Best ATV for Long Distance Riding: Top 3 Expert Choices


ATVs are excellent for all types of outdoor activities, but the best by far must be trail riding. If you want a reliable quad to help you roam in nature for hours on end, then there are a few key specifications to look at. Today I will share with you what makes the best ATV for long distance riding, as well as my top three choices.

As a general rule, the best ATV for long distance riding is a model that has great shocks, large tire size, adequate storage space, and larger tank size. There are a sizable number of quad models on the market that check all these boxes, but some of the most popular are: the Yamaha Raptor 700R, the Polaris Sportsman 570 Ultimate Trail LE, and the Can-Am Renegade X MR 1000R. All of these ATVs are renowned for having powerful engines with high top speeds, as well as a tough exterior design that can handle rough terrain. Off-road riders looking to expand their trail riding range can also invest in a fuel pack with a similar tank size to their quad.

ATVs are fun machines made for reaching places you could never do by foot or car. But for long distance riding, there are some specific features to check for that will elevate your experience to the next level. Keep on reading to learn what to look for in a long distance quad and find out my top three picks for this type of usage.

infographic with best ATV for long distance riding

Best ATV for Long Distance Riding

If you are looking to organize full-day trips with your new ATV, then it’s important to check your machine is ready for that kind of long-term use. I personally like to look for engines with large capacity and higher top speeds, which can handle both smooth and rocky terrain. But that is not really a requirement for long distances since you can ride at around 20mph and enjoy the beauty of the trail just as well.

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The first thing I would look at when analyzing a quad for long distance riding is the quality of the tires. Preferably, your new ATV will have large tires that can go over tricky terrains such as dunes and steep hills. The type of suspension system is just as vital for a smooth ride. When you are riding long hours, comfort is key. Therefore, make sure to look for a quad with good suspension and consider upgrading your ATV shocks to make your 6 or 8 hours ride a relaxing experience.

Now let’s talk about fuel tank size. This is not a definitive criteria to eliminate ATV models from the race, as there are a lot of other aspects that affect your range. From the way you like to ride to your average speed and the terrain you’re on, your fuel consumption can change drastically. That being said, a large fuel tank will never hurt, so keep an eye on this often overlooked stat as well. As I mentioned above, you can always strap a fuel pack to your ATV for those extra long rides. These retail for around $50 and can be a literal lifesaver for adventurers out on the trail.

Last but not least, it’s good to check for storage size. Out of all the off-road vehicles available out there, ATVs are not known for huge storage capacity. Still, when you choose an all-day trail, you want to carry with you stuff like water, food, sunscreen, a blanket, and other traveling necessities. It’s true that you will never get the same space that you get in a UTV, but there are quite a few ATVs with a bigger storage capacity to check out.

Aside from looking at tire size, shocks, fuel tank size, and storage capacity do not forget to check out other essential features such as brand, engine size, wheelbase, and price. Here are my top three long distance riding ATVs that are true beasts on the trails:

Yamaha Raptor 700R

Yamaha Raptor 700R

The ATV with the smallest tank size on our list (2.9 gallons), the Yamaha Raptor 700R, is one of the most famous sport ATVs out there. I’ve probably mentioned it a few times on my blog already since it’s so versatile for any type of terrain. This fuel-injected brute packs a 686 cc four-stroke engine with 40 horsepower that can reach a top speed of around 85mph. Whether you want to ride on a secluded beach or the highest mountain in your area, the Raptor will be a trustworthy sidekick.

According to Yamaha, this quad has a stock storage capacity of 44 gallons, which is neither great nor awful. I have ridden on a Raptor before, and I didn’t feel the need for extra storage, so this is not a deal-breaker for me. You can always add extra storage accessories to increase the storage size. The stock tires on this ATV are 21/7-10 in the front, and 20/10-9 on the rear, which are appropriate for its overall size.

The suspension system offers 9.1 inches of wheel travel in the front and 10.1 inches in the rear. The Yamaha will not offer the smoothest ride out there, but it is, after all a sports ATV made for fun. If you want an ATV that can handle it all, then definitely choose Yamaha’s star quad.

Polaris Sportsman 570 Ultimate Trail LE

Polaris Sportsman 570 Ultimate Trail LE

Polaris came out with a brand new trail-oriented four-wheeler that might blow the competition out of the water. It seems I’m not the only one that checks for fuel capacity when buying a long distance ATV since Polaris decided to equip the Sportsman with a 4.5 gallons tank size. The engine on the new Ultimate Trail model is a 567cc liquid-cooled engine that can reach top speeds of around 63mph.

The Sportsman 570 rocks large 26-inch tires paired with 14-inch wheels. Polaris knew what they were doing when they added Sealed Arched Dual A-Arm suspension, a large integrated storage system, and a rack storage capacity of 32 gallons. Even though the Yamaha Raptor is my first love, I cannot deny how well prepared this ATV is for long distance riding.

Talking about long distance riding on bumpy roads, you might want to check out the article I wrote about how to patch ATV tires on the spot.

Can-Am Renegade X MR 1000R

Can-Am Renegade X MR 1000R

The team at Can-Am prides itself on this powerful 1000cc V-twin engine ATV, and I’m honestly not surprised. Their Renegades are great trail quads in general, so a larger engine size is a welcomed improvement. Top speed for this ATV is around 62mph, and the fuel tank size is the largest on our list: 5.4 gallons.

Packed with Double Arched A-Arm front suspension and Torsional Trailing Arm Independent rear suspension, the Can-Am will offer you a smooth ride like no other. The 30-inch tires will help you get over challenging terrain like you’re riding on the highway. Where the Renegade might lack, though, is the storage capacity since it only offers around 35lb rack capacity, and its design is not very luggage friendly. Nevertheless, storage can always be supplemented if you need it.

What is the Longest Lasting ATV?

As with many other questions that include “best ATV” or “top quad,” this is a tough question to ask. People have preferences in terms of brands, different riding styles, and unique needs that might not apply to the next person. What is the best ATV for me might not be the best ATV for you.

If you want an ATV that can rack many hours on the trails without problem, any of the three I shared today work perfectly. You can pick the Can-Am Renegade X MR 1000R since it has the biggest tank size and a powerful engine that can handle long hours of abuse. In theory, this will offer you the longest hours on the road.

As for the longevity of your ATV, there are many things to be said. From the quality of the parts to the type of usage, there are about a million things that can affect your ATV’s lifespan. If you want to learn more about the most reliable ATV brands, I’ve talked more in-depth about this topic in this article.

What is the Best Riding ATV?

Out of the three I shared today, I have to say that I might be biased towards the Yamaha Raptor 700R. I am a true adventure-oriented rider, so if I feel a few bumps in the road is just a part of the thrilling experience. I recommend you choose the Raptor if you want to hit very challenging trails since this quad is almost unbreakable. This Yamaha beast is the “best riding ATV” when you take into account power, versatility, and maneuverability. If you define “best riding ATV” as the highest comfort level, then I recommend you choose the Polaris Sportsman, which was made specifically for long distance trail riding.

Bob Kelly

Hey there, my name is Bob and I've been riding ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs for most of my life. Going on outdoor adventures has always been my passion. I love sharing tips and tricks with beginners who are getting ready to join the world of outdoor enthusiasts. You can reach me at bobtheatvguy@gmail.com if you want to get in touch.

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