No, a side by side is not an ATV. There are several key differences: A side by side is for two or four passengers, whereas an ATV can only accommodate a single-rider. A side by side handles closer to a car while an ATV rides like a motorcycle. A side by side is controlled by a steering wheel and gas and brake foot pedals but an ATV’s steering, gas and brake are all controlled via a handle bar. Side by sides have bench or bucket seating and an ATV has straddle eating and in terms of safety, side by sides can have roll cages, seat belts and some even have doors but an ATV has an open air design.