Overall or in sand, RZR standing tall
Exclusive data from Sand Show proves Polaris UTV still dominant
What side-by-side vehicle would consumers select with pricing eliminated? According to data provided exclusively to Powersports Business by Clarity Research, the Polaris RZR comes away as the winner by a landslide.
Clarity Research’s survey of 342 consumers at the 2012 Sand Sport Super Show in Costa Mesa, Calif., in September provides insight into UTV customer trends.
Survey participants were asked to rank their top three side-by-sides, and the RZR was ranked No. 1 by 60 percent. In fact, 90 percent of the survey takers ranked RZR as either their first, second or third choice of UTV, disregarding price.
“The Sand Sports Super Show continues to attract a wide range of powersports owners and enthusiasts along with those interested in getting involved in this increasingly popular sport,” said Dave Pagnucco, partner of Clarity Research. “Manufacturers, parts suppliers and fabricators view this show as an ideal opportunity to display their new products or accessories. The research we conduct helps identify and better understand trends and attitudes in the market.”
The Yamaha Rhino was the next most popular UTV among survey participants, with 12 percent ranking it first and 27 percent second, disregarding price. It ranked second overall with 54 percent ranking it as either their first, second or third choice of UTV.
The Can-Am Commander landed among the first, second or third choice by 50 percent of the respondents, but only 8 percent ranked it first disregarding price. The Arctic Cat Wildcat finished in the top three by 48 percent of the survey takers, and 11 percent of them ranked the Wildcat first disregarding price.
RZR also tops in sand
In addition to ranking their top three side-by-sides disregarding price, survey respondents at the Sand Show were asked by Clarity Research to rank their top three side-by-sides for sand riding. The Polaris RZR had an even more prominent spot, with 61 percent ranking it first for that purpose. An additional 23 percent ranked the RZR second for sand riding.
“These survey results indicate that the RZR has a strong following in or out of the sand. In addition, many RZR models and accessories were on display at the show,” Pagnucco said.
The Yamaha Rhino had 14 percent of the survey takers rank it first for sand riding, with the Arctic Cat Wildcat ranked first by 11 percent of the participants. The Can-Am Commander (ranked first by 7 percent of the voters), Kawasaki Teryx (ranked first by
5 percent of the voters), John Deere Gator RSX (ranked first by 1 percent of the voters) and Honda Big Red (ranked first by 0 percent of the voters) were the other side-by-side choices.
The RZR was ranked in the top 3 by 92 percent of the survey takers, while the Rhino ranked in the top three by 59 percent.
About the survey
A total of 342 interviews were completed to compile the Clarity Research Sand Sports Super Show Fan Profile. The survey was self-administered and took approximately three minutes to complete.
