As it so often goes with all kinds of accessories, material is most definitely the difference maker with side-by-side UTV floor and bed mats. But what exactly is that difference, you might be wondering? Well, to start off with rubber, this is your highly durable workhorse that’s going to serve anyone who works (and gets dirty!) very well. The one downside is, most people like the aesthetic of carpet better.
Carpet-style UTV mats will give your entire cab a more “finished” or polished look. These things will also surprise you with just how effectively they can cut down on noise by dampening vibrations. Overall, they give your interior a more pleasant feel and sound. And just because they’re pretty doesn’t necessarily mean they’re flimsy. If you only go with high-quality brands, you will still find plenty of carpet kits that are made with marine-grade materials that resist mold and moisture damage.
If you’re the type to just “shoehorn it in there” no matter how poorly the mat(s) fits your cab, we invite you to take a moment to consider just how important fitment actually is with UTV mats. A custom setup is like a tailored jacket; every seam and contour is perfectly worked around to stay in place comfortably while you’re riding around.
Universal mats, on the other hand, are like buying a jacket at the thrift store. The cost savings aren't worth the frustration and compromised function. Universal mats might work okay for bed liners where exact fit matters less, but for cab floor mats, custom-fit is absolutely the way to go.
Bed mats have slightly different requirements than floor mats. They need to be thick enough to protect against cargo scratches and provide grip so items don't slide around, but they don't need the same attention to exact fit that floor mats do. That said, bed mats cut specifically for your UTV's bed dimensions still work way better than generic mats you're trimming yourself. They fit corner to corner, utilize bed mounting points if available, and generally just work better than DIY solutions.
Carpet mats require more attention. Letting muddy carpet sit wet in your UTV for days creates funk that's really hard to eliminate, so you’ll need to vacuum them thoroughly and often. Some riders pull carpet mats after particularly nasty rides and bring them home to clean properly rather than trying to do it at the trailhead. The upside is that once they're clean, they look and feel great. On the other end of the spectrum, rubber mats are stupidly easy to keep clean and maintain. Give ‘em a shake, hose them off, and boom. You’re done.
Finally, bed mats mostly just need hosing off, though depending on what you haul (fertilizer, oil, fuel, chemicals), you might need degreaser or specific cleaners. The textured surface that keeps cargo from sliding also makes them slightly harder to clean than smooth rubber, but a pressure washer makes quick work of it. One tip: periodically lift bed mats and clean underneath—moisture and dirt can accumulate under the mat against your bed floor, which defeats the rust-prevention purpose of having the mat in the first place.
Will floor mats hamper my access to my pedals?
Universal mats or cheap mats without proper mounting are where problems occur—they can bunch up under pedals, potentially causing dangerous situations where you can't brake or accelerate properly. This is exactly why spending extra for proper fitment matters.
What if I’m just washing my UTV interior? Do I have to pull the mats out?
It depends on the material. Rubber? Nah. Carpet? Definitely pull them out.
When will these mats need to be replaced?
A good rubber set should last at least five years, and carpet mats should survive for at least three.