Five of the Best Cheap Four Wheelers (2024)

These cheap four wheelers don't skimp on quality

There are a lot of people out in the off-road world that think of ATVs and Side-by-Sides as simply four wheelers. As an introduction to the wonderful world of ATVs, we figured we’d put together a list of five of the best cheap four wheelers that can put someone on the right track to a lifetime of off-road adventure, while saving a few bucks.

As we all know, the prices of new four wheelers has been steadily rising. Don’t think of it as an obstacle to fun, though. You can score a sweet deal on one of these machines and you might just end up with the best ATV for the money. So what makes one cheap enough to make this list? As long as it has the basics of four wheels and an engine, and isn’t sold off the back of a truck in a parking lot, we considered it. Cheap means lower-priced fun, not lower quality.

Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O.

The Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. is a lot machine for the money. At $6,249, it is the cheapest adult-sized ATV in the Polaris family and a great deal for a new four wheeler. This ATV comes standard with electronic fuel injection, 10.5 inches of ground clearance, and class-leading 9.5 inches of rear suspension travel. It also offers all-wheel drive, so you can get to where you need to go. Add in eight gallons of sealed storage and a 500cc engine that produces 33 horsepower and you have a utility four wheeler that is ready for most anything you can throw its way.

Yamaha Kodiak 700

Now, you might think that cheap four wheelers mean tiny engines. Not the case with the Yamaha Kodiak 700. For $7,199, you get a 686cc beast that has torque for days. Plus, Yamaha uses the same basic frame and suspension components as the Grizzly, its flagship ATV. The Kodiak is fuel injected, but does lack power steering. While aimed at the utility crowd, the Kodiak is a capable trail machine. If you want some of the creature comforts like EPS or a locking differential, it’ll cost you more. If you want simple horsepower and capability, try the Kodiak. Yamaha also makes a Kodiak 450 that is even cheaper, but when you consider the price and performance of the Kodiak 700, it might be the best ATV for the money.

Honda FourTrax Rancher 4×4

The Honda Rancher has a reputation of being one of the best 4 wheeler options available when it comes to reliability. The base Rancher is just $$5,499, but we really prefer the Rancher 4×4. It costs an extra $1,000, but you get four-wheel drive and that is one feature we don’t like to give up in an ATV. Honda packs a 420cc engine into the Rancher and it can handle just about any job you can muster up. Plus the layout of the Honda makes it a comfortable and nimble trail machine. It has a manual transmission, so you shift gears with your foot, but that also means no belts to break, and no loss of power to the belt, making this little 420 engine feel like something a lot bigger.

Can-Am Outlander MAX 450 DPS

OK, at $8,099, you may think the Can-Am Outlander MAX 450 DPS doesn’t belong on a list of cheap four wheelers, but let’s take a look at why we included it. It comes with a 38-horsepower engine that is plenty for a fun torquey ride. And this is a two-up ATV, meaning you can safely and legally ride with a passenger. It also comes with dynamic power steering, which will come in very handy on a heavier two-up ATV. This is a $900 upgrade, but anyone who has ridden double on an ATV knows that having the weight of another person can make steering tough. Your arms and shoulders will thank you for buying an ATV with power steering.

Kawasaki Brute Force 300