Can-Am, CFMOTO, Polaris or Segway: which ATV manufacturer suits me?

Can-Am, CFMOTO, Polaris or Segway: which ATV manufacturer suits me?

If you want to buy an ATV, you will soon come across Can-Am, CFMOTO, Polaris or Segway. All four manufacturers offer off-road-capable ATVs for leisure and work, but each puts a different emphasis on model range, equipment and character.

Which manufacturer suits you best therefore depends less on the logo on the grille than on what you want to do with the vehicle.

Can-Am: wide choice and lots of power

Can-Am is one of the best-known manufacturers in the ATV segment. The Outlander series ranges from smaller and mid-sized engines up to powerful 850 and 1000R models. On top of that there are special variants for mud, work, two-up riding and even 6x6 models. The current Outlander 1000R, for example, delivers up to 101 hp.

Can-Am is particularly interesting if you:

• want a wide choice of engines and trim levels
• are looking for lots of power
• want to choose between leisure, work and special off-road models
• are looking for a true two-seater
• value extensive accessory options

The Outlander series covers a great deal, from the versatile leisure ATV to the powerful work or off-road vehicle.

CFMOTO: lots of equipment for the money

With its CForce series, CFMOTO has now firmly established itself in the ATV market. The range extends from smaller entry-level and mid-range models up to large touring and 1,000 cc models.

CFMOTO is particularly interesting if you:

• are looking for a good balance of price and equipment
• want as much equipment as possible straight from the factory
• are looking for an ATV for leisure and work
• want a comfortable tourer
• don't necessarily need maximum engine output

For buyers who want as much vehicle and equipment as possible for their budget in particular, CFMOTO is an interesting alternative.

Polaris: the classic all-rounder for leisure and work

Polaris has been active in the ATV segment for many years. The Sportsman series is strongly geared towards combining off-road use, leisure and work. Alongside the classic Sportsman models, Polaris also offers Touring, X2 and 6x6 variants.

Polaris is particularly interesting if you:

• are looking for a versatile work and leisure ATV
• value good off-road capability
• often ride on narrow tracks
• are looking for a vehicle for hunting, hunting grounds or agriculture
• prefer a more classic utility ATV concept

The Sportsman series is therefore aimed especially at riders who want to use an ATV not just for fun but regularly for work as well.

Segway: the modern alternative

Compared with Can-Am and Polaris, Segway is still relatively new to powersports. With its Snarler series, the manufacturer offers ATVs in various power and equipment classes.

Segway is particularly interesting if you:

• are looking for a modern ATV concept
• want lots of equipment for your budget
• value modern technology and connectivity
• are looking for an alternative to the established ATV brands
• want to combine leisure and work

Buyers who are deliberately looking for something different from the classic manufacturers should therefore include Segway in their comparison.

Which manufacturer offers the most power?

If you are after maximum engine output, take a closer look at the large Can-Am Outlander models in particular. The current Outlander 1000R, for example, delivers 101 hp.

For many riders, however, the highest output is not necessary at all. For touring, hunting, hunting grounds or normal work, smaller engines can be entirely sufficient.

Which manufacturer offers the best value for money?

This question cannot be answered across the board by manufacturer. What always counts is the specific model and what equipment is already included.

CFMOTO and Segway are especially interesting if you want as much equipment as possible within a given budget. Can-Am and Polaris, on the other hand, offer very extensive model ranges developed over many years.

So don't just compare the base price. What counts is what the vehicle actually costs in the end with the equipment you want.

Which ATV is suited to work?

For hunting, forestry, agriculture or snow clearing, all four manufacturers offer suitable models.

The specific vehicle data are often more interesting than the manufacturer. Pay particular attention to:

• Four-wheel drive
• towing capacity
• luggage racks and payload
• Winch
• ground clearance
• tyres
• low range
• accessory options

If you regularly do heavy work, compare specific models with each other rather than deciding by brand alone.

Which ATV is suited to leisure and touring?

Here too, all four manufacturers offer suitable vehicles.

For longer tours, comfortable suspension, power steering and a true two-seater can matter more than maximum engine output. If you prefer a sportier ride, on the other hand, you may put more emphasis on power and suspension.

Choosing the right model variant is therefore often more important than deciding between two manufacturers.

Conclusion: don't buy on brand alone

Can-Am offers a very broad model range and particularly powerful variants. Polaris is traditionally strong in versatile utility ATVs for leisure and work. CFMOTO offers interesting vehicles with extensive equipment and attractive value for money. Segway brings modern technology and another alternative to the ATV market.

Even so, the decision shouldn't be based on the manufacturer alone.

Engine, single or two-seater, registration, towing capacity, equipment, riding feel and of course your own budget are at least as important.

The most sensible approach is therefore to compare several vehicles directly. That is exactly why we at Bader Powersports carry several ATV manufacturers and can compare models across brands.

Not sure which vehicle suits you? Go to the buying guide