Brand Comparison

GEMvsE-Z-GO

Complete comparison of two popular golf cart brands. Which is right for you?

Overall Winner: E-Z-GO

A genuine tie based on use case. GEM wins for dedicated street-legal LSV applications with superior enclosed cab options and automotive safety. E-Z-GO wins for golf courses, traditional carts, and massive fleet deployments. Choose GEM for road-focused LSV use, or E-Z-GO for golf/versatility and the largest dealer network.

Quick Comparison

Key differences at a glance

GEM

E-Z-GOWINNER

Price Range

$12,000 - $20,000+

$8,000 - $18,000+

Frame Material

Steel (automotive-grade)

Steel (TXT) / Aluminum (RXV)

Warranty

2 years

2-4 years

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Detailed comparison across all important factors

Category	GEM	E-Z-GO	Winner
Street-Legal/LSV Design	10/10 Purpose-built LSVs with automotive-grade safety engineering throughout.	7/10 Street-legal options available but designed as golf carts first.	GEM
Enclosed Cab Options	10/10 Multiple fully enclosed models with doors, windows, and climate control.	5/10 Enclosure accessories available but not factory-integrated designs.	GEM
Golf Course Suitability	3/10 Not designed for golf course use. LSV/utility focus only.	10/10 One of the top golf course brands globally. Purpose-built for the game.	E-Z-GO
Fleet & Commercial	7/10 Good for campus/facility fleets needing street-legal operation.	10/10 Industry leader in fleet sales. Massive commercial presence.	E-Z-GO
Brand Heritage	7/10 Founded 1992. Strong LSV heritage, Polaris-owned since 2011.	9/10 70 years since 1954. Textron-owned. One of the original golf cart brands.	E-Z-GO
Corporate Backing	9/10 Owned by Polaris - powersports giant with strong manufacturing.	9/10 Owned by Textron - aerospace and industrial conglomerate.	Tie
Dealer Network	7/10 Good network through Polaris dealers nationwide.	10/10 One of the largest dealer networks in the industry.	E-Z-GO
Price Range	7/10 Starting around $12,000 for LSV models.	9/10 Wider range starting at $8,000 for basic models.	E-Z-GO

Street-Legal/LSV Design

GEM

GEM10/10

Purpose-built LSVs with automotive-grade safety engineering throughout.

E-Z-GO7/10

Street-legal options available but designed as golf carts first.

Enclosed Cab Options

GEM

GEM10/10

Multiple fully enclosed models with doors, windows, and climate control.

E-Z-GO5/10

Enclosure accessories available but not factory-integrated designs.

Golf Course Suitability

E-Z-GO

GEM3/10

Not designed for golf course use. LSV/utility focus only.

E-Z-GO10/10

One of the top golf course brands globally. Purpose-built for the game.

Fleet & Commercial

E-Z-GO

GEM7/10

Good for campus/facility fleets needing street-legal operation.

E-Z-GO10/10

Industry leader in fleet sales. Massive commercial presence.

Brand Heritage

E-Z-GO

GEM7/10

Founded 1992. Strong LSV heritage, Polaris-owned since 2011.

E-Z-GO9/10

70 years since 1954. Textron-owned. One of the original golf cart brands.

Corporate Backing

Tie

GEM9/10

Owned by Polaris - powersports giant with strong manufacturing.

E-Z-GO9/10

Owned by Textron - aerospace and industrial conglomerate.

Dealer Network

E-Z-GO

GEM7/10

Good network through Polaris dealers nationwide.

E-Z-GO10/10

One of the largest dealer networks in the industry.

Price Range

E-Z-GO

GEM7/10

Starting around $12,000 for LSV models.

E-Z-GO9/10

Wider range starting at $8,000 for basic models.

Popular Model Comparisons

Head-to-head matchups of similar models

GEM e4

$14,000+

E-Z-GO Express S4

$12,000+

Seating4 passengers

Key FeaturesAutomotive safety, enclosed available

Key FeaturesStreet-legal capable, versatile

GEM e4 is purpose-built LSV with enclosed options. E-Z-GO Express S4 is more affordable and versatile for mixed golf/road use.

GEM e2

$12,000+

E-Z-GO TXT

$8,000+

Seating2 passengers

Key FeaturesEnclosed cab available

Key FeaturesProven fleet workhorse

Very different products. GEM e2 is enclosed LSV for roads. TXT is classic golf cart for courses and neighborhoods.

GEM eL XD

$16,000+

E-Z-GO Hauler

$10,000+

Seating2 passengers

Key FeaturesFlatbed, street-legal

Key FeaturesCargo bed, commercial-grade

Both utility-focused. GEM eL XD is street-legal for road use. E-Z-GO Hauler excels in campus/facility work without road requirements.

Which Should You Buy?

Recommendations based on your priorities

GEM

Best for: Quality & reliability

Choose if you...

1Street-legal LSV operation is primary use
2You want enclosed cab with climate control
3Automotive-grade safety features matter
4You primarily drive on public roads
5Weather protection is important

View GEM models

E-Z-GO

Best for: Budget & lithium technology

RECOMMENDED

Choose if you...

1Golf course use is part of your needs
2You want lower entry pricing options
3Fleet/commercial deployment is the goal
4Maximum dealer network coverage matters
5Traditional golf cart style is preferred

View E-Z-GO models

Other Brand Comparisons

Explore more head-to-head matchups

Advanced EV vs ICON EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

Star EV vs Denago

Head-to-head brand comparison

Evolution vs Denago

Head-to-head brand comparison

Yamaha vs Denago

Head-to-head brand comparison

E-Z-GO vs Denago

Head-to-head brand comparison

Club Car vs Star EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

Club Car vs E-Z-GO

Aluminum vs steel frame comparison

Yamaha vs Club Car

Warranty vs resale value comparison

Yamaha vs E-Z-GO

Warranty vs budget comparison

ICON EV vs Evolution

Head-to-head brand comparison

Club Car vs ICON EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

E-Z-GO vs Evolution

Head-to-head brand comparison

Star EV vs Evolution

Head-to-head brand comparison

Star EV vs ICON EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

Yamaha vs Star EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

E-Z-GO vs Star EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

Club Car vs Denago

Head-to-head brand comparison

Club Car vs Evolution

Head-to-head brand comparison

E-Z-GO vs ICON EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

Yamaha vs Evolution

Head-to-head brand comparison

Yamaha vs ICON EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

Denago vs ICON EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

Advanced EV vs Evolution Electric Vehicles

Head-to-head brand comparison

Advanced EV vs Club Car

Head-to-head brand comparison

GEM vs Club Car

Head-to-head brand comparison

Tomberlin vs ICON EV

Head-to-head brand comparison

Cushman vs E-Z-GO

Head-to-head brand comparison

Best Golf Cart Brands

See all 10 top-ranked brands

GEM vs E-Z-GO FAQs

Common questions about these two brands

Which is better for street-legal driving?

GEM is purpose-built for street-legal LSV use with automotive safety engineering, 3-point seat belts, and enclosed cab options. E-Z-GO can be made street-legal but is primarily designed as a golf cart. For dedicated road use, GEM has the advantage.

Can I use GEM on a golf course?

GEM vehicles are not designed for golf course use - they're heavier, wider, and built for road operation. For golf courses, E-Z-GO is the clear choice as one of the industry's top golf course brands.

Which has better corporate backing?

Both have excellent backing. GEM is owned by Polaris (powersports leader), while E-Z-GO is owned by Textron (aerospace/industrial conglomerate). Both ensure strong parts availability and manufacturing quality.

Which is better for a university campus?

Depends on use. E-Z-GO dominates campus fleets for general transport. GEM is better if vehicles need to operate on public roads legally. Many campuses use both for different purposes.

Which holds value better?

E-Z-GO has a larger used market and broader appeal, generally holding value well. GEM holds value in the LSV niche but has a smaller resale market.

Ready to Find Your Golf Cart?

Get free quotes from local GEM and E-Z-GO dealers near you.

Compare Other Brands

Stay in the loop

Stay Updated with Golf Cart News

Get the latest updates on golf cart services, tips, and exclusive offers delivered to your inbox.