It’s no secret that Polaris has the largest share of the utility ATV market with the Ranger lineup, and it’s no coincidence. When Can-Am launched the Defender a few years ago, it was a direct attack on Polaris supremacy. These two ultra-competitive companies were already competing in the sports segment, and the Defender was targeting the Ranger with the arrival of the first 1000cc machine in this category. But the Ranger XP 1000 is no longer the beefest at Polaris as that role now falls to the Ranger 1500 XD.
This UTV is still one of the most capable machines in the category. To do this, the manufacturer introduces new mechanical elements. The new chassis is more rigid, the suspension was also revised to increase its travel up to 11 inches while keeping very effective damping. Despite the increased ground clearance to 13 inches and the longer suspension travel, body roll is well controlled at high speeds.
When driving a vehicle with a displacement of 1000cc, one would expect good power delivery. For a utility-based machine like the Ranger, you want this to materialize at low engine speed. The new engine delivers 82 horsepower with good power in the lower band and a fun and respectable high and midrange power. This characteristic gives an unexpected playfulness to the category.
The interior of the Ranger has a well-crafted design for a utility UTV. The seats adopt a 60/40 split-bench configuration like in a pickup truck, and have an inch more padding in the seat, making them extremely comfortable. The passenger seat tilts for additional storage options and there is now a two-level glove box for even more storage, and a large tray area for your belongings, integrated into the dashboard.
When we go to war, it is not enough to talk about numbers, we must also deliver the goods. As such, the new Ranger can now haul up to 1,000 pounds in the tilt box. Want to tow something with the 2-inch receiver built into the new frame? It can now tow up to 2,500 pounds.
This year, the Ranger XP 1000 is offered in seven versions: XP 1000 Premium, XP 1000 Waterfowl, XP 1000 NorthStar Premium, XP 1000 NorthStar Fixed Windshield, XP 1000 NorthStar Ultimate, XP 1000 NorthStar Edition Trail Boss, XP 1000 Texas Edition. All are available in 2-passenger or 5-passenger RangerCrew versions, except the 5-passenger Texas Edition.
Here is a rough idea of what the equipment and differences are in the various editions:
- The Premium version comes with automatic braking, three-mode throttle (work, performance and standard), power steering, aluminum wheels with 27†tires, LED headlights, automotive-style paint, hardtop, 4500 lb winch, front bumper and separate seats.
- New this year, the Waterfowl is offered only in a 5-passenger Crew version, and is designed for migratory bird hunting. This version comes with automatic braking, three-mode throttle (work, performance and standard), power steering, aluminum wheels with 29†Pro Armor MUD XC tires, LED headlights, camo body finish, hardtop, 4500 lb winch with raised front bumper and separate seats.
- The NorthStar Premium version adds a fully enclosed cabin, heating, air-conditioning and defrost system, tilting windshield with glass and wiper, glass side windows, rear glass panel, standard dome light and mirrors, door windows that open with cranks, 4500 lb winch.
- The NorthStar Premium version with fixed windscreen has a fixed windscreen and manually operated side windows. Everything else is the same as the Premium.
- The NorthStar Ultimate version adds to the Premium version: the Ride and Command system with 7-inch screen, 29-inch tires, power opening door windows, in-dash speakers, premium Pro Shield cab.
- The NorthStar Trail Boss version adds to the Premium version: standard Ride and Command system with 7“ screen and rear view camera, self-levelling suspension, active descent control, 29†Pro Armor X-Terrain tires, power opening door windows, in-dash speakers, premium Pro Shield cab.
- The Texas version is available with or without an enclosed, temperature-controlled cab. Only the version with 2 rows of seats is available. You’ll find many luxurious touches: Texas embroidery on the seats, premium steering wheel, etc. The Northstar version also comes with air conditioning, a JBL Trail audio 2000 system, and a 7-inch Ride and Command screen with integrated rearview camera.
WHAT’S NEW?
- Return of the NorthStar Premium version.
- Introduction of the Waterfowl version.
- The closed-cab versions now feature glass side windows and a tilting windshield.
- The NorthStar version now features a tilting windshield and glass side windows.
- The XP 1000 Texas is now available with a NorthStar air-conditioned cab.
- New colors.
The pros:
- The XP 1000 offers a nice combination of ride comfort, work capacity, and the right level of equipment for your needs. It’s a well-designed vehicle that provides a versatility that is tough to match.
The cons:
- The width of 66.5 inches and the net weight of some versions make the XP1000 illegal to use in some places or under certain circumstances.
Skills:
