Into the Woods with the All

May 09, 2023

Over a decade of dominating the world of powersports and Polaris still leads the pack.

Let's face it: For all of the fun a race track offers—rolling tarmac, sweeping corners, hairpin turns—even the lengthiest circuits can feel like Groundhog Day once you’ve got all your turn-in and braking points memorized. There's unpredictable terrain to explore once you venture beyond the pavement—acres of secluded trails, sand dunes, rocky hills, and mud holes. For performance driving on the toughest topography, consider the all-new Polaris RZR XP side-by-side a rugged racer.

Polaris has a long and impressive history when it comes to powersports. The Minnesota-based brand invented the modern snowmobile in 1954 and was quick to gain global notoriety for its innovations in the off-road vehicle market. In 1999 it launched the Ranger, a utility task vehicle (UTV)—a larger, work-oriented side-by-side that is still one of the most popular Polaris vehicles. Not ten years later, in 2008 Polaris introduced the Ranger RZR, the first trail-capable and fastest accelerating side-by-side at the time. It was outfitted with a 800cc twin-cylinder EFI engine that delivered 52 horsepower. In the years to come, Polaris would launch its RZR XP 1000 flagship model, primarily built for powering over desert landscape and sand dunes, and then its specialty models to take on the mud and rocks. Polaris has clinched a record number of victories at some of the most prestigious off-road racing series in the world, such as SCORE, WORCS, and King of the Hammers. More than a decade into its evolution, Polaris's RZR XP is underpinned by innovative, new updates in comfort, performance, and rugged design.

To the casual observer, the all-new Polaris RZR XP may look similar to its predecessors like the RZR XP 1000 and RZR XP 4 1000 models, but a closer inspection reveals that it has been completely rebuilt from the ground up. Designers and engineers at Polaris overhauled the entire RZR XP platform for 2024. The RZR XP comes powered by an all-new 114-horsepower, ProStar 1000 Gen 2 twin-cylinder engine that's been specially tuned to deliver smooth and responsive power out on a multitude of terrains. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) has a lower final-drive ratio to boost torque delivery and acceleration, as well as an all-new geared reverse that helps when backing out of technical situations or assisting in the recovery of another vehicle. Underpinned by an on-demand all-wheel-drive powertrain, the RZR XP transitions between two-wheel and all-wheel-drive with the flip of a switch—seamlessly distributing power and traction in the event of tire slippage while navigating technical features or obstacles.

The new RZR XP not only incorporates serious upgrades in terms of power and gearing: Polaris designers took aim at refining its new exterior and chassis to be more rugged and purposeful, too. Informed by over a decade of research and development from hundreds of hours of riding and racing, the RZR XP is built with a 25% stronger chassis. Its driveline has been reinforced with stronger half shafts, prop shaft, and bearings to withstand wear and tear on the most grueling trails, alongside a tubular front bumper and full coverage skid plate for added protection. These coverings provide optimal shielding of drivetrain and engine components against the elements while the full doors, durable poly roof, and self-draining floors provide comfort for you and your passengers.

Extending durability and prolonging time between services were key areas of focus here. With improved clutch cooling and redesigned CVT to enhance airflow, the RZR XP offers both increased belt performance and a greater lifespan, which means less time in the shop and more time outdoors. Polaris also gave top priority to access points to the front of the engine and airbox, and fashioned a removable one-piece bin at the rear for easy maintenance-work access or emergency fixes while you’re out on the trail.

In the front, the RZR XP's shorter overhang and trimmed fenders frame available LED headlights with a menacing gaze. Its brawny, upright physique has been carefully considered to enhance the driver's field of view—improving sight lines and maximizing visibility when choosing routes and navigating tight corners. Between the 29" Trailmaster X/T Tires or available 30" Trailmaster X/T 2.0 tires, clearing most obstacles comes easy for the RZR XP, instilling confidence for novice off-roaders and offering maximum maneuverability for seasoned pros.

Whether it be hours out on the trail or weekend long trips, the new RZR XP has been engineered with an emphasis on comfort, ride quality, and enhanced storage to keep you well-equipped over the long haul. The RZR XP lineup comes available in two and four-seat models in three trim levels: Sport, Premium, and Ultimate. All trim levels come standard with the same ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine, on-demand all-wheel-drive, and Walker Evans® Racing Needle Shocks that feature 16-position compression damping and triple rate rear springs that actively work to provide a cushioning effect as you traverse rough terrain.

The mid-tier Premium trim adds a Rockford Fosgate® Stage I Audio with PMX Head Unit, poly roof, and subzero 4-pt harnesses. The Ultimate trim brings a Rockford Fosgate® Stage III Audio system, rear camera, 900W charging system, and signature RIDE COMMAND technology. This Polaris-exclusive mapping interface comes pre-loaded with over one million trails and has a group ride feature that allows you to track other vehicles you’re traveling with regardless of cell service—keeping you connected in even the most remote locations. Its glove-friendly 7-inch touchscreen display offers easy access to critical tech features even after coming in contact with water and mud.

Inside, the RZR XP has a new cabin design that is not only more spacious but feels more elevated than ever before. It has a tilt steering wheel and adjustable front seats with 2-inches of additional room over previous generations of the side-by-side. The passenger seat adjustable grab bar doubles as an integrated lug wrench that comes in handy when swapping tires en route. In four-seater models, the raised rear seats offer an elevated and unobstructed view of the trail head. Meanwhile, secure storage keeps smaller stuff like phones, gloves, and wallets within arms reach. But the possibilities for storage don't stop there. With over 90 new accessory options, Polaris is an industry leader when it comes to accessory integration and customization. Storage can be mixed, matched, and stacked to create the perfect combination of boxes, bags, and/or coolers in the vehicle bed or riding along on the exterior. The brand's curated Rider Collections—Trail, Mud, Backcountry, and All-Season—each offer a suite of extra accessories, including 4500-lb winches, a pivoting spare tire carrier, full coverage fender flares, and more to keep you fully prepared to go the distance.

The Polaris RZR XP's appetite for adventure is insatiable. Starting at $20,999, this fully customizable side-by-side offers both new and skilled off-road riders the confidence, fun, and comfort to keep you riding, no matter what type of terrain you’re facing. With millions of miles of pristine riding conditions across the country, there's always something new to explore.

Mazda's CX-90 Fosters a Connection to Driving

Mazda's CX-90 Fosters a Connection to Driving

Revolution A-One Is a $193,000 Endorphin Dispenser

Honda's CB650R Brings Back Middleweight Roots

The Handling Is the Star of the 2022 Honda Civic

2022 Honda Civic Si Remains a Driver's Car

The Suzuki Hayabusa Enters Its Third Generation

Tested: 2022 Audi RS e-tron GT Joins the EV Chase

Tested: Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe and the Three Vs

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Legends Never Die

Tested: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Moves Upscale

2021 Ducati Monster Is Alive