Side-by-side (vehicle)

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Kawasaki MULE

Off-road adventure with UTV's at San Manuel, Arizona.

The side-by-side (SxS or SSV), also called a utility task vehicle (UTV) or recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV),^[1] is a small, 1- to 6-person four-wheel drive off-road vehicle. Such vehicles have powertrains similar to those of ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and have much of (although perhaps not all of) their rugged-terrain capability, but the term "all-terrain vehicle" is conventionally restricted to four-wheel, straddle-seat vehicles, such that the ability of multiple users to sit next to each other lends a distinguishing name to side-by-sides.

Definition and standards[]

There are two standards published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for side-by-sides. ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2016 sets standards for multipurpose off-highway utility vehicles (MOHUV) specifically intended for utility use which are intended to transport persons and cargo, have a non-straddle seat, are designed to travel on four or more wheels, use a steering wheel and pedals for controls, have a top speed of at least 25 mph (40.2 km/h), are 2030 mm (80 in) or less in overall width, have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of no more than 1814 kg (4000 lb), and with a minimum cargo capacity of 159 kg (350 lb).^[2] ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016 sets standards for recreational off-highway vehicles as having speed capability greater than 30 MPH (48 km/h), GVWR no greater than 1700 kg (3750 lbs), and engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000cc (61 cubic inches) for gasoline fueled engines.^[3]

Safety[]

Side-by-sides come factory-equipped with a rollover protection structure. Many of the vehicles also come equipped with hard tops, windshields, and even cab enclosures. Many follow safety standards including "visual seat belt usage reminders; leg/foot barriers; shoulder/hip barriers; and arm/hand barriers to restrict occupant egress and excursion from the vehicle during a rollover event." These are voluntary standards under American National Standard for recreational off-highway vehicles, ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016, though the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has proposed making them mandatory.

CPSC stated in 2009 that "The vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics, and inadequate occupant protection during a rollover crash". According to the CPSC between 2003 and August 2009 116 deaths occurred in ROV/UTV accidents.^[4]

Motorsports[]

Since the 2017 Dakar Rally the SSV category vehicles compete in a separate class, which is defined as four-wheel side-by-side vehicles with 1000 cc maximum displacement.^[5] Previously, they were classified in the Cars T3.3 subclass. Because of their relatively low cost the popularity grew, and in 2021 Dakar Rally organizers introduced new ranking categories - T3 for light prototypes and T4 for production based UTVs. The trucks were reclassified to T5.

Other off-road racing series include side-by-side classes, such as the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, TORC: The Off-Road Championship, SCORE International, Best in the Desert, and Grand National Cross Country. Monster Jam arena tours include an event where monster truck drivers race Polaris RZRs across an obstacle course.

Manufacturers[]

Notable manufacturers of UTVs include:

References[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Side by Side vehicles.