What is the cheapest side-by-side UTV worth buying?
I list the cheapest side-by-side UTVs that are actually worth buying, from the Kawasaki Mule SX to the Honda Pioneer 500 and CFMOTO UForce 600.
Quick Answer
The cheapest side-by-side UTVs actually worth buying are the Kawasaki Mule SX (around $8,299), the Honda Pioneer 500 / 520 (around $8,999), and the CFMOTO UForce 600 (around $10,499). All three come from real dealer networks with genuine parts support and use liquid-cooled EFI engines with real 4WD systems.
Avoid nameless import UTVs. The savings are not worth the mechanical headache.
What "worth buying" actually means
A budget UTV is only worth the money if it passes three checkpoints:
- A real dealer and parts network so replacement components ship in days, not months.
- A liquid-cooled, electronically fuel-injected engine for cold-weather starting and hot-weather reliability.
- A real selectable 4WD system, not a permanent rear-wheel-drive configuration wearing a "4x4" sticker.
Skip any of those and you have a lawn ornament in three seasons.
The three cheapest picks that clear the bar
Kawasaki Mule SX (~$8,299)
The Mule SX is the cheapest new gas-powered UTV from a major OEM. It is a compact 52.6 inch wide workhorse with a 401cc air-cooled engine, roughly 12 horsepower, and a 25 mph top speed. Not fast, not luxurious, but nearly indestructible and cheap to run on a farm or small property. Steel dump bed handles 400 lbs of cargo and it can tow up to 1,100 lbs.
Honda Pioneer 500 / 520 (~$8,999)
The Pioneer 500 (recently updated as the 520) is only 50 inches wide, which lets it legally use trails that ban wider machines. More importantly, it uses Honda's gear-driven automatic transmission with paddle shift instead of a rubber belt. That single choice eliminates the most common budget-UTV failure mode.
CFMOTO UForce 600 (~$10,499)
CFMOTO has built a large North American dealer footprint and a real parts pipeline in the last few years. The UForce 600 is powered by a 580cc single-cylinder EFI engine producing about 36 horsepower. Where CFMOTO stands out at this price is bundled equipment: a 3,500 lb electric winch, electronic power steering, aluminum wheels, and side mirrors all come standard at MSRP. Buying those add-ons a la carte on a Polaris or Honda would easily add $2,000 to $3,000.
Comparison at a glance
| Model | Approx MSRP | Drivetrain | Top strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Mule SX | ~$8,299 | Compact CVT | Indestructible steel work chassis |
| Honda Pioneer 500 / 520 | ~$8,999 | 5-speed gear-driven auto | Zero belt-failure risk, 50 in. width |
| CFMOTO UForce 600 | ~$10,499 | CVT with engine braking | Winch, EPS, and mirrors included |
Frequently asked questions about cheap side-by-sides
Should I buy used instead of new at this price?
A well-maintained used mid-tier UTV (a 2018 to 2021 Polaris Ranger or Honda Pioneer 700) often gives you more capability for the same money. The tradeoff is unknown maintenance history and no factory warranty. Buy from a private seller only if you can inspect service records or bring a mechanic.
Are the ultra-cheap "no-name" import UTVs safe to buy?
Not for serious use. Chassis welds, brake components, and CVT parts are commonly under-spec, and parts availability for warranty repairs is essentially nonexistent. If the deal seems too good to be true at $6,500 for a "full-size" UTV, it is.
Do budget UTVs come with a warranty?
Yes. Kawasaki, Honda, and CFMOTO all include factory warranties (usually 6 months to 3 years depending on model). Confirm coverage details with your dealer before purchase, especially on CFMOTO where warranty terms vary by region.
Financing, insurance, and hidden costs on a budget UTV
The sticker price on a cheap side-by-side is only half the ownership story. Insurance, registration, gear, and a trailer to move it can easily add $2,000 to $4,000 in the first year, and financing at powersports interest rates can push the total cost much higher than the badge suggests.
Insurance is not optional
Even in states where UTV insurance is not legally required for off-road use, comprehensive coverage on a $10,000 machine typically runs $200 to $400 per year and pays for itself the first time you damage a bumper or lose a machine to theft from a trailhead.
Trailer costs
A single-axle utility trailer rated for a compact UTV starts around $2,000 new. A tandem-axle trailer that can haul a full-size UTV plus gear starts around $3,500. Rental options exist but add up fast if you use the machine more than a few times a year.
Where budget UTVs cut corners
Cheap machines skimp on things you can live without. Expect basic vinyl seats, simple analog gauges, no heated grips, no Bluetooth audio, no rearview cameras, minimal factory lighting, and standard steel wheels. The drivetrain, chassis, and cooling systems on the models above are honest. The luxury tech is where the price gets shaved.
What to upgrade first
The three highest-value early upgrades on any budget UTV are heavier-duty skid plates, a set of aggressive trail tires, and a small aftermarket LED light bar. Together they add real capability for under $1,000 and pay off on every ride.
What to skip early
Skip the full audio system, custom paint, and cosmetic body wraps until you have logged 500 hours and know how you actually use the machine. Most early buyers spend money on visual mods and regret it once they know what they really needed.
Bottom line
Kawasaki Mule SX for the lowest price on an indestructible workhorse. Honda Pioneer 500 for the best gear-driven drivetrain at entry level. CFMOTO UForce 600 for the most equipment per dollar. Any of the three is a legitimate long-term buy.