The ATV market supports a diverse set of tasks, hobbies, chores, and basically anything else you can think of four wheels. Unlike most side-by-sides and dirt bikes, ATVs are equal parts meant for work and fun. But, more than anything, ATVs are meant to be reliable small vehicles that should be able to go just about anywhere, easy to use, and fun as hell. So, instead of wading through piles of websites and brochures, we put together a list of the top five ATVs for 2022. We have looked high and low to find the five best ATVs for the next year and feel confident in our choices. 

2022 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000

• Starting at $13,499
• 90hp
• RWD and AWD

I just got to spend a few days testing the Polaris lineup, and the Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 was one of the last machines I got my hands on. At first, I thought the 90-Horsepower ProStar Engine was going to be too much to handle for anything other than just hauling ass. 

The 2022 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 isn’t just brawny. It’s also probably one of the smartest ATVs on the market, making it a no-brainer for the top five ATVs of 2022. Although the XP 1000 is super powerful, you can control power and steering settings to make the four-wheeler much friendlier for work, less experienced riders, hunting, or whatever other use you may have for it.

Lastly, the Polaris Sportsman Ride Command allows for GPS navigation, tracking of other riders, and phone-free security no matter how deep into the woods you get.

2022 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon

• Starting at $9,399
• Tows 1,322
• Comes in multiple colors

According to ATV Rider, the 2022 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon is one hell of an ATV. The 518cc longitudinally mounted engine uses a five-speed automatic transmission (optional “manual” with auto-clutch) to get power directly to the front and rear driveshafts. It also has independent suspension all the way around, allowing for 7.3 inches of travel up front and 8.5 in the rear. 

With a locking front differential, this bad boy can tow 1,322 lbs and switch between TraxLok 2WD and 4WD operation. Unlike many other ATVs, Honda offers this top five ATV of 2022 in multiple colors; Matte Forged Bronze, Red, or Honda Phantom Camo.

2022 Yamaha Grizzly

• Starting at $10,299
• 12-inch ground clearance
• Multiple fun color packages 

Aside from a $100 price increase, the 2022 Yamaha Grizzly is back and better than ever. It now comes in new colors and has rad special edition models if you are looking for something really nice. All Grizzly models receive Yamaha’s single-cylinder 686cc thumper, packing plenty of low-end grunt. 

Like some of the others in the top five ATVs of 2022, the 2022 Yamaha Grizzly has selectable 2WD, 4WD limited-slip, and fully locked 4WD. But it also has all-wheel engine braking as standard. 

As power steering gets more sophisticated in the ATV sector, we will continue to see more rad features like Yamaha’s speed- and torque-sensitive electric power steering (EPS), which also doubles as a steering stabilizer over rugged terrain. And, of all the best ATVs of 2022 on this list, the 2022 Yamaha Grizzly has the highest ground clearance at 12 inches. 

2022 Can-am Outlander

• Starting at $13,299
• 91hp
• Looks tough as hell

The Can-Am Outlander is a close number two to the Polaris XP 1000 as our favorite of the top five best ATVs of 2022. This cinder block of an ATV looks closer to a tank than a quad. Its blocky build is needed for the power and grunt of our preferred spec, the 1,000cc, 91-hp, V-twin. 

The 2022 Can-Am Outlander XT-P starts at $13,299, and though there are smaller and more affordable options, the 1,000cc model is our recommended choice. Having that extra bit of power actually helps to make the quad just a touch more maneuverable, in our experience. This may not be the sportiest quad in the game, but it is practical, sturdy, and cool as hell. 

2022 Polaris Sportsman 570

• Starting at $7,249
• 44 horsepower
• Ride Command 

The top five ATVs of 2022 wouldn’t be complete without a second Polaris, would it? Let’s face it, Polaris is one of the best Powersports companies in the world. The Sportsman XP 1000 is our Personal favorite, but the 2022 Sportsman 570 is still a better and more worthy ATV than many others. Its 44-hp powerplant doesn’t offer much in the way of snap and thrill, but it is still a strong mill that offers a friendlier experience for more novice riders or just someone looking to spend less on a workhorse. 

One benefit of the smaller sportsman is a smoother ride. The power of 1000cc model can be a bit jerky for some riders, given its huge amount of power. The 570 is just easier and nicer if you are looking for that sort of thing. It also starts at $7,249, which is quite a difference from the $13k of the XP 1000. 

These top five ATVs of 2022 are easily some of the best ATVs coming next year

Shopping for power sports machines can be tricky as they can seem really similar, and they come in many different specs. Unlike cars and trucks, there are many more options, and to the untrained eye, some of the differences may go unnoticed. 

ATVs rule. Few machines are as useful and practical as ATVs, and few things are as fun.