GEMvsICON EV
Complete comparison of two popular golf cart brands. Which is right for you?
Overall Winner: ICON EV
GEM and Icon serve different needs. GEM is the clear choice for buyers prioritizing safety, commercial applications, or fleet use - their automotive-grade protection and commercial durability justify the premium. Icon wins for personal and recreational use where value, features, and style matter more than maximum safety certification.
Quick Comparison
Key differences at a glance
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Detailed comparison across all important factors
| Category | GEM | ICON EV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Quality & Frame | 9/10 GEM vehicles feature automotive-grade construction with their exclusive Occupant Protection System (OPS) and roof crush certification. Built to exceed minimum LSV safety standards significantly. | 7/10 Icon uses quality aluminum frame construction with good fit and finish for the price point. Solid build quality but not to the same automotive safety standards as GEM. | GEM |
| Safety Features | 10/10 GEM leads with OPS (Occupant Protection System), roof crush certification, automotive safety glass, and three-point belts standard. The only LSV brand with comprehensive crash-tested protection. | 7/10 Icon meets standard LSV requirements with seat belts, lights, and mirrors. Good basic safety but doesn't approach GEM's automotive-level protection systems. | GEM |
| Motor & Performance | 8/10 GEM uses efficient electric motors optimized for the 25 mph LSV limit with good acceleration and range. Performance is adequate for intended use cases. | 8/10 Icon's motors deliver good performance with responsive acceleration. Some models offer more spirited performance than GEM's safety-focused approach. | Tie |
| Battery & Range | 9/10 GEM offers impressive range up to 113 miles (e2 model) with advanced battery options and compatibility with public EV charging stations. Excellent for all-day commercial use. | 8/10 Icon provides good range for the segment with lithium options available. Adequate for neighborhood and personal use but doesn't match GEM's maximum range figures. | GEM |
| Comfort & Features | 7/10 GEM interiors are functional and commercial-focused with safety-first design. Comfortable but utilitarian compared to personal-use focused competitors. | 9/10 Icon excels at comfort features with premium seating, abundant storage, lifted suspensions, and extensive customization options. Designed for enjoyable personal transportation. | ICON EV |
| Value & Pricing | 6/10 GEM pricing reflects the engineering and safety certifications but positions them at the premium end of the market. You pay for the safety but it's a significant premium. | 9/10 Icon's aggressive pricing and feature content make them the value leader. Significantly less expensive than GEM while offering more personal-use features. | ICON EV |
| Dealer Network & Support | 8/10 GEM benefits from Polaris ownership with established dealer network and parts availability. Strong commercial and fleet support infrastructure. | 8/10 Icon has built an extensive dealer network with good coverage. Parts availability and service support have improved significantly as the brand has grown. | Tie |
| Commercial/Fleet Suitability | 10/10 GEM is designed for commercial applications with work truck variants, high payload capacity, fleet management options, and durability for all-day commercial use. | 6/10 Icon is primarily designed for personal/neighborhood use. Some utility models exist but the brand doesn't focus on commercial fleet applications. | GEM |
Build Quality & Frame
GEMGEM vehicles feature automotive-grade construction with their exclusive Occupant Protection System (OPS) and roof crush certification. Built to exceed minimum LSV safety standards significantly.
Icon uses quality aluminum frame construction with good fit and finish for the price point. Solid build quality but not to the same automotive safety standards as GEM.
Safety Features
GEMGEM leads with OPS (Occupant Protection System), roof crush certification, automotive safety glass, and three-point belts standard. The only LSV brand with comprehensive crash-tested protection.
Icon meets standard LSV requirements with seat belts, lights, and mirrors. Good basic safety but doesn't approach GEM's automotive-level protection systems.
Motor & Performance
TieGEM uses efficient electric motors optimized for the 25 mph LSV limit with good acceleration and range. Performance is adequate for intended use cases.
Icon's motors deliver good performance with responsive acceleration. Some models offer more spirited performance than GEM's safety-focused approach.
Battery & Range
GEMGEM offers impressive range up to 113 miles (e2 model) with advanced battery options and compatibility with public EV charging stations. Excellent for all-day commercial use.
Icon provides good range for the segment with lithium options available. Adequate for neighborhood and personal use but doesn't match GEM's maximum range figures.
Comfort & Features
ICON EVGEM interiors are functional and commercial-focused with safety-first design. Comfortable but utilitarian compared to personal-use focused competitors.
Icon excels at comfort features with premium seating, abundant storage, lifted suspensions, and extensive customization options. Designed for enjoyable personal transportation.
Value & Pricing
ICON EVGEM pricing reflects the engineering and safety certifications but positions them at the premium end of the market. You pay for the safety but it's a significant premium.
Icon's aggressive pricing and feature content make them the value leader. Significantly less expensive than GEM while offering more personal-use features.
Dealer Network & Support
TieGEM benefits from Polaris ownership with established dealer network and parts availability. Strong commercial and fleet support infrastructure.
Icon has built an extensive dealer network with good coverage. Parts availability and service support have improved significantly as the brand has grown.
Commercial/Fleet Suitability
GEMGEM is designed for commercial applications with work truck variants, high payload capacity, fleet management options, and durability for all-day commercial use.
Icon is primarily designed for personal/neighborhood use. Some utility models exist but the brand doesn't focus on commercial fleet applications.
Popular Model Comparisons
Head-to-head matchups of similar models
The GEM e4 offers superior safety certification and 106-mile range for those prioritizing protection and capability, while the Icon i40 delivers more features and comfort at a significantly lower price point for personal use.
Both seat 6 passengers, but the GEM e6 is built for commercial shuttle duty with full safety certification, while the Icon i60 is designed for family outings with more personal comfort features at lower cost.
Which Should You Buy?
Recommendations based on your priorities
GEM
Best for: Quality & reliability
Choose if you...
- 1Maximum safety protection is your top priority for family or employee transport
- 2You need a vehicle for commercial or fleet applications
- 3Long range (100+ miles) is required for your use case
- 4Your organization requires automotive-grade safety certifications
- 5Work truck capability with serious payload/towing is needed
ICON EV
Best for: Best lithium warranty & variety
Choose if you...
- 1You want the best features and value for personal neighborhood use
- 2Budget is a primary consideration in your purchase decision
- 3Comfort features and customization options are important
- 4Your primary use is recreational or light personal transportation
- 5You prefer a lifted, stylish vehicle over utilitarian design
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GEM vs ICON EV FAQs
Common questions about these two brands
What makes GEM's safety different from Icon?
Why is GEM so much more expensive than Icon?
Can I use an Icon for commercial applications?
Which brand is better for resorts and campuses?
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