GEMeL XDvsClub CarCarryall 500 Turf
Complete head-to-head comparison. Which model is right for you?
Overall Winner: Tie
The GEM eL XD is a street-legal utility LSV with 78-mile range and heavy-duty hauling capability — ideal for municipal and commercial operations on public roads. The Carryall 500 Turf is a turf care specialist at a much lower price — perfect for golf courses and grounds maintenance.
Quick Comparison
Key differences at a glance
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Detailed comparison across all important factors
| Category | GEM eL XD | Club Car Carryall 500 Turf | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 9/10 25 mph street-legal speed with 78 miles of range. Powerful enough for heavy commercial loads on roads. | 7/10 15-17 mph optimized for turf care. Lower speed protects sensitive grass surfaces. | GEM eL XD |
| Build Quality | 8/10 Automotive-grade construction meeting FMVSS. Heavy-duty utility platform built for commercial loads. | 9/10 AlumiCore aluminum frame is rust-proof. Purpose-built for years of outdoor turf care in all weather. | Club Car Carryall 500 Turf |
| Utility & Cargo | 9/10 Heavy-duty cargo bed designed for commercial hauling. Excellent payload capacity for an electric utility vehicle. | 8/10 Purpose-built cargo area for turf maintenance tools and supplies. Right-sized for course operations. | GEM eL XD |
| Value for Money | 5/10 At $18,740, it's a significant investment. Justified if street-legal capability and long range are needed. | 9/10 At $11,856 — nearly $7,000 less — the Carryall offers exceptional value for turf care operations. | Club Car Carryall 500 Turf |
| Street Legality | 9/10 Factory-built LSV meeting FMVSS. Can operate on public roads with speed limits up to 35 mph. | 4/10 Not street-legal. Designed for golf courses, campuses, and private property use only. | GEM eL XD |
| Turf Care Suitability | 5/10 Can work on turf but not optimized for it. Heavier weight may damage sensitive grass. | 9/10 Purpose-built for turf care with low ground pressure design and turf-friendly tires. | Club Car Carryall 500 Turf |
| Range & Efficiency | 9/10 Up to 78 miles per charge enables a full day of work without recharging. Outstanding for utility operations. | 6/10 Variable range depending on powertrain. Gas option provides unlimited range with refueling. | GEM eL XD |
Performance
GEM eL XD25 mph street-legal speed with 78 miles of range. Powerful enough for heavy commercial loads on roads.
15-17 mph optimized for turf care. Lower speed protects sensitive grass surfaces.
Build Quality
Club Car Carryall 500 TurfAutomotive-grade construction meeting FMVSS. Heavy-duty utility platform built for commercial loads.
AlumiCore aluminum frame is rust-proof. Purpose-built for years of outdoor turf care in all weather.
Utility & Cargo
GEM eL XDHeavy-duty cargo bed designed for commercial hauling. Excellent payload capacity for an electric utility vehicle.
Purpose-built cargo area for turf maintenance tools and supplies. Right-sized for course operations.
Value for Money
Club Car Carryall 500 TurfAt $18,740, it's a significant investment. Justified if street-legal capability and long range are needed.
At $11,856 — nearly $7,000 less — the Carryall offers exceptional value for turf care operations.
Street Legality
GEM eL XDFactory-built LSV meeting FMVSS. Can operate on public roads with speed limits up to 35 mph.
Not street-legal. Designed for golf courses, campuses, and private property use only.
Turf Care Suitability
Club Car Carryall 500 TurfCan work on turf but not optimized for it. Heavier weight may damage sensitive grass.
Purpose-built for turf care with low ground pressure design and turf-friendly tires.
Range & Efficiency
GEM eL XDUp to 78 miles per charge enables a full day of work without recharging. Outstanding for utility operations.
Variable range depending on powertrain. Gas option provides unlimited range with refueling.
Which Should You Buy?
Recommendations based on your priorities
eL XD
Choose if you...
- 1Street-legal road access is required for operations
- 278-mile range enables a full workday without charging
- 3Heavy-duty commercial hauling is the primary need
- 4FMVSS safety compliance is required
Carryall 500 Turf
Choose if you...
- 1Golf course turf care is the primary use case
- 2Budget matters (save nearly $7,000)
- 3Turf-friendly design with low ground pressure is essential
- 4The vehicle stays on private property (no road access needed)
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eL XD vs Carryall 500 Turf FAQs
Common questions about these two models
Can the GEM eL XD replace a pickup truck?
Why is the Carryall 500 Turf so much cheaper?
Which is better for a university campus?
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