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Last Updated on May 11, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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5 Best Youth Side-by-Sides
The youth side-by-side market is growing. This blog post will discuss 5 of the best youth side-by-sides today.
Key Takeaways:
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- Growing Youth Side-by-Side Market—The demand for youth-friendly UTVs is increasing, and there are many options for different needs and budgets.
- Top Picks for Youth UTVs – The list includes the Polaris Ranger 150, Polaris RZR 170, Blade 150, Massimo Gunner 250s, and SSR 170 UTV, each offering unique features for young riders.
- Performance & Safety Features—Many youth UTVs have automatic transmissions, adjustable seats, and safety enhancements to ensure a smooth and secure ride.
- Budget-Friendly Options—While some models, like Polaris, are premium, affordable alternatives, such as the Blade 150 and Massimo Gunner 250s, offer great value.
- Choosing the Right UTV – The best side-by-side for a child depends on their size, riding environment, and experience level. Mini-sized ATVs are ideal for younger or smaller riders.
- UTVs Are a Worthy Investment—Due to their durability and versatility, UTVs are a great choice for off-road adventures, trail riding, or multiple riders.
You may be looking for a new or used ATV for many reasons. Perhaps your old one has broken down and needs to be replaced, or you’re in the market for a hunting vehicle.
Or maybe you want something smaller and more maneuverable so that it’s easier to get places like trails, woods, etc.? Whatever your reason, there is an ATV out there that can meet your needs! This article will help you find what you need with our 5 Best Youth Side-by-Sides list.
The youth side-by-side market is growing, and we have compiled a list of the best in this blog post to consider when deciding what ATV to get. For more information on any of these models or if there are others you think deserve an honorable mention, feel free to contact us!
| Side-by-Side | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Polaris Ranger 150 | $6,299 | |
| Polaris RZR 170 | $5,599 | |
| Blade 150 | $5,600 | |
| Massimo Gunner 250s | $4,749 |
Polaris Ranger 150
The Polaris Ranger 150 is a four-wheel, side-by-side designed for youth who want to learn about wheeling. It offers an automatic transmission with FOUR forward gears and one reverse gear, making it easy for new drivers to get the hang of driving without being overwhelmed by too many options on where they are going.
The Polaris Ranger has a tough frame that can withstand rough terrain and provide stability in various conditions. It also features high ground clearance and large tires with excellent traction capabilities, so you won’t have any problem tackling steep hills or difficult trails. And if you ever need some help getting out of sticky situations, press the electric winch button toward the machine’s back end!
This side-by-side stands out for its versatility, reliability, and price. We can thoroughly recommend it for youth players and any beginner in the game.
Polaris RZR 170
Next on our list is the Polaris RZR 170. This is a great option for young riders who want fun with friends and family. It can go anywhere, with a powerful engine capable of driving on any terrain. Plus, it features equal weight distribution, offering excellent handling capabilities while providing stability when needed.
It offers a great blend of price and performance.
The plus side here is that this machine will be able to tackle anything in its way without fear because one of the things we like best about it is how durable it is! Even if you break down or get into an accident somewhere off-road, Polaris ensures all repairs are covered, so you can rest assured you’re getting your money’s worth.
This option is great for young riders who want fun with friends and family. It can go anywhere, with a powerful engine capable of driving on any terrain. Plus, it features equal weight distribution, offering excellent handling capabilities while providing stability when needed.
It offers a great blend of price and performance. The plus side here is that this machine will be able to tackle anything in its way without fear because one of the things we like best about it is how durable it is! Even if you break down or get into an accident somewhere off-road, Polaris ensures all repairs are covered if under warranty.
The Pro-Ride has a low cost of entry, which means you get great performance without breaking the bank.
Blade 150
The Blade 150 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a powerful machine to tackle the rough stuff. Its seat can be adjusted depending on your height, which helps provide additional comfort and safety when driving off-road.
This side-by-side provides a comfortable and easy-to-drive option for younger riders. It is also great for drivers who want an enjoyable ride without spending too much money.
The Blade 150 has many features that make its operation so simple that even children can operate it safely. It still provides a powerful experience of driving off-road terrain like never before!
Massimo Gunner 250s
The Massimo Gunner 250s are world-renowned for being excellent side-by-sides for younger drivers. This machine is not too big but still large enough to handle a variety of terrains and off-road conditions.
The Gunner 250s can be driven by children over 16 or adults under 220 pounds. The seat height has been adjusted accordingly, so all riders will enjoy the same safe driving experience this vehicle provides!
This machine has two front seats, which offer more comfort than most other models on the market today. It also features a five-speed manual transmission, giving you control over your drive and safety while navigating rough terrain!
This Massimo model offers fantastic options and pricing and boasts a high-quality build lasting for years.
SSR 170 UTV
The SSR 170 UTV is an outstanding side-by-side machine perfect for children and adults who are short in stature. This vehicle weighs just over 700 pounds, making it incredibly easy to get into the driver’s seat! You will also notice that the rail system on both sides gives you much more space than most other models, making traveling with your friends even easier!
This SSR 170 UTV is equipped with a four-stroke engine and automatic transmission. These features make driving unbelievably simple and fun while giving you complete control over what happens behind the wheel.
The seats can be adjusted to fit perfectly around whoever is sitting inside, whether an adult or a child. Plenty of storage is available, too, meaning you can take your tools and equipment with you deep into the woods without any worries.
There are many great reasons to buy this UTV, but we believe it’s perfect for teens who want to ride along!
Best Youth Side-by-Sides – FAQ
What is the best UTV side-by-side for the money?
For value for money UTV side by side, the Polaris RZR XP-1000 is hard to beat. It starts at around $12,000 and comes packed with features you would expect at twice its cost.
The Honda Pioneer 700 ATV side-by-side also offers good value for money but could not reach our top three because of some reliability issues reported in customer reviews.
Does Honda make a youth side-by-side?
Polaris, Honda, and Yamaha all make youth side-by-sides. These models are classified as “mini” side-by-sides, meaning they typically have smaller frames and a design better suited for younger riders.
Honda makes the TRX90R at $2999 but is also available in larger sizes to suit different age groups. We recommend getting the largest size if you want your child to grow into their ATV because there will be less adjustment when upgrading from a mini to a full-sized model.
The Pioneer 700XL has an MSRP of $3600, while the Yamaha YXZ1000R SE starts just under $4000 and can increase considerably depending on your added features.
Who makes the smallest side-by-side?
Polaris makes the smallest side-by-side in their youth line-up with their Sportsman 90. This is a mini-sized ATV, which means that it will be much easier for your child to maintain control and feel comfortable on this machine while also being able to use it without fear of affecting its performance or longevity due to weight.
What size of side-by-side should I get for my kid?
The most important thing you need to consider is your child’s size. A mini ATV would be appropriate if your child weighs between 100 and 130 pounds. Kids who weigh over 140 pounds can easily get an entry-level model.
What should I look for in my kid’s side-by-side?
The first consideration will be how much power it has; if the machine doesn’t have enough power, then it won’t do anything more than drive around on flat terrain or, even better, push snow around like a lawn tractor! The next things will depend on what type of riding environment (terrain) you live in and your interests. For example, kids who ride bikes or skateboards might want a dirt bike with knobby tires.
Are UTVs worth the money?
UTVs are worth it if:
If you plan on doing more than just riding around the neighborhood, a UTV is perfect for you! If you will be using this machine in many wide open areas, then it’s a must!
Multiple riders need their own seat and safety belts. Kids or adults can’t share when riding together, so having two seats will be handy!
Final Thoughts
The youth side-by-side market offers plenty of choices for young riders looking for adventure, safety, and performance. Whether you want a high-end Polaris model or an affordable option like the Blade 150, a UTV fits every budget and need. Before purchasing, consider factors like rider size, terrain, and power requirements to ensure the best fit.
A well-chosen UTV can provide years of fun and safe off-road experiences for kids and teens alike!
