As reported by Autoevolution in their article “Driven: Polaris’ RANGER XD 1500 Could Be the Most Capable UTV Ever Built,” takes spotlight with extraordinary XD 1500 utility vehicle. This remarkable occasion led auto enthusiasts to the Three Forks Ranch on the Colorado-Wyoming border for a first-hand look at Polaris’ new masterpiece.

If you thought the all-electric Ranger XP Kinetic was the pinnacle, the XD 1500 with its peppy gas three-pot engine might just change your mind. It offers an impressive package, capable of performing 90 percent of the tasks that a light pickup truck can handle, all in a compact, practical design.

A New Era in Off-Road Vehicles

The XD 1500 is not your typical side-by-side. Whether it’s farm work, light construction hauling, or navigating challenging terrains for hunting and fishing, this vehicle doesn’t compromise on performance. A closer look at the XD 1500 reveals a wealth of features that are sure to excite off-road enthusiasts.

Available in both a two-door, three-seater or a four-door, six-seat configuration, the XD 1500 bridges the worlds of automotive and off-road powersports, delivering excitement for all. The level of features even in the basic Ranger XD 1500 surpasses what you’d find in entry-level passenger cars.

Impressive Specs and Design

The XD 1500, while reminiscent of its Ranger predecessors, boasts a completely new and bespoke chassis that serves as a solid foundation for advanced technology. With dimensions of 137 inches long and 64 inches wide for the single-cab version, and 27 inches longer for the crew cab, the XD 1500 outperforms UTVs in Polaris’ lower-end Ranger XP class. With a curb weight of 2,473 lbs for the three-seater and 2,905 lbs for the six-seater crew cab, the XD 1500 is almost as large as an automotive vehicle.

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Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of autoevolution.com

Prepare to be blown away introducing the world to the remarkable 2024 Can-Am Maverick R, a ground-shaking addition to the side-by-side market that has set a new benchmark in off-road prowess. Can-Am’s unveiling of the 2024 Maverick R is nothing short of a revelation, heralding a UTV that’s primed to rival the Polaris Pro R and redefine race-readiness right out of the box. Armed with an arsenal of features that include best-in-class horsepower, awe-inspiring suspension performance, and an innovative 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Maverick R promises an unparalleled off-road experience. After an arduous five-year development journey encompassing over 500,000 kilometers of testing, the Maverick R is poised to leave its indelible mark.

At the core of the 2024 Can-Am Maverick R throbs an all-new turbocharged 999 cc inline three-cylinder Rotax engine, unleashing a staggering best-in-class 240 hp. This powerplant is a testament to relentless innovation, with upgrades like forged aluminum pistons, plasma-coated cylinder bores, a closed-deck head design, and 8-tension rods intertwining the crankcase, engine block, and head. The dual fuel injectors harmoniously supply each of the three cylinders, collaborating to ensure an unceasing surge of energy. Each piston is fortified with an oil squirter for heightened cooling, while a dry-sump oil system maintains lubrication even during jaw-dropping angles. A groundbreaking 54 mm Rotax turbocharger takes center stage, directly mounted to the engine block and incorporating an integrated, tubeless oil and cooling system. A trailblazing feature of this turbocharger is its pioneering use of an electronically actuated wastegate.

The Maverick R proudly offers three distinctive drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Sport+. The apex of performance is attained in the Sport+ mode, activating the Advanced Response Technology (ART) system. ART’s mission is to obliterate any hint of turbocharger-induced lag. By deactivating the ignition on the middle cylinder while simultaneously altering timing on the other two cylinders and widening the throttle body, the turbocharger is prompted to engage even at idle. The result is instant spooling and boost pressure as soon as the accelerator is engaged. Remarkably, the ART system’s prowess renders a separate launch control program virtually unnecessary.

Comprehensive review peels back the layers of innovation that define the 2024 Can-Am Maverick R, inviting you to delve into an off-road realm where power, precision, and exhilaration converge in a breathtaking symphony.

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Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of motortrend.com

Introducing an exciting addition to the utility vehicle (UTV) landscape – the K9 2400 Cab model by KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, Inc. This innovative cab model, a testament to KIOTI’s commitment to excellence, is an evolution of the dependable K9 2400 UTV. Encompassing a factory-installed, climate-controlled cab, this new variant equips operators with the tools to confront nature’s challenges while conquering demanding tasks head-on. True to the spirit of the K9 Series, the K9 2400 Cab combines modern aesthetics, ergonomic prowess, and a profusion of storage options.

Featuring a potent 24-horsepower, three-cylinder KIOTI diesel engine, the K9 2400 Cab boasts selectable two- or four-wheel-drive configurations with a limited slip front axle and a mechanically actuated locking rear differential. This flexibility empowers operators to tailor performance to varying terrains. Notable enhancements include speed-sensitive, electric power steering, and a reimagined CVT that leverages engine braking, delivering an elevated driving experience.

Sporting an impressive ground speed of up to 31 mph, the K9 2400 Cab model stands out with a payload capacity of 1,750 pounds and a towing prowess of 1,300 pounds. Remarkable features abound, including an all-steel cargo bed fortified with a spray-in bed liner, a dump bed capacity of 1,102 pounds, and a substantial ground clearance of 12.5 inches. This amalgamation of features crafts a robust, reliable UTV that adeptly traverses even the most rugged terrains, ensuring you reach your destinations to execute tasks with precision.

Turf Care Product Line Manager Steven Benedict shares his insights, stating, “Each addition to our UTV lineup reflects our unwavering focus on meeting our customers’ needs. The K9 2400 Cab’s unveiling underscores our commitment to blending comfort and durability seamlessly. Whether it’s a landowner transporting materials or a professional orchestrating the movement of people and tools, our customers can place their trust in their KIOTI UTV, knowing it is engineered to brave the harshest conditions.”

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Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of motorsportsnewswire.com

As highlighted in Agriculture.com’s article “Meet Kawasaki’s fastest Mule yet,” Kawasaki is making waves in the UTV market with the introduction of three new models to its 2024 Mule lineup. The Mule Pro-FX 1000, Mule Pro-FXR 1000, and Mule Pro-FXT 1000 are set to redefine off-road experiences.

Kawasaki’s new Mule UTVs are powered by an impressive 999cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel-twin engine, marking a significant leap forward in performance. These models boast the largest engine displacement ever seen in Kawasaki’s Mule series, promising unparalleled speed and power for enthusiasts.

Switching between 2WD and 4WD modes is effortless, thanks to the CVT transmission controlled by a dashboard switch. The UTVs’ wide-body chassis not only ensures the comfort of three adults sitting side by side but also accommodates up to six passengers in the Mule Pro-FXT 1000 model.

One of the standout features of these new Mules is their enhanced ground clearance, ranging from 11.6 to 13.2 inches, depending on the model. The long-travel, double-wishbone suspension system, offering 10.9 inches of wheel travel at the front and 10 inches at the rear, guarantees a smooth and controlled ride. Additionally, selected models incorporate a self-leveling suspension system, designed to maintain stability under heavy loads.

Equipped with either 26-inch or 27-inch tires, mounted on 12-inch rims, these UTVs ensure optimal traction and control across various terrains. Furthermore, a nearly 8-gallon fuel tank and improved maintenance access, including an easily accessible oil filter, oil dipstick, and air filter, enhance overall convenience and functionality.

Cargo capacity is a priority, with all models boasting 1,000 pounds of capacity. The Mule Pro-FXT takes versatility a step further by offering 350 pounds of cargo capacity in its six-passenger configuration.

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Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of www.agriculture.com

As highlighted in Road & Track’s article “Polaris Side-by-Sides Are Going Factory Racing,” the off-road community’s attention is shifting towards UTVs as they gain prominence in desert racing and pave the way for potential involvement in stage rallying. The anticipation of a more accessible entry into stage rallying through UTVs is creating excitement.

Polaris has taken a significant step forward by introducing a factory racing program, a departure from the traditional approach of offering factory support to private teams. This initiative coincides with the launch of a purpose-built RZR racing UTV. The company has enlisted promising talents such as Austin Weiland, Brock Heger, and Cayden MacCachren to pilot these factory-backed UTVs.

Enthusiasts can expect to witness the factory RZR in action during SCORE International events like the San Felipe 250 and the iconic Baja races including the 400, 500, and 1000. Although the UTV itself remains under wraps until its unveiling on March 15th, the introduction of a dedicated racing UTV model is seen as a positive sign for the industry.

Historically, technology proven on the racing circuit often finds its way into production models. This trend is expected to hold true for high-performance UTVs, where the synergy between factory racing and showroom models is poised to make a meaningful impact. 

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Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of www.roadandtrack.com

Polaris Off Road, the leader in off-road vehicle innovation, today unveiled the industry’s first purpose-built race-ready UTV – the RZR Pro R Factory. Based on its award-winning RZR Pro R platform, RZR Pro R Factory is specifically engineered to thrive against the grueling demands of open desert racing, providing a powerful centerpiece for its recently announced Polaris Factory Racing team.

Harkening back to the days when automotive OEMs developed factory-engineered, race-ready trophy trucks for their factory off-road racing programs, Polaris is doing the same with RZR Pro R Factory and breaking entirely new ground for the UTV racing class. Four Pro R Factory vehicles have been developed for the Polaris Factory Racing team, with the team and vehicles making their debut at the upcoming San Felipe 250. This season will see the team compete in the SCORE International series and the Best in the Desert’s Vegas to Reno race.

“Since the early days when automotive OEMs drove the evolution of off-road racing, to the modern factory racing programs that exist today in auto racing, every legitimate factory racing program has been built around the development of a purpose-built race vehicle, and that’s exactly what we’re doing with the RZR Pro R Factory,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President, Polaris Off Road Recreation. “We are a company of passionate enthusiasts that live and breathe the off-road lifestyle and the development of the RZR Pro R Factory was nothing short of a labor of love. We are excited to arm our new factory racing team with this incredible machine as we embark on our inaugural season at the San Felipe 250.”

Last year, the RZR Pro R demonstrated an elite combination of performance and durability when Brandon Sims captured the 2022 Baja 1000 UTV Overall. With its purpose-built RZR Pro R Factory, Polaris has taken the Pro R platform and elevated it with a race-ready level of power, strength and control that’s capable of withstanding the harsh terrain and unrelenting demands of desert racing’s most daunting events.

Read more: Polaris Unleashes Rzr Pro R Factory, Industry’s First Purpose-Built, Race-Ready UTV

Side-by-sides are all the rage right now, and they have been getting even more popular over the past few years. In terms of off-road, four-wheeled fun, there’s no better way to tear up a trail in the company of family and friends. This year at Husker Harvest Days, we got an in-depth looks at one of Kawasaki’s flagship 2023 side-by-side models.

Kawasaki’s Teryx line of UTVs entered the market in 2008; at this time, it was one of few side-by-sides on the market that wasn’t focused purely on utility. They’ve since evolved to lean more on the performance recreation side, although base model (two-seat) Teryx and Teryx S LE models do still feature 600-pound capacity cargo beds and a towing capacity of up to 1,300 pounds. If a utility-focused side-by-side (with some thrills to be had in addition) is what you’re after, the Kawasaki MULE has always been the way to go.

The Teryx KRX 1000 line now serves as the go-to performance recreation vehicle in its catalog, offering a range of features and capabilities that make it a thrill to ride almost anywhere off the beaten path.

Displayed front and center was the all-new 2023 Teryx KRX4 1000 eS, Kawasaki’s flagship UTV model. The 999cc four-stroke, parallel twin-powered side-by-side boasts a new feature this model year with Kawasaki’s Electronic Control Suspension (KECS). The KECS high-performance suspension system provides the ability to adapt to a wide range of terrain in real time, granting the driver and passengers a much more comfortable ride over harsh terrain.

The four-passenger side-by-side’s suspension has different firmness levels, allowing for it to adjust from a soft mode suitable for choppy terrain or a more standard mode fit for a sportier ride and stiff turns through cornering. Paired with a 15.2-inch ground clearance, dual hydraulic disc brakes (two-piston calipers in front, single in back) and MAXXIS Carnivore 31 x 10.00R15 8PR tires, the TERYX KRX4 1000 eS is more than capable of handling rough terrain.

Read more: 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX4 1000 eS

Last week, Polaris invited me to come out to Road America in Wisconsin to test drive the all-new, all-electric Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic side-by-side UTV. After months of speculation about the brand’s first-ever flagship EV, I couldn’t turn them down.

Why did Polaris invite little ol’ Jo Borrás out to drive their new, 110 HP UTV? While it probably had more to do with me being the closest CleanTechnica writer available, I’m also smack-dab in the heart of the Polaris’ target market – or near enough, anyway, that our family recently picked up a new side-by-side of our own earlier this summer. What’s more, as a former sales manager at a Honda power sports store, I’ve ridden the comparable Pioneer and Talon models, and even sampled a Yamaha or two along the way.

I have also sampled Polaris’ first electric effort, the Polaris Ranger EV UTV. That vehicle – which developed prior to the Polaris/Zero motorcycle marriage – was powered by lead-acid batteries and had more in common with an E-Z-Go golf cart than a high-performance SxS. To someone who associates electric power with a gut-punch of off-the-line acceleration, it was disappointing … if not downright boring.

While the little Polaris Ranger EV UTV is capable enough to haul hay and hand tools around a small farm, I wasn’t convinced it merited its price tag, regardless of its electrified benefits. As such, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d be able to come at this new Polaris with the sort of clean-slate objectivity that the company probably would have liked. To be extra, doubly sure that I gave the Kinetic a fair shake, I brought backup.

Read more: CLEAN TRANSPORT Tested: 110 HP, All Electric Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic UTV