Quads cost anywhere from about $100 for a toy drone to over $13,000 for a new ATV from a major brand.
If you searched “how much do quads cost,” the answer depends entirely on which kind of quad you mean. In the US, “quad” usually refers to an ATV (all-terrain vehicle), also called a four-wheeler. But the same word can mean a quadcopter drone, and those two machines couldn’t be more different in price. The chart below separates the two markets so you land on the right number for your budget.
ATV “Quads” Cost $13,000 And Up New
For a new, current-model ATV from a major manufacturer, the price starts in the low five figures. Can-Am’s official US ATV lineup currently lists starting prices of $13,249 and $14,499 for its entry models. Polaris, the other big US name, uses “ATVs, quad bikes, and 4 wheelers” interchangeably on its off-road page, confirming that these are exactly the machines searchers mean by “quads.”
That $13,000 figure is just the starting gate. A fully equipped sport or utility model with a bigger engine, power steering, or a winch can run well past $20,000. What you actually pay at the dealership includes:
- Destination and freight charges, usually several hundred dollars
- Sales tax and title fees
- Dealer setup and prep fees
- Insurance, which varies heavily by state and rider history
Registration is another line item. Québec’s official off-road vehicle fee table, for example, shows a 2026 total cost of $83.85 for motorized ATVs and quad bikes there. That’s a provincial registration fee, not the sale price, but it’s a reminder that the sticker is never the final number.
Used ATVs are the budget path. Third-party listings commonly start around $1,000 to $3,500 for older, well-worn machines and climb with condition, age, and model. No official used-price standard exists, so compare local listings carefully.
What Does A Quadcopter Drone Cost?
When “quad” means a quadcopter drone, the market splits into three rough tiers. Toy and beginner drones start around $100, with some retailers listing current RC quadcopters from $99.99 upward. Enthusiast-level machines run higher; some retailers list current cinewhoop quadcopters from $169.99 to $573.99. Advanced quadcopter drones used for professional filming or racing can run $1,000 to $5,000 and up.
Drone pricing follows capability: camera quality, flight time, range, and obstacle avoidance all move the number. A $100 drone flies for a few minutes and captures phone-grade video. A $5,000 unit carries a serious camera gimbal and flies for half an hour or more.
Why Price Estimates Vary So Widely
You’ll find third-party guides claiming ATVs cost $5,000 to $15,000, or even $3,000 to $15,000. Treat those as rough estimates, not MSRPs. Official manufacturer pages are the only reliable anchors for new-vehicle prices, which is why this article leads with Can-Am’s actual listed figures.
The confusion also comes from mixing categories. A “quad” price should never blend vehicle MSRP with registration fees, insurance, accessories, or drone prices. Decide which machine you mean, then shop that category alone.
| Type Of Quad | Typical Price Range | Examples / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New ATV (major brand) | $13,000+ | Can-Am starts at $13,249 and $14,499 |
| Used ATV | $1,000–$3,500+ | Varies by age, condition, model |
| Toy / beginner drone | $100 and up | Basic flight, phone-grade video |
| Enthusiast drone | $170–$575 | Cinewhoop models at retail |
| Advanced drone | $1,000–$5,000+ | Professional filming and racing |
What You’ll Actually Pay Out The Door
The honest answer to “how much do quads cost” is that the purchase price is only the beginning. For an ATV, budget for destination fees, tax, registration, insurance, and gear like a helmet. A $13,249 quad can easily cost $15,000 by the time you ride it home. If you’re ready to buy, our tested roundup of the best cheap ATV quads breaks down the budget options that won’t break the bank. For drones, the sticker price is closer to the final cost, though spare batteries and propellers add up fast.
References & Sources
- Can-Am Off-Road. “ATV Lineup.” Official US starting prices for current ATV models.
- Polaris. “ATVs / 4-Wheelers.” Confirms ATVs are also known as quads and four wheelers.
- SAAQ (Québec). “Off-Road Vehicle Registration Fees.” Shows 2026 registration costs for ATVs and quad bikes.
