Golf carts have come a long way from their humble beginnings, evolving into versatile, stylish, and feature-packed vehicles. Perfect for golf courses, gated communities, and street-legal personal transportation, the current lineup of golf carts has something for everyone. Right now manufacturers have a number of impressive offers as the 2025 model year draws to a close.
Street-legality for golf carts is mostly a state—and often city—decision: many states only allow them on locally authorized roads with lower speed limits (commonly 25–35 mph), and they may require specific equipment, registration/plates, and a licensed driver—for example, Texas limits use to roads ≤35 mph, requires a golf-cart plate on authorized roads, and lists lights, mirrors, and a parking brake as minimum gear. (TX DMV) By contrast, Florida sets statewide rules (daylight-only unless lit; minimum equipment) and now requires operators under 18 to hold at least a learner’s permit, while letting local governments add stricter limits or designate where carts may run. (FL Senate) At the federal level, NHTSA doesn’t regulate conventional golf carts (≤20 mph) as “motor vehicles,” but once a vehicle can go 20–25 mph it becomes a “Low-Speed Vehicle” and must have lights, mirrors, windshield, seatbelts, etc. Because requirements vary widely—and can change—prospective owners should confirm state and local rules when buying from their dealer.
A fast-rising all-electric specialist, Evolution leans into style, speed, and value out of the box. Most models arrive well-optioned—color LCDs, LED lighting, extended roofs, premium seats, mirrors with turn signals, and lift kits on off-road variants—so you spend less on add-ons later. The lineup typically ranges from compact two-seat runabouts to lifted 4–6 passenger rigs with rear flip seats, plus utility styles with cargo beds. Lithium batteries are common, which means quicker charging, lighter weight, and a flatter power curve than comparable lead-acid carts. The trade-off: dealer networks can be younger than legacy brands, so confirm service support in your area before you buy. With the D5 Ranger 2+2 starting at $7,695 msrp and the Classic 2 Plus from $6,695 msrp, the Evolution carts are amongst the best golf cart deal you can find.
Club Car is the safe bet for longevity and refinement. Aluminum frames resist corrosion, steering feels tight, and the ecosystem of OEM and third-party accessories is massive. The consumer-focused Onward series is the headline here, offered in 2-, 4-, and 6-passenger configurations with gas or electric power, lift-kit options, extended canopies, premium seating, and a wide palette of colors and wheels. Upmarket packages add high-back seats, Bluetooth audio, and lighting suites for LSV conversions. Expect excellent parts availability and strong resale. On the flip side, similarly equipped carts can price higher than value brands, and many “must-have” goodies live in option bundles. The Club Car Golden Opportunity deals currently on offer include $3,000 off on 2025 and older Onward models, or 0% APR for 48 months on select models.
E-Z-GO‘s strength is choice: gas, lead-acid electric, and advanced lithium, with a host of street-legal options. The game-course stalwart RXV (with smooth AC drive) and TXT platforms anchor the range, while Express models (S4/S6/L6) add lifted suspensions, knobby tires, brush guards, and seating for families who split time between the neighborhood and beach trails. E-Z-GO’s ELiTE lithium system (using high-quality battery packs) brings quick charging and less maintenance than lead-acid, and the EX1 gas engine remains a favorite for long range with easy service. The downside is that feature sets vary widely by trim; compare motor type, battery chemistry, and accessories carefully so you don’t overpay for items you won’t use. The end of summer savings event has $4,000 off select 2024-2025 E-Z-Go models, or get 0% financing for 48 months; lower model trims are eligible for $1,000 to $3,500 off.
If you value quiet, efficient powertrains and strong dealer support, Yamaha is a perennial favorite. The Drive2 platform comes in electric and gas; the QuieTech EFI gas model is notably hushed and fuel-efficient for neighborhoods and courses that restrict noise. Electric trims offer smooth AC motors and modern controllers, with battery options that include maintenance-saving packages. Ergonomics—pedal feel, seat comfort, and steering—are standouts, and build quality feels “automotive.” Yamaha’s accessory catalog isn’t as flashy as boutique brands, and out-the-door pricing can be premium, but road manners and reliability are excellent. Current promotions include up to $1,500 customer cash, plus as low as 2.99% APR for 36 months on select new 2023 and 2024 models.
ICON has grown quickly by delivering feature-rich lithium carts at aggressive prices and backing them with long warranties. Street-style lighting (turn signals, brake lights), seat belts, side mirrors, extended roofs, and rear flip seats often come standard, making LSV certification straightforward where permitted. Model names typically reflect seating (2/4/6) and body style, with lifted variants on larger tires for rougher paths. Owners like the punchy acceleration and modern dash layouts; critics note that fit/finish and dealer coverage can vary by region more than with the legacy big three, so your local dealer’s reputation matters. ICON only makes deals available through local dealers.