Life is full of important decisions: where to settle down, what to name your children, miracle whip or mayonnaise, and whether to purchase an ATV or UTV. While I’ve got the first three figured out, my husband and I are beginning to ponder the importance of the last pairing as we explore purchasing a new toy to add to our arsenal. ATV or UTV?

The term “ATV” is typically synonymous with the slang term “quad” and conjures up images of four-wheeled vehicles intended for single-rider use. Thus, when I say it, I imagine myself roaring down dirt roads alone and returning to the truck to find my boys and the dog have eaten all of the sandwiches we packed for lunch.

Four wheel ATV’s have dominated the off-road market since 3-wheel models were pulled off the market due to safety concerns in the early 90’s. Their open construction gives riders the feeling of riding a super-powered pony down trails of all kinds. Meanwhile, the ability of the rider to help control the vehicle by manipulating the position of their body weight makes quads a formidable choice for riders needing to make tight turns, especially in racing-style situations.

Beyond maneuverability, ATV’s are also on the up-and-up when it comes to pricing. Typically cheaper than UTV’s, ATV’s can also be purchased in a wide variation of body and motor sizes, making them an easily customizable choice for riders of different sizes.ATV’s are fun to ride, capable of more nimble maneuvers and typically more affordably priced. However, all I keep thinking about is the one-rider limitation and sitting on the tailgate hungry, gnawing on a stale granola bar because I went out riding alone.