Best 4-Seater Golf Carts: What to Compare Before You Buy

Four seats is the sweet spot for a lot of buyers: room for grandkids, friends, or a beach bag pile without the length of a six-seater. But 4 seater golf carts differ a lot in seating layout, power, and whether they're street legal. Instead of a ranked list, this guide shows what actually differs between popular models so you can pick the right one for how you'll use it.

Rear-facing vs. forward-facing seats

This is the first fork in the road, and it changes how the cart feels day to day.

Rear-facing flip seat ("2+2"). The traditional layout. The back bench faces backward and usually folds flat into a cargo deck. Club Car's Onward 4 Passenger works this way: its spec page describes a flip-down rear seat that converts into a cargo deck. Good for hauling coolers, chairs, and golf bags.

All forward-facing. Rear passengers face forward like a car. It's often preferred for adults and for conversation on longer rides. E-Z-GO describes its Liberty as having four forward-facing seats in a golf-car-sized footprint, and ICON markets its i40FX as a forward-facing four-passenger cart.

Ask yourself what goes in the back more often: people or stuff.

Golf cart or street-legal LSV?

Many 4 seater golf carts are sold in two versions: a standard golf cart, typically limited to about 19 mph, and a low-speed vehicle (LSV) version built to the federal FMVSS No. 500 standard, with a top speed up to 25 mph, plus required lights, mirrors, seat belts, a VIN, and a certified windshield.

If you want to drive to the store or restaurants on local roads, the LSV version is the one to shop for. It typically costs more and needs title, registration, and insurance in most states. Our guide to street legal golf cart requirements explains the full equipment list.

Popular 4-seater models to compare

These are popular four-seat options from major brands, with details taken from each manufacturer's own pages. This isn't a ranking, and we haven't tested them. Specs and trims change by model year, so confirm with a dealer.

Club Car Onward 4 Passenger

Club Car offers the Onward 4 Passenger with a fuel-injected 429cc Kohler gas engine, six 8-volt lead-acid batteries, or lithium in 4.0 kWh (base) or 7.0 kWh (XR) sizes. Top speed is listed at 19 mph for every version. It comes in lifted and non-lifted builds; Club Car lists 108 inches long non-lifted and 114 inches lifted, which matters if your garage is tight.

E-Z-GO Express 4

E-Z-GO's current Express 4 page lists it exclusively with a 13.5 hp gas engine with electronic fuel injection and a 5.96-gallon tank, in standard and lifted ride heights depending on trim. Top speed is listed at up to 19 mph on most trims. A good fit if you want gas range and a traditional layout.

E-Z-GO Liberty

E-Z-GO announced an all-new Liberty for the 2027 model year. According to the company's release, it's a street-legal LSV meeting FMVSS 500, with a 25 mph top speed, Samsung SDI lithium batteries backed by an eight-year battery warranty, a 10-inch touchscreen, a backup camera, and trunk and front storage.

ICON i40FX

ICON describes the i40FX as a forward-facing four-passenger electric cart with lithium power, available as a street-legal LSV. Its page lists a 10.1-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, independent suspension, an adjustable lift system, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty, plus a separate battery warranty with its own terms.

Yamaha and other brands also sell four-seat configurations. Whatever you're considering, you can compare new cart prices side by side before talking to dealers.

Power and range

With four people aboard, power and range matter more than on a two-seater. A few things to compare:

• Gas vs. electric. Gas carts refuel in minutes and go far on a tank; electric carts are quiet and low-maintenance. See electric vs. gas golf carts for the full trade-off.
• Battery size. On lithium carts, compare kWh, not just voltage. Club Car estimates its Onward 4 Passenger at 20–35 miles for the standard lithium pack and 35–55 miles for the extended-range pack in the first year, non-lifted.
• Lift and tires. Club Car's estimates are slightly lower for lifted Onward 4 models, since bigger tires and extra weight cost range.
• Battery age. Club Car's estimates drop after four years for every battery type, most sharply for lead-acid.

Features worth comparing

• Seat belts at all four seats, especially if kids ride in back
• Lifted vs. non-lifted. Lifted looks great and clears rough paths, but is taller to climb into and harder for some riders
• Storage: glove boxes, under-seat storage, cargo deck, or a trunk
• Brakes and hill control. Useful in hilly communities
• Backup camera and displays. Increasingly common on LSVs
• Warranty: separate terms often apply to the vehicle and the battery; read both
• Dealer support. A nearby dealer for service can matter more than any single feature

Buying used?

A used four-seater can save a lot of money, especially from a well-known brand with parts available locally. Check battery age, seat belt condition, and the rear seat hinge, which takes a beating. Bring our used golf cart buying checklist, then browse 4 seater golf carts for sale.

Frequently asked questions

Is a forward-facing or rear-facing 4 seater golf cart better?

It depends on use. A rear-facing flip seat can fold into a cargo deck, which is handy for coolers and tools. Forward-facing rear seats are often more comfortable for adult passengers and conversation. Try both if you can.

Are 4 seater golf carts street legal?

Only if the specific vehicle is built or certified as a low-speed vehicle (LSV) and titled and registered where your state requires it. Some four-seat models, such as the E-Z-GO Liberty and ICON i40FX, are offered as LSVs; standard golf cart versions are not street legal on their own.

How long is a 4 seater golf cart?

It varies by model and lift. Club Car lists its Onward 4 Passenger at 108 inches long non-lifted and 114 inches lifted. Measure your garage or carport and check the spec sheet of the exact model you're considering.

Does adding a lift kit or more passengers reduce range?

It can. Club Car's own range estimates for the Onward 4 Passenger are slightly lower for lifted versions than non-lifted ones, and heavier loads and hills also reduce range on electric carts.

Sources

• Club Car: Onward 4 Passenger specifications
• E-Z-GO: Express 4
• E-Z-GO press release: All-new Liberty for the 2027 model year
• ICON EV: i40FX forward-facing four-passenger golf cart
• eCFR: 49 CFR 571.500, Low-speed vehicles