All off-road vehicles go through wear and tear. From the outer shell to the inner engine components, every part of their body is put to the test. Because of the intense conditions that exist on rough trails, it is not unusual for these vehicles to have a shorter lifespan in terms of mileage. While some vehicles can take the heat and get up to 20,000 miles on the clock, others struggle and can barely muster 5,000. In this article, we explore the various factors that go into determining how many miles a UTV lasts.
What's considered high mileage for a UTV?
A typical UTV is capable of traveling up to about 5,000 miles on average, though some are able to travel much farther. This is due to the fact that UTVs are designed to be driven over rugged terrain, and thus require frequent repairs and routine servicing.
However, there is no set rule regarding how many miles a UTV can go without requiring major maintenance work. Some owners report that their vehicles can easily survive 10,000 miles, while others claim that they can run efficiently even after 20,000 miles.
The average lifespan of a UTV varies depending on a few different factors including the type of terrain on which it is used, how often it is driven, the quality of the vehicle itself, and how well it is serviced. Most UTVs can easily survive several thousands of miles, especially if they are regularly taken care of and serviced properly.
Why do UTV lifespans vary?
The lifespan of a UTV depends on how it is used. UTVs may be built tough, but they aren't indestructible. While many owners use them for commuting, they're designed for challenging undertakings, such as off-roading, mud racing, and sand dune riding. If you use yours for these activities, you'll likely see a shorter life expectancy than someone who uses theirs for hauling hay bales or casual recreational riding.
Off-roaders tend to be less careful about maintenance and repairs, which is why their vehicles typically live for a shorter period of time. Even if you do everything right, your UTV will wear out over time. That being said, there's no magic number of miles or hours that makes a UTV wear out. There have been reports of some UTVs lasting more than 10 years, and others barely making it to 5.
How does mileage affect a UTV?
UTV owners often ask about the importance of mileage, and how it affects their machines, particularly in terms of value. We've put together some information here to help answer these questions.
More miles, more wear
The most obvious factor is the age of the vehicle itself. More miles equals more use, which usually translates to more wear and tear. This includes mechanical issues such as worn out belts, hoses, and seals, as well as damage caused by rocks, dirt, sand, and mud.
The extent of wear depends on the type of usage
Another important factor is the type of usage the machine is subjected to. If a UTV spends most of its time riding around town, it won't see nearly as much wear and tear as a machine that regularly goes off road. Similarly, a UTV that spends its days pulling trailers up steep hills may be in worse shape than one that spends its days cruising around town.
Are there any other factors that can affect a UTV?
There are factors other than mileage that can affect a UTV. For example, the engine’s size can play a role in determining how many miles a UTV accumulates. It is also important to consider whether the model in use runs on a manual or automatic transmission. Finally, even the UTV brand can play a role in determining its eventual mileage.
All about ATV depreciation and resale value
What is the average mileage per year on a UTV?
The average rider puts 800 miles per year on their UTV. However, this number can differ, depending on who drives it and where you live. A UTV is the main source of transportation in some parts of the world like rural areas in America. As a result, there are UTVs in these areas that have seen up to 30,000 miles.
What is the range of a UTV?
The range of a UTV depends on many factors, like the type of vehicle, the terrain it travels over, how fast it is driven, and the weight of the passengers inside. However, there are some general guidelines one can follow to determine the approximate distance a UTV can travel with a full tank of gas.
On average, the range of an ATV or UTV is around 200 miles. A typical UTV model has a tank capacity of about 10 gallons. Based on the average tank size, the range of a 2020 Honda Ridgeline with a full tank of gasoline is around 250 miles. Similarly, a 2025 Yamaha Rhino has a range of 300 miles.
How to choose a UTV
There are different types of ATVs and UTVs out there. Before buying one, you should take into consideration several factors such as where you live, your riding style, and whether you like to go off-roading or prefer to use your UTV for casual riding. There are three main categories of UTV explained below.
Dirt bikes
This category includes small motorcycles that use a single rear wheel. Dirt bike riders usually enjoy riding dirt trails, such as those found in state parks.
Quad bikes
These vehicles are designed to carry four people over rugged terrain. Quad bikes are typically used for recreational purposes, including trail rides and obstacle courses.
Side x side
Side x side or quad buggies have four wheels and a seat for each person. Side x side UTVs are great for families, due to the number of passengers they can accommodate. The best way to find out which model fits your needs is to check online reviews and do some research on the brand and model you are interested in buying. As with everything else, you need to shop smart and choose a vehicle that suits your needs and your riding style.
How to make your UTV last longer
The key to making your UTV last as long as possible is proper maintenance. If you take proper care of your vehicle, with regular service intervals, you'll never have to worry about replacing parts again. Remember not to wait for something to go wrong but to commit to preventive maintenance. Make sure you're continually checking and cleaning the oil and oil filter. You don't want to wait too long before doing this because it could mean losing precious time.
Don't overload your UTV when driving it. In other words, avoid piling more than the maximum number of passengers into your vehicle’s seats, or even loading it up with materials that exceed the maximum weight capacity. This will cause the engine to work harder than normal and might lead to more wear and tear. In short, be smart about what you put in the UTV and where you place it.
Also, check the air filter before every trip and aim to change it every 500 miles or so, depending on how much you use the vehicle. Finally, don’t scrimp on fuel. It will end up costing you money in the long run. Instead, invest in quality fuel.
Shop for UTV accessories
Whether you are into aggressive driving or are more of a casual rider, one of the most important aspects of owning an ATV is customizing it to fit your needs. If you want your vehicle to ride in the way that meets your expectations, it will likely need modifications.
To help you with those modifications, we, at Perfex Industries, sell a wide range of UTV and ATV accessories:
We are committed to transforming the ATV industry landscape and enhancing the experience of owning and riding an ATV.
