UTV Price Comparison Guide

Decoding UTV Prices: A Real-Talk, Model-Rich Guide for 2025

You walk into the showroom, and the floor is a sea of off-road beasts. The big, bold number on the price tag of a compact utility model catches your eye first. $12,000. Not bad. But the trail-ready machine next to it is $22,000. And the turbocharged monster in the corner? It’s pushing $40,000.

They all have four wheels and a steering wheel… so what on earth is the difference? And which one is right for you?

Let’s cut through the noise. This is your definitive guide to UTV pricing, built not just on abstract tiers, but on the real machines people are buying and using every day. We’ll look at specific models from Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Kawasaki, and more to show you exactly where your money goes.

The Workhorse Crew: The Sub-$15,000 UTVs

This tier is all about pure, unapologetic function. These machines are the trusty, no-nonsense tools for property owners and budget-conscious buyers. Don’t expect thrilling speed, but you can expect relentless reliability.

The Benchmark: Polaris Ranger 570

The Ranger 570 is a legend for a reason. For years, it has been the go-to for anyone needing a simple, capable machine without breaking the bank.

• What You’re Paying For: You’re paying for a proven design. Its 44 hp ProStar engine has more than enough power for chores, and its practical dump bed and straightforward ergonomics make it incredibly easy to live with. It’s the definition of a no-frills tool that just works.

The Narrow-Trail Specialist: Honda Pioneer 520

Honda’s reputation for bulletproof engineering shines here. The Pioneer 520 is a unique and brilliant machine for a specific buyer.

• What You’re Paying For: Its standout feature is its 50-inch width, allowing it to slip down tight ATV trails where other UTVs can’t dream of going. You’re also paying for Honda’s fantastic automotive-style automatic transmission with paddle shifters—a level of refinement and durability that feels like it belongs on a more expensive machine.

The Value King: CFMOTO UFORCE Series

CFMOTO has aggressively carved out a space in this tier by offering more features for the money.

• What You’re Paying For: With a model like the UFORCE 600, you often get features like a winch and alloy wheels—items that are expensive add-ons for other brands—included in the sticker price. It’s a compelling option for those who want maximum features on a tight budget.

The Sweet Spot: The All-Rounders from $15,000 to $25,000

This is the heart of the market, where performance, utility, and price find their perfect balance. These machines are powerful enough for serious fun and capable enough for serious work.

The Modern Workhorse: Can-Am Defender HD9 / HD10

Can-Am has redefined the utility segment with the Defender series, blending brute strength with impressive refinement.

• What You’re Paying For: Torque. The Rotax engines are famous for their low-end grunt, making them incredible for towing and climbing. You’re also paying for a smarter design—the cabs are quieter, and clever features like the removable toolbox and under-seat storage show a deep understanding of what users actually need.

The Comfort King: Polaris Ranger XP 1000

This is arguably the industry benchmark. When people think of a do-it-all UTV, the Ranger XP 1000 is often what comes to mind.

• What You’re Paying For: An exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride. The Ranger’s suspension is legendary for its ability to soak up bumps, reducing fatigue on long days. You’re also getting a powerful 82 hp engine and a massive, easy-to-use cargo bed, making it the ultimate blend of a work-week tool and a weekend trail machine.

The Rancher’s Choice: Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXT

The MULE has been a staple on farms and ranches for decades, and the modern PRO-FXT continues that legacy with unmatched versatility.

• What You’re Paying For: Unquestionable durability and a clever seating system. The MULE feels like it’s built from solid iron. Its biggest party trick is the Trans Cab™ system, which lets you convert it from a 6-person crew hauler to a 3-person long-bed workhorse in under a minute. It’s two UTVs in one.

The Apex Predators: The $25,000+ Performance & Luxury Kings

Welcome to the top tier, where compromise is a foreign concept. These machines are built to deliver maximum adrenaline or maximum comfort, with the engineering and price tags to match.

The Desert Dominators: Polaris RZR Pro R & Can-Am Maverick R

These are not utility vehicles; they are off-road supercars.

• What You’re Paying For: Mind-blowing power and suspension that defies physics. The RZR Pro R features a massive 2.0-liter, 225 hp four-cylinder engine. The Maverick R boasts 240 hp and a radical, high-tech suspension design. You’re paying for the absolute peak of off-road speed and handling, built to win races right out of the box.

The Crossover Champion: Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000

For those who want high performance but still need some utility, the RMAX is a phenomenal choice.

• What You’re Paying For: The best of both worlds. It has a powerful 999cc engine and advanced, adjustable FOX shocks that can handle aggressive trail riding, but it also features a functional dump bed. It’s the perfect machine for the enthusiast who wants to shred trails on Saturday and haul firewood on Sunday.

The All-Weather Fortress: Can-Am Defender Limited & Polaris Ranger NorthStar Edition

These models take premium utility vehicles and wrap them in all-weather luxury.

• What You’re Paying For: Comfort. Plain and simple. The defining feature is a fully enclosed, factory-installed cab with automotive-style heating and air conditioning (HVAC). This feature alone transforms the UTV from a seasonal vehicle into a year-round command center, and it’s the biggest driver of their premium price.

Beyond the Sticker: Your True “Out-the-Door” Cost

Remember, the price tag is just the start. Your final price will include:

• Freight/Surcharges: $500 – $1,500+ charged by the manufacturer.
• Dealer Prep: Labor for assembly. Often negotiable.
• Taxes & Licensing: Varies by your location.
• Accessories: A roof and windshield are practically mandatory and can add $1,000+. A winch, better tires, and lights can easily add another $2,000-$4,000. For example, that $22,000 Ranger XP 1000 can quickly become a $28,000 machine once you’ve outfitted it for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (The Real Talk)

Q1: Why is a Can-Am Defender more expensive than a Polaris Ranger 570? A: You’re paying for a significant leap in power, capability, and refinement. The Defender has a much larger, more powerful engine, a more advanced chassis, a quieter and more comfortable cab, and a higher payload and towing capacity. It’s a step up in every category.

Q2: Is a premium model like a NorthStar Edition worth the money? A: It depends entirely on where and when you ride. If you live in a hot southern climate or a cold northern one, the HVAC system is an absolute game-changer that extends your riding season to the full year. For many, that capability is worth every penny.

Q3: Do brands like Kawasaki and Honda hold their value better? A: Generally, yes. While Polaris and Can-Am lead in high-performance, Honda and Kawasaki have a rock-solid reputation for long-term reliability and build quality, which often translates to stronger resale values.

Q4: Is it smarter to buy a base model and add accessories myself? A: Sometimes. You can often save money on parts and labor by installing your own roof or winch. However, for complex systems like an HVAC unit, the factory-installed option is almost always better integrated, more reliable, and covered under warranty.

Your Final Choice

Don’t get lost in the numbers. Use them as a guide to find the right category for your needs. Go to the dealership with a specific model in mind—a MULE if you’re a rancher, an RMAX if you’re an aggressive trail rider, a Pioneer if you have tight property.

Test drive them. Feel the difference between a work-focused engine and a sport-tuned one. Sit in the seats. Dump the cargo bed. A UTV is one of the most expensive and most useful “toys” you’ll ever buy. Go in smart, know the models, and buy the one that feels like it was built just for you.