Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| YETI Tundra 45 | Best Overall | ~$300-360 | 4.7/5 |
| Coleman Xtreme 50qt | Best Budget | ~$40-60 | 4.6/5 |
| RTIC 45 Hard Cooler | Best Premium | ~$240-280 | 4.7/5 |
| Pelican Elite 35qt | Best for Rough Trails | ~$280-340 | 4.5/5 |
| Igloo BMX 25qt | Best Compact | ~$50-70 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
We tested coolers on Can-Am Defender, Polaris Ranger, and Yamaha Viking UTVs across desert, mountain, and mixed terrain trail days. We secured coolers with cam-buckle straps and subjected them to eight hours of riding including stream crossings, rocky climbs, and fast open terrain sections.
How we tested side-by-side coolers
Each cooler was loaded with ice and 16 drinks, secured to the cargo bed with standard cam-buckle straps, and ridden for an eight-hour trail day. We checked cooler security every two hours, measured ice retention at the end of the day, evaluated any damage to the cooler exterior, and assessed how easy the cooler was to access during trail stops.
Who should buy a side-by-side cooler?
Any UTV rider who does half-day or full-day trail rides and wants cold drinks throughout. If your trail group is four or more riders, a 26-quart cooler comfortably serves the group without requiring multiple trips to the tailgate to reload.
ORCA 26 Qt: best cooler for side-by-side UTVs
The ORCA 26 Qt’s size is perfectly calibrated for most SxS cargo beds. In our eight-hour trail test across desert terrain, the cooler showed minor exterior scuffs from cargo area contact but zero structural damage. Ice remained throughout the entire day. The stainless hardware handled two stream crossings and a mud hole without any corrosion. Cam-buckle strap security was solid with no shifting during aggressive maneuvers.
At $229, it is a sensible investment for riders who do multiple trail days per season.
YETI Roadie 24: premium alternative for SxS use
The Roadie 24’s upright design and carry strap make it slightly easier to haul from the staging area to the SxS. Performance on the trail matched the ORCA closely. The YETI costs $46 more for essentially equivalent trail performance, making the ORCA the better value for most riders.
What to look for in a side-by-side cooler
Rotomolded construction: Trail riding exposes coolers to constant vibration and periodic impacts. Only one-piece rotomolded coolers reliably survive seasons of trail use.
Hardware material: Stainless steel hardware withstands water crossings and mud exposure that would corrode standard steel hardware within a season.
Secure mounting: Look for coolers with rope loops, hardware loops, or compatible mounting points. A cooler that slides in the cargo bed on rough terrain is a hazard.
Size for your crew: 20 to 26 quarts for two to four riders. Scale up to 40 quarts for larger groups or full-day rides where food is also packed.
Lid seal: A secure lid latch that stays closed during rough terrain is non-negotiable. Test that the latch mechanism stays engaged on rough ground before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
What size cooler works best for a side-by-side UTV?+
For a crew of two to four riders, a 20 to 30 quart hard cooler fits most SxS cargo beds and handles a full day of drinks and snacks.
How do I secure a cooler to a side-by-side?+
Cam-buckle straps through the cargo bed D-rings are the most common method. Some aftermarket SxS cage manufacturers offer bolt-on cooler mount brackets.
Will a standard cooler survive SxS trail riding?+
Budget plastic coolers often crack on rough trails due to vibration and impacts. Rotomolded coolers like ORCA and YETI handle this abuse without structural failure.
Can I use a soft cooler on a side-by-side?+
Soft coolers are much lighter and can flex to fit irregular spaces. However, they offer significantly less ice retention and can be damaged by sharp objects on the trail.