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5 Best Youth and Kids Side-by-Sides

Five youth UTV choices, including the 2025 Ranger 150 EFI and the archived 2021 RZR 170 EFI for used buyers.

ATVs & side-by-sidesUpdated By Sources & methodology

Off-road side-by-side driving on a dirt track
A side-by-side on a dirt track illustrates recreational UTV riding. Photo credit

Short answer

The Polaris RZR 200 EFI is our first choice for supervised youth trail riding because its parent controls accompany generous ground clearance. The Ranger 150 EFI suits a utility-style introduction, while the older RZR 170 EFI is a used option.

First choice
Polaris RZR 200 EFI
Polaris minimum driver age
10 with adult supervision
Used option
RZR 170 EFI

5 Best Youth and Kids Side-by-Sides at a Glance

5 Best Youth and Kids Side-by-Sides — Current youth range + used 2021 RZR 170
Model Editorial recommendation Version / era
Polaris RZR 200 EFICurrent youth range Best for supervised trail riding Current youth range
Polaris Ranger 150 EFI2025 Best utility-style introduction 2025
HISUN Strike 250RCurrent catalogue Best equipped sport alternative Current catalogue
HISUN Sector 250Current catalogue Best youth utility equipment Current catalogue
Polaris RZR 170 EFI2021 archived model Best used-model shortlist 2021 archived model

5 Best Youth and Kids Side-by-Sides: Entry Details

Polaris RZR 200 EFI

Current youth range · Best for supervised trail riding

The RZR 200 combines adjustable parental controls with a taller stance for ruts and uneven trails. Its sport layout makes it the strongest overall choice for families who want a dedicated youth trail vehicle. The RZR 200 combines adjustable parental controls with a taller stance for ruts and uneven trails. Its sport layout makes it the strongest overall choice for families who want a dedicated youth trail vehicle.

Driver age
10+ with adult supervision
Ground clearance
10 in
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • Parent-controlled ride settings
  • Trail-oriented ground clearance

Things to consider

  • Youth vehicle, not an adult-size machine
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Polaris Ranger 150 EFI

2025 · Best utility-style introduction

The Ranger brings a small cargo bed and a utility layout to youth riding. Passcode start, speed limiting and geofencing let parents define where and how a supervised ride begins. The Ranger brings a small cargo bed and a utility layout to youth riding. Passcode start, speed limiting and geofencing let parents define where and how a supervised ride begins.

Driver age
10+ with adult supervision
Ground clearance
8 in
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • Passcode start and geofencing
  • Small utility cargo bed

Things to consider

  • Less clearance than the RZR 200
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HISUN Strike 250R

Current catalogue · Best equipped sport alternative

The Strike includes a roof, windshield and winch in a compact sport chassis. Its liquid-cooled engine and automatic transmission make it an alternative for families who want substantial standard equipment. The Strike includes a roof, windshield and winch in a compact sport chassis. Its liquid-cooled engine and automatic transmission make it an alternative for families who want substantial standard equipment.

Engine
229 cc
Drive
2WD
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • Roof and windshield included
  • Automatic transmission

Things to consider

  • Confirm minimum age and fit in the supplied manual
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HISUN Sector 250

Current catalogue · Best youth utility equipment

The Sector replaces the Strike’s sport emphasis with a gas-assisted dump bed. A low range is useful for deliberate low-speed driving, and the standard roof and windshield make the equipment package easier to understand. The Sector replaces the Strike’s sport emphasis with a gas-assisted dump bed. A low range is useful for deliberate low-speed driving, and the standard roof and windshield make the equipment package easier to understand.

Engine
229 cc
Seats
2
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • Dump bed
  • Low and high transmission ranges

Things to consider

  • Confirm minimum age and fit in the supplied manual
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Polaris RZR 170 EFI

2021 archived model · Best used-model shortlist

The earlier RZR 170 offers a familiar two-seat sport layout for a used purchase. Inspect the restraint system, limiter and maintenance history before choosing an example because equipment condition matters more than cosmetic accessories. The earlier RZR 170 offers a familiar two-seat sport layout for a used purchase. Inspect the restraint system, limiter and maintenance history before choosing an example because equipment condition matters more than cosmetic accessories.

Driver age
10+ with adult supervision
Purchase route
Used vehicle
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • Established youth sport design
  • Used-market alternative

Things to consider

  • Older design without the RZR 200 feature set
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5 Best Youth and Kids Side-by-Sides: Analysis

Why the RZR 200 is the first choice

The RZR 200 places electronic parent controls in a purpose-built trail vehicle. Its extra clearance is useful when a shallow rut or rock would catch the underside of the lower Ranger 150. The recommendation follows that combination rather than engine size alone.

The Ranger and Sector suit a different first drive

The Ranger 150 and Sector 250 introduce the upright seating and cargo-bed layout of a utility vehicle. The Sector’s low range supports slow work-style use, while the Ranger concentrates on electronic supervision features. Families comparing adult crew machines can also read our six-seat side-by-side guide.

Treat the RZR 170 as a used purchase

The RZR 170 belongs on a used shortlist rather than a new-model shopping list. Original restraints and intact speed controls deserve closer attention than light bars or cosmetic bodywork. The Strike 250R and Sector 250 require their own manual-based age and fit checks.

Our verdict

Editorial verdict

Choose the RZR 200 for supervised trail riding and the Ranger 150 for a utility-style introduction. Choose the HISUN models only after checking manual requirements and local parts support. Keep the RZR 170 on the used shortlist.

FAQ: 5 Best Youth and Kids Side-by-Sides

What is the best youth side-by-side?

The RZR 200 EFI is our overall choice for supervised trail riding. Its parent controls and trail clearance make a useful combination for a dedicated youth machine.

How old must a child be to drive a Polaris youth UTV?

Polaris specifies age ten and above with adult supervision for the RZR 200 EFI and Ranger 150 EFI. A child must also fit the controls and restraints correctly.

Is the Ranger 150 different from the RZR 200?

Yes. The Ranger uses a utility-style layout with a small bed, while the RZR is oriented toward sport trail riding and has more ground clearance.

Can I still buy a RZR 170 EFI?

The RZR 170 EFI is included as an older used choice. Check the model-year manual and the condition of the original safety equipment before purchase.

Do youth side-by-sides need adult supervision?

Yes. The Polaris youth models listed require adult supervision. Use the supplied manual to establish the age, passenger and operating requirements for either HISUN model.

Sources & methodology

Editorial choices favour parental controls, correct rider fit and intended use. Polaris age limits follow manufacturer guidance. The RZR 170 is a used choice, and HISUN age requirements must be confirmed in its manual.

Maintained by , a software engineer and BMW 4 Series owner. Editorial policy

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