ATV Buying Guide

When you're in the market for an ATV or four-wheeler , there are several key factors to consider—pricing, financing options, monthly payments, brand, model, and how you plan to use it. This comprehensive ATV buying guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to make a confident, well-informed decision. 

As the recognized leader in off-road vehicles, Polaris is here to help you find the ATV or four-wheeler that fits your lifestyle and needs. Whether you're chasing trail thrills, outdoor adventure, or utility performance, a four-wheeler can deliver many of the same capabilities as a side-by-side—making it an ideal entry point into the off-road world. 

In addition to helping you choose the right machine, this guide also covers essential accessories to help you customize your ride for maximum performance and enjoyment. We’ve also included ATV/ four-wheeler price guidelines, along with the benefits of affordable monthly payments. 

Let’s get started on finding your ideal ride. 

A four-wheeler is built with four low-pressure all-terrain tires, useful ground clearance, and a rugged suspension system. It has been one of the most popular off-road vehicles worldwide for many decades. ATVs feature four-wheel drive, enabling them to conquer rough terrain, power through deep mud and water, and scale rocky hillsides with ease. In addition to their off-road prowess, four-wheelers excel at hauling and towing loads across challenging landscapes. In short, the ATV lives up to its name as an all-terrain vehicle—built to work hard, play hard and unlock a whole new world of off-road adventure. 

Equally appealing are the varied ways an ATV can be used. They include:

• Hunting and Fishing

• Farming and Ranching

• Lawn Care and Landscaping

• Snow Removal

• General Utility Tasks

• Recreational Trail Riding

• Multi-acre lot upkeep and maintenance  

This incredible versatility is what made the ATV one of the most popular off-road vehicles.   Popular ATVs like Polaris Sportsman offer a level of performance, utility, versatility and affordability that makes it ideal for hundreds of tasks. Yet, it’s the recreational side that attracts so many to the four-wheeler market. Throughout North America there are thousands of miles of trails where you can experience the off-road freedom only an ATV can deliver. 

These vehicles can be enjoyed by riders of varying skill levels, and it is always recommended that you take an ATV safety training course if you are new to riding. So, which ATV is right for you? 

It’s important to note when it comes to buying an ATV there are many different models to choose from, but most can be divided into a few key categories or types of quads. 

• Recreation/Utility ATVs: From small jobs to big tasks, or any kind of adventurous trail-riding, camping, mudding or hunting, Rec/Utility ATVs offer a wide range of versatility. 

• Sport ATVs: Models like Polaris Scrambler 850 and Scrambler XP 1000 S perfectly represent the sport performance quad with race-proven power, suspension and handling. 

• Youth ATVs: Sized right for age and ability, there are several kids’ ATVs to choose from, each designed with safety features to safely introduce the off-road experience to the next generation. 

Along with individual designs and features, most ATVs or four-wheelers offer a broad range of power options. How much power you want or need depends upon how you want to use the ATV, what kind of rider you are, your experience level and how much you want to spend. While youth 4-wheelers are powered to match the age and skill level of the rider, full-size models are available in a wide range of power offerings.  

If hauling or towing big loads is on your to do list, or if you’re an experienced rider who craves peak performance, a higher displacement and higher horsepower ATV or four-wheeler is likely your best option. For buyers more concerned about price or rideability for a wide swath of skill sets, a smaller displacement ATV, like the popular Polaris Sportsman 570, may be the right choice. 

Utility or Rec/Utility ATVs are, as the name implies, designed for versatility and are geared towards a work first, play later usage.

Key features include:

• Racks and Storage

• On-demand all-wheel drive 

• Integrated Hitches for Towing

• Independent Rear Suspension for All-Day Comfort

• High Ground Clearance

• Electronic Power Steering (Optional)

Utility quads are arguably the most popular ATV in the industry. In some ways, nearly every ATV available in the market today is designed to deliver some degree of utility, yet these four wheelers are engineered to do more work and still deliver a great trail ride when the job is done.

Polaris has all the bases covered in this category starting with the Sportsman 450 HO and Sportsman 570. Both offering incredible value and feature legendary ride and handling, reliable and efficient electronic fuel injection and the industry’s quickest-engaging all-wheel drive system. The popularity of Sportsman is especially evident with the Sportsman 570 - the best-selling automatic 4 wheeler of all time.

For those seeking more in every category, Sportsman 850 and Sportsman XP 1000 stand in a class of their own. Engineered for tough jobs and thrilling rides, these models deliver robust power, a rider-active design, and legendary ride and handling. 

These are performance first machines built to deliver key performance attributes:

• Speed and Acceleration

• Precise Handling

• Premium Suspension Performance

Sport quads now span a wide spectrum—from four-wheel drive models built for trail performance to rear-wheel drive machines engineered for fast-paced riding on motocross tracks and open desert terrain. Originally, this class was limited to pure race ATVs with manual transmissions and clutches. But as the ATV category evolved, so did sport quads—now including trail-ready, four-wheel drive models with automatic transmissions for broader appeal and versatility.

When it comes to peak performance in a Polaris sport ATV, Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S leads the pack. With a wider stance than traditional sport quads, increased suspension travel, greater ground clearance, and a rugged design, it delivers control and power to conquer tough terrain. 

Within the utility category, one standout subcategory is hunting. These specialized quads typically begin as utility ATVs and are then enhanced with purpose-built features, accessories and camo finishes to deliver optimal performance in the field. 

Popular hunting upgrades include: 

• Premium camo paint for stealth in wooded environments 

• Gun scabbards for secure firearm transport 

• Heavy duty winches for recovery and hauling 

• Hand and thumb warmers for cold-weather comfort 

• Rack extenders and bumpers for added gear capacity and protection 

The final category is youth ATVs, designed with age-appropriate sizing and power to introduce kids and young riders to off-road fun. 

Polaris offers a well-rounded youth lineup equipped with industry-leading safety features: 

• Outlaw 70 Built for riders ages 6 and up*, featuring leading safety features 

• Outlaw 110 and Sportsman 110: For riders 10 and older*, combining manageable power with safety and reliability 

• Phoenix 200 Designed for riders 14 and up*, this 196cc ATV delivers elevated performance while maintaining essential safety features 

*With adult supervision

Used ATV market pricing can be extremely difficult to navigate when buying an ATV, but the price should directly reflect the following:  

• Condition of the vehicle  

• Model year and mileage/hours  

• Features and accessories  

• Location  

Ultimately, the used four-wheeler market depends on what the current market will bear. However, when it comes to new ATVs or 4-wheelers, pricing is usually at manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). While dealers set the actual price, MSRP can help give buyers a better idea of the price range to expect when shopping for a new all-terrain vehicle. Check out the carousel below to explore starting prices for some of our most popular Sportsman ATVs. 

Financing is also an option for buying a new four-wheeler. With manufacturers offering low interest rates and other incentives, you may find financing is a more affordable option to consider. Financing not only makes the ownership experience affordable to more people, but it also gives you the opportunity to enjoy a more powerful, feature-rich ATV.  Be sure to ask your local dealer about financing options. 

Just as important as the ATV or 4-wheeler itself are the accessories you choose to enhance its capability, performance, convenience and style. The right four-wheeler accessories can transform your all-terrain vehicle into a purpose-built machine tailored to your specific needs—whether you're working the land, hitting the trails or heading out on a hunting trip. From utility-focused upgrades to comfort and safety enhancements, these accessories help you get the most out of your ATV or four-wheeler.

• Racks, extenders and storage  

• Wheels and tires  

• Bumpers and brush guards  

• Winch kits  

• Plows  

• Lighting  

• Audio components and speakers  

• Windshields and hand guards  

• Track kits  

• Hunt  

Explore Sportsman accessories to discover more ways to customize your ATV. 

Since the debut of the first ATV or four-wheeler, tires have played a big role in defining the vehicle’s capabilities. Originally equipped with large, all-purpose, offroad, low-pressure “balloon tires,” tires on these machines have evolved significantly. Today’s ATVs feature specialized tire designs tailored to specific terrains, including: 

• All-terrain performance 

• Desert and loose sand 

• Mud and water 

• Rock climbing 

• Snow and ice 

• Hard-packed trails 

• Soft, loose soil 

Most factory-installed ATV tires offer a balanced tread pattern for general use. However, as the categories above suggest, there are many specialized options available—each with unique tread patterns and sizes designed to optimize traction and performance on different surfaces. As the critical contact point between your ATV and the terrain, the right tire can make all the difference in unlocking your vehicle’s full all-terrain potential. It is always recommended to check your local laws and owner’s manual before buying and installing new tires or making other modifications to your ATV.   

If you're wondering where to buy an ATV or where to buy a quad, you have more options than ever. Whether you're looking for a four-wheeler for work, recreation or both, you can shop in person or online depending on your preferences. 

Many dealerships across the country offer ATVs and 4-wheelers with the ability to browse inventory, compare models, and sometimes even schedule test rides. For added convenience, some dealers also provide ATV buy online options, allowing you to customize and purchase your all-terrain vehicle from the comfort of home. 

Contact your local Polaris ATV dealer to buy Sportsman or Scrambler ATVs or browse  ATV inventory nearby.  

Whether you're shopping locally or online, it's never been easier to find the right 4-wheeler to match your needs.