Aside-by-side vehicle (SxS orSSV), is autility vehicle with a minimum of two seats positioned side by side and enclosed within aroll cage structure. They have a minimum of four wheels (orcontinuous tracks) and are operated by foot controls and a steering wheel. Depending on use and application they can also be called autility task vehicle,utility terrain vehicle (UTV),recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV), ormultipurpose off-highway utility vehicle (MOHUV).[1][2][3][4][5]
Side-by-sides may be included in the category ofall-terrain vehicles (ATVs),[6] but do not include vehicles with saddle-seats that are operated using handlebar-type controls that are the conventional meaning of that term.
TheAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes two standards for side-by-sides. ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2016 sets standards formultipurpose off-highway utility vehicles (MOHUV) specifically intended for utility use which are intended to transport persons and cargo, have a non-straddle seat, are designed to travel on four or more wheels, use a steering wheel and pedals for controls, have a top speed of at least 25 mph (40.2 km/h), are 2030 mm (80 in) or less in overall width, have agross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of no more than 1814 kg (4000 lb), and with a minimum cargo capacity of 159 kg (350 lb).[7] ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016 sets standards forrecreational off-highway vehicles as having speed capability greater than 30 MPH (48 km/h), GVWR no greater than 1700 kg (3750 lbs), and engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000cc (61 cubic inches) for gasoline fueled engines.[8]
In 2009, the U.S.CPSC warned: "The vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics, and inadequate occupant protection during arollover crash." According to the CPSC, between 2003 and August 2009, 116 deaths occurred[where?] in ROV/UTV accidents.[9]
Since the2017 Dakar Rally, the SSV category vehicles have competed in a separate class, which is defined as four-wheel side-by-side vehicles with 1000 cc maximum displacement.[10] Previously, they were classified in the Cars T3.3 subclass. In 2021 Dakar Rally organizers and the FIA introduced common categories -Group T3 for light prototypes andGroup T4 for production based side by side vehicles. The trucks were reclassified toGroup T5.
Other off-road racing series include side-by-side classes, such as theLucas Oil Off Road Racing Series,TORC: The Off-Road Championship,SCORE International,Best in the Desert, andGrand National Cross Country.
Ukrainian forces have used UTVs during the2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, using a crew of two, fitted withStugna-P missiles, some with machine guns, to destroy Russian tanks and positions. They have been referred to as "Mad Max" buggies.[13] TheUS Marines are amongst other military forces to utilise forms of side-by-sides such asPolaris RZR.[14]
Side-by-sides are allowed to be street legal in various U.S states however the vehicle requirements and the types of road allowed for use vary.[15]
