What is the difference between an ATV and a dune buggy?

ATVs and dune buggies are very different off-road vehicles. See definitions and differences below. ATVs are factory-built off-road vehicles. They are professionally engineered and manufactured, and feature four wheels, a straddled seat for the operator, and handlebars for steering control. They are designed for travel on a variety of terrains, including deserts and dunes. A dune buggy is a term commonly used to describe a modified off-road vehicle, based on a car chassis. It’s designed for recreational use on beaches, dunes and other off-road environments. It’s typically not designed for high performance. Polaris does not manufacture dune buggies.

How do you ride an ATV in sand dunes?

Riding an ATV over sand dunes can be an exhilarating experience when equipped with the right gear and proper handling techniques. Check out our dune riding tips article for expert advice.

What do you wear when riding in the sand dunes?

It’s critical to always wear proper protective gear when riding in sand dunes. This includes a helmet and goggles —tinted goggles can improve visibility in the sun. You should also wear long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots and other essential off-road protective gear. Check out our dune riding tips article to learn more.

DESERT & DUNES ATVS & SIDE BY SIDES

COMPARE DESERT & DUNE VEHICLES

Polaris ATVs and side-by-sides equip you to cover ground across the sand desert, or other rough terrain with vehicles that specialize in superior suspension, width, and horsepower to get you where you want to go.

Compare All Desert and Dunes Vehicles

SIDE-BY-SIDE

RZR

Whether you’re hauling through the desert or climbing up dunes, RZR’s got you covered with incredible performance, design, and technology.

Usable Suspension Travel

Available Horsepower

Seating Capacity

Up to 74" Wide

Explore Featured Sportsman Dune & Desert ATVs.

ATV

SPORTSMAN

Open up an entirely new world of sand, rocks and thrills with the performance and do-it-all capability of Sportsman.

Suspension Travel

Available Horsepower

Seating Capacity

Up to 55" Wide Vehicle

FEATURED DESERT & DUNE ATVS & SIDE BY SIDES

RZR PRO R ULTRA EDITION

Featuring DYNAMIX DVS, the industry’s first race-proven smart sway bar technology featuring active sway links developed in collaboration with SDi—plus BFGoodrich® KM3 tires, an MPI™ racing wheel, and GatorStep® accents for enhanced control and style.

Starting at $46,999

US MSRP

BROWSE MODEL

2026 RZR Pro S

Unmatched performance, unbeatable value. Conquer dunes, deserts, rocks, mountains and more with the nimble RZR Pro S.

Starting at $27,499

US MSRP

2026 RZR PRO R

Unleash a force of nature with RZR Pro R, our most powerful RZR, delivering race-proven durability.

Starting at $43,999

US MSRP

2026 RZR Pro S Calavera Edition

The RZR Pro S Calavera Edition honors The Day of the Dead with a fearless design and unmatched performance.

Starting at $40,499

US MSRP

2026 SCRAMBLER XP 1000 S

Ride fearlessly across deserts and dunes with a stable 55" stance that delivers ultimate control and terrain-dominating abilities.

Starting at $16,499

US MSRP

2026 SCRAMBLER 850

Feel the thrill with an ATV designed for the dunes. Sport-performance features and a 78-hp engine deliver next-level power, comfort and control.

Starting at $11,999

US MSRP

2026 SPORTSMAN XP 1000 S

Cut through the mud, leaving others in your wake, with a stable 55" width, 14.5" of ground clearance and ample traction for exceptional control.

Starting at $16,999

US MSRP

DESERT & DUNE ACCESSORIES

Customize your side-by-side or ATV for the ultimate dune and desert riding experience. Explore curated accessory packages for featured models below.

RZR Pro R Dune Package

Add accessories to your RZR Pro R for dune riding.

Rockford Fosgate^® Audio
RIGID^® Lighting
Polaris NorthStar Cooler
Pro Armor Sand 16XT Tires
Shoulder Storage Bag

Shop RZR Pro R Dune Package >

RZR Pro S Desert Package

Add accessories to your RZR Pro S for desert riding.

Half Windshield
RIGID^® Lighting
Polaris NorthStar Cooler
Door Storage Bags
Spare Tire Carrier

Shop RZR Pro S Desert Package >

RZR Pro R Desert Package

Add accessories to your RZR Pro R for desert riding.

RIGID^® Lighting
Front Bumper
Forward/Rear Cargo Boxes
Door Storage Bags
Spare Tire Carrier

Shop RZR Pro R Desert Package >

RZR Pro S Rock Package

Add accessories to your RZR Pro S for rock crawling.

Front/Rear Bumpers
Rock Sliders
Pro Armor Rock Lights
4,500 LB Winch
Pro Armor Crawler XG Tires

Shop RZR Pro S Rock Package >

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FAQs When Shopping for Dune or Desert ATV

ATVs and dune buggies are very different off-road vehicles. See definitions and differences below.

ATVs are factory-built off-road vehicles. They are professionally engineered and manufactured, and feature four wheels, a straddled seat for the operator, and handlebars for steering control. They are designed for travel on a variety of terrains, including deserts and dunes.

A dune buggy is a term commonly used to describe a modified off-road vehicle, based on a car chassis. It’s designed for recreational use on beaches, dunes and other off-road environments. It’s typically not designed for high performance. Polaris does not manufacture dune buggies.
Riding an ATV over sand dunes can be an exhilarating experience when equipped with the right gear and proper handling techniques. Check out our dune riding tips article for expert advice.
It’s critical to always wear proper protective gear when riding in sand dunes. This includes a helmet and goggles—tinted goggles can improve visibility in the sun. You should also wear long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots and other essential off-road protective gear.

Check out our dune riding tips article to learn more.

DESERT & DUNES ATVS & SIDE BY SIDES

HELP ME CHOOSE

Find Your Ideal Desert Vehicle

COMPARE DESERT & DUNE VEHICLES

FEATURED DESERT & DUNE ATVS & SIDE BY SIDES

DESERT & DUNE ACCESSORIES

RZR Pro R Dune Package

RZR Pro S Desert Package

RZR Pro R Desert Package

RZR Pro S Rock Package

RZR PRO R Ultra Edition

HIT THE DUNES WITH RIDE COMMAND

RIDE COMMAND

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Defending Dakar

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Tips for Side-by-Sides & ATV Sand Dune Riding

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Get the Latest Off-Road News

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Shows & Expos

Rodeos

Racing

FAQs When Shopping for Dune or Desert ATV

What is the difference between an ATV and a dune buggy?

How do you ride an ATV in sand dunes?

What do you wear when riding in the sand dunes?

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