What Is a Side by Side? Bobcat UTV Comparison

UTVs are great. They can make or break a project. And they’re fun to drive. These days, there are more side by side UTV brands than ever before, making it more difficult to figure out which one is right for you. This is our most complete resource that can help you understand what a side by side is, how it compares to different types of equipment, and how Bobcat® UTVs perform next to other leading brands. 

What Is a Side by Side?

A side by side (also known as a utility vehicle or a UTV) is great for hauling stuff, pulling trailers, and getting your crew from point A to point B. They usually have four to six wheels and seat belts for up to six people. They run on either gas or diesel. If you need help with property management or job site deadlines, side by sides are a good choice. 

What Is an ATV?

An ATV (sometimes called an all-terrain vehicle, a quad, or a four-wheeler) is a smaller machine built for one or two riders. It has handlebar steering and straddle seating. Both of these make it more difficult to drive. ATVs are great for off-roading and recreational use, but they don’t pack the same punch as UTVs for work applications. 

Side by Side vs. ATV

Load Capacity: Side by sides kinda leave ATVs in the dust here. They’ve got large cargo areas and can handle bigger loads. They can also carry more tools, supplies, and other materials (one of our favorite ways to use a UTV). ATVs usually don’t have built-in cargo space. 

Space & Comfort: Side by sides have larger seats and more legroom. Optional cab features make a big difference when weather is an issue. ATVs are less comfortable, but they do better on quick, fun rides. 

Customization: Side by sides are super customizable. You can add things like windshield wipers, brush guards, or heating and AC. 

Comparing Bobcat to Other Brands

Bobcat UV34 vs. Can-Am Defender Pro XT 

Power: Can-Am has an 82-hp max, so it does pretty well for hill climbing. The Bobcat UTV is a close second on power. You’ll see good performance at steep grades, but you’ll also see better engine braking (with or without a load). 

Storage: There’s a little bit more designated storage space on the Defender. However, you’ll get more cab floor space on the UV34. So it evens out here, with a little bit more storage accessibility on the UV34. 

Cargo Bed Load: Bobcat beats Can-Am here, with a 1,250-lb load capacity on the UV34 (compared to the Defender’s 1,000 lb). Our customers say that they feel the load less and see less suspension droop with the Bobcat side by side. 

Turning Radius: The Can-Am Defender is over 36 inches longer than the UV34. It still performs well. But you can expect tighter turning around trees and winding trails with the Bobcat UTV. 

Bobcat UV34 vs. Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick

Power: The Kubota XG does alright on power. The Sidekick tops out at 48hp, compared to the UV34’s 61hp. Most people would call the Kubota side by side a sports car to the Bobcat UTV’s truck. 

Storage: Kubota’s underseat storage is comparable to the Bobcat UV34. You can’t go wrong here. 

Cargo Bed Load: Like the Defender, the Sidekick caps out at a 1,000-lb load capacity on the cargo bed. So you’re going to pull ahead with a UV34. 

Controls & Cab Features: Kubota’s controls are interesting. They use mechanical levels, which feels a lot like the controls on their tractors. They’re effective. Bobcat’s joystick controls are super easy to operate. They make sense. They’re just like the controls you know and love on other types of Bobcat equipment. You’ll also see better cab technology on the UV34, with a built-in LED screen and a large instrument panel. 

Comparing the UV34 to Other Bobcat Products

Bobcat UV34 vs. UV34XL 

If you’re comparing the UV34 and the UV34XL, it comes down to how much machine you need. To start, the UV34XL fits a max of 6 passengers. It’s 32 inches longer than the UV34, and it has a larger operating weight (2,165 lbs compared to 1,935 lbs). The fuel tank, travel speeds, and load capacities are all the same on both models. And (as expected), the UV34 has a better turning radius (112.2 in vs. the UV34XL’s 154 in). 

Bobcat UV34 vs. UW56 Toolcat

While they’re made to do different things, the Toolcat™ and the Bobcat UTV are both great machines for property management. With the UW56, you’ve got a much larger load capacity on the cargo bed (2,000 lbs compared to the UV34’s 1,250lbs). The Toolcat also has a wider range of applications, especially when it comes to lift capacity and attachment versatility. Plus, you get cab climate controls standard with purchase, whereas that would be an added feature on the side by side. And the Toolcat has a much tighter turning radius (50.5 in for the UW56, 112.2 in for the UV34). But it can’t even get close to the UV34’s max travel speed of 35mph. 

So, What’s Right for You?

A side by side can handle tough jobs and carry supplies. It can easily transport people. And it’s really fun to drive. Ready to find the perfect UTV? Contact us today. Our sales team would be happy to help you find the right machine for your property.