Short answer
The Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 is our balanced choice for family trail trips. The Polaris RZR XP 4 and Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX suit more sporting priorities, while the Honda Talon offers a geared dual-clutch transmission.
- Balanced family choice
- Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000
- Seating
- Four factory seats
- Geared alternative
- Honda Talon 1000X-4
The 5 Best Four-Seater Side-by-Sides at a Glance
| Model | Editorial recommendation | Version / era |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Limited2025 | Best all-round family trail choice | 2025 |
 | Best versatile sport choice | 2025 |
| Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX X2026 MAX X specification | Best desert-focused choice | 2026 MAX X specification |
| Kawasaki Teryx42025 | Best straightforward trail recreation | 2025 |
| Honda Talon 1000X-42025 | Best geared drivetrain | 2025 |
No entries match your search.
The 5 Best Four-Seater Side-by-Sides: Entry Details
Yamaha Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Limited
2025 · Best all-round family trail choiceThe extended RMAX4 gives passengers and luggage a more spacious platform than the Compact version. Its recreation-first layout makes it a convincing choice when a long family day matters more than desert-racing speed. The extended RMAX4 gives passengers and luggage a more spacious platform than the Compact version. Its recreation-first layout makes it a convincing choice when a long family day matters more than desert-racing speed.
- Seats
- 4
- Character
- Recreation and family trails
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Passenger-oriented layout
- Room for family gear
Things to consider
- Larger footprint than the Compact model
Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 Ultimate
2025 · Best versatile sport choiceThe RZR combines a naturally aspirated sport engine with stadium-style rear seating. Its four-seat chassis suits riders who want a sporting machine without moving straight to the widest, most specialised desert models. The RZR combines a naturally aspirated sport engine with stadium-style rear seating. Its four-seat chassis suits riders who want a sporting machine without moving straight to the widest, most specialised desert models.
- Seats
- 4
- Character
- Sport trails
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Raised rear seating
- Naturally aspirated sport package
Things to consider
- Rear-seat fit needs an in-person check
Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX X
2026 MAX X specification · Best desert-focused choiceThe X3 MAX extends the low sport cockpit to four occupants. Turbocharged performance and suspension-led packaging make open terrain its natural setting, with the chosen width and trim determining trail access. The X3 MAX extends the low sport cockpit to four occupants. Turbocharged performance and suspension-led packaging make open terrain its natural setting, with the chosen width and trim determining trail access.
- Seats
- 4
- Character
- Turbocharged sport riding
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Low sport cockpit
- Dedicated four-seat MAX chassis
Things to consider
- Wide versions restrict narrow-trail access
Kawasaki Teryx4
2025 · Best straightforward trail recreationThe Teryx4 puts four occupants in an upright recreation layout with raised rear seats. Its appeal is a relatively straightforward trail vehicle rather than the extreme stance of a dedicated dune machine. The Teryx4 puts four occupants in an upright recreation layout with raised rear seats. Its appeal is a relatively straightforward trail vehicle rather than the extreme stance of a dedicated dune machine.
- Seats
- 4
- Character
- Recreation trails
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Upright passenger layout
- Stadium-style rear seats
Things to consider
- Less specialised for fast open terrain
Honda Talon 1000X-4
2025 · Best geared drivetrainThe Talon’s dual-clutch transmission is its defining difference. Four doors and stadium rear seating support shared sport rides, while the geared drivetrain appeals to drivers who prefer direct shifts to a belt-driven CVT. The Talon’s dual-clutch transmission is its defining difference. Four doors and stadium rear seating support shared sport rides, while the geared drivetrain appeals to drivers who prefer direct shifts to a belt-driven CVT.
- Seats
- 4
- Character
- Sport riding with geared transmission
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Dual-clutch transmission
- Factory four-door layout
Things to consider
- Sport focus offers less work utility
The 5 Best Four-Seater Side-by-Sides: Analysis
Why the RMAX4 is the family choice
The RMAX4 1000 Limited prioritises occupants and equipment on a longer recreation platform. Yamaha also sells a Compact RMAX4, so buyers should identify which chassis they are considering before comparing rear space.
RZR XP 4 and X3 MAX serve sporting trips
The RZR XP 4 offers a sport layout with a naturally aspirated engine. The X3 MAX pushes further toward turbocharged open-terrain riding, where a low cockpit and wider suspension stance make more sense. Neither replaces a six-seat utility side-by-side for carrying a work crew.
The Talon and Teryx4 simplify different decisions
The Talon gives buyers a clear drivetrain reason to choose Honda through its dual-clutch transmission. The Teryx4 makes its case through an upright recreation cabin and familiar trail layout. Sit in the rear seats of both before deciding which is more comfortable for your passengers.
Our verdict
Editorial verdict
Start with the RMAX4 for shared trail days, then choose the RZR or X3 MAX for a stronger sport focus. The Talon is the distinctive geared option, and the Teryx4 is the straightforward recreation alternative.
FAQ: The 5 Best Four-Seater Side-by-Sides
Which four-seat side-by-side is best for families?
The Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Limited is our family trail choice for its passenger-oriented layout and room for gear.
Which model has a dual-clutch transmission?
The Honda Talon 1000X-4 uses Honda’s geared dual-clutch transmission. The other models here use CVT-based drivetrains.
Does every Maverick X3 seat four people?
No. Choose an X3 MAX for factory four-seat capacity. The regular X3 is a different seating configuration.
Is the RMAX4 Compact the same as the new RMAX4?
No. Yamaha identifies the Compact separately. Compare the actual chassis and rear-seat layout rather than treating the shared RMAX4 name as one vehicle.
Can four-seat sport UTVs replace a six-seat work UTV?
A four-seat sport vehicle cannot carry six people in factory seating. Choose a crew utility model when passenger capacity and cargo work are the main jobs.
Sources & methodology
Editorial selection considers factory four-seat layout, trail recreation, sport focus and drivetrain. Positions organise recommendations by use, not a measured score. Exact trims and model years are stated in the table.
Maintained by Artsiom Dusau, a software engineer and BMW 4 Series owner. Editorial policy
