Polaris’ Touring ATVs are two-seater ATVs equipped with an XP1000, an 850 SP or a 570 engine (see the article on the Sportsman 570). Polaris has created a machine capable of transporting two passengers in total comfort and with all the power you could wish for.
This quad was not the subject of a complete upgrade like its single-seater brothers, but it is still a great option. It is suspended by an excellent independent suspension that sealed Polaris’s reputation for comfort and that few manufacturers can boast about. Even if you push the pace, this vehicle remains stable and predictable when riding on almost anything thanks to its long wheelbase, excellent suspension, and standard power steering, which varies based on speed.
The driver has a high driving position, and taller drivers will also feel at ease with the legroom provided and the relationship between the positions of the seat, the footboards and the handlebars. The driver’s seat is well padded, which ensures remarkable comfort. The passenger will benefit from the regal comfort guaranteed by the design of the passenger seat, which has its own suspension to dampen the bumps and to allow the seat and backrest to rock with every jolt. The space for two passengers is a bit more limited than that of the competition. Nothing that will the passengers feeling constrained, but the driver will notice the proximity of the passenger.
The two engines offer the power required to move the quad. The two-cylinder, high-performance EFI 850 with a SOHC produces 78 HP, and the 1000, for its part, an amazing 90 HP. The driver always has more power than necessary, regardless of the situation in which he finds himself. While the 850 gives the impression that everything is easy, the ProStar 1000 gives the impression of having an infinite source of power because, even if acceleration is brief, the driver never has to put the pedal to the metal.
We’re very familiar with the driving characteristics of the Polaris XP Touring, and we weren’t surprised by the overall performance of the chassis and suspension. But, honestly, we were very impressed with the overall performance of the ProStar 1000, which makes the 850 look outdated. Its power, delivered with authority, and its fuel consumption, which is 20% less than that of its brother, suddenly makes the Sportsman XP 1000 the flavour of the month. Is the 1000 really necessary? No. The 850 is still very capable, but the 1000 does raise the level of enjoyment up a notch.
The Touring XP1000 offers a lot more equipment than the 850 Touring. Indeed, the XP 1000 comes standard with a front bumper, a 3500 lb winch, 27-inch tires, handlebar handguards and arched control arms.
WHAT’S UP ?
Nothing for 2025.
We appreciate :
- The considerable comfort offered by the Touring in long relays between two destinations. Both the passenger and the pilot are pampered.
- The very adequate power of the two engines offered.
- The downhill assistance device is very effective and we appreciate having it in tricky passages.
We dislike:
- When is the general overhaul of the bodywork?
- The passenger room a little more restricted than the competition.
Skills:
