SxS vs Jeep

[Camo]

Hey all, why would I buy a $25k enclosed SxS vs a decent $12k Jeep for hunting? I know the SxS is going to ride better over rough roads and is about half the towing weight. Will the SxS perform much better in deep snow or the slop in E. MT/ WY when it rains? I'm not a weekend rider, just looking for something to get me from point A to B in the less desirable road conditions during hunting season and scouting, without needing a new paint job on my pavement princess. Thanks for any thoughts.

[Scruffy]

Me and a friend were weighing the pros and cons of the two.  He ended up buying a jeep.  Not taking sides but what we come up with a jeep you can drive on any road, have some heat in it, stay dry, more secure (we were thinking SXS's are probably high theft items in themselves and can't lock you gear inside, of course thieves will steal anything and break into anything) both can be trailered if need be.  SxS's may be able to go a few places a jeep can't but probably not many.  Just our  worth

[follow maggie]

I think it depends on your plans for using it. My longer range plans are to travel around a bunch of states from Idaho to the Dakotas to Kansas bird hunting. Bring a side by side along for getting around when I’m there, both to save gas & avoid having to break down & set up the camper day, and the weight of towing in addition to the camper. For this I think a side by side is miles ahead. But if I was staying within a day or so drive, I’d probably go with the jeep because you get so much for the money.

[GWP]

What he said!
We bought a SXS and quickly discovered that you get very dusty in them if you drive in dry dusty conditions. Ours was not fully closed in but from what I get from others is unless you get one that is basically a 'mini car' and has a COMPLETELY sealed up cab, bottom side as well, you get dusty.
You are limited where you can drive them, road wise, even though most will do 50-60 plus opened up.
Ours came out to live close to the ocean, and it very quickly turned into a rust bucket, while the cars have faired better under the same conditions. Our Travel Trailer corroded badly as well.
Different quality of metal? Better protection? I know cars and trucks deteriorate faster than 'normal' here though.
They are handy though. Smaller than a car, short. I considered a Suzuki Samari or small Jeep, and would go that way if I could do it over.

[buckfvr]

Been in a few SXS, 30k$ models, not fond of the noise and the dust, not to mention not very comfortable if you are over 6' and have big feet.  Jeep hands down,   

[jrebel]

I have owned both.   I still own my side by side.  The jeeps are cool and all but they have their limitations as well.  A good side by side can be had for 15-20k.   A lot of guys buy the sportiest model out there that will do 0-60 in a half second, yadda yadda yadda…….  Get a good utility / sport crossover and they work great for hunting situations.  A Honda pioneer 1000 (4 seater) would fit the bill nicely.   They are street legal in Washington where speeds are 35 mph or less.   The do very well on dirt roads.   They trailer super nice.   They get good fuel economy.   You can get heaters for them.   You can fully enclose them if you want.   

The bad……a jeep will do better in deep snow.   If you plan on hunting deep snow, a foot or more, but a jeep or get tracks for the side by side.    Otherwise the side by side will outperform most jeeps in all other conditions, to include mud.   

If you need a rig for daily driving…..jeep all the way.   If you want a great nimble hunting rig….side by side all the way.  Just my two cents having owned both. 

[huntandjeep]

I have owned both.   I still own my side by side.  The jeeps are cool and all but they have their limitations as well.  A good side by side can be had for 15-20k.   A lot of guys buy the sportiest model out there that will do 0-60 in a half second, yadda yadda yadda…….  Get a good utility / sport crossover and they work great for hunting situations.  A Honda pioneer 1000 (4 seater) would fit the bill nicely.   They are street legal in Washington where speeds are 35 mph or less.   The do very well on dirt roads.   They trailer super nice.   They get good fuel economy.   You can get heaters for them.   You can fully enclose them if you want.   

The bad……a jeep will do better in deep snow.   If you plan on hunting deep snow, a foot or more, but a jeep or get tracks for the side by side.    Otherwise the side by side will outperform most jeeps in all other conditions, to include mud.   

If you need a rig for daily driving…..jeep all the way.   If you want a great nimble hunting rig….side by side all the way.  Just my two cents having owned both.

Agree . I own both right now a highly modified TJ and a 22 Polaris General xp4 . Both serve different purposes. My Tj I can drive anywhere I want , my SXS is street legal but need to stay ( not saying I haven't Blasted from Gold Creek to Little Naches up 410  ) on 35mph rds ( although LEO doesn't really inforce that around here ) . I have a heater and full cab for the SXS . It's nice in early spring and late fall , summer I just remove the door uppers and don't have a dust problem. Jeep does way better in deeper snow ( ARB lockers and Beadlocks help also ) will probably wind up with tracks for SXS eventually , when I sell my snowmobiles . Around here I hunt out of my Jeep . In Montana we use a Can Am Defender . Couple years back we were able to access areas that the drifts kept rigs out of .

[NOCK NOCK]

I currently own both. The above 2 posts are spot on.


Buy 1 of each, problem solved. 

[Ridgeratt]

I've owned jeeps since 1976. There has been one the property of some flavor. But as I get a bit older, I need to downsize my remuda. I bought a Honda pioneer this last fall and I'm enjoying it a bunch. I can't get in or out of the Commando easily anymore guess I am just getting old.  This is my brush rig, so I wasn't too worried about any pinstriping from Stevens, or Ferry County.


Posted a craigslist ad in classifieds

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,272634.0.html

[Elkaholic daWg]

Wish I  was in the market as I  know it is a nice ride but Brandon s policies  won't  let me

[Camo]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I need to get in a SxS and see if I fit? Over 6' with a size 14 hoof might be the determining factor?

[Magnum_Willys]

I have top of the line both - Rubicon Gladiator w 2” lift, Can-Am fully enclosed 6 passenger with heat/AC windshield wipers/washers etc. 

The sxs is much more comfortable for 4 adults offroad.   Goes anywhere worry free.  Turn around anywhere just a joy to hunt out of - way better visibility and heat/AC defrost rivals or surpasses the jeep.  Street legal in Montana, can use in some usfs forests in Oregon and most in Montana.  WA few places you can use it. 

My jeep tows the SxS to the hunting area and we pile in the SxS where legal to do so.

If you can only get one get the jeep.  If you can get a hard cab SXS you won’t give it up.

Size - the Can Am has a lot more room than a Jeep - my son is 6’4 and can wear a cowboy hat in it!

But I had an XP 1000 sxs with soft cab before this - would not go sxs without a hard cab.  Not Good.

[Alchase]

Side by sides are everywhere here in Oklahoma. Lots are street legal. During hunting season (late November) they are either covered in dust or mud, 
I like the idea of a nice side by side, but with the good ones we’ll over $10k, then You need a trailer and a truck to pull it.
I would rather have mid-sized pickup  (that I have) or a Jeep Rubicon, with heat and AC, and out of the rain.

I have been looking at the Honda Mule and the John Deere Gator as a work horse around the yard though.

[Twispriver]

I have both and they are equally valuable for different reasons. Jeeps are more comfortable, enclosed and warm but its really handy to have a SxS in camp, where legal, for things like fetching firewood, winching game up on the pole between trees and other camp chores.

[Mudman]

Hey all, why would I buy a $25k enclosed SxS vs a decent $12k Jeep for hunting? I know the SxS is going to ride better over rough roads and is about half the towing weight. Will the SxS perform much better in deep snow or the slop in E. MT/ WY when it rains? I'm not a weekend rider, just looking for something to get me from point A to B in the less desirable road conditions during hunting season and scouting, without needing a new paint job on my pavement princess. Thanks for any thoughts.

Based on your list=100% cheap Jeep.  SXS for fun, trails, sand, beaches, desert etc.  SXS more fun, versatile and much more capable.  Jeeps will NOT go every where sxs will unless modified a lot.  Jeep better in deep mud and snow however.

[2MANY]

I have a 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000-5. Heater and aftermarket canvas enclosure. It gets used everyday, all seasons, when my family of 4 are in Idaho. During the middle of winter the heater is sub par. During summer the engine heat bakes your butt and the dust is gnarly. Mechanically is has been bomb proof with or without tracks.
Soooo I've weighed my needs and will be buying a new fully enclosed, heat/AC SXS once they can actually be delivered.
The question is which one.
Polaris or Can-Am?

[Mudman]

I have a 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000-5. Heater and aftermarket canvas enclosure. It gets used everyday, all seasons, when my family of 4 are in Idaho. During the middle of winter the heater is sub par. During summer the engine heat bakes your butt and the dust is gnarly. Mechanically is has been bomb proof with or without tracks.
Soooo I've weighed my needs and will be buying a new fully enclosed, heat/AC SXS once they can actually be delivered.
The question is which one.
Polaris or Can-Am?

OH BOY!!  I owned 2021 Defender max lmtd.   I sold it.  Nice in many ways but....  I broke front axles like a fat kid eats cake.  3rd time was the charm. Diff went as well.  AC is good enough.  Heat and other is great.  Nice utv but not built strong enough imop.   Polaris Northstar riding partner has 2019 with around 3k miles.  It has been through clutch, 2 front diffs, rear transdiff 2x's, drivelines and many belts 2 axles.  2021 Rangers have adressed these and are much better which garnished my attention even though I not Polaris fan.  Much improved and better then Canam now.  I would 1000% buy the Po Po pooper!    However they not taking orders for it and are 12months behind in delay.  None in USA dealerships except 2 I found in Cali.  I refer to Northstar 6 seat models.  I can steer ya to San Diego dealer who have 2 but California has put stop sale order on em due to emissions or sumthing??  It possible in future to maybe get 1 of only 2 left in USA, so I was told and found to be likley true.

[Magnum_Willys]

Yokes  mudman you are scaring me! Hoping your problems were due yyour handle - mudman.  I know running thru mud holes and hills will destroy stuff.  Hoping yours didnt fail with normal hunting use

[Mudman]

Recreational trail riding.  Not extreme abuse.  Naches trail for example, up top before the meadow and cabin.  Snap.  Can Am visco lok diff system is total complete garbage imop.

[Magnum_Willys]

Recreational trail riding.  Not extreme abuse.  Naches trail for example, up top before the meadow and cabin.  Snap.  Can Am visco lok diff system is total complete garbage imop.

   Awww cr@p!   Thanks for heads up.

[Caseyd]

Coyne in San Diego has some Pros.

Just like everything else, it’s getting to expensive. Buddy picked up a Turbo S last week and it was 49,500 out the door. 

[Mudman]

Make damn sure they sale at retail MSRP.  Some dealers are purchasing units only to resell at higher markups because it isnt "new" any longer.  Few in Oregon doing this---CROOKS!

[CarbonHunter]

I have both as well, an XJ 4 door with a 5.5 long arm and a Northstar. So far the jeep only wins when it comes to ground clearance, less dust and being street legal on all roads. The SXS is easier to get in and out of and to see out of as well plus they are very roomy if you get the 6 seater utility and not a sport model.

The 2 main reasons I prefer the SXS is the better fuel mileage and the fact that I can put it in a toyhauler when I go hunting. With the jeep you are left towing a car trailer and using a tent or having a hunting partner toy the camp trailer.

I had the jeep as my hunting rig for 14 years before I bought the SXS. Now the jeep barely leaves the shop.

[Alchase]

I have both and they are equally valuable for different reasons. Jeeps are more comfortable, enclosed and warm but its really handy to have a SxS in camp, where legal, for things like fetching firewood, winching game up on the pole between trees and other camp chores.

I can see how useful one can be. And the fun factor as well. Many of my neighbors are seriously into trail riding their side X sides.

I could get into it,  it I can have fun just riding my zero turn.

 

[HillHound]

Hopefully mud man just bought a lemon, built after lunch on a Friday 
. I have a 2021 defender limited, not the max only the two door.  I’ve had tracks on mine both winters I’ve had it and boy has that been a game changer. I’ve only done light trail riding during the summer but I haven’t broke anything yet.  But if and when I do I plan on replacing with heavy duty aftermarket parts so hopefully I’m not continuing to replace the same ones. Just had my old ford pick up as my hunting rig before and the side-by-side has a much smoother ride even at twice the speeds. But forest service restrictions and towns that just don’t like people having fun that restrict them are a negative for them and a positive for jeeps or  pick ups. But I do take mine in places I would never try to take a stock jeep or pick up so that’s a pro for the s x s. Like someone already said just get both

[Mudman]

You will find out.  Sorry.  Design flaw.  Circlip on axle is 1/4" from end of shaft.  That quarter inch will sheer off shaft.  Bonus is it stays inside your diff requiring you to remove and teardown diff to fix.  New axles are $250 and nobody aftermarket wants to make one cause of design flaws inherit to Canam.  The newer smartlok 30 spline is a better system.   Also the visco will wear out afte few years and you will be left with 3 wheel drive which I suspect you already know if you run tracks on it.  I had the heavier 6 seat Max so that adds stress.   Shame cause I really like the Defender otherwise.

[Moose Master]

We have a 2017 can am defender 4 seater.  Fits in the toy hauler 14.5 garage.  Last trip was pipe stone east of butte.  Up and down some serious slopes with big rocks and washouts along with mud holes 1.5 ft deep.  Only problem was a broken tie rod which wasn't bad to change once I got one from Bozeman.  WHAT DID I LEARN

S/S is street legal important for this state and when we travel.  For Peace of mind wherever you are at spend the money on a utv pass or quad pass.  Ranger was pleased to see our Montana pass and opened up about other sites around the state. 

Going to change the suspension for more travel.

Already have bead locks for rims

Already have a winch which got used several times with a block.

Going to add metal skid plates

Change shocks for more travel.

We are in our late 60's and  early early 70's.  She will kill me with that disclosure.  We bring up the rear most of the time because not interested in speed more seeing the sights.  Also use quads 400 and a 500 depending on trips.  Grizzly and big bear

They have worked fine for our needs, and family also uses them.   If you can afford both great but if not I would go with the S/S.  Good luck and have a good upcoming hunting season.

[Magnum_Willys]

Researching there does seem to be design flaw related to axle design.  Ultimate  Fix is $5k for aftermarket axles and heavy duty locker replacement.  I’ll just cross fingers til first failure then upgrade unless Electric comes out first.  The electric Can-Am will be incredible - and silent.

[Mudman]

I will share again...  My expierences...  Moose dont do alum skids.  The UMHW 3/8 or 1/2 are lighter and smoother over stuff.  With bigger wheels/tires it = weight which is harder on axles.  Suspension travel will stress cv angle on axles.  Once again these axles are weak.  If ya go wide (spacer or wheel offset) it will increase suspension travel some due to larger drop angles.     As far as lockers DONT do it.  I did as last resort and it made breaking much worse.  When axle is locked on the viscolok it will only engage the infamous 1/4" of the end of axle shaft.  Breakage continues only easier.  I had superatv pin locker. Passenger side likely to break.  Again.   Halo is the same.  Leave it stock or upgrade to the 30spline canam smartlok.  Best option and a decent system.  I learned hard way.  I was very disapointed in canam and thus I sold it back to dealership.     Smartlok upgrade(there is a kit 4 sale) and 29" tire with 1.5" spacers/wheel and a tuned ecu are great upgrades without causing issues with clutch eng axles.     Adding if ya do skid plates you will have to drill out about 10000 stupid garbage rivets which will rattle inside frame when done.  Air hammer/chisel works best.  Directions to drill are a joke.   Im not trashing just trying to help others know what is up.   Defender is ALMOST a great UTV and I miss much of it.

[Mudman]

I saved 1 as momento...

[Mudman]

Also will need new axles with this kit...        https://www.warrantykillerperformance.com/products/can-am-smart-lok-front-differential

[Magnum_Willys]

I don’t think that kit offers a warranty either.

https://catechusa.com/blogs/articles/halo-lockers-are-the-best-of-the-best-front-end-differential

Big $$$

[Mudman]

   Best of best.

[2MANY]

Heard this about Can-Am before.
Weak corners.
Did you say they have changed stock to a 30 spline?

[fishngamereaper]

Buy a Suzuki samurai ...that way you have both options in one rig.

[huntnnw]

I’ve owned 3 jeeps and now have a side by side. No comparison in travel times on bad roads versus a jeep. Yes they are very dusty, but they both have pros and cons. Side by side also sips fuel compared to a jeep. We scouted a area in MT this year with side by side checking areas out almost a full day and burned 7 gallons of gas and 100 plus miles and crappy roads. I’d be lucky to see half the country in a jeep. I cut a full hour off my travel time into my Idaho spot with sxs.

[huntandjeep]

Moose Hunter do NOT use a metal skid . You want UHMW . Metal when slid over a rock tends to bite where a UHMW skid slides easily over without grabbing hold . I just installed a Factory UTV 3/8" skid on my General XP4 today . I added UHMW onto the skid of TJ also for the same reason .

[Southpole]

Buy a Suzuki samurai ...that way you have both options in one rig.

We tried that since the samurai was almost the same dimensions as a 900 Polaris. Ended up getting rid of the samurai. It was cramped, rattlie, bumpy, hard to get in and out… We ended up getting a Polaris 900 a few years later. Fully enclosed, heat, hard doors, windshield wiper, pretty much everything available for it minus the stereo and speakers. I wouldn’t dream of taking a Jeep or a samurai in some to the places we’ve taken that Polaris. We built an extension for our dodge dully flatbed so we can haul it with our travel trailer or pull with our side by side trailer with our f150. Pretty slick and easy for transport.

[Mudman]

   I am waiting on KRX 4 seater.  Little on long side but happy kids n wife I hope.    It all depends on intended use and compatibility for owner.  I dont do jeeps... 

[Mudman]

I will add I have new set wheels tires for sale.  I tried classified but it wont load?  32" megabite radial 8 ply on Tusk beadlocks.  4x3 4x156 RZR pattern.  100 miles used.  1500$ new.  With nuts.  Offers?