11 Best ATVs and Quads for Adults

Go on, get out there and tear it up a little, ATV-style. ATVs are mud-stomping fun at its best. And they’re also great utility vehicles, letting you haul gear across rugged landscapes where your fast cars or luxury SUVs simply can’t go.

If you’re just getting into the ATV game, it’s perfectly normal to have a mountain of questions. What is the best starter ATV for adults? How about the best ATV under $5,000? If you’re willing to spend more, what is the best 4x4 ATV for the money?

Today we’re going to take a look at 11 of the best that the ATV world has to offer adults. We’ll take into account both the beginners and the motorheads amongst you. From fun to functional ATVs that can haul travel trailers, we’ll sift through them all.

And let’s not forget about looks. Just because you’re going to cover it in mud, it doesn’t mean you can’ have yourself a good-looking bit of four-wheeler muscle roaring around underneath you. Strap on your helmets boys and girls, this ride is about to get bumpy.

The best ATVs for adults

Here is our shortlist of the best ATVs and quads for adults right now.

Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O.

Engine Capacity: 500.00 ccm (30.51 cubic inches)
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 55/58 mph/ 90km/h
Colors: Sage Green, Zenith Blue

Utility and durability are the first words that come to mind with Polaris’ S portsman 450 H.O. Able to hump around 270 lb on its rack, and tow 1,350 lb, this guy is a beast of a utility machine. The 25” tires boast 6-ply construction, making it tough for Mother Nature to puncture your wheels. And the boosted ground clearance and sealed suspension bushings mean it’s highly unlikely you’re going to get snagged up, making this one of the best-handling utility ATVs around.

Best for: Finishing up without breaking down.

Shop now

Yamaha Raptor 700R

Engine Capacity: 686 cc
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 75 to 85 mph/120km/h to 135km/h
Colors: Yamaha Black/Yellow, White/Team Yamaha Blue

Now here’s a sporty little number designed to take you further into the great unknown. Yamaha’s Raptor 700R is one of the best sport quads in the game, showing how it’s done with its 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke engine. And while yes, it looks sleek and can take off like a mad hornet, it also features ergonomic seating which can be a real blessing after hours on rough outback trails.

Best for: Flicking through the forest in a flash.

Shop now

Kawasaki Brute Force 300

Engine Capacity: 271 cc
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 48 mph/77km/h
Colors: Super Black, Bright White

It’s called the Brute Force, so you know this budget ATV has got some get-up-and-go. The nimble body is wrapped around a mid-size 271cc engine, which gives you plenty of muscle to get chores done around your property, or get you out into the wild for some fresh air. Considering just how affordable Kawasaki’s Brute Force is, it’s one of the best sport utility ATVs you’re going to find on the market today.

Best for: Adding plenty of muscle for minimal amounts of money.

Shop now

Can-Am Outlander X MR 850

Engine Capacity: 854 cc
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 78 mph/125km/h
Colors: Brown

Canadian company Can-Am builds a whole whack of ATVs—one for seemingly every occasion. We’re especially enamored with the Outlander X MR 850, which is built with mudding in mind. A 78 hp Rotax 850 V-twin engine is put under your command, with a snorkel to keep the mud out of your works. Sure, it’s not as pretty as some of the other models on our list, but once it’s covered in muck, are you really going to care?

Best for: Mastering the muddiest terrain.

Shop now

Honda Rancher 4×4

Engine Capacity: 420 cc
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 55mph/88km/h
Colors: Olive, Red, Reactor Blue + More

The Honda Rancher 4x4 is one of this generation’s leaders in the world of Electric Shift Programs (ESP), allowing drivers to skip trying to change gears with mud-heavy boots, opting instead for doing all the work with the click of an up-shift or down-shift button. That, plus the very easy price, makes this a better choice for those who are making their first venture into the world of adult ATV riding.

Best for: Making rough riding a little less rough.

Shop now

Suzuki KingQuad 400ASi

Engine Capacity: 376 cc
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 55 mph / 88 km/h
Colors: Terra Green, Flame Red

With more than four decades of ATV expertise, Suzuki has what it takes to create a machine you can depend on. The Suzuki KingQuad 400ASi features a powerful fuel-injected 4-stroke in combination with a fully-automatic Quadmatic transmission to bring effortless functionality forward.

Best for: Novice riders that want everything at their fingertips

Shop now

Polaris Ranger 500

Engine Capacity: 500 cc
Seats: 2
Top Speed: 44 mph/70km/h
Colors: Sagebrush Green, Solar Red

Make way for your new four-wheel workhorse. The Polaris Ranger 500 is built from the ground up around a get ‘er done attitude. The 32 HP 500 cc ProStar engine and quick-to-action all-wheel-drive give you carrying power to the whopping tune of 500 lb in the cargo box and 1,500 lb in towing capacity. And since it’s a two-seater, you won’t be forced to buy another rig if you don’t want to tackle tough jobs alone.

Best for: Powering through your property problems.

Shop now

X-PRO 200 ATV Quad 4 Wheelers Utility ATV

Engine Capacity: 200 cc
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 38 mph/61km/h
Colors: Black, Blue, Burgundy, Green Camo

This is one for the DIY-ers amongst us. X-PRO’s 200 Utility ATV arrives as a package and requires you to put it together, giving burgeoning mechanics a chance to up their skill level, and making for a good bonding experience between experienced and new riders as they put one of these ATVs together. Set at an astonishingly low price, this ATV will get you into the great outdoors while keeping your financial conscience clear.

Best for: Entering the hobby at a welcoming price.

Check price: X-PRO 200 ATV Quad 4 Wheelers Utility ATV at Amazonat Amazon · Fast delivery on many items

Eco Charger Pioneer 4WD

Engine Capacity: N/A
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 35mph/56km/h
Colors: Black, Green, White

Electric ATVs have come to play with the big boys. The Pioneer 4WD Quad, boasts approximately 25 miles of continuous usage, depending on how much you’re hauling and what the terrain is like. The quad is full of go-power, and doesn’t waste a volt—as soon as you take your thumb off of the accelerator, the quad flips its motor into regeneration mode, which puts more juice back into your batteries.

Best for: Fossil-fuel-free fun.

Inquire at Eco Charger

Honda TRX250X

Engine Capacity: 229 cc
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 50MPH/80km/h
Colors: Black, Reactor Blue, Magenta

Rocket yourself out to some rough terrain on Honda’s TRX250X. This ride is an easy entry into the ATV hobby, and would look just fine sitting next to your favorite 3-wheel motorcycle in your garage. Honda’s exclusive SportClutch is forgiving to new ATV-ers, which cuts out stalls caused by mistimed clutching. This one’s not a utility vehicle, but it’s the perfect ride if you just want to get out into the open air without throwing down a lot of cash.

Best for: All-out free-wheelin’ fun!

Shop now

Yamaha Grizzly

Engine Capacity: 686 cc
Seats: 1
Top Speed: 64 mph/103km/h
Colors: Armor Grey/Yellow

Yamaha’s Grizzly puts a lot of power in the hands of the driver. And we’re not just talking about the kind of power delivered by its 686cc engine. The Yamaha On-Command system lets you choose between 2WD, fully locked differential 4WD, and limited-slip 4WD, allowing you to adapt to the terrain better than other computer-controlled drive programs on the market. And the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) gives you a fine feel for the trail under you, letting you steer the ATV instead of the terrain steering you.

Best for: Cutting a new path with absolute confidence.

Shop now

Frequently asked questions about ATVs for adults

What is the best ATV?

For romping around the wilderness, try out Honda’s TRX250X, which is zippy and easy to control, making for a fun ride. For something more utility-oriented, go for Polaris’ Ranger 500 UTV, or their Sportsman 450 H.O., both of which provide a lot of pulling power. Check our list of the best ATVs for adults for more inspiration.

Who makes the best ATV?

Polaris makes top tier utility ATVs like their Ranger 500 UTV or the Sportsman 450 H.O. Yamaha is widely regarded as making some of the best sport ATVs, like the Raptor 700R SE. Check our list of the best ATVs for more inspiration.

What is the best ATV brand?

For recreational rides, it’s hard to beat Yamaha’s line-up, like their Raptor 700R SE. The Honda TRX250X makes for a fun and more affordable alternative. For work-oriented vehicles, look into Polaris’ Ranger 500 UTV, which is durable and has a lot of hauling power.

What brand of ATV is the most reliable?

Reliability will depend on how much of a workout you give your ATV on a regular basis. That being said, users generally rate Honda ATVs like the TRX250X the highest overall for reliability, with Yamaha rides like the Grizzly coming in a respectable second.

What is the best automatic ATV?

The Suzuki KingQuad 400ASi is the best automatic ATV, pairing a fuel-injected 4-stroke engine with a fully automatic Quadmatic transmission. The Honda Rancher 4x4 is a close alternative: its Electric Shift Program lets you change gears with the click of an up-shift or down-shift button.

What is the best ATV under $5,000?

The Kawasaki Brute Force 300 is the best ATV under $5,000. At $4,799, its 271cc engine has enough muscle for chores around your property or a run into the wild. The X-PRO 200 Utility ATV costs even less, though it arrives as a kit you assemble yourself.

What is the best starter ATV for adults?

The Honda Rancher 4x4 is the best starter ATV for adults: its push-button Electric Shift Program and accessible $5,599 price make it ideal for a first venture into ATV riding. The Suzuki KingQuad 400ASi's fully automatic transmission also suits novice riders, and the Honda TRX250X's forgiving SportClutch cuts out stalls from mistimed clutching.

What is the best electric ATV?

The Eco Charger Pioneer 4WD is the best electric ATV, offering approximately 25 miles of continuous use depending on load and terrain. Take your thumb off the accelerator and the motor flips into regeneration mode, feeding charge back into the batteries.

Products featured here are independently selected by our editors. If you buy through our retail links we may earn an affiliate commission — it never changes the price you pay, and it never decides our verdicts. Read our earnings disclaimer.