best side by sides

With so many manufacturers, categories, and models on the market, finding the best 2026 side-by-side can be challenging.

SM Sport is here to help you discover the most compelling side-by-sides in every category. Learn more about 4-passenger side-by-sides, 50-inch models, and the best side-by-sides for work.

Choosing the best side-by-side starts with defining how you plan to use it. A sport model

with 114 horsepower has little in common with a utility model designed to tow firewood. We grouped our top picks by category with real numbers you can compare.

The best 4-seat side-by-sides

When looking for the best four-seat side-by-side, the goal is usually to enjoy rides with family or friends without sacrificing performance. Today’s four-seat models offer as much power as many two-seat models while providing valuable extra space for passengers and gear.

Polaris RZR XP 4 Ultimate

• Long-travel suspension designed for rough trails
• A well-equipped cabin for long rides with 4 passengers
• A 999-cc engine that delivers strong accelerations in sporty driving

The Polaris RZR XP 4 Ultimate ranks among industry references for drivers who enjoy sport-focused riding. The 999-cc engine provides brisk accelerations and strong response in technical sections.

The long-travel suspension absorbs obstacles effectively and improves comfort on long rides. The well-equipped interior and abundant onboard technology make it especially appreciated by riders who regularly explore trails in the greater Quebec City area.

Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 LE

• Excellent dependability for long trail days
• Comfortable seats for both driver and passengers
• Progressive power delivery that builds confidence on rough terrain

The Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 LE stands out with a good balance of comfort, reliability, and versatility. The 999-cc twin-cylinder engine offers progressive power that inspires confidence when the terrain gets rough.

The seats are comfortable, the suspension is well calibrated, and Yamaha build quality remains one of its key strengths. For families who prioritize long days on the trail, it is a compelling compromise.

Polaris RZR PRO XP 4 Sport

• A reactive and capable 925-cc ProStar engine
• Precise steering for more technical trails
• Sporty handling for drivers who like to push limits

More aggressive than the Wolverine, the Polaris RZR PRO XP 4 Sport targets drivers who enjoy performance. The 925-cc ProStar engine responds quickly to throttle input and offers excellent capability on difficult terrain.

Precise steering and dynamic behaviour let you fully enjoy more technical trails.

CFMOTO ZForce Z10-4

• A 963-cc V-twin engine offering solid performance
• Excellent equipment-to-price value in the 4-seat category

The CFMOTO ZForce Z10-4 stands out as one of the models with the best equipment-to-price ratio in its class.

The 963-cc V-twin delivers convincing performance, while the standard kit includes several items often offered as options by competitors. For buyers looking to maximize their budget, it is a particularly appealing option.

Comparison table for these 4 side-by-sides

Best 50- to 55-inch side-by-sides

The best 50-inch side-by-side is not necessarily the most powerful one. On many Quebec trail networks, vehicle width plays a key role. Models measuring 50 to 55 inches wide can access areas where wider vehicles are not permitted or are more difficult to maneuver.

CFMOTO ZForce 950 Trail

• A width tailored to narrower trails
• A 963-cc engine powerful enough for steep climbs
• Good agility in tight sections

The ZForce 950 Trail blends a width suited to narrow trails with a large-displacement engine that delivers excellent performance. It offers enough power for steep climbs while maintaining excellent manoeuvrability in tighter passages.

CFMOTO ZForce 800 Trail

• A compact format that is easy to maneuver in the forest
• Predictable behaviour for both new and experienced drivers
• A solid balance of simplicity, performance, and price

The ZForce 800 Trail remains a popular choice among trail riders. The compact size makes manoeuvres easy in dense woods, and predictable handling suits both beginners and more experienced drivers.

Polaris RZR Trail Ultimate

• A more advanced suspension to improve comfort
• A format suited to long days out on the trails
• A more premium experience within the trail category

The RZR Trail Ultimate targets users seeking a more premium experience. A sophisticated suspension improves comfort and stability when the terrain becomes more demanding. It is an excellent choice for long days out on the trail.

Comparison table for these 3 side-by-sides

The best side-by-sides for work

The best work side-by-side must be able to haul equipment, tow heavy loads, and withstand intensive use. Whether it is used to maintain farmland, a maple grove, a wooded property, or a worksite, certain models clearly stand out.

CFMOTO UFORCE 1000

• Towing capacity around 1,800 lb.
• A practical utility format for carrying gear
• Strong power for demanding tasks

UFORCE 1000 models are designed to take on the most demanding tasks. A towing capacity of about 1,800 lb lets you move a trailer loaded with wood, equipment, or materials with ease.

Polaris Ranger 1000 XP NorthStar

• An enclosed, heated cab for work in winter
• Excellent comfort for long workdays
• Great versatility for properties, jobsites, and varied terrain

The Ranger XP NorthStar is for users who work all year. The enclosed, heated cab significantly improves comfort during the coldest months. For contractors and owners of large properties, it is a highly versatile solution.

CFMOTO UFORCE U10 PRO Highland

• A refined and well-equipped interior
• Practical features for day-to-day work
• A solid compromise between utility capacity and comfort

The U10 PRO Highland represents a modern take on the best utility side-by-side. The comprehensive equipment, refined interior, and numerous features make daily work easier. It suits owners seeking a productive vehicle without sacrificing comfort. This is the Highland trim.

CFMOTO UFORCE 600

• A more compact format that is easy to drive
• A more accessible price for a utility vehicle
• Sufficient capability for light residential and farm tasks

More compact and more accessible, the UFORCE 600 remains an excellent entry point into the world of utility vehicles. It offers enough capability for most residential and light agricultural work.

Comparison table for these 4 work-ready side-by-sides

Our top picks for comfort

Comfort becomes an essential consideration when spending several hours on the trails. A good suspension reduces fatigue, improves vehicle control, and makes long rides much more enjoyable.

Polaris RZR PRO XP

• Excellent stability at higher speeds
• High-performing suspension for rough trails
• Good comfort for the driver and passengers

The Polaris RZR PRO XP stands out with extremely stable behaviour at higher speeds and a high-performing suspension. Even when the trails get rough, the vehicle maintains very good levels of comfort for the driver and passengers.

CFMOTO ZForce 950 Sport

• Adjustable external-reservoir shocks
• A 963 cc engine developing about 90 horsepower
• A balanced blend of power, comfort, and equipment

The CFMOTO ZForce 950 Sport impresses with the level of equipment. The adjustable external-reservoir shocks let you tailor the suspension to the terrain and your driving style. The 963-cc engine, producing about 90 horsepower, also offers an excellent mix of power and smoothness for long rides.

The quietest side-by-sides

A quiet vehicle changes the experience: you can hear nature, chat without shouting, and cause less disturbance on the trail. Models with an enclosed cab or a smoother powertrain lead this list.

• POLARIS Xpedition XP Ultimate

The Polaris Xpedition XP Ultimate focuses on comfort and versatility for long outings. The 999-cc ProStar 1000 engine developing about 114 horsepower provides solid power for trails, forest roads, and more demanding travel.

• Polaris Ranger 500

The Polaris Ranger 500 is a simple, compact, and easy-to-drive utility side-by-side. The 567-cc engine develops about 28 horsepower, which suits daily tasks, moving around private property, and light jobs.

• CFMOTO UFORCE U10 PRO Highland

The CFMOTO UFORCE U10 PRO Highland stands out for its comfort and full equipment. The 998-cc three-cylinder engine develops about 88 horsepower, giving it the power needed for demanding work and long days of use. The enclosed cab with heating, air-conditioning, and a touch screen clearly enhances the onboard experience, while a towing capacity of about 2,500 lb. makes it a serious choice for work.

Our tips for choosing the best side-by-side for your needs

The first step in choosing the best side-by-side is to determine your priorities. Some people want a vehicle that can work hard. For others, agility and a compact size are the priority.

Once you have a clear idea of your priorities, it is time to determine your budget.

Buying a side-by-side is a significant expense. As with cars, some models offer more, but at a much higher price. Depending on your budget, it may also be worth shopping for a used side-by-side.

If you know your purchase goals and your budget, it will be much easier to identify the vehicle that suits you. Our list of the best side-by-sides for 2026 is a good starting point.

Feel free to contact us or come meet our team of experts. We will make sure you receive the best service in the greater Quebec City area at our Arctic Cat, Polaris, Yamaha, CFMOTO dealership. We also hold many other brands.

We can recommend a new side-by-side or a pre-owned model that will meet your needs.