Survey: Consumers ready to buy UTVs

Polaris RZR still a favorite at Sand Sports Show

The Polaris RZR remains the side-by-side of choice among those who attended the 2016 Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa, California, in September. 

Of the 220 attendees surveyed by Clarity Research, 63 percent reported they owned a Polaris RZR. That was in line with the previous two years. Clarity Research has been conducting this survey for nine years, and annually provides exclusive data from the survey to Powersports Business.

Polaris also claimed the second-most commonly owned side-by-side by those polled, but the Ranger paled in comparison with only 13 percent. The Yamaha YXZ was third at 11 percent, while the Can-Am Commander claimed 9 percent, and the Can-Am Maverick was owned by 5 percent of respondents. 

When it comes to the future, 19 percent said they planned to buy a side-by-side in the next year, a sizable increase from the 14 percent who said the same in 2015. Of those who plan to buy in the next 12 months, 41 percent intend to purchase a Polaris, while 39 percent are undecided. Twelve percent want a new Can-Am, and 7 percent are looking at buying a Yamaha. 

With these results, it’s not surprising that 83 percent of those surveyed ranked the Polaris RZR in their top three side-by-sides, regardless of price, with 53 percent ranking it No. 1. However, with the new X3 in its lineup, the Can-Am Maverick jumped up on the list as 57 percent ranked the brand among their top three; only 48 percent ranked the Maverick in the top three in 2015. The Yamaha YXZ was in the top three for 45 percent of those polled; it was top three for 73 percent of respondents in 2015. The Arctic Cat Wildcat was top three for 33 percent of people, and the Polaris Ranger was top three for 30 percent. 

The features consumers consider when shopping for a side-by-side remained relatively unchanged from 2015. At the 2016 show, 75 percent of those surveyed said they consider horsepower; 47 percent look at suspension; and 30 percent rank reliability/durability among their priorities. Acceleration was more important to survey takers this year, as 29 percent said they consider it, compared to 21 percent in 2015. Handling is important to 27 percent of buyers. Price was listed by only 22 percent of those questioned. 

Side-by-sides continue to be the most popular powersports vehicles owned by Sand Sports Super Show attendees as 58 percent reported owning one. That compares to 41 percent who own an ATV, 32 percent with a dune buggy or sand rail and 21 percent with a motocross bike.

For more detail from the survey, contact Clarity Research’s Dave Pagnucco at dpagnucco@clarityresearch.com.