How Much Do ATVs Cost – Comparing Different Types

One of the first things you would want to know when you consider getting an ATV is probably how much you must pay to get one. The prices of new ATVs vary a lot, depending on the type of ATV, engine size, and advanced features. And for used machines, you also need to take into account factors such as age, mileage, and overall conditions.

So how much does an ATV cost? Sports and Utility ATVs cost from $5.000 – $15.000. For around $10.000, you get a full-spec ATV with a moderate size engine. For the same price, you can get a more powerful model, but then as a basic configuration. Youth ATVs cost from $2.000 up to $5.000.

Comparing the cost of different types and sizes of ATVs

I’ve collected the MRSPs (manufacturers recommended sales price) of various types and sizes of ATVs from all major brands. But the total price range stretches quite a bit and won’t tell you that much on its own.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, we need to narrow things down a bit, look at the different types of ATVs, how big their engines are, and how well they are equipped.

Comparing utility ATV prices

First off, we’ll have a look at utility ATVs in various sizes and configurations.

From these stats, we can make a few interesting observations:

• The premium models in the 570cc – 670cc engine size range will actually set you back about $1.000 more than the bigger 850cc basic models.
• The relative difference in cost between entry-level models and the premium models is quite similar when comparing the different ranges of engine sizes.
• Expect to pay $500 to $2.000 more for the premium model.
• Premium models in the 1000cc size cost quite a bit more than the basic models.
• The 570cc to 670cc basic models and the premium models vary by over $2.000 from the cheapest to the most expensive.

Comparing sport ATV prices

If we head over to the sports ATVs, we see many of the same trends.

• The full spec machines with the most powerful engines cost significantly more than the basic models with a similar engine.
• In the 650cc to 850cc engine size range, you see that some of the entry-level models cost just as much as some of the premium models. That’s because some brands do not offer a premium model. Instead, they only have a standard model with a similar level of advanced features as other brands’ premium machines.

Comparing youth ATV prices

It has not been common in youth ATVs to offer more than one standard model for each engine size. But in later years, some manufacturers have started offering both basic and premium models in the youth segment.

In the 90cc to 110cc range, you find brands that offer both standard and premium/full spec models.

The competition between the brands is tough. As a result, the different brands price their competing machines very similar. The prices between the major brands do not vary by much.

Comparing 6X6 ATV prices

And finally, I’ve gathered price info on 6×6 ATVs. No brand offers more than one alternative within each engine size, so these machines’ stats do not tell us more than the price difference between small and large machines.

But how much will it cost to cover your specific ATV needs?

To better estimate how big of an impact the purchase will make on your wallet, we need to look at what factors determine each model’s cost.

Then you need to think through what features are essential for you and your intended usage. Not everyone will need the biggest engine and the most advanced features.

If you skip this part of the purchase process, you may still be lucky and get a machine that perfectly fits your needs. But you might just as well end up paying much more than you need for a machine that is too big or has features you never will need.

Or you may waste your money on a bike that is too little or is missing features you find that you really could need.

How do engine-size and horse-power affect the cost?

One of the significant factors that determine how much an ATV cost is its engine size.

Youth models typically come in 50cc to 250cc engines, while sports and utility ATVs range from about 350cc to 1000cc.

An excellent way to save some money is to steer clear of the models that have the biggest engines. Engines in the 500cc to 850cc range will be more than enough for most possible applications and riding situations.

These machines will often give you the most bang for the buck. Most riders will rarely get the chance to utilize the extra power of the most powerful ATVs anyway.

That said, I must admit I own a 1000cc myself. And truth be told, most of the time, I would do just fine with a 600cc.

But if you’re anything like me and like having a surplus of power available at all times, you must be prepared to hit the higher end of the price range.

The cost of advanced features and accessories

The next major factor that plays a significant role in how much an ATV cost is how many advanced features and accessories it has.

Some models come with just the bare minimum to operate the bike safely and legally. If you take one step up, you find models with features that make the bike much more comfortable to ride and expand the machine’s range of use. Examples of such features are:

• Electronic power steering (EPS). In this post, we take a closer look at some of the pros and cons and whether EPS is really worth it.
• Active descent control (ADC). It helps to maintain a slow and steady pace when you ride down steep declines.
• Engine brake system (EBS).
• A winch for the times you get stuck. Here are 29 other ways to use an ATV winch.
• Two-up (touring) configuration with a longer wheelbase and an extra seat. These typically cost about $500 to $1.500 more than the equivalent one-seater version.
• Adjustable suspension to set up the bike for different riding situations and uses.
• Advanced on-demand 4×4 systems.

At the high end of the price scale, you find the models packed with features that not everyone will really need. These are typically machines that are purpose-built for extreme use, like racing or deep mudding.

Examples of accessories you will find on these machines, witch the basic models does not have are:

• Massive aggressively threaded mud tires.
• Snorkle and a radiator relocation kit.
• An even more extreme suspension system and high-lift systems.
• Extensive decal kits, either camo for hunting or flashy graphics to make the bike stand out from the crowd.

How much is an average ATV payment?

You may need a loan to finance your ATV purchase. The size of your monthly downpayment depends on factors such as:

• What is the MSRP
• How much rebate are you able to negotiate
• How much downpayment are you able to afford
• What interest you can get on the loan

The average monthly downpayment on a fully financed ATV is $140 to $210 over 72 months (6 years), depending on the initial purchase price and interest rate. Be aware that payment plans with low initial monthly payments can trick you into taking up a loan you may not be able to afford down the line when the monthly payments increase. 

What types of ATVs cost the most?

Sports and Utility ATVs are often very similarly priced. It is usually the size of the engine, which determines how much these machines cost. Some sport ATVs come equipped with more advanced suspension. These are typically priced at about $1.000 more than their utility counterparts.

One exception is the ATVs purely made for racing. These typically cost quite a bit more than utility machines with similar engine sizes.

6×6 ATVs are usually quite a bit more expensive than the 4x4s. That’s partly because they have a more advanced suspension, one more axle, and a cargo bed. Also, the market for 6×6 bikes is much smaller, which is likely to affect the price to some degree.

When it comes to youth ATV’s, I’ve only collected the prices from the major manufacturers in this post. Many other brands offer cheaper alternatives in the youth ATV market, but be aware that you generally get what you pay for.

They may look very similar on paper, but after seeing how fast some of the cheaper models wear or break, I can only say that its money well spent to get a proper machine from the getgo.

If you buy a youth ATV from a reputable brand and keep up with the required maintenance, you can expect it to be used by kid after kid for several years before they eventually wear out. They ride much better as well, making them much more enjoyable for the little one.

Here you can find my post on how to choose an ATV for a 10-year old.

What does optional and aftermarket ATV accessories cost?

• Brush guards, front and back. A common accessory that typically will set you back anything from $300 to $700.
• Skid plate kit, aluminum or plastic. If you ride a lot in rocky conditions, you may consider getting a protective skid plate to cover the underside of your new machine. Expect to pay $500 to $1.000 for a complete kit.
• LED-bar, well for more light. You can get them from $30 to $500. In this post, we take a closer look at how to choose the right LED bar in the jungle of ATV LED lights.

Possible extra costs of buying an ATV

The MRSP is only a recommendation. If the dealer is running a campaign, or if you are skilled at negotiating prices, it is possible to get a decent discount. But be aware that some costs may come on top of the actual purchase price.

Some dealers ask for a so-called destination charge that basically covers the factory’s shipping cost to the dealer. Expect to pay $300 to $500. Others charge a few dollars to prepare the bike (some final assembly has to be done when the bike arrives at the dealer).

What is the cost of ATV ownership?

Here are some rough estimates on the most common costs of owning an ATV:

• Insurance: This one is a must. $250 each year is a reasonable estimate.
• Trail permits. It depends on how many different trails you ride, but expect to pay $50 to $100 per trail (per year).
• Maintenance and service. A new bike should last a few years before you should need to buy any spare parts. But it’s essential to keep up with the required service schedule to prevent voiding the warranty. Be aware that most manufacturers require that you use a certified dealer to perform the service.
• Fluids oils and filters. After the warranty period is over, you can choose to do the service yourself to save a few dollars. But you still need to get the necessary parts and fluids. Estimate $50 to $200 in parts for a full service.

How much does a used ATV cost?

How to correctly price a used ATV deserves a post of its own and won’t be covered in detail in this post. But generally, you should expect to pay more for a well-maintained bike with low mileage, little wear, and the right accessories.

If the bike’s visual condition is not that important to you, you may find some great deals on machines that may look a bit rough but are still in proper mechanical condition.