Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As a Club Car golf cart owner, I can tell you that many individuals living in golf cart communities are choosing between EZ-Go and Club Car golf carts. However, Yamaha is very much in the game, and their Drive2 personal carts are available in electric models. I’ve worked with Yamaha fleet carts in the past, and they have always been known for their impressive gas carts. The move into the electric category makes them a competitor to the other top electric golf carts on the market. Here’s what you need to know about the Yamaha golf cart models currently on the market. (Don’t worry there are only a few to choose from!)
What Golf Cart Models Does Yamaha Make?
If you are looking for a Yamaha personal cart, the Yamaha Drive series is your best choice. Yamaha currently has two different series, the Drive and the Umax. However, the Umax is more of a utility type of golf cart.
Within the Drive line, which is mostly a personal golf cart model, you will find the Drive2 PTV (Personal Transportation Vehicles), Drive2 Fleet, Drive 2 Adventurer Sport 2+2, Drive2 Concierge-4, and the Drive2 Concierge-6.
Yamaha Golf Cart Models (Features & Benefits)
The Yamaha Drive and Umax are two very different golf carts. If you are looking for a new golf cart to go out and play nine holes or one to use around your property, it’s worth understanding the differences between these two models.
Drive 2 Series
The Yamaha Drive series offers their two most popular private carts, the Drive2 PTV and the Drive2 Adventurer Sport 2+2. Although there are a few other models, these are the best-selling.
The carts are designed to focus on comfort and convenience for golfers and families using the cart as transportation. They have sleek and modern styling, certainly an upgrade from the gas carts used on golf courses years ago. In addition, you can choose from various bold new colors throughout the Drive series.
One of my favorite features of the Drive 2 series is the QuieTech EFI Technology. This is a gas golf cart with the sound level of an electric cart. Gas carts are faster and have more range than electric carts, but the noise keeps them away from most golf communities. This technology is
changing that for many facilities.
Some of the other features and benefits you can get from the Drive 2 series include an independent front suspension, a user-friendly dashboard, a compact engine compartment, compatibility with mobile devices, and a wide range of upgrades to make the cart more user-friendly.
| Model | Maximum Forward Speed | Seating Capacity |
| Drive2 Fleet | 15.0 mph (24 km/h) | 2 persons |
| Drive2 PTV | 19.0 mph (31 km/h) | 2 persons |
| Adventurer Sport 2+2 | 19 mph | 4 persons |
| Concierge 4 | 19.0 mph (31 km/h) | 4 persons |
UMAX
The Yamaha UMAX is a more rugged and versatile golf cart. It has some additional features you won’t find in the Drive 2, simply because you don’t need them!
Outside the golf course, the UMAX is designed to work for things like maintenance, gardening, and transportation to recreational activities. Even if this is a work cart, it provides a comfortable seat.
The UMAX Rally 2+2 also features seating for four. Three of the UMAX carts are now electric, making them a good choice for many organizations with gas restrictions. UMAX carts feature LED headlines and additional safety features throughout the complete line of available manufacturer models.
| Model | Maximum Forward Speed | Seating Capacity | Power Options |
| UMAX One | 19mph | 2 persons | Gas |
| UMAX Two | 19mph | 2 persons | Gas/Electric |
| UMAX Rally | 19mph | 2 persons | Gas/Electric |
| UMAX Rally 2+2 | 19mph | 4 persons | Gas/Electric |
Yamaha Golf Cart Pricing
The Drive2 Standard PTV starts around $10,000, but that’s very much a base model. To improve features or upgrade to the Quietech technology, you will pay closer to $13,000 for the cart.
If you move to the Adventurer Sport 2+2, pricing starts at $12,700, and you can increase your technology from there. As far as starting point pricing is concerned, Yamaha is very similar to EZ Go golf carts.
You can build the model you want on their website and see the charges for each addition or upgrade. However, I would go to a local dealer and look at the cart in person before ordering something directly from the website. As far as model year is concerned, 2022 and 2023 will likely have very close to the same pricing.
Yamaha Golf Cart Unique Selling Points
Now you are probably asking, why buy a Yamaha golf cart? I won’t tell you that the Yamaha golf cart is a must-buy; it’s simply one worth comparing with the EZ Go and Club Car if you are trying to decide. Here are a few of the reasons to consider Yamaha.
- A gas golf cart with the same amount of noise as an electric cart is an impressive invention. Yamaha has made the decision between gas and electric easier for many golf cart owners.
- Yamaha golf carts are known to be reliable and durable, and the Yamaha engine is known throughout the world of sports and recreation.
- When you look at the starting price point, retail prices are lower than those of some other competitors.
- Smooth suspension systems make the front of the golf cart, as well as the rear, rather comfortable to ride.
- The multi-functionality of the UMAX means that it can solve issues homeowners and golfers have about which cart they might need.
Yamaha vs. The Competition
When it comes to Yamaha and the competition, the main issue you run into is that they just produce fewer models or options than other golf cart manufacturers. You have to like all that Drive2 has to offer to make this a wise investment.
| Golf Cart Brand | Pros | Cons |
| Yamaha | Parts/services are less accessible in some areas. Gas carts without Quietech are loud Fewer models to offer | Parts/services less accessible in some areas. Gas carts without Quietech are loud Fewer models to offer |
| EZ-Go | AffordableLightweight and easy to maneuverWide range of models | Durability issues in some models. Less power in base models. Some models have less comfortable seating |
| Club Car | Highly customizableYears of precision engineering | More expensive, especially with customizations. Older models might have frame issues. Custom parts/repairs can be costly. |
Yamaha Golf Cart Customizations
To get a better feel of what the Yamaha golf carts have to offer and if they are the right fit for you, check out their complete build-your-cart option. Here are a few of the things you will get to choose from during customization.
| Category | Option | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source Options | Drive² QuieTech EFI – Gas | Quiet, efficient gas performance. |
| Drive² PowerTech AC – Electric | Enhanced electric power and efficiency. | |
| Adventurer Sport PowerTech | Sporty design with electric power. | |
| Battery Options | Motive T875-AGM Batteries | Advanced technology for consistent performance. |
| Lithium-Ion Battery | Lightweight, long-lasting power. | |
| Seating and Chassis | Rear Facing Seat Kit | Additional rear seating capacity. |
| Front Row Touring Seats | Enhanced comfort and style bucket seats. | |
| Wheel Options | 20″ All Terrain Tires | Improved performance on various terrains. |
| 10″ 12-Spoke J-Series All-Terrain Alloy Wheels | Stylish, durable wheels for all terrains. | |
| Audio Upgrades | Bluetooth with Volume Control | Convenient audio streaming and control. |
| MA100 Speaker/Amp Package by Millennia | High-quality sound system. | |
| Lighting and Electrical | LED Tail Lights | Energy-efficient, long-lasting lights. |
| Premium Light Kit | Enhanced visibility lighting upgrade. | |
| Protection Features | Drive² Front Brush Guard | Front-end protection. |
| Drive² Fender Flare Kit | Style and protection for wheels. | |
| Wind Protection | Polycarbonate Windshield, Clear Hinged | Durable, clear visibility windshield. |
| Three-Sided Enclosure | Protection from wind and weather. | |
| Additional Options | Dual sand bottles, larger cup holders, color choices, outdoor/cellphone speakers | Convenience and personalization enhancement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find the Location of the Serial Number for a Yamaha Golf Cart?
Common locations include underneath the rear bumper, inside the driver-side glove compartment, or under the seat where the floorboard meets the engine compartment.
How Do I Know What Model Yamaha Cart I Have?
The first two or three characters usually represent the model code, which can help identify the model and series of the cart. The following characters (numbers or letters) often indicate the manufacturing location and the production sequence. The last two digits usually represent the manufacturer’s year. Some newer models may have a different Yamaha Golf Car serial number; check with your local golf cart shop.
What Does a Golf Cart Serial Number Tell You?
Every golf cart manufacturer gives their cart a serial number. The serial number usually contains the model codes, the year, and the location of the cart production. You may also find information about the use, like personal or work carts.
Final Thoughts
I’m impressed with some of the new features I’ve seen from Yamaha. The carts have been making their way to our neighborhood more frequently. At first glance, they look good, but so far, I’ve heard nothing that would make me switch from my Club Car. However, I’ll keep an open mind and pay attention when the next series of golf carts comes to the market; it may be time to upgrade to a new Yamaha.
