What Is a RZR?

A RZR is Polaris’s line of sporty, side by side off-road vehicles, a type of UTV built for fast, recreational riding. Short for “Razor,” a RZR seats riders side by side inside a protective roll cage, with a powerful engine, long-travel suspension, and a low, wide stance made for agile driving over desert trails, rock, and sand. On our guided tours in Las Vegas, you drive a two seat Polaris RZR yourself.

Polaris introduced the RZR in 2007 as one of the first sport side by sides, and the lineup now spans small-displacement trail models up to the high-horsepower RZR Pro R. Whether people call it a RZR, a Razor, or a side by side, it is the same style of machine: a purpose-built recreational off-road vehicle.

Book a guided RZR tour in Las Vegas with Awesome Adventures.

RZR vs ATV vs Ranger at a glance

Here is the quick version before the detail below. A RZR is the sport side by side you drive for fun, an ATV is the single-rider quad you straddle, and a Ranger is Polaris’s work-focused UTV.

All three are built by Polaris and share its durability and power. The difference is purpose: the RZR is tuned for performance and thrills, the ATV for flexible one-person riding, and the Ranger for utility.

How is a RZR different from an ATV and a Ranger?

A RZR differs from an ATV mainly in layout and handling. You sit inside a RZR side by side and steer with a wheel, protected by a roll cage and harnesses, while an ATV is a straddle-seat quad you ride like a motorbike. The RZR’s lower center of gravity, wider stance, and long-travel suspension give it sportier handling, more stability at speed, and a smoother ride over rough ground.

A Ranger is also a Polaris UTV, but it is built for work rather than sport. Rangers usually add large cargo beds or extra rows of seating to carry gear and crews, so they favor capability and comfort over the RZR’s speed and agility.

In short, RZRs are made for adrenaline-fueled recreation with advanced performance features, ATVs for versatile off-road exploration, and Rangers for heavy-duty tasks while still handling rugged terrain.

How fast is a RZR?

Top speed depends on the model. Smaller Polaris RZR trail models are geared for tight trails, while the flagship RZR Pro R makes around 225 horsepower and can exceed 70 mph in open terrain. On a guided Awesome Adventures tour, your guide sets a safe, comfortable pace for the group and the trail, so you get the thrill of the machine without needing racing experience.

Is a RZR the same as a dune buggy?

Not technically, though the terms often overlap. A dune buggy is a broad name for a small, open off-road vehicle, while a RZR is a specific Polaris side by side. Because our two seat RZRs are open, roll-caged, and built for the desert, many visitors call them a two seat dune buggy in Las Vegas, and that is a fair everyday description. If a classic dune buggy experience is what you are picturing, our Las Vegas dune buggy tours use the same style of machine.

Are RZRs street legal?

RZRs are designed for off-road use, and in most places they are not street legal without special equipment and registration. That is why guided tours matter: you ride on private and permitted desert trails rather than public roads. Our RZR tours run through the trails around Eldorado Canyon and Nelson Ghost Town, so you get real backcountry driving legally and safely.

Why would you choose a RZR over an ATV or a Ranger for a tour?

Choose a RZR when you want the most exciting, hands-on ride. Its sportier handling and quicker acceleration deliver a bigger adrenaline rush, while the side by side seat lets you share the experience with a partner, friend, or child old enough to ride. For challenging terrain like sand and rock, the RZR’s low center of gravity and wide stance add stability and control through fast turns and uneven ground.

A Ranger suits work and heavy hauling, and an ATV suits solo trail riding, but for a recreational desert tour built around fun and comfort, the RZR’s suspension, power, and protected cabin make it the standout choice.

How many people does a RZR seat at Awesome Adventures?

Our RZRs seat two people side by side, so they are sometimes called a two seat dune buggy in Las Vegas. One person drives and one rides along, and you can swap at stops if both riders are licensed drivers aged 18 or older.

What is the age limit for RZR tours in Las Vegas?

The minimum age to ride in a RZR on our tours is 7 years old. To drive, you must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license and a credit card. Guests under 18 are welcome to ride along when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Do I need experience to drive a RZR?

No experience is required. Our tours welcome both first-timers and seasoned riders. Before you head out, your guide walks you through how the RZR works and covers safety and basic driving, so you feel confident from the first turn. Our goal is simple: everyone has fun and rides home with a great story.

RZR tours in Las Vegas with Awesome Adventures

Ready to drive one yourself? Our guided RZR tours put you behind the wheel of a two seat Polaris RZR for a real desert adventure just outside Las Vegas. You ride private trails through Eldorado Canyon, past Nelson Ghost Town and the historic Techatticup Gold Mine, with options that reach the Colorado River.

Every tour includes a safety briefing and driving instruction, helmets and gear, unlimited water, and professional photos and video so you leave with memories and the pictures to prove it. Tours run for a range of lengths and skill levels, and hotel or Strip pickup is available for groups, which makes it easy if you do not have a car in Vegas.

Whether you are planning a bachelor or bachelorette outing, a family adventure, a corporate group, or a solo bucket-list ride, there is a RZR tour that fits. Browse our options and reserve your spot online in a couple of minutes.

Frequently asked questions about RZR tours

How fast do the RZRs go on your tours?

Fast enough to be exciting, at a pace your guide keeps safe for the group and the trail. The machines are capable of highway speeds in open terrain, but tours are guided so beginners are comfortable and everyone stays together.

Do I need a driver’s license to drive a RZR?

Yes. Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license and a credit card. Riders can be as young as 7 when accompanied by an adult.

Can kids ride in a RZR?

Yes. Children 7 and older can ride as passengers with a parent or legal guardian.

Is a RZR the same as a side by side or a dune buggy?

A RZR is a Polaris sport side by side, and because ours are open and roll-caged, people often call them a two seat dune buggy. They are the same style of machine you would picture for a Las Vegas dune buggy tour.

What should I wear for a RZR tour?

Closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and clothes you do not mind getting dusty. We provide helmets. In cooler months, bring a light layer, and in summer, plan for early departures to beat the heat.

Do you offer hotel or Strip pickup?

Yes, hotel and Strip pickup is available for groups, so you can join a tour even without a rental car.

How long are the RZR tours?

Tours range from a couple of hours to a half day, depending on the route you choose, from a quick canyon ride to a longer run toward the Colorado River.

Last updated: August 2026.

Sources: Polaris RZR History (Moe, 2021); Ranger, The Most Capable UTV (2023); Safety Tips for Polaris RZR (2023).