What Is SSV? A Complete Guide to Side-by-Side Vehicles
If you are searching for information on off-road vehicles, you may have encountered the terms SSV, UTV, and side-by-side. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, an SSV is an off-road vehicle with specific functions.
What is an SSV?
The SSV (Side-by-Side Vehicle) is a four-wheeled off-road vehicle with seating for two or more passengers’ side by side. This vehicle differs from an ATV since it is steered by a steering wheel and operates on pedals. On the contrary, an ATV operates on handlebars and accommodates one person at a time.
These vehicles have multiple applications in several industries, including tourism, entertainment, construction, resort management, hunting, ranching, agricultural operations, among others. Their combination of passenger seating, cargo capacity, off-road capability, and practical design makes them increasingly popular in both recreational and commercial markets. For responsible operation, it is also important to follow side-by-side vehicle safety guidelines.
What Does SSV Mean?
The term SSV is an acronym for Side-by-Side Vehicle, and it is named based on the design where the riders are seated side-by-side as opposed to being seated behind one another.
You may also hear SSVs referred to as:
- Side-by-side vehicles
- Side-by-side UTVs
- UTVs
- Utility vehicles
- Recreational utility vehicles
The terminology may differ from one manufacturer to another. However, SSV and UTV can be used to refer to similar models in many instances.
Nevertheless, SSVs can be built for various reasons. Some may be primarily meant for utility and work-related applications. Others can be constructed with the aim of recreation and/or transport.
How Is an SSV Different From an ATV?
The most distinguishing feature between an SSV and an ATV is the design and operation.
An ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) has its design suited for a person riding straddled on it and controlling the machine through handlebars. ATVs are small, maneuverable, and very helpful in travelling through small trails.
In an SSV, the seating design is more traditional. The driver and the passenger sit beside each other while driving the vehicle using a steering wheel and pedals.
SSVs are also able to offer extra space for passengers and equipment, which can make them ideal vehicles for companies and institutions that have the task of transporting people or goods.
In case you need a smaller vehicle for personal trail riding, then an ATV might be your best choice. However, if you require passenger-carrying capability, cargo space, and a more car-like ride, then perhaps an SSV is better for you.
Two-Seat and Four-Seat SSVs
Among the most crucial things to consider while picking an SSV is the seating arrangement.
Two-seat SSVs are typically manufactured for two people, one person driving and another accompanying. The compactness of such vehicles can ensure a proper balance of agility, the number of people that can ride in it, and cargo storage.
Four-seat SSVs are designed for larger groups and can be particularly useful for resorts, rental businesses, farms, ranches, and commercial operations where several people may need to travel together.
BRC Power Sports provides an SSV1000CC EPS package available in either 2-seater or 4-seater configurations, enabling foreign buyers to choose the configuration depending on the market and usage of the vehicle. The current program for BRC Power Sports specifies a power capacity of 80-85 HP, 360 mm ground clearance, 28 inches tires, EPS, half-metal doors, and a rear cargo box.
Why Are SSVs So Popular?
The appeal of the SSV lies in its versatility.
One vehicle is capable of being utilized for entertainment purposes on the weekend and for practical work on a weekday. An SSV could be used by farmers for navigation on big pieces of land, while resorts will find SSVs useful in transportation and conducting tours.
Recreational companies would be able to rent SSVs to people seeking an off-road experience, while dealers would be able to sell SSVs to customers from various industries using one base model.
Passenger seating, cargo transport, off-road abilities, and various accessories all make SSVs appealing for many applications.
SSVs for Agriculture and Ranching
Agricultural operations can be one of the sectors where SSVs would prove to be extremely useful.
Agricultural lands usually need workers who have to move from one part of the field to another, check animals, carry tools and supplies, etc. An SSV will make these processes much more convenient since it combines cargo space with passenger seats.
The rear cargo box will help transport equipment, and four-wheel drive will be beneficial while driving on rough terrain.
Four-seater SSVs will also give the advantage of accommodating several passengers if needed in case of bigger agricultural lands.
SSVs for Resorts and Tourism
Other applications of SSVs include resorts and outdoor tourism operations.
The SSVs can be used by resorts for transportation, maintenance, tour guide services, or entertainment purposes. The fact that SSVs have multi-passenger capacity makes them ideal in scenarios where there is a need to transport several people at once.
When choosing an SSV for an outdoor tourism business, various considerations such as passenger capacity, comfort, reliability, ground clearance, tyre size, and safety gear might come into play.
SSVs for Rental Fleets
There are different demands on the rental business than there are for individual consumers.
An operator of rental vehicles will require that their vehicles are convenient enough for multiple uses and desirable for clients. An important factor to consider is seating since many clients like to share their off-road adventure with others.
Two-seater SSVs could attract couples or small parties, but four-seaters would be a better option for bigger groups.
Businesses considering an SSV rental fleet should evaluate factors such as:
- Seating capacity
- Engine performance
- Durability
- Maintenance requirements
- Spare parts availability
- Tire specifications
- Ground clearance
- Four-wheel-drive capability
- Optional equipment
- Local customer demand
Important SSV Features to Consider
Not all side-by-side vehicles are built the same. Before choosing an SSV, buyers should carefully compare the specifications and available configurations.
Engine and Performance
Engine displacement and engine power are significant performance metrics. Nevertheless, these should not be viewed in isolation.
Several factors influence how an SSV performs. These include intended use, weight, drive system, gear ratio, suspension system, and the terrain.
Ground Clearance
Ground clearance becomes very critical when off-roading.
A vehicle with more ground clearance is better designed for bumpy roads, rocks, muddy areas, and other obstacles. Buyers should take into account where the vehicle will mostly travel.
Four-Wheel Drive
The ability to choose between a 2WD and 4WD system may afford drivers more choices.
While a two-wheel drive may be adequate in smoother terrains, four-wheel drive may offer more traction in tougher terrains.
Electronic Power Steering
EPS stands for electronic power steering, which makes steering effortless and smooth. This is especially useful when the vehicle is moving at low speeds or over long distances.
Commercial as well as recreational motorists who spend long hours driving should look out for EPS.
Cargo Capacity
When considering utilitarian use, cargo area might be equally important to powertrain.
A rear cargo box will enable users to transport tools, supplies, equipment, and other material without the need for an extra trailer.
SSV vs UTV: Are They the Same?
One of the most common questions buyers have is SSV vs UTV: what’s the difference?
However, in many cases, the terminology is used interchangeably. They both refer to off-road vehicles with a seating arrangement of two or more persons in tandem and steering wheels and pedals, among other features.
There may be some differences in terminology between one manufacturer and another or in different geographic locations. In some cases, UTVs are the generic category while SSVs refer to side-by-side vehicles.
When dealing with foreign customers and foreign dealers, it may therefore be more appropriate to stick to the specs rather than the terminology.
Consider the seating arrangement, engine, drivetrain, ground clearance, hauling capacity, dimensions, optional equipment, and intended application.
Choosing the Right SSV for Your Business
When it comes to the choice of an SSV for business purposes, the selection cannot be based solely on choosing the most powerful model.
The selection should depend on the target market.
If a seller supplies the agricultural sector with SSVs, then cargo-carrying capacity, ground clearance, and four-wheel drive will be considered important. In the case of a resort, the passenger-carrying capacity and comfort will be crucial.
There is also a need to factor in transportation needs, spare parts, additional components, packaging sizes, and container load capacity when purchasing from overseas sources.
The SSV/UTV Program by BRC Power Sports caters to international importers, distributors, dealers, resorts, agriculture companies, rental operators, and off-road users. BRC Power Sports’ current SSV program has packaging and container load data for individual models along with quotation procedures.
Final Thoughts
The SSV is a vehicle that offers far more than simply being an off-road recreational vehicle. The combination of side-by-side seating, storage, driving comfort, and off-road ability makes the SSV well suited for use in many applications.
Whether you’re exploring trails, managing a farm, operating a resort, running a rental fleet, or sourcing vehicles for an international dealership, an SSV can provide a versatile solution.
This is about ensuring you select a setup that fits your desired use. You have to consider how many passengers can be accommodated, the terrain to be traversed, cargo capabilities, engine capabilities, drivetrain, ground clearance, additional features, and future operating needs before selecting.
This is particularly relevant for dealers and distributors who must appreciate these aspects. An appropriate SSV strategy will help cater to many customer segments as well as provide businesses with a flexible product to sell to various market sectors.
With the increasing need for functional and reliable off-road vehicles, the side-by-side category of vehicles is gaining prominence in the world’s powersports industry.
