Polaris has always been the leader in UTV market share with the Ranger lineup and always wants to have the most powerful and beefy vehicle. In order to unequivocally fulfill this goal, Polaris offers the Ranger XD 1500.
This completely redesigned UTV pushes the limits of a utility Off-road vehicule. To achieve this, the manufacturer is introducing new mechanical elements. First of all, the chassis is completely new, stiffer thanks to the use of high-quality steel. The suspension is also revised with 12 inches of travel and still effective damping. As for the ground clearance, it is 15 inches.
The all-new 1.5-litre engine with a displacement of 1498 cc is a three-cylinder engine powered by electronic fuel injection. It develops 110 HP but above all a torque of 105 li-ft. In order to manage this torque, Polaris introduces the new SteelDrive transmission with a steel belt, which is liquid-cooled and completely sealed to ensure its longevity. It is electronically managed according to the sport, standard or towing modes that the driver can choose.
The interior of the Ranger XD has a well-crafted design for an UTV and this one is intended to be the most comfortable Ranger ever offered. The comfortable and well-shaped seats are bucket seats and offer several adjustments. The central seat is available by raising the large armrest, just like in a van. The steering wheel is also height-adjustable and the steering column is telescopic. The passenger seat flips over for extra storage options and there’s now a two-tier glove box for even more storage. The design of the instrument panel is automotive-style and presents the vehicle’s controls in a refined way. Oddly enough, the doors are mere nets, unless you opt for the NorthStar version. The latter has a cabin that is well insulated from the elements, heated and air-conditioned.
The Ranger 1500 Extreme Duty takes on the role of the brand’s Workhorse and delivers the goods unequivocally. As such, the new Ranger XD can carry up to 1500 pounds in the dumpster, which is more than a Ford F-150 (or any 1/2-ton pickup truck). It can also tow up to 3500 pounds, a capacity never before seen in the world of ATVs. That’s more than the Ford Maverick Hybrid (2000lb).
The Polaris Ranger XD is available in Premium with Open Cab and Ultimate in Closed Cab. Both are available in three- and six-passenger versions.
Here are the features and differences between these three versions:
- Premium trim: Three-mode transmission (tow, sport and standard), power steering, aluminum wheels with 29-inch tires, high-powered LED headlights, automotive-style paint and split seats.Â
- NorthStar Premium trim: 30-inch Kenda Cross Trail tires on 15-inch wheels, premium Pro Shield cab with power door windows, 6000 lb. Pro HD winch, heating and cooling, power dump body.
- The NorthStar Ultimate trim builds on the NorthStar Premium trim: heated seats, JBL Pro audio system, the seven-inch Ride and Command system.
WHAT’S UP?
- New colors.
We appreciate:
- The XD 1500 offers a nice mix of comfort, work capacity and equipment level to meet your needs. It’s a well-designed vehicle that delivers hard-to-match work performance. So much so that it gets closer to a pickup truck.
What we don’t like:
- The 1500cc displacement and net weight of some versions make the XD 1500 illegal to drive in certain territories or under certain circumstances. But we’re no longer in the world of riding with this extraordinary vehicle.
Skills:
