Most Reliable ATV in 2022: Comparing the Top ATV brands


If you are looking for a new four-wheeler to accompany you on your thrilling off-road adventures, an ATV might be the best choice for you. Due to their small size and lighter weight, they count with more speed on the trails and are easier to maneuver, making them extremely fun to ride. While all are ATVs are fun to ride, not all are built to last. Don’t worry, I will help you find the most reliable ATV on the market.

2022 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 is the most reliable ATV by far. The four-wheeler is equipped with a slew of amazing features that make it a beast on the trails. The 90HP ProStar engine reaches a top speed of 75 MPH, and it’s powerful enough to tow up to 1,750 lbs. Polaris makes some of the most durable ATVs on the market, and the premium build of the 2022 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 is the perfect example of that. The ATV uses 27-inch Duro Powergrip Tires that do an excellent job of absorbing shock from massive holes and bumps. As a result, riding on rugged terrain is never going to be a problem. Furthermore, the most reliable ATV brand is not Polaris and instead, it’s Honda.

So if you are on the lookout for the most reliable quad on the market, you have arrived at the right place. Through my personal experience riding ATVs and after talking with other ATV enthusiasts on forums, I came up with a list of “must-have” features for ATVs to be considered reliable. The main factors are a premium build, a powerful engine, and a suspension system that is built to last. Keep on reading to see the results.

chart showing the most reliable ATV in 2022

Which ATV is the Most Reliable?

When shopping for a reliable quad, you must consider all the following aspects: size, design, price, horsepower, and most importantly, safety. The 2022 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 is hands down the best ATV on the market this year, with the selling price starting at $14,599. This beast is equipped with a new Multi-Select Electronic Power Steering, Ultimate Series front & rear bumpers, and 27-inch Duro Tires complemented by dual A-Arm suspension, making it suitable for any kind of terrain. In addition, the ATV’s 90 HP can be directed to both the rear wheels and all four wheels, making sure you can keep going even when the trail gets tough.

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The Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 isn’t just sturdy built; it’s also one of the smartest quads on the market. Another plus is the fact that this model is enabled with industry-exclusive technology such as GPS navigation and Group Ride that keeps you connected even without cell service. The reliable ATV’s bold design doesn’t disappoint either. This four-wheeler impresses with premium paint, painted springs, LED POD, and tail lights that make it easy to ride even in the darkest of nights.

What ATV Brand is the Most Reliable?

Ranking ATV reliability isn’t an exact science. Reliability is pretty subjective because every rider uses their quad differently. Some people like to ride their ATVs through water, while others love mudding. From the manner of riding to the terrain and even the storing conditions, all of these factors have a major impact on the lifespan of your quad.

If you ask any off-road enthusiast which brand makes the best ATVs, he will probably say Honda. A pioneer in the ATV industry, Honda designed its first ATV in 1968. It was a three-wheeler designed mainly for recreational purposes, but farmers saw its utility and shortly started using it in the field. Over the past years, Honda has pretty much maintained its reputation by designing simple but roughened models. These quads have bomb-proof transmission and metal gears instead of belts, which makes them the most reliable ATVs on the market. Another plus is their super engine longevity, thanks to the Japanese quality control. They are durable machines you can count on even after they’ve taken a lot of abuse.

Honda is also mentioned in the top 3 cheapest four-wheelers on the market I wrote. Click here to check out the article and see which Honda model sells for $5,499.

Which ATV Brand is the Best?

While Honda designs the most reliable four-wheelers out there, Polaris surely doesn’t disappoint. The American manufacturer is one of the toughest ATV brands on the market. What makes Polaris so great is its portfolio, which holds countless models for every rider out there. There are five categories available, and each one is designed for a different type of rider. Whether you are a farmer, an off-road enthusiast or you are looking to use it for cargo; you will most definitely find the perfect match for you at Polaris. As a fun fact, the US Army’s Special Operations Command consistently chooses Polaris ATVs for their great performance and durability.

What ATV Lasts the Longest?

You’ve done your research, and you found out which ATV model best suits your needs, but before you invest your money into a four-wheeler, make sure you choose one that requires little maintenance and will have a long life.

While most ATVs will last a long time if you take good care of them, there certainly are some brands known for their long lifespan. When you ask quad owners which machines seem to last the longest, you usually hear two names: Honda & Suzuki. An ATV manufactured by Honda or Suzuki has an average life span is 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Honda and Suzuki’s engines are famous for being built to last. Of course, you need to take care of the engines in order for them to last more than a decade.

Talking about durable ATVs that last for years on end, you might be interested to read this article where I present the toughest ATV on the market. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but a Polaris ATV is the highlight once again.

What ATV Has the Least Problems?

It appears that Honda not only makes the most long-lasting four-wheelers on the market but also the models that require the least maintenance. If we were to speak about ATV models in particular, the Honda Rubicon seems to be the most trouble-free quad out there. Some of their quads which were designed back in the 80s are still maintaining their place in the top 10 ATVs of all times.

If you are an adrenaline junkie and you are looking to buy the latest and most wanted ATV model on the market for your off-road adventures, the 2022 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 is the one for you. A bit pricier than other ATVs, the new Polaris comes with industry-exclusive features that will take your rides to the next level, so you will definitely get your money’s worth. However, if what you’re looking for is reliability and comfort, feel free to choose any four-wheeler designed by Honda that best suits your needs; it will most likely last you a long time.

Final Thoughts

If you are tired of renting ATVs and want to buy one, going for a reliable model is definitely a good idea. While the 2022 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 is quite pricey, it’s worth the money. You will have a powerful ATV that is equipped with premium features and will last for years to come. If you just want to buy a reliable quad from a great ATV brand, then picking a Honda model is the right choice.

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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