When it comes to conquering trails, dunes, mud, or mountains, few vehicles offer as much versatility and raw excitement as a side-by-side (SxS).
These off-road machines have evolved from basic utility rigs into high-performance vehicles capable of tackling the harshest terrains in America.
Whether you’re planning backcountry adventures in Utah, hitting the dunes in Glamis, or working on rugged farmland, there’s a 2025 side-by-side that fits your needs perfectly.
Below, we break down 10 of the best side-by-sides to buy for off-roading in 2025 ranging from hardcore performance beasts to utility-focused workhorses with insights on what makes each one stand out.
1. Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000
The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 continues to dominate the off-road scene thanks to its bulletproof build quality and smooth suspension setup.
Its 999cc parallel-twin engine delivers excellent low-end torque, making it perfect for rocky terrain and steep climbs.
Kawasaki built the KRX 1000 for durability, with a reinforced frame, heavy-duty CVT system, and wide stance that boosts stability.
The 18.6 inches of rear suspension travel and 14 inches of ground clearance make it one of the most trail-capable machines you can buy in 2025. It’s a go-anywhere beast that balances comfort with pure off-road aggression.
The Teryx KRX 1000 features one of the most impressive suspension systems in its class, and its wide, aggressive stance gives it a commanding presence on the trail. It’s also known for being affordable, comfortable, and highly capable.
The 2025 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 doesn’t deliver the same level of speed as some competitors, and it lacks a few of the advanced features other brands include. Its large size can also make it less agile when navigating tighter trails.
While it may be a bit bulky, the Teryx KRX 1000 remains one of the best values among sport UTVs. It boasts excellent ground clearance, a strong engine, and a smooth, comfortable ride across a variety of terrain.
It might not be the most aggressive option in its class, but Kawasaki’s offering brings plenty to the table.
The Teryx KRX 1000 is a well-priced UTV that delivers a fun, capable experience for the right buyer. It might not be as extreme as some of its rivals, but it offers a lot to appreciate, and its overall value is tough to beat.
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2. Honda Talon 1000R / 1000X
Honda’s Talon 1000 series continues to impress with its Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) a feature that eliminates belt issues common in CVT-driven UTVs. The 999cc engine provides a steady powerband and instant throttle response.
The Talon 1000R is designed for open terrain and high-speed off-roading, while the Talon 1000X is optimized for tighter, more technical trails.
Both models offer Fox Live Valve shocks that automatically adjust damping based on terrain, making the ride incredibly smooth even at speed.
3. Polaris RZR Pro R
If you crave extreme power and high-speed desert runs, the Polaris RZR Pro R sits at the top of the food chain. With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 225 horsepower, this is the most powerful production UTV currently available.
The RZR Pro R features 29 inches of usable suspension travel, advanced dynamics suspension technology, and a massive 74-inch width for unbeatable stability.
Whether it’s tearing across sand dunes or flying over desert whoops, the RZR Pro R is designed for adrenaline junkies who want the ultimate thrill ride.
A race-winning machine you can keep right at home. It packs a strong 225 horsepower from a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine.
The Fox active suspension setup is outstanding, offering massive travel, 27 inches up front and 29 inches in the rear, while maintaining impressive composure.
The design looked great last year, and the latest bodywork refresh makes it even more striking. For 2024, the interior saw major improvements, along with upgraded fit and finish.
It’s not cheap, even with the MSRP cut across the lineup for 2025 and it’s certainly not light. With a 104.5-inch wheelbase, the Pro R isn’t exactly compact, which means tight trails can be a challenge.
When it debuted in 2022, the Polaris RZR Pro R stood as the undisputed champion among sport side-by-sides. That title slipped away in 2024, when the Can-Am Maverick R came along with more speed, refinement, and high-speed confidence.
Even so, the Pro R is still a dominant player. Everything about it feels premium, from the engine and suspension to the 32-inch tires and well-designed cockpit.
Polaris builds the RZR Pro lineup in three main versions. The agile Pro XP is made for narrow, twisty trails like those on the East Coast. The slightly bulkier Pro S shines in rock crawling and desert terrain across the Southwest.
The Pro R shares the same track width as the Pro S but stretches the wheelbase by another 8.5 inches, all in the name of high-speed stability, and it absolutely delivers.
It’s true, the Pro R is larger than a Jeep Wrangler and costs about as much as a Toyota Tacoma.
Every RZR Pro model gets a refreshed look for 2025, and the Pro R follows suit. Both of its available trims gain upgraded interiors, sharper exterior styling, enhanced fit and finish, and new front air intakes that direct cool air into the cabin.
Mechanically, the RZR Pro lineup carries over unchanged from the previous year. The Pro R Ultimate trim now features 15-inch beadlock wheels.
4. Can-Am Maverick R
The Can-Am Maverick R rivals the RZR Pro R in the power game, featuring a turbocharged Rotax engine that cranks out up to 240 horsepower.
With an advanced dual-clutch transmission (DCT), it offers lightning-fast gear changes and exceptional durability. Its suspension geometry and rigid chassis make it a serious contender for the best-handling SxS on the market.
Can-Am’s Smart-Shox adaptive suspension system constantly adjusts to terrain changes, ensuring comfort and control at all times.
The Can-Am Maverick R’s 240-hp turbocharged engine delivers more power and stronger performance than nearly all of its rivals.
Its twin-clutch automatic transmission ensures crisp, quick shifts, while the R’s advanced suspension system makes it a master of both sand dunes and rugged trails. The Maverick R only seats two people, and it’s far from budget-friendly.
The Can-Am Maverick R delivers exhilarating performance, cutting-edge technology, and a chassis built to handle just about anything.
Can-Am has truly pushed boundaries with the R, crafting one of the most advanced models in its segment. It’s quick enough to satisfy even the most speed-obsessed thrill seekers.
The 2025 Can-Am Maverick R was engineered as a tech-forward, performance-oriented machine designed for high-speed action across open terrain.
With its 240-horsepower, three-cylinder Rotax engine and seven-speed gearbox, every component is built for durability and speed.
Despite its compact size, Can-Am packed the R with impressive features. It’s also over four inches wider and has a shorter wheelbase than the Polaris RZR Pro R, giving it a more aggressive stance.
Can-Am offers four trims of the Maverick R, but the R X stands out as the best value, offering many upgrades without the steepest price.
It includes four-point harnesses, a rearview camera, a telescoping steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display.
Upgrading to the R X RS adds 16-inch beadlock wheels, a front camera, and heavy-duty Fox 3.0 Podium rear shocks. Still, the top trims venture into midsize sedan price territory, so they won’t suit every budget.
The Maverick R is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter Rotax three-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower.
It features a dry sump oil system and offers three driving modes, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, which adjust throttle mapping and transmission response. In Sport+, the exhaust opens up for a “schportier” tone and increased turbo pressure for extra boost.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers lightning-fast shifts and operates without a belt, eliminating the need for belt maintenance.
It includes shift-on-the-fly high and low ranges, plus park and neutral modes. This is Rotax’s first-ever DCT, designed exclusively for the Maverick R, and it’s the only dual-clutch setup on the market aside from Honda’s Talon.
Rotax spent roughly eight years and hundreds of thousands of test miles developing the system. The Maverick R features A-arm front suspension, four-link trailing-arm rear suspension, six-lug alloy wheels, 17 inches of ground clearance, and a wide stance that ensures excellent high-speed stability.
Although it shares similarities with the Maverick Pro R, the R’s suspension system has been refined for improved steering precision, better weight distribution, and a raised roll center.
Can-Am claims it offers 50 percent less body roll and superior stability compared to rivals.
Up front, suspension travel reaches 25 inches, while the rear travel ranges from 25 inches on the base Maverick R to 26 inches on the R X RS with Smart-Shox.
The setup includes Fox 2.5 Podium QS3 remote-reservoir dampers with adjustable compression.
The R X RS upgrades to semi-active Podium 2.5 shocks in the front and Podium 3.0 units in the rear. The Smart-Shox variant adds semi-active Live Valve technology for maximum adaptability on the fly.
5. Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000
For those seeking a mix of power, reliability, and comfort, the Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 delivers.
Its 999cc engine offers plenty of torque, while the CVT transmission complete with Yamaha’s Ultramatic system ensures smooth power delivery and minimal belt wear.
The Wolverine RMAX2 shines in mixed-terrain scenarios, with trail-ready suspension, selectable 4WD modes, and excellent build quality.
It’s also one of the quieter and more refined side-by-sides, making it ideal for long trail days or family rides.
6. Polaris Ranger XD 1500 NorthStar Edition
The Polaris Ranger XD 1500 NorthStar blends rugged work capability with luxury. It’s powered by a 1500cc three-cylinder engine that gives it massive torque for hauling and towing.
Inside, it feels more like a compact truck, with a fully enclosed cab, heating and A/C, and Polaris’s Ride Command touchscreen system. While it’s not a high-speed racer, it handles rough terrain effortlessly and serves as an excellent all-around utility vehicle.
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7. Can-Am Defender MAX Limited
The Can-Am Defender MAX Limited is the ultimate combination of practicality and off-road capability. With seating for six, it’s perfect for families or work crews.
Its 82-horsepower HD10 engine delivers strong pulling power, while its fully enclosed cab with climate control makes it one of the most comfortable rides on this list.
Can-Am designed this model to handle heavy-duty work and recreational use equally well. Whether you’re towing trailers, exploring forest trails, or venturing into deep mud, the Defender MAX handles it all with confidence.
8. Honda Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew
Honda’s Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew focuses on versatility and reliability. Its 999cc twin-cylinder engine provides smooth power delivery through a DCT gearbox, while the six-seat configuration makes it ideal for larger groups.
Unlike many sport-oriented models, the Pioneer blends comfort, hauling ability, and durability. It’s capable of towing up to 2,500 pounds and offers clever cargo bed functionality for everyday work or weekend adventures.
With best-in-class comfort and capacity, the Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew stands as Honda’s most hardworking side-by-side.
From its roomy six-passenger cabin to its full-size cargo bed, this versatile UTV is built to carry whatever, or whoever, needs to be moved, whether on the ranch, at the jobsite, or out on the trail.
It’s powered by a proven 999cc parallel-twin Unicam engine that delivers strong acceleration and reliable performance, offering all the power needed to take on tough tasks with impressive efficiency.
Comfort remains a priority even when fully loaded, thanks to selectable Tow/Haul mode and self-leveling rear suspension that provide a smooth, manageable ride under any condition.
The six-person cab provides class-leading interior space, ensuring easy entry and exit for all passengers, while large under-seat storage areas in both the front and rear rows make it convenient to secure tools and supplies.
A dash-mounted storage compartment with cargo nets adds even more utility, and a pre-wired accessory connector under the hood makes it simple to install Honda or aftermarket electronics.
Additional pre-wired switches are integrated into the dash, along with extra blanks for future accessories, and a 12-volt in-bed outlet allows the use of electric coolers, lights, air compressors, and other tools.
Built on the proven Pioneer 1000 platform, the Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew nearly doubles the cabin space compared to the five-passenger model by adding a full second row of seating while maintaining a functional cargo bed.
The spacious second row offers best-in-class legroom with 28 inches of knee space and a staggered center seat for improved shoulder room, making entry and exit easy while ensuring comfort during long rides.
Tilt steering accommodates drivers of different sizes, and thickly padded foam seats add extra comfort in all conditions. The model comes equipped with six-ply OTR Dirt Master tires on 14-inch wheels, and standard halogen headlights provide excellent illumination for nighttime use.
The Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew also incorporates several design details that enhance practicality and comfort.
Door nets are designed for easy operation and improved visibility with a fine mesh pattern, while cabin sealing isolates occupants from engine heat, dust, and moisture.
Inside, a modern black-on-white digital dash display provides clear readouts and includes indicators for clutch engagement and battery voltage.
Four door-mounted cupholders and an additional dash cupholder that fits a 30-ounce tumbler ensure convenience on the go.
Powering the Pioneer 1000-6 Deluxe Crew is a 999cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke engine featuring Honda’s Unicam cylinder-head design with four valves per cylinder.
The setup optimizes valve timing and throttle-body response for strong midrange and upper-rpm performance without compromising smoothness.
The result is confident acceleration and an impressive 2,500-pound towing capacity. Borrowed from Honda’s CRF motocross line, the Unicam system uses lightweight roller rockers actuated by the camshaft to minimize friction and wear.
This design not only enhances power and torque but also reduces engine size and weight, allowing for a lower center of gravity and a roomier cabin layout for better handling.
The longitudinal engine mounting minimizes power loss by reducing unnecessary driveline angles, ensuring more of the engine’s output reaches the wheels.
Both the engine and exhaust system are rubber-mounted to reduce vibration and noise, contributing to a quieter, smoother ride.
A large radiator fan and cabin shielding help manage engine heat, ensuring the driver and passengers remain comfortable even during long hours of operation in tough conditions.
9. CFMOTO ZForce 950 Trail
The CFMOTO ZForce 950 Trail is an affordable alternative for riders who want performance without spending big money. It features a 963cc V-twin engine and delivers 90 horsepower, which is plenty for trail runs and moderate climbs.
Despite its lower price, it offers features usually found in more expensive models like power steering, adjustable gas shocks, and a well-equipped cabin.
The ZForce 950 is also narrower, making it legal on many U.S. trails that limit width to 50 inches. The ZForce 950 Trail blends a narrow track width with a powerful engine, creating a lively ride and strong all-around performance.
CFMoto has equipped this model with an impressive range of standard features, and even with optional add-ons, the overall price remains quite reasonable.
Seating is limited to two, and CFMoto does not offer an XL variant. Designed as a sportier side-by-side, the ZForce 950 Trail’s towing capacity is restricted to 1,500 pounds, and interior storage space is minimal.
The ZForce 950 Trail is a spirited, sporty UTV that’s more about fun than functionality. It offers plenty of power, a standard winch, and an accessible price that starts below $15,000, making it a great choice for riders seeking excitement over utility.
If you’re searching for a fun, affordable side-by-side, the CFMoto ZForce 950 Trail is tough to beat.
While it’s not the most practical workhorse, its 83-horsepower engine and generous list of standard equipment, including a 3,500-pound winch, make it one of the best values in its class.
While accessories can quickly raise the price, the ZForce 950 Trail still represents excellent value even when fully equipped. The base model is a smart buy, offering plenty of customization potential for riders who want to personalize their machine.
The ZForce 950 Trail is powered by a 963cc engine that produces 83 horsepower and 63 lb.-ft. of torque. It pairs with a CVTech automatic transmission offering 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD lock modes, as well as park, reverse, high, and low gear settings.
This model features dual arched A-arms in the front and dual A-arms with adjustable toe control in the rear.
It delivers 10 inches of ground clearance, with suspension travel reaching 10 inches up front and 12 inches in back, allowing for a stable and responsive ride across a variety of terrain.
CFMoto fits the ZForce 950 Trail with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, along with a parking brake for added security.
Inside, the ZForce 950 Trail includes protective half doors, an adjustable driver’s seat, and basic but functional cabin features. The two-seat layout emphasizes simplicity and durability, prioritizing driving enjoyment over luxury.
The ZForce 950 Trail is designed for recreation rather than work, with no official payload rating and a towing limit of 1,500 pounds. However, the inclusion of a 3,500-pound winch ensures it’s well-prepared for recovery situations or trail assistance.
Standard electronics include an LCD display, LED headlights and taillights, a 12-volt outlet, and a USB port.
The vehicle is also compatible with CFMoto’s RideSync mobile app, which adds connectivity and convenience.
CFMoto specifies a 20-hour break-in period. During the first 10 hours, the vehicle should not exceed half throttle; between 10 and 20 hours, three-quarters throttle is acceptable.
After the break-in period, a full fluid change is recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
10. Vanderhall Brawley GTS (Electric Option)
For something totally different, the Vanderhall Brawley GTS brings electric power to the off-road world. It features a 404-horsepower electric drivetrain and a 200-mile range, wrapped in a futuristic enclosed cabin with A/C, heat, and luxury seats.
It’s street-legal in some states and designed for buyers who want a unique, high-end off-road experience. While expensive and heavy, it represents the future of electric off-road vehicles clean, quiet, and incredibly powerful.
The 2025 lineup of side-by-sides showcases how far the off-road market has come. Whether you prioritize horsepower, handling, or hauling, there’s a model designed to fit your lifestyle.
From the unstoppable Polaris RZR Pro R to the versatile Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 and the work-ready Polaris Ranger XD, each of these machines proves that off-roading in 2025 is about more than just power it’s about purpose-built performance.
If you’re planning to buy one this year, consider what type of terrain you’ll face most often and how you’ll use the vehicle day-to-day. With the right choice, your next adventure could take you places no truck ever could.
