The off-road industry is booming, and there’s no better time than the present to join the fun. If you want to ride along on your very own ATV (also known as a four wheeler), you’re in luck! There are now more options than ever when it comes to ATV size and power. With so many four wheelers on the market, your perfect machine is out there… somewhere. You might just need a little help finding it.
As always, SuperATV is here to lend a helping hand. Let’s talk about the different ATV sizes that are out there and find out which one is perfect for you.
When you’re looking at the physical stature of ATVs, you’ll quickly notice that these machines come in all different sizes. This is important for a couple of reasons. The first reason is everyone is different. A shorter individual might not be very comfortable sitting on a massive four wheeler. The same goes for a tall person on a smaller model.
The other reason to be aware of your ATV’s size involves trailering. If you plan on transporting your four wheeler, either in the bed of your truck or on a trailer, you’ll need to know the length and width of that machine to make sure it will fit.
So exactly how long and wide are ATVs, anyway? While there is quite a bit of variance, most four wheelers fall into specific size categories.
We’ll start with some general measurements. The average length of an ATV is around 83” and the average width is 47”. Most machines you come across will have measurements close to this.
But not all of them! Check out these ranges, broken down by ATV type. This should give you a better grasp of how big these machines are and what size quad might be best for you.
But when talking about ATV size, most people aren’t referring to the physical length and width of that machine. Most riders compare ATV size by their engine displacement. This number is given in cubic centimeters (cc) and refers to the volume of your engine. ATVs with bigger cylinders and pistons will have higher displacement, thus more power.
We’re not kidding when we say there’s an ATV for everyone. There are small 50cc youth ATVs, aggressive 1000cc sport ATVs, and everything in between. It’s important that the machine’s displacement match the experience level of the rider. Jumping on something too fast and powerful can be dangerous.
Even though four wheelers are typically categorized by engine displacement, four wheeler size can also refer to actual physical measurements. Youth ATVs are obviously smaller and lighter, and adult ATVs are available in mid-size and full-size versions.
Some factors to consider when deciding which size ATV is right for you include your age, height, and weight. You’ll be spending a lot of time on this machine, so you want to be comfortable and not too cramped. For adults up to 5’10”, a smaller ATV (around 400cc) should be a good fit, unless you have a specific reason for needing something more powerful. And for taller riders, we recommend looking at 500cc machines and higher.
The most crucial thing to consider when choosing your ATV size is your experience level. Like we mentioned earlier, it would be super dangerous to hop on a 1000cc four wheeler on your first rodeo.
These are by no means official safety guidelines, but here are some loose recommendations:
For most adult riders, something in the 500-700cc range will offer more than enough power to tear up the trails and have a good time.
A 1000cc engine might sound exciting, but unless you’re a professional racer or someone who regularly takes on difficult off-road challenges, you probably don’t need a big four wheeler with that much power.
In addition to your physical size and experience level, another thing to consider when choosing an ATV size is what you’ll be using it for.
Most off-road vehicles fall into one of three categories: sport, utility, or somewhere in between.
Sport ATVs are built for fun. These machines are designed with performance in mind, so they’re usually on the lighter side and offer more power and better handling. In terms of looks, sport ATVs tend to have a more aggressive appearance. They’re great for jumping, racing, and cornering.
Utility ATVs are made for working hard. They’re usually heavier with a higher towing capacity. Their ability to pull trailers, push plow blades, and haul heavy loads make them popular on farms and jobsites.
And then you have the “in between-ers”: sport-utility ATVs. This category is arguably the most popular because these machines are equipped to do it all. You can use it for towing or landscaping during the day and then take it out for an evening joyride when you’re ready to unwind.
If your main reason for buying a four wheeler is to have fun, a mid-size ATV might be the perfect fit. You’ll have enough power to tear up the trails and haul your hunting or fishing gear if need be.
But if you want something that can put in some work—think landscaping, farming, or snow removal—or dominate some serious trail challenges, a large ATV would be more helpful.
It’s not all about ATV size. There are a host of other features and accessories to consider when finding the perfect machine to suit your needs.
Here are some other decisions you may have to make when shopping for a new (to you) ATV:
If there are specific features you’re looking for in an ATV, you always have the option of adding aftermarket parts and accessories to meet your needs:
Deciding which parts and accessories to invest in can be overwhelming. To get you started, we’ve put together a list of ATV upgrades that will make your quad better.
The answer to the question “What size ATV do I need?” isn’t as cut and dry as you might think. Whether you’re looking at engine size or physical measurements, there are several factors to consider when making a decision.
Hopefully this helped steer you in the right direction! If you’re still undecided about what kind of vehicle to buy, check out our ATV vs. UTV breakdown. Once you’ve made your pick, all that’s left to do is buy that machine and hit the trails.
16 Comments
iam looking for a tire size that can fit 5.100 rime 25×10-17 or 16 the tire I would like is a super swamper tsl thanks
Hey Jeffrey, unfortunately, we do not offer a tire that size. We appreciate you reaching out!
I need a 4×4 that will fit in my Tacoma bed, which limits me to a width of no more that 44 inches. A 350 to 500cc engine is my target. Possible?
Hi Blake! We think it’s definitely possible to find something within that range. The brand-new Arctic Cat Alterra fits those specs, with a 450cc engine and 44″ width. If you want to buy used and look at some older models, your options open up even more. The Yamaha Wolverine 350, for example, comes in at just under 42″ wide. Good luck in your search and thanks for reading!
i’m a teen looking for a 4 wheeler is this the right place can i trust these people.
I just moved into the area. I’m looking for a reasonable and safe four wheeler for my grandkids.
Hey Randy, we’re glad to have you! How old are your grandkids? We’d love to get a list of potential ATVs for you.
Pls I humbly want to know the height of the atv quad bike which I can use. I am 5.2 feet tall
What size ATV or UTV to go up a very steep grade hill? I weigh 200 pounds and my wife weighs 120 pounds.
I need a atv that goes through a good 1 feet pit of water or mud. and i need a atv that can fit a good amount of people to take on. something that can hold 800-1000 pounds?
For seating multiple riders, you’ll want to check out Polaris Sportsman Touring and Can-Am Outlander Max models. But if you want to carry 800–1000 pounds of cargo on your ATV (as opposed to towing it) there’s really only 1 choice for you: the Outlander Max 6×6. The 650 and 1000 models both have a rear-rack capacity of 700 lb., which is as good as it gets on an ATV. It has 11″ of ground clearance, so you’ll still want some good boots while you’re rolling through mud and water, but it should be more than capable of getting through mud pits.
If that doesn’t do the trick, you’ll want to consider upgrading to a Ranger or a Defender. You’ll get more seating and more cargo capacity that way, although they are quite a bit wider (about 62″ wide vs. 48″ wide on the outlander 6×6).
I am a 14 year old boy hunter and I need to know which Atv to by. If you can reply that would be good because I am going hunting this year
Hey Matthew!
It’s awesome that you’re into hunting and ATVs! Unfortunately, we are unable to give advice to minors. You should definitely talk to your parents about this!
I have two grandchildren. Age is 5 1/2 and 7 1/2. We prefer electric ATV. They’ve outgrown the small one we had. Any suggestions would be appreciated? Thanks so much.
I am a 18 year old 6ft 4 male outdoorsman that goes hunting fishing and loves to go trail riding with lots of sand to get stuck in and I need to know which Atv to by. If you can reply that would be good
Hey Trey,
For what you do, a 4×4 utility ATV with a strong engine and good suspension is the smartest choice because it handles sand, trails, and hauling gear without getting stuck. Models like the Polaris Sportsman, Yamaha Grizzly, or Can-Am Outlander in the 600–1000cc range give you plenty of power, stability, and comfort, especially for a tall rider, and is packed with features to make riding easier and more fun.