Best 2026 side-by-sides
Summary
The list of the best side-by-sides for hunting, trails, and work includes models from Yamaha, Polaris, and CFMOTO such as the Polaris RZR Trail, Yamaha Wolverine, CFMOTO ZForce, and more.
This selection also features a section on 4-seat versions of these side-by-sides.
Best side-by-sides for trails
Polaris RZR Trail 900 / 1000
Among the best trail-ready side-by-sides in 2026, the Polaris RZR Trail continues to stand out. With 10 inches of suspension travel and 26-inch tires, it delivers a smooth ride.
The 75 horsepower allow it to clear most obstacles with ease while maintaining composed handling.
Polaris RZR S 1000
Comparable to the Trail, the RZR S 1000 increases output to 100 horsepower and rides on a 64-inch wheelbase, which enhances agility on rougher trails.
The 30-inch tires are larger than those on the RZR Trail and, combined with the wide stance, it is a strong side-by-side for trail use.
Yamaha Wolverine X2 850
The Yamaha Wolverine X2 is a versatile side-by-side that suits trail riding. The 12-inch aluminum rims are durable and ready for tougher terrain.
Plus, four-wheel drive offers three driving modes, allowing you to switch to two-wheel drive when needed.
Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 2 1000
A more powerful take on the Wolverine X2, the RMAX 2 1000 features suspension travel of 14.2 inches up front and 16.9 inches in the rear for a comfortable ride.
It also rolls on 14-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 30-inch Maxxis Carnivore tires.
CFMOTO ZForce 950 Trail
Without a doubt one of the best side-by-sides for trails, the CFMOTO ZForce 950 Trail has compact dimensions, including a 1,385 mm width, ideal for federated trails.
Gas-charged adjustable shocks and electronic power steering (EPS) help deliver easy, smooth control.
Summary table of the best side-by-sides for trails
Below is a recap of performance and starting prices for the best trail side-by-sides of 2026:
Best 2026 side-by-sides: trails
| Side-by-sides | Starting price | Power | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris RZR Trail 900 / 1000 | $22,069 | 75 hp | 1,500 lb. |
| Polaris RZR S 1000 | $28,169 | 100 hp | 1,500 lb. |
| Yamaha Wolverine X2 850 | $23,849 | N/A | 2,000 lb. |
| Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 2 1000 | $30,849 to $34,949 | N/A | 2,000 lb. |
| CFMOTO ZForce 950 Trail | $17,499 | 83 hp | 1,500 lb. |
Best side-by-sides for work
Polaris Ranger 1000
Compact and capable, the Polaris Ranger 1000 is one of the best side-by-sides for work. The enclosed cab and air-conditioning let you stay productive even when the weather does not cooperate.
Beyond its strong capabilities, it comes with a 4,500 lb. winch. It also offers up to 12.5 inches of ground clearance to get the job done wherever it takes you.
Polaris Ranger XP 1000
The Polaris Ranger XP 1000 builds on a proven platform with added comfort and a more powerful engine.
Yamaha Viking EPS
Featuring a 3,500 lb. winch with optional synthetic rope, the Viking EPS uses electronic power steering to assist you during tougher tasks.
The cargo bed box measures 36.6 inches long by 54.7 inches wide, more than enough for most hauling needs.
Yamaha Wolverine X2 850
As noted earlier, the Yamaha Wolverine is among the best side-by-sides thanks to its versatility.
CFMOTO UForce 600 / 1000
CFMOTO UForce models are agile and robust side-by-sides for work. With a tilting rear cargo bed box that can hold up to 551 lb. of cargo on the UForce 600, they are ready to put in the hours.
Summary table of the best side-by-sides for work
Here is a summary of the best 2026 work-ready side-by-sides:
Best 2026 side-by-sides: work
| Side-by-sides | Starting price | Power | Towing | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris Ranger 1000 | $18,969 | 61 hp | 2,500 lb. | 1,000 lb. |
| Polaris Ranger XP 1000 | $27,969 | 82 hp | 2,500 lb. | 1,000 lb. |
| Yamaha Viking EPS | $20,249 | N/A | 1,500 lb. | 600 lb. |
| Yamaha Wolverine X2 850 | $23,849 | N/A | 2,000 lb. | 600 lb. |
| CFMOTO UForce 600 / 1000 | $15,799 to $19,999 | 36 hp - 71 hp | 1,499 lb. to 2,499 lb. | 1,065 lb. to 1,509 lb. |
Best side-by-sides for hunting
Polaris Ranger XP 1000
As noted above, the Polaris Ranger XP offers an enclosed cab and enough ground clearance to take on rough terrain. The generous payload also makes it one of the best side-by-sides for hunting in 2026, since it can easily carry game.
Yamaha Wolverine X2 850
With strong utility and trail capabilities, the Wolverine X2 850 remains one of the most versatile side-by-sides on this list. The relatively low displacement helps keep it more discreet than many others.
Yamaha Viking EPS
With EPS that helps it navigate trails and a 686 cc engine, the Viking is well suited to both hunting and work.
CFMOTO UForce 1000
While the CFMOTO UForce is ideal for work, it is also offered in a camouflage paint trim to blend into the forest. The same capabilities that make it strong for the job also make it an excellent side-by-side for hunting.
Polaris General XP 1000
The Polaris General XP 1000 is a utility-focused side-by-side with solid towing and payload. It also offers accessories designed for hunting, such as a rack mounted on the hood, an integrated cooler, and a flip-up windshield.
Summary table of the best side-by-sides for hunting
Discover the best side-by-sides for hunting:
Best side-by-sides 2026: hunting
| Side-by-sides | Starting price | Power | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris Ranger XP 1000 | $27,969 | 82 hp | 2,500 lb. |
| Yamaha Wolverine X2 850 | $23,849 | N/A | 2,000 lb. |
| Yamaha Viking EPS | $20,249 | N/A | 1,500 lb. |
| CFMOTO UForce 1000 | $19,999 | 71 hp | 2,499 lb. |
| Polaris General XP 1000 | $31,269 | 100 hp | 1,500 lb. |
The best 4-passenger side-by-sides
Polaris RZR XP 4 1000
This 4-seat version brings everything that makes the RZR appealing into a four-passenger format. It is clearly one of the best 4-seat side-by-sides of 2026.
Strong power and a 64-inch wheelbase help maintain agility despite its length. It also includes a Rockford Fosgate sound system for entertainment wherever you are.
Polaris General XP 4 1000
Everything that makes the Polaris General XP 1000 attractive is also available as a 4-seat side-by-side. It offers a poly sports roof, a 4,500 lb. winch, and LED headlights, all set for family trail rides.
Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000
If the Ranger is a great hunting side-by-side, the Ranger Crew is a solid way to share your outings with others. As one of the best 4-seat side-by-sides, the Ranger Crew can come with an enclosed cab that includes air-conditioning and a quieter interior, so you can chat without disturbing wildlife.
Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 4 1000
The proven Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000 is also available in a 4-seat configuration. The FOX QS3 suspension and Carnivore tires help tackle rough trails while keeping everyone comfortable.
CFMOTO ZForce 950 Sport-4
Like the models above, the CFMOTO ZForce 950 also offers a 4-seat Sport-4 trim. It is a more compact model at only 1,524 mm wide and provides two driving modes: normal and sport.
If you are seeking thrills with the family, the ZForce 950 Sport could be the best 4-seat side-by-side for you.
Summary table of the best 4-seat side-by-sides
Here is a recap of the best 4 passenger side-by-sides of 2026:
Best side-by-sides 2026: 4 seats
| Side-by-sides | Starting price | Power | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris RZR XP 4 | $30,569 | 114 hp | N/A |
| Polaris General XP 1000 | $35,369 | 100 hp | 1,500 lb. |
| Polaris Ranger XP 1000 | $30,069 | 82 hp | 2,500 lb. |
| Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 4 1000 | $36,449 to $38,749 | N/A | 2,000 lb. |
| ZFORCE 950 Sport | $22,099 | 83 hp | 1,500 lb. |
To learn more about side-by-sides and find the model that fits your needs, stop by Motos Illimitées, your side-by-side dealership in Terrebonne on the North Shore, near Montreal.