ATV vs Jeep: Which ONE is the Best for YOU?

Different types of wheelers are available in the world, and part of those are Jeeps and ATVs. These two machines are a lot similar, but they also have very different ways to achieve the same function.

One thing for sure is that Jeep owners don’t like their vehicles getting very dirty. Well, that’s understandable considering the effects and price factor.

What’s so unique about the ATVs that some might consider them a better option? Did the ATV owners waste their money on getting on such a vehicle or should they have gone for a Jeep instead?

We are going to solve the dilemma in this article.

ATV or Jeep?

ATVs are basically vehicles used in all terrains, while your Jeeps are made to run on specific terrains. Although ATVs and Jeeps share the same gene, they both can be used for off-roading.

Today, there are so many people with a lot of questions regarding these two machines; they are split into two categories. One category says why don’t you just get a Jeep which can be easily driven, parked and taken right into the trail, and you have the other category saying “ATVs are the most fun vehicles.”

Now let’s carefully take a good look at these machines, then decide which one is the best for you.

Significant Differences Between the ATV and Jeep

There are a few obvious differences between a Jeep and ATV that we have to review. These disparities are also due to the fact that the Jeep Wrangler is a car, and the ATV is not a car, and these features listed below have nothing relating to off-roading.

Safety

As a car, the Jeep Wrangler has safety features that are regulated and monitored by the NHTSA (National Highway Safety Administration). Hence, you can expect it to have crumple zones, airbags, and a big frame.

It is designed to safeguard the lives of passengers during a head-on collision accident on the highway.

Unfortunately, your ATV’s safety features do not meet such standards as the Jeeps.

But you can still expect them to have seat belts, roll cages, and a safety mechanism that helps control your speed when your seatbelt isn’t on, but note that the ATVs are not designed to withstand the same hit as the Jeep would.

Comfortability

When considering comfort, the argument is usually unbalanced than arguments on off-roading.

A Jeep Wrangler actually clears the ATV when talking about comfortability. They are made with an enclosed cab standard, where you have a radio, air-conditioner, windshield wipers, and cushy seats to make your driving experience much better.

However, some ATVs have these options also. But know that if they do, it won’t come cheap, you will have a lot of extra cash in getting one due to the luxury parts.

Street Legal

This is the first observation many folks talk about when trying to compare ATVs and Jeeps. Most people feel that the Jeeps are street-legal no doubt, and that’s actually true.

You can get all the paperwork signed, hop into your new Wrangler, drive for an hour to the drive park, and head straight on the trail. It can be your weekend partner and daily warrior.

Comparing this quality to the ATVs where you need a trailer, or sometimes a truck to handle what a Jeep can easily take care of on its own.

There are several states and countries that let you drive your ATV on the road in line with their stock configurations, but for you to drive the ATV in most places, you might be asked to add headlights, windshields, and some other features to make it legal.

Specifications

You should know that even an entry-level type of Jeep is a very strong machine.

When you compare the specs of the ATV vs Jeep, you might find that the Jeep wins hands down. The horsepower and torque of the Jeep just drive you crazy.

Some ATVs have 11 lbs per horsepower while there are Jeeps with 14 lbs per horsepower.

You see that the difference can be felt. Talking about the differences you can feel, the 74 inches width of the Jeep Wrangler it’s separated from all but the largest trails and open parks.

The PRO XP for instance is 64 inches wide and very versatile. It is capable of driving through any backwoods terrain, and maneuvering through rocks and chicanes; this is something you can’t do with a Jeep.

Also, there aren’t a lot of Jeeps that can match the speed of the Jeep Wrangler. So in terms of speed, we can give it to the Wrangler.

Off-roading

The major difference between the Wrangler and the ATV is their readiness to off-road. What we mean by off-road readiness is the ability of your stock machine to go trail riding or crawling.

The ATVs are focused on off-road driving, and it would be difficult to beat them using a Jeep. They have a lot of ground clearance, more aggressive tires, independent suspension, and better clutching.

ATV also beats the Jeep Wrangler in terms of body geometry which allows them to approach obstacles directly without their bumpers obstructing the way. The bumpers are usually so high that the first thing that would hit the obstacle is the tires.

Plus while driving an ATV, no one really cares if they end up scratched, and we don’t pay much attention to their plastic body. When it comes to Jeeps, we are always careful, so as not to ruin the paint job, and that can cause rust due to exposure to the metal surface.

With this analysis, the ATV seems much more ready for off-road than the Jeep. You need to get your Jeep a lift kit, more aggressive tires and some sort of extra protection before you get on the trial.

Price 

To get a new Jeep with high specs you would spend not more than $30,000, and a new off-road ATV can go for about $10,000. These prices aren’t for mediocre brands, we are talking about the big leagues, like the Honda Pioneer, Cam-Am Defender, Polaris Ranger, and other top brands.

Although the more expensive your ATV is, the more powerful it is. If you are on a tight budget, you can consider getting ones with good performance. You should be able to find a used Jeep for less than $15,000.

Wrap-up

Now you see the differences between the ATV Vs Jeep, and you can now decide which is best for your driving needs.

They are both great machines that offer some similar services, but at the end of the day, you have to pick one or both, depending on how rich you are. Due to our analysis, you should be able to figure this out soon.