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Best ATV For Trail Riding In 2023

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If you’re looking for the best ATV for Trail Riding then you’ve come to the right place. As more and more people enjoy the thrills of recreational ATV riding, the market for these vehicles has also grown exponentially over the past years. 

ATV manufacturers and styles have increased tremendously since the start of the sport in the late 1980s. While this can be good news for the consumer, it also means there is that much more to sift through when trying to decide which ATV to buy.

Best ATV for Trail Riding
Best ATV for Trail Riding

Trail riding can be the most fun and exciting activity that you can do with family and friends, but you’ll want to take the time to find the best four-wheeler that is fun, comfortable, and can handle a wide variety of terrain.

Here are our top choices for the best ATV for trail riding. 

What is a good ATV for trail riding?

When purchasing an ATV for trail riding, several key factors should be considered to ensure you make a suitable choice:

  1. Engine Size and Power: Consider the terrain you’ll be traversing. More challenging terrains may require a more powerful engine.
  2. Tire Quality: Tires designed for trail riding often have deeper treads for improved traction.
  3. Suspension and Handling: Look for an ATV that offers a smooth ride and responsive handling, especially on rough trails.
  4. Fuel Efficiency: Depending on how long or frequently you ride, the fuel efficiency of the ATV can be a crucial factor.
  5. Reliability: Research the ATV’s reputation for durability and longevity. A good ATV should be able to withstand the rigors of trail riding.
  6. Safety Features: Look for safety features such as a speed limiter, sturdy construction, and good brakes.
  7. Price: Your budget will obviously play a significant role in your decision. However, remember that paying a bit more for quality can save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.

What is the top-selling ATV?

The Polaris Sportsman is widely recognized as the top-selling All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Known for its reliability, outstanding performance, and superior comfort, it’s the go-to choice for many outdoor enthusiasts.

Best ATV for Trail Riding
Best ATV for Trail Riding

The Sportsman’s powerful engine and innovative design make it perfect for a variety of terrains. It offers a balance of power and control, with features designed for optimal traction and stability.

Its popularity is a testament to its versatility, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced riders.

Best ATV for Trail Riding

Most Reliable ATV

While powerful engines and innovative suspensions are important factors to consider, this means nothing if your ATV isn’t reliable.

If you want an ATV that can handle a variety of terrain and withstand the tests of time, we recommend the Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon as the most reliable ATV for 2023. 

Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon

Starting at: $8,799

If you want power and comfort on the trials, Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon is what you need. Its Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) allows for a smooth ride and all-day comfort.

Every Foreman model comes with a tough 518 cc engine that provides the horsepower and torque for better hill-climbing ability and overall great performance on the trails. 

Related Reading: How to perform an ATV Pre-Ride Inspection

Aside from its reliable engine, it features tough front and rear racks and an easy-to-use reverse system. With four models to choose from, you can choose the right mix of features including Honda’s automatic DCT(automatic transmission) or a manual transmission and power steering.

The Rubicon lineup comes with Honda’s famous durable, reliable, and overall quality build that can last for years to come. 

Cheapest ATV

Most people make the mistake of assuming that all ATVs are expensive. While there are ATVs that sell for tens of thousands of dollars, you can still find quite a lot that are affordable and work great. 

Here are a few of the best least expensive ATVs on the market that work great and are reliable whether it’s for play or work. 

2022 Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O.

Starting at: $6,699 US MSRP

With an MSRP of $6,699, The Polaris Sportsman 450 brings a lot to the table. Although it’s among the least expensive choices on the market, its specs can line up with larger and higher-end ATVs. 

It comes with 9.5 inches of rear suspension travel and a class-leading ground clearance of 11.5 inches is more than enough to conquer whatever comes it’s way. When the going gets tough, you can rely on its 25” tires with 6-ply construction for added durability and puncture resistance.

Despite weighing 700 lbs, its 33 hp produced by 499cc, twin-cylinder engine is enough for working around the farm or riding the trails. It also has a powerful 1,350lb towing capacity for bigger loads. 

With these features, we agree that the 450 H.O. is among the industry’s best value ATV with smooth, strong, and versatile features making your hard-earned money go further. 

2022 Kawasaki Brute Force 300

Starting at: $4,599

Coming in with a $4,599 price tag, Kawasaki Brute Force 300 is among the cheapest ATV you can get on the market with a fairly reasonable amount of specs and equipment. 

Being about half the price of its Brute Force 750 sibling, you won’t expect so much surprise from this ATV. It is also worth mentioning that it still uses a carburetor and available with two-wheel drive.

Nonetheless, there is still something to love about this small entry-level ATV. For one, it has a towing capacity of 500 lbs which is still impressive despite its size.

The Brute Force 300 is a fine machine for the first-time ATV rider and vet riders alike. It’s comfortable, has simple controls, is easy to maintain, and has enough power and suspension for newbies to hone their newfound riding skills

ATV Rider

The 300 also has independent A-arm suspension up front, large 22-inch tires, and a ground clearance of 6.1 inches which positions it quite high up the ground.

If you want to enjoy the style and heritage that comes with Kawi’s big-bore Brute Force 750 but want something that fits the bill, you can also go for the Brute Force 300. 

2022 Honda FourTrax Rancher

Starting Price: $5,599 MSRP

The Honda FourTrax Rancher is quite an impressive off-road vehicle for its low price. It offers a considerable number of features that you can see even on its base models. 

Although it doesn’t come with the most advanced features compared to other models on the market today, they’re certainly hard to beat for their price. It has a 420cc single-cylinder engine that provides just enough power for a day of fun on the 

The 2022 Honda FourTrax Rancher is available in 8 trims, with each of them offering a unique mix of features. On every model, you can expect a spacious front utility compartment, wide front drive-shaft guards, easy-to-use reverse system.

They also come with rugged front and rear racks that are compatible with Honda’s modular Pro-Connect system, which allows for easy installation and removal of luggage boxes. 

Fun ATV Riding Clothes

While protective gear is essential on the trail, it’s ok to look cute and share your wilder riding side with the world. I’m a big fan of ball caps and love this adorable “ATV hair, Don’t Care” hat from Sew Vivid Design on Etsy. Be sure to Check out all this cute ATV apparel.

Download a FREE ATV Pre-Ride checklist

Recommended ATV Riding Resources

More Related Resources

Before riding the trails make sure that you have these Must-Have ATV Accessories so you are safe and prepared for whatever the trails throw your way.

If you’re looking for a scenic place to ride an ATV, why not take a trip to the beautiful island of Hawaii and check out Big Island ATV tour at Aloha Adventure Farm.

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