Polaris RZR PRO XP Launches RZR Into the Next Generation

 

Evolution is inevitable, love it or hate it, but it runs deep into every aspect of our modern lives faster than ever. Over the last 15 years we have watched the rapid transformation of the side-by-side market, and what an incredible ride it has been. 2004 brought the birth of an industry with the Yamaha Rhino. Shortly thereafter, in 2007, Polaris introduced an all-new platform that would set the bar for what is known as the sport SXS. Just a year later, the RZR made the Rhino look like the antiquated piece of farm equipment that it was. The evolution of the UTV had begun. 

Fast forward to the 2020 models, Polaris is now introducing their next generation of sport vehicle in the form of the RZR PRO XP. A truly amazing advancement to how far these vehicles have come in a very short amount of time. With so many players in the market and competition at an all time high, some enthusiasts insist that we should be watching compact Trophy Trucks with a factory warranty for under $30K being released, but that is just not the case. Polaris tapped into what they have learned, built a machine that is fast, capable, reliable, all under that price tag expectation. 

 

Bigger. Faster. Stronger. Better. These terms seem to be the theme with the all-new Polaris RZR PRO XP. Starting with an all-new chassis design, Polaris set out to build a more rigid and stable one-piece frame to put the power to the ground. Adding 6” of wheelbase doesn’t sound groundbreaking to some. But the new 96” wheelbase coupled with new suspension geometry is a huge stride toward straight-line stability of the vehicle while retaining that nimble and responsive feel that we have all come to love. At 64” wide, the RZR PRO XP feels right at home in any fast technical terrain. It may not be the whoop consuming monster of the 72” Turbo S models, but don’t worry, it’s obvious that Polaris believes in evolution. There’s no doubt they have something in store for those of you that are hungry for the rough stuff.

 

With enthusiast focus on all-out horsepower numbers, more is obviously better, but we all know that if you can’t get the power to the ground, those numbers mean nothing. The PRO XP has a new clutching system that focuses on getting the more powerful 181hp from the engine crank to the tire. Polaris engineers worked on making the CVT clutches engage at a lower RPM allowing for significantly smoother and quicker engagement, giving the RZR PRO XP a great hole shot yet no loss to top end fun factor. Belt temperatures were addressed with a new fin design. This moves the hot air away from the sheaves making room for fresh, clean air to keep them cooler throughout the entire RPM range. These improvements add up to doubling the average belt life and setting you back in the seat as the speedometer climbs. 

 

The 2020 Polaris RZR PRO XP is overflowing with improvements throughout but the bold new interior is hard to overlook when walking around this machine. The new seat design boasts fantastic support and increased air flow for riders of any size while being significantly more comfortable from its predecessor. Other comfort enhancements include additional leg room, both in depth and width, and a better positioned dead pedal. Sitting 2.5” lower makes you feel that you are in the car instead of on top of the car like in years past, and giving you more seat position and tilt adjustability than ever before. The automotive-style steering wheel allows you to not only set the perfect height but is now telescoping for the ideal arm angle. Polaris has recognized that driver comfort greatly impacts the quality of the ride, and it’s clear in these type of improvements. In the Ultimate model, Polaris has also given the driver full control of the stereo and Dynamix 2.0 suspension right on the steering wheel so there is no visual straying from the trail while you make adjustments. The onslaught of ergonomic and functional improvement in the interior proves that Polaris was looking out for our comfort first. Well noted Polaris, well noted.

 

Opting for the RZR PRO XP Ultimate package will get you the Fox Dynamix 2.0 Suspension System, full Rockford Fosgate sound system and an improved Ride Command. All great amenities that make the ride experience that much more enjoyable. The new Ride Command has all the great features we have come to love with an added feature. You can now see where your riding buddies are without the requirement of cellular signal. This allows you to stay moving even in remote areas without wondering if the “slacker” of the group is keeping up. If that’s you, then you’ll be able to see the pack ahead to make sure you are on course. The 2.0 in the Dynamix system is attributed to faster sensor evaluation, adjusted reactions, softer rides, and more stability under extreme conditions. Although they are a tad soft for the brutality of the southwest desert terrain, adjustments can be made to ensure all passenger poundage and driving behavior is accounted for.

The RZR PRO XP shows that Polaris has come a long way in a short time in the sport SXS industry, not only in technology and quality but as a company as a whole. They are producing a faster, stronger and more technologically advanced SXS without sacrificing reliability, all for an affordable price. They continue to build platforms that all enthusiasts, from the Southwest to the Northeast, can customize them as ideal high-performance machines for that specific individual. No matter the industry, or the manufacturer within it, it is impossible to make everyone happy with one platform, that’s why Polaris continues to deliver and grow their product line. Options are good, you decide what fits you best, just get out and ride!