In 2008, Polaris turned the side-by-side world on its head when it released the sporty, trail ready RZR 800. At 50 inches wide, it could fit on width restricted trails that were previously the domain of ATVs and dirt bikes. Most UTVs in 2008 were simply too large to fit on these 50 inch trails. To make this new UTV even more unique in the relatively small side-by-side marketplace at the time, it was designed with recreation as the number one priority. Sure, it still had a bed on the back, but it was small and lacked any sort of dump feature that was common on the more utility oriented side-by-sides.
Add in the peppy engine and sporty suspension and handling and it was obvious that this was a new breed of UTV. This machine was meant for the trails, first and foremost, and people loved it! Many people that were used to trail riding ATVs even made the switch. By creating the RZR, Polaris opened the door to an entire new population that would not have otherwise considered a UTV purchase.
The success of the original RZR 800 led Polaris to create an entire lineup of RZR side-by-sides to satisfy an obvious demand for sport and recreation based UTVs. Other manufacturers followed and offered their own take on the concept and today there is a UTV to fit practically any need or desire. Still, there’s a reason that Polaris continues to lead in overall off road sales. They are still innovating and creating products that people want.
The RZR lineup now ranges from a base model 570 all the way up to a newly released 1000 turbo. There’s a model and price point for practically everyone. Navigating the many models and trims can be a daunting task for those that don’t follow the UTV market. It’s important to know what type of riding you want to do and what your budget will be for this purchase. Below is a buyer’s guide for the entire RZR lineup that will help make this process a bit easier.
RZR 170
If you have kids, there’s no doubt that they want to participate in this awesome sport as much as you do. The RZR lineup also includes the RZR 170 youth UTV. It’s designed for children 10 years old and older and comes standard with two youth helmets and a training DVD. It has a 169cc engine with electronic fuel injection and automatic transmission with forward, neutral, and reverse.
It has a chain drive setup in the rear with a solid axle swingarm suspension and 5 inches of wheel travel, while single A-arms provide 5 inches of front wheel travel. It comes standard with disc brakes and 19 inch front tires and 20 inch rear tires. Ground clearance is only 6 inches, but that should be more than enough for the kids. It also has a speed limiter, safety nets, seat belts, and safety whip included. This mini-RZR comes in either a Lime Squeeze/Cruiser Black combo or a Bright White/Indy Red combo. MSRP is $5,299.
RZR 570
The RZR 570 is based on the same 50 inch width platform as the original RZR 800, with a few changes to accommodate the different engine. It comes with the 567cc Polaris ProStar 570 DOHC single cylinder engine that produces a respectable 45 hp. The engine is mated to a CVT style transmission, which Polaris refers to as an Automatic PVT, with high, low, neutral, reverse, and park.
It has dual A-arm suspension with Sachs shocks all around and it has 9 inches of front wheel travel and 9.5 inches of rear wheel travel. The 25 inch tires on steel wheels and 10.5 inches of ground clearance, as well as the Polaris True On-Demand AWD, should be enough for most trail conditions.
When AWD is selected, this system will automatically engage the front wheels when it detects the rear wheels slipping. Once traction is restored, it will revert back to 2wd, to maintain better handling characteristics. The cockpit has bucket seats and side nets, rather than doors. Information, such as speed, odometer, hour meter, etc. is provided by a simple analog dial with a 2 inch LCD screen.
While this model hasn’t been updated in awhile, it’s still a very capable trail machine and it’s still one of the least expensive UTVs on the market. There’s also a wide variety of accessories and aftermarket products to customize this machine to your preferences. It comes in White and has a MSRP of $10,599.
RZR 570 Premium
The 570 Premium maintains all of the features of the standard 570 base model, but with a few additions. The most obvious is Electronic Power Steering, or EPS. It also gets automotive style painted plastics, 12 inch aluminum wheels, Maxxis tires, and the addition of Polaris’s VersaTrac Turf Mode.
Another notable addition is engine breaking, which the base model doesn’t have. It also has high and low beam headlights, where the base model only has a single setting. Otherwise, it still features the peppy ProStar 570 engine, has the same suspension travel and ground clearance, and maintains the 50 inch width. It’s available in Titanium Metallic and the MSRP comes in at $12,599.
RZR 900
If you want to maintain a 50 inch width, but crave a little more power, the RZR 900 might just fit the bill. It’s the same width as the RZR 570, but features a unique chassis with a wheelbase that was increased by 2 inches to 79 inches, for increased stability. It comes with the 75 hp 875cc Polaris ProStar 900 DOHC twin cylinder engine and PVT transmission.
It has dual A-arm suspension with Sachs shocks, providing 10 inches of wheel travel at all four corners. Ground clearance is 11 inches and the RZR 900 comes with 26 inch tires, mounted on 12 inch steel wheels. The exterior and interior features styling that mimics that of the larger RZR XP 1000, including the standard quarter doors. The only available color option is White and the MSRP for this model is $13,399.
RZR 900 Premium
The 900 Premium has the same ProStar 900 engine, PVT transmission, 10 inches of wheel travel, 11 inches of ground clearance, and the same 79 inch wheelbase. In addition to the features of the base model 900, it also comes with EPS, aluminum wheels, and automotive style painted plastics. It also comes with Polaris’s High Performance True On-Demand AWD, that engages much more quickly when the rear wheels start to slip. Quarter doors are standard, as is the analog dial and 2 inch LCD information center. It comes in Black Pearl or Matte Nara Bronze. MSRP for this unit is $15,199.
RZR 900 FOX Edition
New for 2020, Polaris introduced the RZR 900 FOX Edition. Featuring the same great engine and transmission combo as the RZR 900 and RZR 900 Premium, this model gets a few additions that will likely make it very popular. Most notably, it features FOX 2.0 Podium X piggyback reservoir shocks with 24 different settings. Suspension travel remains 10 inches at all four corners, but riders can dial in the suspension to suit their riding style. The FOX Edition also gets LED headlights with accent lighting, as well as automotive style painted plastics and half doors, rather than quarter doors. 26 inch tires, 12 inch aluminum wheels, and 11 inches of ground clearance are also standard. This model comes in Radar Blue and has an MSRP of $15,399.
RZR S 900
The RZR S 900 is an excellent trail machine, but can also hold its own in open spaces. It is 60 inches wide, giving it more cornering and off camber stability than the standard 50 inch RZR 900. The extra width also allows for longer travel suspension. The S 900 comes with Sachs shocks that provide 12.25 inches of front wheel travel and 13.2 inches of rear wheel travel.
This, along with 27 inch GBC Dirt Commander tires on 12 inch wheels, allows for 12.5 inches of ground clearance. It comes with the Polaris ProStar 900 engine, making 75 hp. Getting power to the ground is Polaris’s PVT transmission and their True On-Demand AWD system. Quarter doors are standard, as is an analog dial and 2 inch LCD information display. It’s available in White and the MSRP checks in at $15,299.
RZR S 900 Premium
The RZR S 900 Premium takes all of the great features of the standard S 900 and adds a few worthwhile improvements. You still get the outstanding 75 hp ProStar 900 engine, PVT transmission, 60 inch width, and GBC Dirt Commander tires. It also maintains the quarter doors, analog dial speedometer, and 12.5 inches of ground clearance.
For the Premium model RZR S 900, Polaris opted for Walker Evans 2.0 needle shocks with 12.25 inches of front wheel travel and 13.2 inches of rear wheel travel. It also comes with the High Performance True On-Demand AWD system, electronic power steering, and automotive style painted plastics. The RZR S 900 Premium comes in either Burgundy Metallic or Turbo Silver. MSRP for this UTV is $16,999.
RZR S 1000
Polaris understands that sometimes people just want a bit more power. The RZR S 900 is a very capable UTV, but some might argue that it could benefit from a larger engine. Polaris responded to this desire and introduced the RZR S 1000. It shares a great deal of features with the RZR S 900, including a 60 inch width, 27 inch GBC Dirt Commander tires, quarter doors, analog dial speedometer, and 12.5 inches of ground clearance. It comes standard with EPS, automotive style painted plastics, High Performance True On-Demand AWD, and Walker Evans 2.0 needle shocks. Suspension travel is the same 12.25 inches front and 13.2 inches rear as the RZR S 900.
The most important difference is the engine. This model comes with the 999cc Polaris ProStar 1000 twin cylinder engine, producing 100 hp and mated to a Polaris PVT transmission. With 33% more power, this RZR would be a great choice for those that spend more time riding wide open spaces where the speeds are higher, though it’s still a fantastic trail machine. This UTV is available in Turbo Silver and has an MSRP of $17,999.
RZR RS1
Easily the most unique vehicle in the RZR lineup, the RZR RS1 takes a different approach to the UTV concept. It’s not a side-by-side, as it only has a single, center mounted seat in the cockpit, but it shares some of the best features of its RZR brethren. It is 64 inches wide and has a race inspired chassis that is optimally balanced for precision handling in any condition. The drivetrain is upgraded to withstand whatever punishment you can dish out and the radiator is a dual fan design that is mounted on the rear of the vehicle to make sure it remains clear of debris.
It features Walker Evans 2.0 needle shocks in the front and 2.5 needle shocks in the rear. Suspension travel is a whopping 21 inches all around. 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn tires are mounted on 14 inch aluminum wheels, allowing for a solid 13 inches of ground clearance. Powering this compact UTV is the 999cc ProStar 1000 High Output twin cylinder engine that produces 110 hp. The Polaris PVT and High Performance True On-Demand AWD get that power to the ground to keep you moving. The RS1 comes in Cruiser Black or Ghost Gray. MSRP for this machine is $14,999. If you don’t need to carry a passenger, it would be hard to find a machine that’s more fun to drive!
RZR XP 1000
Up until turbos and 72 inch models entered the scene, the RZR XP 1000 was the top dog in Polaris’s lineup. It’s still one of the best side-by-sides on the market, just not as powerful as some of the newer additions. The XP 1000 is 64 inches wide and features the 110 hp ProStar 1000 High Output engine mated to a Polaris PVT transmission. It has dual A-arm suspension up front and trailing-arms in the rear. Walker Evans needle shocks provide 20 inches of wheel travel at all four corners.
It has 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn tires and 14 inch aluminum wheels. Ground clearance is a solid 14 inches and it has the Polaris High Performance True ON-Demand AWD. It comes standard with quarter doors and Polaris’s new dual sweep analog dial with 4 inch LCD driver information display, as well as LED accent lights, headlights, and taillights. It’s available in White Lightning or Sky Blue and has an MSRP of $18,599. Reasonably priced and packed with features, there’s a reason that this machine is so popular.
RZR XP 1000 Premium
The RZR XP 1000 Premium keeps almost all of the standard features from the standard XP 1000. It’s 64 inches wide, has 14 inches of ground clearance , and features the same 110 hp ProStar 1000 engine. The 29 inch Maxxis Bighorns and even the Walker Evans needle shocks are carried over. So what makes this a “Premium” model? The first thing you will notice is the lower door panels, giving it half doors, instead of quarter doors.
The biggest upgrade, though, is the Polaris Ride Command package. This adds a 7 inch touchscreen GPS system with Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. It also displays vehicle data, such as speed, RPMs, coolant temp, gear indicator, and much more. It even has a built in AM/FM radio and comes standard with door speakers. If that weren’t cool enough, there’s also a rear facing camera that feeds to the 7 inch display. If you ride trails that end up miles and miles from the trailhead, the GPS functionality in this unit would be a great thing to have. The radio and smartphone compatibility are pretty cool too. The XP 1000 Premium is available in Black Pearl or Orange Rust and has an MSRP of $20,599.
RZR XP 1000 Limited Edition
Polaris knows that sometimes people want to stand out from the crowd. They may like a lower trim model just fine, but they want it to look cool. For 2020, Polaris has the RZR XP 1000 Limited Edition. It has the same features as the XP 1000 Premium, minus the Ride Command package. That means it has Walker Evans needle shocks, the 110 hp ProStar 1000 engine, 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn tires, lower door inserts, and a host of other standard features. The big upgrade here is the unique Onyx Black LE paint and graphics. It looks great without being too flashy, which should broaden its appeal. This model has an MSRP of $19,599.
RZR XP Turbo
While the RZR XP 1000 is a fast and powerful UTV, there were those that wanted a bit more power. Can Am was introducing high horsepower models and Polaris is not one to stand idly by. The RZR XP Turbo brings a ton of features, but it’s the 925cc ProStar Twin Cylinder Turbo that steals the show. It pumps out 168 hp and the Polaris PVT transmission smoothly puts that power to the ground. It also has Polaris’s High Performance True On-Demand AWD system. It maintains a 64 inch width, has 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn tires, and rolls along with a full 14 inches of ground clearance.
The Walker Evans needle shocks provide 20 inches of usable travel at all four corners. It has quarter doors standard as well as a dual sweep analog dial with a 4 inch LCD driver information center. LED headlights and taillights, as well as LED accent lights compliment the aggressive styling. If you like the XP 1000, but want more power, this should be at the top of your list. It’s available in Indy Red or Stealth Black. MSRP for the XP Turbo comes in at $20,999.
RZR XP Turbo S
The RZR XP Turbo S maintains the potent 925cc 168hp ProStar Turbo engine, but improves upon almost everything else. It has a PVT transmission and features the new Isolated Xtreme Performance True On-Demand AWD system. This new drive system is beefier and better able to withstand the abuse it will be subjected to, courtesy of the aforementioned twin cylinder turbo.
The width was increased to 72 inches for added stability and the 29 inch tires of the XP Turbo were swapped for a monster set of 32 inch ITP Coyote tires on 15 inch aluminum rims. It also comes standard with the Dynamix active suspension system which has FOX 2.5 Podium internal bypass shocks with Live Valve. Suspension travel is a massive 25 inches at each corner and ground clearance increased accordingly to a towering 16 inches. Half doors are standard, as is the Ride Command GPS system, featuring a 7 inch touchscreen with multiple data displays.
Additionally, 4 point harnesses replace the standard retractable seat belts. There are a lot of features on the XP Turbo S, but there were other changes to make this UTV even better. To handle the power of the turbo engine and the added weight and traction of the 32 inch tires, Polaris upgraded the entire driveline to make it stronger and more durable. The suspension components were also redesigned for greater strength. This machine excels in open spaces, such as the desert, but will also rock crawl with the best of them. It’s available in Ghost Gray or Matte Navy. MSRP checks in at $28,199.
RZE XP Turbo S Velocity
The XP Turbo S is a great machine with a lengthy list of features, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. For those who want similar performance, but don’t need the Dynamix suspension system or Ride Command, Polaris has the RZR XP Turbo S Velocity just waiting. It features the same 168 hp ProStar engine, Isolated Xtreme Performance True On-Demand AWD, 72 inch width, and 32 inch ITP Coyote tires as the XP Turbo S.
The main difference for the Velocity is the lack of the Dynamix suspension system and Ride Command GPS system. It also replaces the FOX 2.5 Podium shocks with Walker Evans needle shocks. Suspension travel is still a full 25 inches and ground clearance remains the same at 16 inches. It only has quarter doors, rather than half doors, but those are available as an accessory if so desired. The Velocity maintains the upgraded driveline and stronger suspension components as well. This model will appeal to those that want the performance of the Turbo S, but don’t want the more luxury items, like Dynamix and Ride Command. The RZR XP Turbo S Velocity is available in Matte White and has an MSRP of $22,499.
RZR XP 1000 Trails and Rocks Edition
The XP 1000 is already a very capable UTV, but with the right modifications, it can be unstoppable. For those that love to spend their time rock crawling, Polaris has you covered. The Trails and Rocks Edition is purpose built to tackle the rocks. It features the 110 hp ProStar 1000 engine and a Polaris PVT transmission.
The low range gearing for this model was reduced by 55% and the low speed throttle mapping was revised to ensure a smooth power delivery that can take advantage of the traction provided by the Xtreme Performance True On-Demand AWD. The suspension features Walker Evans needle shocks providing 20.5 inches of wheel travel at each corner. It has 30 inch Pro Armor Crawler XG tires on 14 inch beadlock wheels. Ground clearance is a solid 14.5 inches and includes high clearance A-arms and rods, but there’s plenty of protection underneath, should you find yourself running out of clearance.
It also has rock sliders and a unique front bumper for added protection. The driver and passenger are protected by half doors and 6 point harnesses and it even comes with a factory installed 4,500 lb winch. The Trails and Rocks Edition is available in Military Tan and has an MSRP of $23,599. If you’re looking for the most rock-ready RZR from the factory, this is it!
RZR XP 1000 High Lifter Edition
If rocks and desert running isn’t your thing and you’d rather spend your time in the mud and muck, then you need to check out the RZR XP 1000 High Lifter Edition. This is the ultimate mud-ready RZR. It comes standard with the ProStar 1000 engine, producing 110 hp and has a PVT transmission with a 55% lower low range. Throttle mapping was also adjusted for optimal performance. It features Walker Evans shocks, providing 20.5 inches of wheel travel and churns through the mud with 29.5 inch High Lifter Outlaw 2 mud tires.
The Xtreme Performance True On-Demand AWD and 15 inches of ground clearance should be enough to make through some pretty deep and rutted mud holes, but it also has a 4,500 lb winch, just in case. The High Lifter has a unique front bumper, high clearance A-arms and rods, and half doors standard. The engine and transmission air intakes are mounted high above the bed in the rear of the machine to make sure you always have clean air flowing to those vital components. The High Lifter is available in Stealth Gray and the MSRP checks in at $22,299.
RZR Pro XP
For 2020, Polaris introduced an entirely new machine that is supposed to be one step above the XP Turbo and XP Turbo S. Enter the RZR Pro XP. It is new from the ground up, including the chassis. Polaris claims this to be their strongest chassis ever for a RZR, to ensure that it can handle all of the punishment you can throw at it.
The driveline and axles have been beefed up and the suspension components, such as A-arms and trailing arms are also stronger. Polaris also gave the Pro XP arched A-arms for extra side-to-side clearance underneath the machine. Those A-arms are attached to 2 inch Walker Evans needle shocks with 16 adjustments and 20 inches of usable travel up front, while the rear gets 2.5 inch Walker Evans needle shocks with 22 inches of usable travel. It comes standard with 30 inch Maxxis Carnivore tires, mounted on 14 inch aluminum hubless wheels. Ground clearance tops out at 14.5 inches.
Many expected this new RZR to be 72 inches wide, but it’s actually 64 inches wide. Polaris did add an additional 6 inches to the wheel base for added stability, especially out in open areas and in whoops. Polaris upped the power numbers in their 925cc ProStar twin cylinder turbo to 181 hp and most of that is now available at lower RPMS. Polaris says that peak power is between 20 and 50 mph, where people spend most of their time riding. Better cooling for the clutches in the Polaris PVT transmission will help reduce belt wear and the Isolated Xtreme Performance front differential will make sure it has plenty of traction.
The entire look of this UTV is different from previous Polaris models. It has aggressive new bodywork, accentuated by LED lights, and also comes with half doors, though it does have a cutout towards the rear of the door. Polaris offers an insert as an accessory to close that up, though it doesn’t seal the door by any means.
The interior has been an obvious focus for Polaris. The seats have a new unique design with multiple adjustments for added comfort. The new flat bottom steering wheel looks great and there’s ample storage throughout the cockpit. It’s safe to say that Polaris put a lot of time and effort into this machine and it looks like it will be another major success. The standard Pro XP is available in Cruiser Black or Black Lime and has an MSRP of $22,999.
RZR Pro XP Premium
The Pro XP Premium includes all of those awesome aforementioned features of the standard Pro XP, but gets a few upgrades for those that want just a bit more in their UTV. Premium painted plastics is the most obvious upgrade, but you also get LED accent lighting in the interior that takes the sleek design of the cockpit to another level entirely. It has 6 point retractable harnesses and a telescoping steering wheel with button controls for any sound systems you might want to add.
Otherwise, you still get the 181 hp ProStar twin cylinder turbo, Walker Evans needle shocks with 20 inches of front wheel travel and 22 inches of rear wheel travel. It has the same 30 inch Maxxis Carnivores, 14 inch hubless wheels, and 14.5 inches of ground clearance. The dual sweep analog dial and 4 inch LCD display is standard as well. All Pro XP models come with the new Polaris Pulse system that has direct wiring connections for Polaris accessories. This makes adding things like a winch or light bar super easy. This model is available in White Lightning or Indy Red. The MSRP for this UTV checks in at $24,499.
RZR Pro XP Ultimate
If you prefer to have your UTV maxed out with tech and premium features, Polaris has you covered. The RZR Pro XP Ultimate has a long list of features that arguably make this the best RZR yet. You get the powerful 181 hp ProStar Turbo engine and the all new 64 inch wide chassis and 96 inch wheel base. It comes with 30 inch Maxxis Carnivore tires on 14 inch hubless aluminum wheels. Ground clearance remains 14.5 inches and with the Isolated Xtreme Performance True On-Demand AWD system, there’s not much that should slow you down. You also get the dual sweep analog gauges with the 4 inch LCD information display, as well as the LED headlights, taillights, and interior accent lights.
While there are numerous features on this model that are shared with the Pro XP and Pro XP Premium, the Pro XP Ultimate has some serious upgrades. It comes with the Dynamix 2.0 Active Suspension system that can be adjusted on the fly. What makes this system even better on this unit, is the fact that the suspension settings can be adjusted with the buttons on the steering wheel. The Dynamix 2.0 suspension uses FOX 2.5 Live Valve shocks, which provide 20 inches of front wheel travel and 22 inches in the rear.
The Pro XP Ultimate also comes standard with the Ride Command GPS system, featuring a 7 inch touchscreen with multiple data readouts. Audio for this unit is provided by a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system that has multiple options for further upgrades. While this UTV packs a punch in the suspension, chassis, and drivetrain departments, it also has the premium and tech features to rival any vehicle on the market. This model is available in Indy Red or White Lightning and MSRP clocks in at $28,499.
The RZR’s Edge in the Marketplace
Polaris knew they were on to something way back in 2008 with the original RZR 800 and they have continued to push the market in new directions. They’ve launched innovative products on a consistent basis that have kept them at the top of the off road world. Things like Ride Command, Dynamix, and the Polaris Pulse accessory integration are consumer driven features that keep the Minnesota based company a step ahead of their competitors. Other manufacturers are beginning to offer more and more models that are aimed at toppling the industry leader and Polaris will have to continue to come up with creative products if it wants to remain on top.
The RZR lineup may be just one part of Polaris’s success, but it’s obviously an important one. They continue to improve their offerings and they make sure to have something in the lineup for everyone. They have the RZR 570 for those that want a smaller or less expensive side-by-side. They have the RZR 900 and RZR 900 S for those who want more power and features, but a reasonable price tag and still maintain a 60 inch or less width. You can get the XP 1000 or the XP Turbo in a variety of trims and special editions or you can now go all the way up to the Pro XP, for those that want a no limits UTV.
Polaris also offers a plethora of accessory options for each model and aftermarket support is phenomenal for the entire RZR lineup. There are so many options available in this lineup, that it can be difficult to decide which model to choose. Each prospective buyer will have to think about the terrain they ride in, riding style, and budget to help them decide. They are all great UTVs and it would be hard to go wrong with any of them. That’s one of the main reasons the Polaris RZR still has an edge in the marketplace.
