This summer Polaris announced the introduction of a three-cylinder, 1,500 cc, Extreme Duty Ranger side-by-side that delivers what the brand claims is an industry-leading 110 horsepower, giving it 30 per cent more power, and at 105 foot-pounds, 50 per cent more torque than its nearest comparable competitor.
“We spent over five years meeting with farmers, ranchers, large acreage property owners and big game hunters to develop an extreme duty vehicle that was missing from the market,” said Steve Menneto, president of Polaris Off Road.
“From its ProStar 1,500 cc engine to the industry’s only Steeldrive transmission, Ranger XD 1500 is unlike anything else offered today and is yet another example of our relentless commitment to advancing the industry with fresh thinking and innovative solutions that meet the real-world needs of our utility customers.”
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The new Ranger offers a 1,500-pound (680 kilograms), front-rear combined cargo box capacity and a 3,500-pound (1,587 kilograms) tow rating. And it still offers 15 inches of ground clearance to make its way over some significant terrain obstacles.
Behind that liquid-cooled 1,500 cc ProStar engine is the brand’s Steeldrive transmission, where you won’t find any aluminum parts. It’s all steel for enhanced durability, and there’s no rubber drive belt. That helps give it a smooth, predictable performance at low throttle settings, something especially problematic with belt-driven versions when trying to back up to a trailer. The Steeldrive also offers hill assist to keep the vehicle from rolling backward when starting off on a steep grade or to limit speed on steep downgrades.
The transmission offers four driving settings from heavy-duty tow and haul mode to deliver maximum power to comfort mode, which keeps engine noise low and allows for a smoother ride by limiting throttle response and engine braking.
The vehicle is built on an all-steel chassis for torsional stiffness.
The cab
The new Ranger gets a spacious cab with some serious driver comfort features, including telescopic steering wheel and adjustable seating position. That allows for a much more comfortable seating arrangement than many UTVs, which don’t offer either. It also offers increased leg and shoulder room. The Pro Shield cab on the North Star edition includes an improved seal to keep dust and moisture out, and it keeps the occupants comfortable with an HVAC system for heating and cooling.
The Ride Command option includes a seven-inch touchscreen that includes a backup camera, GPS guidance, even if there is no cell service, and a sound system with Bluetooth capability. That can be upgraded to a high-end JBL sound system. Ride Command+ allows owners to keep tabs on their vehicle directly from the Polaris App and access a variety of vehicle information like location, maintenance reminders and diagnostics.
Of course, all of these features come at a price. The 2024 Ranger XD 1500 Premium model starts at C$36,199. Upgrade to the NorthStar Premium version and you’re looking at a price tag of C$48,799. Go all out and get the top-of-the-line NorthStar Ultimate and its sticker price is C$54,499.
The Ranger XD 1500 models were expected to start shipping to dealers late this summer.
Polaris Sportsman ATV returns
Polaris’ Sportsman, its popular best-selling automatic 4×4 ATV line, is reintroducing the Sportsman 570 and XP 1000 Hunt Editions, along with introducing some key improvements across the core 2024 lineup.
The 2024 Sportsman 450 and 570 lineup gets several quality refinements, including a new rear brake pedal, which reduces the effort needed to apply it and improves the feel. There is improved sealing around the shifter and enhanced seat fitment for a more comfortable ride. Models at the 570 EPS trim level and above will also include enhanced PVT clutch sealing with a higher intake location for better performance in wet conditions.
The model year 2024 Sportsman 570 lineup will be equipped with new LED lights for the Premium and Utility HD, making night riding a little safer and more enjoyable.
There are new colour choices available for several of the models.
The Sportsman 570 and XP 1000 Hunt editions include accessories such as the 3,500- pound Polaris winch, Kolpin Gun Scabbard and Mount, Kolpin Ratchet Claws and a few other features to carry cargo and upgrade the machines.
The 2024 Sportsman lineup starts at US$6,999 MSRP and will begin shipping to dealers in the fall.
