performance and affordability. The 2023 Mule SX, retailing under $8,000, is powered by a 401cc four-stroke engine capable of towing up to 1,100 pounds and hauling 400 in its bed. Although it comes with 2WD and a carburetor, you can upgrade to the Mule SX 4×4 FI for just $9,099, offering 4WD and fuel injection. It exemplifies the quintessential “best bang for your buck” UTV.
2023 Can-Am Defender HD7: Power Meets Affordability
Priced at a bit over $12,000, the Can-Am Defender HD7 is an exemplar of power and value. Its robust Rotax HD7 engine delivers 52 hp and 41 lb.-ft. of torque. This single-cylinder engine efficiently propels the Defender’s 1,456-pound dry weight. What sets the Defender apart is its customizability – whether you opt for aftermarket parts or add-ons straight from Can-Am.
2023 Honda Pioneer 520: Compact yet Powerful
Honda has made a name for itself with reliable and durable machines, and its UTVs are no exception. The Pioneer 520, under the $10,000 mark, offers a respectable 1,000-pound towing capacity. Its compact size allows it to fit in the bed of a full-size pickup. With a dump bed that can haul 450 pounds and plenty of available add-ons, the Pioneer 520 proves that small can indeed be mighty.
2023 Polaris Ranger SP 570: The Mighty Workhorse
The Polaris Ranger SP 570, replacing the discontinued Ranger 500, delivers abundant power for $11,699. Its single-cylinder engine produces 44 hp, easily maneuvering its weight of 1,158 pounds. The SP 570 impresses with a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, capable of towing any other UTV on this list, while hauling 1,000 pounds in its rear cargo bed. This mighty workhorse affirms that size doesn’t determine strength.
Making the Choice: What’s the Best Bang for Your Buck UTV for You?
Choosing the best bang for your buck UTV comes down to understanding your requirements. Whether you need a classic like the Kawasaki Mule, a powerhouse like the Can-Am Defender, a compact hero like the Honda Pioneer, or a mighty workhorse like the Polaris Ranger, 2023 offers a range of utility side-by-sides to suit every need and budget.
Remember, the best UTV is not always the most expensive one, but the one that delivers the most value for your specific needs. Happy off-roading!
