Let’s face it: For all the fun a racetrack has to offer—rolling tarmac, sweeping turns, hairpin turns—even the longest circuit can feel like Groundhog Day once you’ve memorized all your turning and braking points. There’s unpredictable terrain to explore once you hit the pavement—acres of secluded trails, sand dunes, rocky hills, and mud holes. For driving performance on the toughest topography, consider the all-new Polaris RZR XP side-by-side as a rugged racer.
A Living Legend
Polaris has a long and impressive history when it comes to power sports. The Minnesota-based brand created the modern snowmobile in 1954 and quickly gained global fame for its innovations in the off-road vehicle market. In 1999 it launched the Ranger, a utility task vehicle (UTV)—the larger, work-oriented side that remains one of Polaris’ most popular vehicles. Less than ten years later, in 2008 Polaris introduced the Ranger RZR, the first trail-capable and fastest side-by-side at the time. It is equipped with an 800cc twin-cylinder EFI engine that produces 52 horsepower. In the coming years, Polaris will launch its flagship RZR XP 1000 model, built primarily to power over desert landscapes and sand dunes, and then a model specifically for taking on mud and rocks. Polaris has racked up a record number of victories in some of the world’s most prestigious off-road racing series, such as SCORE, WORCS and King of the Hammers. More than a decade into its evolution, Polaris’ RZR XP is supported 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 such as 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. The designers and engineers at Polaris revamped the entire RZR XP platform for 2024. The RZR XP is powered by an all-new 114-horsepower, twin-cylinder ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine that has been specially tuned to deliver smooth, responsive power to the masses. from the terrain. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) has a lower final drive ratio to improve torque delivery and acceleration, as well as an all-new reverse gear that helps when backing out of a technical situation or assisting in the recovery of another vehicle. Backed by an on-demand all-wheel-drive power generator, the RZR XP switches between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with the flip of a switch—smoothly distributing power and traction should the tires slip while navigating technical features or obstacles.
Tough Filtering
The new RZR XP doesn’t just incorporate serious upgrades in terms of power and gearing: Polaris designers aim to refine 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 shafts and bearings to withstand the wear and tear of the most grueling trails, alongside a tubular front bumper and full coverage skid plates for added protection. The cover provides optimal protection for the drivetrain and engine components against the elements while the full doors, durable poly roof and self-draining floor provide comfort for you and your passengers.
Extending durability and extending the time between services are key areas of focus here. With improved clutch cooling and a redesigned CVT for improved airflow, the RZR XP offers both increased belt performance and longer life, which means less time in the shop and more time outdoors. Polaris also prioritized access points to the front of the engine and airbox, and designed a removable one-piece trash can in the rear for easy maintenance access or emergency repairs while you’re on the trail.
At the front, the RZR XP’s shorter, overhanging and trimmed fender frame features LED headlights with a menacing look. Its strong, upright body has been carefully considered to increase the driver’s field of view—improving sight lines and maximizing visibility when picking paths and navigating tight turns. Between the available Trailmaster X/T 29” or Trailmaster X/T 2.0 30” tires, tackling most obstacles is easy for the RZR XP, instilling confidence in new off-roaders and offering maximum maneuverability for seasoned pros.
Long (Dirt) Road Ahead
Whether it’s hours on the trail or a long weekend ride, the new RZR XP has been designed with an emphasis on comfort, ride quality and improved storage to keep you well-equipped for the long haul. The RZR XP line is 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 featuring 16-position compression damping and triple rear springs that work actively to provide a cushioning effect as you traverse the look rough earth
The mid-level Premium trim adds Rockford Fosgate® Stage I Audio with PMX Head Unit, poly roof and subzero 4-pt harness. 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 with over a million trails and has a group trip feature that lets you track other vehicles you’re in regardless of cell service—ensuring you stay connected in the most remote locations. The glove-friendly 7-inch touchscreen display offers easy access to critical technology features even after contact with water and mud.
Inside, the RZR XP has a new cabin design that is not only more spacious but also feels taller than before. It has a tilt steering wheel and adjustable front seats with an extra 2 inches of room compared to the previous generation next to it. The passenger seat’s adjustable grab bar doubles as an integrated lug wrench that comes in handy when changing tires on the go. In the four-seat model, the raised rear seat offers a high, unobstructed view of the trailhead. Meanwhile, secure storage keeps smaller items like phones, gloves and wallets within arm’s reach. But the possibilities for storage don’t stop there. With over 90 new accessory options, Polaris is the 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 bed of a vehicle or riding outside. The brand’s select Rider Collections—Trail, Mud, Backcountry and All-Season—each offer additional accessory sets, including a 4500-lb winch, rotating spare tire carrier, full-coverage fender flares and more to ensure you’re fully prepared to go the distance.
The Polaris RZR XP’s appetite for adventure is never satisfied. Starting at $20,999, this fully customizable side-by-side offers both new and seasoned off-road riders the confidence, fun and comfort to keep you riding, no matter what kind of terrain you encounter. With millions of miles of pristine riding conditions across the country, there’s always something new to explore.
