Both golf carts and UTVs are enjoyable vehicles to have.
It is common to see electric and gas golf carts compared, but rarely do you see the golf cart and the UTV compared.
This is mostly because the two vehicles can serve very different purposes.
There is, however, some crossover which may leave a person wondering which is better, a golf cart or a UTV.
We have put together a guide helping you to determine the differences and which one will serve your needs better.
Golf Cart or UTV—Which Vehicle Is Right for You?
There are several things you need to consider before you can decide which of these is the better choice.
1. Speed
Speed is going to be affected by the way your cart or UTV is powered and by the modifications that have been made to it.
Some golf carts are not going to go very fast, and if the UTV has a lot of features that weigh it down, you may also lose some speed.
You can get both a UTV and a golf cart in gas or electric, but the gas is going to be faster.
Gas-powered UTVs tend to go a bit faster than gas-powered golf carts.
However, some cart owners can make some adjustments to their golf cart to get even more speed.
There are some golf carts and UTVs out there that could have a pretty good race.
Some of the faster vehicles will go around 25 mph.
Of course, on rough terrain, you will find that you can’t get these kinds of numbers, but on flat paved surfaces, you will.
It will be hard to make your decision about whether a golf cart or a UTV is better for you based solely on speed.
Both have the option to get you very similar numbers as far as speed is concerned.
2. Hauling
There is no question that hauling is better for a UTV than a golf cart.
Most of the time, golf carts are built for hauling golf clubs, a few players, and their gear.
Outside of that, the golf cart isn’t known for being able to move heavy loads.
There are, however, work-style golf carts which can take a few boxes from one area of a maintenance facility to others.
When it comes to the UTVs, they are designed in part to help you haul and tow things as well.
When we talk about hauling, we are referring to how much the UTV can hold, and then towing would be how much it can pull.
The UTV has much more capability when it comes to hauling and towing than the golf cart.
Some UTVs can carry or tow thousands of pounds.
This is not the case with a golf cart.
If you are using your UTV on a farm to move product around the farm, there is no question the UTV will be a better fit.
It is essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to hauling and towing limits.
You do not want to attempt a project only to find out that your vehicle is not capable of the work to be done.
3. Gas/Electric
In years past, only the golf cart would be available in both gas and electric.
It is a relatively new concept to see the UTV also available in electric.
Although electricity is much cleaner and better for the environment, it is not usually as powerful.
This is partly why the UTV has been made for gas.
The new UTV electric-powered vehicles are starting to become quite popular.
They are quiet compared to the gas UTV, and that has helped make them more appealing for those who spend quite a bit of time on their vehicles.
The noise from a gas UTV cart can start to wear on you a bit, and that is what has made the electric models more popular.
Whether you want gas or electric will depend on how much you are going to expect your UTV or cart to tow.
Electric powered golf carts are more for golfers who are playing a round of golf.
They are built with the maneuverability, speed, and features to get golfers around a golf course.
A gas-powered UTV is not built with this same idea in mind.
The use of the vehicle you choose will certainly determine whether gas or electric is going to be better for you.
If you are buying a UTV for power and stability, then it is best to go with the gas version.
4. Noise
The gas carts and gas UTVs are going to be much louder than the electric.
However, the gas-powered golf carts have gotten quieter in the last few years.
Golf cart manufacturers try and keep the carts quieter so that they are not as distracting and noisy while on the golf course.
The UTV is still relatively loud.
If you are working on a large property or taking a ride up a very steep hill, the noise of the UTV won’t matter, because the function is what is essential.
However, if you are purchasing a cart or a UTV to drive around the neighborhood, the electric powered golf cart is the better choice.
You will still be able to have a conversation with the people in your golf cart while you are driving around.
5. Pricing
Things can get a little tricky when you try and compare the pricing of a golf cart to UTV.
At a broad overview level, you will see that the pricing on the UTV is quite a bit higher than the golf cart.
When you start to look at features and upgrades, a decked-out golf cart can get very close to (if not more than) the pricing of the UTV.
Golf carts have so many opportunities for upgrades and added features.
You can spend thousands of dollars on finishes and wheels and LED underlights.
With golf cart customization getting more and more popular, the pricing on the golf carts is getting quite a bit higher.
Base model golf carts are going to be cheaper than the base model UTVs.
Both golf carts and UTVs tend to hold some value.
Gas golf carts and UTVs will hold their value longer than an electric golf cart.
Electric golf carts are going to lose value quicker because the batteries will lose their effectiveness after a few years.
6. Use
There are many things golf carts and UTVs can be used for.
The way you use them will help determine which is going to be the best fit for you.
7. Golf
If you plan to play a lot of golf, there is no question the golf cart is the better choice.
The UTV is bigger than you need and it is not set up for golfers the way it should be.
You will spend more money on fueling the gas UTV than you need for a simple ride around a course.
UTVs also tend to be a little higher off the ground, and this step-up is not necessary for the golfer.
Golf courses can be hilly, but there won’t be much offroading with large branches or rugged terrain to cross.
Go for the golf cart if you are a golfer.
8. Riding Around Town
If you live in an area that allows you to take a golf cart or a UTV instead of a car, this can be a great way to travel.
You will get to be partially outside, and you will likely burn much less fuel and save money even if you have an electric cart.
For riding around, you will probably get more speed with the UTV, but you may get more peace with the electric golf cart.
For people who live in very natural environments where it is quiet most of the time, we recommend the electric golf cart.
If you are going to be driving next to other vehicles, then you may want to consider the gas for speed.
You will also probably want something that is just a bit taller if you live in an area where there are UTVs or golf carts riding alongside cars.
Since your vehicle will be smaller than many of the carts around you, it’s essential to have something that stands out at least a little bit.
9. Hilly Streets
It takes a little extra power to get up a hilly street.
If you live in the mountains, you may want to consider getting the UTV.
Although the gas golf carts can work, they don’t always have the same force and horsepower that a UTV can.
The problem with trying to use an electric vehicle in the mountains is the battery will tend to die down very quickly.
10. Offroading
If you plan on taking your vehicle through the woods and off the road, you will need to seriously consider the UTV or a lifted golf cart.
In this scenario, we think that UTV is a better choice.
The problem with taking a golf cart into the woods is that it needs to be lifted so you don’t do any damage, and you can go over rough terrain.
When you lift a golf cart, it gets a little less stable.
When you are on the road, you won’t have much trouble with this unless trying to take a very high-speed turn.
UTVs are naturally made to be higher off the ground.
You will not need to have your UTV lifted to be able to go over a branch or a dirt mound out in the woods.
People often find, too, that golf carts are not made to withstand some of the terrains you are going across, and you can see issues with cracking or materials breaking over time.
11. Farm Work
When working on a farm, you can choose either the UTV or the golf cart.
We think the larger the farm or ranch gets, the more likely you are going to see a benefit with the UTV.
For smaller farms and areas, you will probably have enough function in a gas golf cart to get the job done.
We don’t recommend electric golf carts for farm work.
Although they are cleaner, they don’t tend to have the power needed if you are trying to haul hay or feed around a farm.
If you are environmentally conscious and you want to stay away from gas, then take a look at the electric UTV options out there.
The electric UTV is not quite as powerful as the gas UTV, but it runs much cleaner and quieter, and it has been instrumental on farms since its release.
12. Camping
Many people like to take their cart or UTV along when they go camping.
Although many camp groups are open to this, some are not.
Make sure you check and see what is allowed before you make your final purchase.
Some campgrounds will not allow small gas-powered vehicles in case there are problems and complaints with noise.
If your golf cart or UTV needs a few tweaks or fixes after it is purchased, this is not a big deal.
The real problems happen when you purchase gas or electric and find it was a mistake.
There will be nothing that can be done about that issue after the fact.
Another thing to be sure of is that the community where you live allows the type of vehicle you are purchasing.
Some have rules not just against gas but also against the UTV-style vehicles being used.
It is important to look into all areas you would be using your new vehicle and make a smart choice that allows you the highest level of usage.
13. Features and Accessories
Some people will purchase a base model golf cart or UTV, and others will want all the bells and whistles.
If you want the bells and whistles, it is a good idea to investigate these things before purchasing your vehicle.
When it comes to golf carts, many of the accessories and the features you can add will be for golfers.
Some products will help to make golf easier or transitioning from golf to a cart a better experience.
Overall, the golf cart was invented and designed for golfers.
When you look at the features and accessories you get with the UTV, it will be more about performance.
Some of the features you will find are roll bars, built-in GPS, electronic bed dump, four-wheel drive, and more.
Most golf carts are not going to have these types of features because the carts aren’t best suited for these purposes.
Before you purchase a UTV or a golf cart, make sure you consider the things you will absolutely need it to do.
14. Comfort
The last thing people often forget to consider is comfort.
If you have been a golfer all your life and you have a golf cart currently with leather seats and a misting fan, then you are probably a golf cart person.
If you are used to driving a dirt bike or a pickup truck through the woods, then the UTV is likely going to be a better option for you.
The UTV has more power and performance, but the golf cart has more comfort.
If you think that comfort is going to matter to you, then you should stick with the golf cart that feels a bit more like driving in a car than a truck.
Conclusion
Choosing between a UTV and a golf cart can be difficult.
For some, the decision will come down to features and functions, while for others, it could come down to price.
The biggest thing to consider is what you will be using your vehicle for.
Before purchasing, write out a list of the things that have you interested in purchasing a UTV or a golf cart.
What do you think will help you?
How will you use it yearly, monthly, daily?
Do you need something versatile or something that just gets you from point A to point B?
If you have the chance to test drive both a golf cart and a UTV, you should do so.
You may find that you are more comfortable driving one than the other, and this could help you make your final choice.
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