What is the Best Golf Cart Brand?
Posted by Alex Sturwold on May 09, 2024
We ranked the top 10 golf cart brands based on brand longevity & company history, overall scores of the brand's cart models in our Best Golf Cart Rankings, reliability, features and cart styling.
Golf cart reviews are hard to find. There just aren't enough resources out there like their are in the automotive (car & truck) world. So if you're tired of searching through tons of websites and paid product placements to find the perfect golf cart for your needs, then you've come to the right place! Here at the GCTS, we have no brand affiliations or allegiances. And that's because we don't sell golf carts. We sell golf cart tires, golf cart wheels and accessories for all cart brands. So we have the luxury to just tell it like it is when it comes to the manufacturers. So buckle up, because we're about to take a wild ride through the world of the best major golf cart brands! We'll also cover a list of brands we think you should avoid.
By the end of this brand guide, you'll feel much better about making a decision on the best golf cart for you.
While this article is about the best brands in general, if you are looking for a list of the best golf carts on the market, then please read our annual List of Top 10 Best Golf Carts (Models) instead of this general brands list. Or if you're looking for a list of ALL golf cart brands, then read our Comprehensive Golf Cart Brands List instead.
The Best Golf Cart Brands - Our Top 10 List and Why
10. Cushman
Cushman golf carts were first introduced to the market in 1954, with the first three-wheel golf cart called a Golfster series 732. Cushman these days is a well-established brand owned by Textron (same owner as EZGO) which offers a range of golf carts and utility vehicles, including their popular Cushman Hauler, Cushman Shuttle, and Cushman Truckster models.
Cushman is extremely popular with golf course maintenance crews at some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world, including Pebble Beach Golf Links. It is their relentless focus to make the best commercial-use golf carts that has propelled them into our Top 10 list of brands for 2024. The motto is "Never be Outworked", which we love about this brand.
Pros: Durable, storied brand, and maintenance-crew friendly range of models
Cons: Smaller brand-specific dealer network than other major players
9. GEM Car
Founded in 1998, GEM Car is a brand that specializes in electric golf carts and utility vehicles. GEM cars are more commonly referred to as NEVs, or "neighborhood electric vehicles". And that is because GEM cars have more built-in safety and functionality features than other carts. In fact, GEM cars are more often compared to small cars, due to the street legality and features of their LSV designs.
GEM offers a range of models, including their popular GEM e2 and GEM e4 models. These carts are distinguished by their "egg-like" shape and small round lighting components.
Pros: Eco-friendly, quiet, and easy to maintain
Cons: Limited customization options
8. Bintelli
Founded in 2015, Bintelli is a newer brand that's quickly made a name for itself with its high-performance and recognizable carts that are designed with street-legality in mind. Two of their most popular models in 2024 include the Bintelli Nexus and the Bintelli Beyond.
We want to note that Bintelli's dealership network, while growing quickly, is still much smaller than the brands featured higher on our list. Bintelli has roughly 250 dealer locations nationwide.
Pros: Fast, unique designs, and feature-rich
Cons: Pricier than some other "also-new" brands
7. Tomberlin
Founded in 1969, Tomberlin is a well-established brand that offers a range of high-quality golf carts with innovative features. The company splits duties with industrial golf cart brand, Columbia. This means Tomberlin models get to benefit from a larger corporate structure with wide ranging R&D across models.
A few of the most popular Tomberlin cart models include the classic E-Merge, the newer Tomberlin LX, and the Tomberlin Beachcomber (pictured above). The brand is recognized for its durable and long-lasting carts, unique body design features (including 'Jeep-style' front grille), and high-quality fit and finish, making them a popular choice for golf cart owners.
Pros: High-level fit and finish, versatile model range, and unique body designs
Cons: Smaller dealer network, less aftermarket accessories available
6. ICON EV
Founded in 2017, ICON EV is a newer brand that's quickly gaining popularity with their sleek and modern designs. We noticed that ICON golf carts literally EXPLODED onto the golf cart scene over the past five years, and back in 2019 we found more customers were asking us if we had golf cart accessories for their ICON carts.
ICON offers a range of carts with "more features for less money". ICON EV's are typically distinguished by their automotive-style "dual-circle" headlights, which help them stand out on the street. ICON golf carts also have large center screens and comfortable seats from the factory.
We would like to note that while ICON carts were ahead of the curve back in 2017, they have failed to keep up with major design updates rolled out by competitors such as Evolution EV, EZGO and Club Car - which is why the brand is ranked back further on our list than those competitors.
Pros: Stylish, feature-rich
Cons: Relatively limited dealership network, aging design
5. Star EV
Founded in 2003, Star EV started as a budget-friendly brand that has grown into a more luxurious brand over time. STAR EV offers a range of electric powered (no gas) golf carts with industry-leading features including high-end, tech-forward interiors. Many STAR EV carts include USB charging outlets and hidden cargo storage areas.
STAR is known for inventing the 2-in-1 rear seat that could both fold into a cargo bed, or fold out to allow the use of golf bags on the rear of the cart. Two of their most popular standout models include the Star EV Sirius and the Star EV Atlas.
Pros: Affordable, reliable, and beautiful designs
Cons: Limited customization (accessories) options
4. Evolution EV
Founded in 2011, Evolution EV is a relatively new player in the golf cart market, but they've quickly made a name for themselves with their high-performance and high-quality carts. While the company's first few years saw carts that were slightly sub-par to others on the market, they quickly pushed the industry forward with the release of the beautiful Evolution D5 golf cart. This cart really pushed the envelope for LSVs with it's large integrated center display, comfortable seats, 14" wheels and tires from factory, and more.
Evolution EV is known these days for beautiful carts that are relatively affordable compared to the big brands. This has helped propel the brand into the "top 5 brands" conversation. But we always stress with new brands, the reliability of these carts is not yet fully known / understood.
Pros: Feature-rich, fast, industry-forward designs
Cons: Reliability not yet established, limited accessories available
3. Yamaha
Designed and engineered in Japan, by a giant multinational conglomerate, Yamaha golf carts are known for their operational longevity, mechanical excellence and reliability. Yamaha noticed the growing golf cart / LSV market back in the mid 1980s, and began manufacturing it's own high-quality carts in the year 1988.
Yamaha offers a range of models with strong features and engineering excellence in their designs. The Yamaha G-Series had popular models from the G1 through G22, but it was the Yamaha DRIVE (G29) in 2007 that really helped the company explode into golf cart owner's households. Yamaha followed up with the Drive2 debuting in 2017 and . Yamaha is recognized for its extremely quiet and fuel-efficient gas powered carts as well as its reliable electric carts.
Pros: Fuel-efficient, quiet, top-tier reliability, many accessories available
Cons: Designs lag behind competitors
2. Club Car
Founded in 1958, Club Car is another industry giant, known for their high-quality and reliable golf carts. Again, if you have ever played a round of golf - chances are you have ridden in a Club Car golf cart.
Club Car has offered a wide variety of historic models over the years. The Club Car DS (also known around here as a "square-body" golf cart, was wildly popular throughout the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Two of Club Car's most popular recent models include the Club Car Onward (for personal use) and the Club Car Tempo (for golf course / fleet use).
Club Car is world renowned for its aluminum golf cart frames, which won't corrode or rust over time, ensuring a longer lifespan for their carts. Additionally, Club Car golf carts feature independent suspension systems, providing one of the smoothest rides on the market, along with better handling than other carts.
Pros: Comfortable, feature-rich, and long-lasting, tons of accessories available
Cons: Pricier than some other brands
1. EZGO
Not only is EZGO our #1 golf cart brand this year, but it also took the #1 position on our Best Golf Carts list this year with the all new 2024 EZGO Liberty model. E-Z-GO just continue to impress on all fronts year-after-year.
Founded in 1954, E-Z-GO is a household name in the golf cart industry, and for good reason. With a wide range of models and customization options available in the aftermarket, EZGO caters to both personal and commercial users. If you've ever been to a golf course, there is no doubt you have seen EZGO carts running around. They are the trusted brand of some of the most major country clubs on earth. Two of the most popular EZGO models are the new EZ-GO Liberty RXV and the EZGO TXT, one of the best selling cart models of all time. The EZGO Marathon was also wildly popular pre-2000s.
E-Z-GO is known for its durable and long-lasting carts, making them a popular choice for golf courses and country clubs.
Pros: Durable, versatile, industry leading designs, nearly unlimited accessories available
Cons: Steel frames not in coastal areas, high price
Golf Cart Brands to Avoid
While the top 10 brands list above is helpful, we know that it is equally helpful to know which brands NOT to purchase.
When it comes to golf carts, it's important to be cautious of newer brands that may not have a proven track record. Golf Cart Brands newer than 3-years old may not be around in the years to come to honor warranties or offer post-purchase support, leaving you stranded if something goes wrong with your cart. Additionally, many newer brands are simply slapping their label on carts made overseas and selling them as a "new" brand, without any real innovation or quality control. So if the brand you're considering is not on our list above, you should really be careful and do your research.
In order to avoid getting stuck with a lemon, it's best to stick with trusted brands that have been around for 5 years (or longer). These established brands have a track record and a reputation to uphold, so they are more likely to offer reliable products and quality customer service. By doing your research and choosing a reputable brand, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable golf cart experience.
Wrapping it All Up
Each golf cart brand has unique strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences on styling, drivetrain and price. We highly recommend choosing a manufacturer you trust, and if you are purchasing a newer brand that isn't as well known, make sure you're buying from a reputable dealer that sells multiple brands and has been in business longer than the new brand they are selling to you. There's absolutely a perfect golf cart brand out there for you. And over time, you might even try a few of them. But by considering the most important factors such as budget, primary usage (golf course / neighborhood, trails or utility use), features, maintenance, and warranty, you'll be straight on your way to finding the right cart for you.
If you have any questions about golf carts, golf cart accessories, wheels and tires, and more feel free to give us a call at 1-844-422-7884 or email us at info@golfcarttiresupply.com.
