Polaris recently introduced its 2013 lineup of ATVs and UTVs, and as the company has done in recent years, there are plenty of new products on tap for the new model year.
Making headlines for Polaris ’13 models is a new Scrambler XP 850, a mid-sized Ranger 800 EFI, and the company created new models in the Ranger XP 900 ad Ranger XP 900 EPS after fitting them with its ProStar 900 engine. Missing from Polari’s 2013 lineup is the Ranger HD 800 and the Scrambler 500 4x4.
Ranger XP 900
The new 2013 Ranger XP 900 is equipped with Polaris’ ProStar 900 engine, which offers a 20-percent increase over the 2012 model and the ability to two up to 2,000 pounds. The Ranger XP 900 ($12,999) and Ranger XP 900 EPS ($13,999) also get updates that include a new chassis, restyled cockpit, updated suspension and storage, and a larger gas tank.
Polaris also added a new drivetrain designed to handle and complement the power of the ProStar engine. Polaris also says the Ranger XP 900 (and EPS model) features the strongest belt on a Ranger vehicle and has powerful cooling ability for the belt and clutches. As mentioned previously, the Ranger XP 900 can tow 2,000 pounds, but it can also carry a 1,000-pounds payload in the bed.
The storage of the Ranger XP 900 is increased, and Polaris made it easier to access with new flip-up access. The Ranger XP 900 offers a new cargo box with more tie-down points, box dividers and a smoother gate release.
Polaris also restyled the cockpit and chassis on the 2013 Ranger XP 900. The cockpit is redesigned to more comfortably accommodate three people and with improved ergonomics. A lower seat and tilt steering provides more comfort options, and the new seat belts are designed to be easier to use. New center-mounted gauges provide all the necessary at-a-glance info.
An all-new, more rigid chassis with increased torsional stiffness helps to complement the new powerplant in the XP 900, which Polaris says was done to provide a smoother ride with less vibration. The headlights also provide an increase in visibility, as they are 25 percent brighter, project more than 30 percent further, and ultimately add 100 feet of additional visibility. Polaris also outfitted the XP 900 with a gas tank that is 11 percent bigger (10-gallon capacity).
The Ranger XP 900 will be available in Sage Green and Solar Red, with or without EPS, and Polaris Pursuit Camo. Limited Edition models include Sunset Red and Orange Madness, both of which are offered with or without EPS. A Browning EPS model and an Audio Edition in Bronze Mist with an integrated Audio System including two dash-mount speakers and will be sold in limited quantities.
Ranger 800 EFI Midsize
Polaris also introduced its largest mid-sized Ranger ever made in the Ranger 800 EFI Midsize ($10,499). This new 2013 model pairs Polaris’ 800cc engine with its mid-sized chassis for more performance in a smaller package (the two-seat Ranger is designed to fit in a pickup truck).
With 50 horsepower on tap, the Ranger 800 should get your where you need to go in no time. It can accommodate a 1000-pound payload and can tow up to 1,250 pounds.
Like the full-sized units, the Ranger 800 EFI Midsize features On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive with VersaTrac, independent rear suspension, heavy-duty frontend protection, high ground clearance and the longest suspension travel in its class. The On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive helps tackle nearly any terrain you’ll encounter, while the VersaTrac is designed to make sure you won’t tear up the grass.
Scrambler XP 850 H.O.
The 2013 Polaris Scrambler XP 850 is a pleasant surprise in the 2013 lineup. This new model is designed for those looking for more power and a sportier ride.
Boasting 77 horsepower thanks to the 850cc motor stuffed beneath it, the Scrambler XP 850 is loaded with features including Polaris’ exclusive On-Demand, True All-Wheel Drive with engine braking and sporty suspension to match the horsepower increase. Polaris fitted the new 850 with Sachs shocks that provide 9.0 inches of front travel for the dual A-arm front design, and 10.25 inches of travel at the rear. Other features include anti-kickback steering, rolled independent rear suspension, dual High/Low halogen headlights, single LED tail light, and an exhaust silencer.
Polaris is also offering a Scrambler XP 850 Limited Edition ($11,999) with electronic power steering, Fox Podium compression adjustable shocks, cast aluminum wheels, hand guards, cut and sew seat, dual LED headlights, Stealth Black paint job, and sportier graphics.
For the rest of the 2013 models, the RZR line will get a few updates. Polaris will introduce the new RZR 570 Trail Limited Edition (with EPS), a Walker Evans Limited Edition RZR XP 900, and the RZR 900 will get new dual-rate springs. Polaris will still offer the Ranger Crew Diesel for 2013 along with the Ranger Crew 800 and Ranger Crew 500.
Aside from the new Scrambler XP 850 H.O., Polaris will also offer the Trail Boss 330, Trail Blazer 330 and Phoenix 200 in its entry/sport lineup for 2013. Polaris will return the Sportsman XP 850 H.O., Sportsman XP 850 H.O. EPS, Sportsman 550 and Sportsman 550 EPS. For two-op offerings, Polaris will offers the Sportsman Touring 850 H.O. EPS and Sportsman Touring 550 EPS, Sportsman X2 550, and its value-priced Sportsman Touring 500 H.O. Also returning to “value lineup” is the Sportsman 800 EFI, Sportsman Big Boss 6x6 800 EFI, Sportsman 500 H.O. and Sportsman 400 H.O.
Polaris’ Youth lineup will include five models based upon the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America’s (SVIA) Youth ATV Categories, including the RANGER RZR 170 (Y-12+ and T with Big Wheel Kit) , Phoenix 200 (T), Sportsman 90 (Y-10+), Outlaw 90 (Y-10+) and Outlaw 50 (Y-6+).
For more on Polaris' lineup of ATVs and UTVs, visit http://www.polaris.com/.