Golf Carts vs. UTVs
Has your quest for the perfect golf cart stalled over questions of golf cart vs. UTV benefits? The short answer is, compared to a UTV (utility terrain vehicle), golf carts have a number of advantages best suited for those in the greater Nashville area. Here, Mikey's Motors' dedicated low-speed vehicle experts break down the factors that matter most for those looking to enhance their get-up-and-go, whether on the fairway or around the neighborhood.
Is a Golf Cart Considered a UTV?
No, in the low-speed vehicle market, it's simply known as a golf cart. UTV (sometimes referred to as a "side by side") designates a fully distinct type of low-speed vehicle that's a subset of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), unlike golf carts. While the differences between a golf cart vs. UTV are large, there is some small overlap, as we'll explore next.
Golf Carts and UTVs: Features and Capabilities
We've pared the debate between golf carts and UTVs down to several factors and a brief explanation of which option makes the most sense for each given category.
Comfort: At the top of the list for most golfing enthusiasts and joyriders alike is comfort. From well-conditioned leather seats to dashboard misters, golf carts almost always come with greater comfort features and accessories than UTVs. With some exceptions, a UTV is built without nearly as much emphasis on comfort.
Towing and Hauling: There's no doubt a UTV can haul more than a golf cart. However, this makes UTVs much heavier, and they're rarely allowed on golf courses. Because UTVs are also larger, they won't fit into smaller, narrow passageways, making them less versatile than golf carts.
Speed and Noise: UTVs and golf carts both have electric and gas-powered options. For each type of low-speed vehicle, electric is obviously quieter. Between the two motor types, golf carts are almost always quieter than a UTV because their size, weight, and power needs are less.
As for speed, UTVs are built for greater max speeds than golf carts. If you'd like to get more speed from your golf cart, gas models usually have a little more pickup (at least as of mid-2023).
Public Street Use: Golf carts designated as "low-speed vehicles" can reach 25 mph, making them suitable for certain public roads. To be street legal, the state of Tennessee requires golf carts to essentially remain on residential roads (specifically, any road not posted at 35 mph or higher), which is perfect for light errands.
Off-roading: Here's where there's simply no comparison. UTVs are built primarily for off-roading, which they accomplish extremely well. Think of them as a work-capable ATV. Of course, we're speaking of "off-roading" to mean rugged off-roading. Technically, golf carts are also used for “off-roading” and in the ways that best match the conditions of the Nashville metropolitan area.
Pricing: Because golf carts don't require as much power, they are significantly lower in price than UTVs. This means their long-term costs are also lower, as they require less fuel/charging.
Use: Unless you're working a ranch or some other off-road terrain, it's unlikely you'll find much use for a UTV that you can't also achieve (often more effectively) with a lighter, more agile golf cart.
Choose Mikey's Motors for Reliable and High-Quality Golf Carts
Unless you're well away from the hustle and bustle, there's very little reason for Nashville locals to worry about whether a golf cart vs. UTV is the right way to go. In almost every category, a golf cart will get you where you need to be in comfort, style, and even some utility of its own. Mikey's Motors loves sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm for the golf cart speed of life! If you have any questions about which particular golf cart makes, and models provide greater speeds, towing capacities, and overall versatility, visit one of our two Tennessee dealerships in Murfreesboro & Franklin.
Image Credit: Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock