The 2017 Polaris UTV Lineup was presented to us in Great Falls, Montana at Bull Run Guest Ranch. Upon our arrival at the ride location, the number of units at our disposal was somewhat overwhelming. The good: we would get the opportunity to get our first look at the entire 2017 Polaris Lineup released to date. The bad: we quickly realized that our seat time in the units we did manage to ride would be limited.
During the presentation phase of the 2017 Polaris UTV Lineup, we also got our first look at the latest innovation by Polaris: RIDE COMMAND. Since Polaris considers off-roading as a social experience, they have developed the RIDE COMMAND system. The RIDE COMMAND system includes the RIDE COMMAND app and an intuitive, glove-touch, weather-resistant RIDE COMMAND 7” (17.8-cm.) display.
In a nutshell, RIDE COMMAND features customizable gauges, fully integrated GPS, in-car communications with optional headsets and it also allows you to control your mobile devices and GoPro Camera.
One of my favorite features of RIDE COMMAND is the Group Ride option. Using the RIDE COMMAND 7” Display in tandem with the RIDE COMMAND app, the system allows you to form groups and track their location from the navigation screen. Not only can you track your group, but you can also see other riders close by which are using the app. The app also allows you to map rides, transfer waypoints and track and share ride stats.
At this time, RIDE COMMAND is only available on the RZR XP 1000 EPS Velocity Blue Limited Edition. However it can also be purchased as an accessory through Polaris Engineered Accessories. The RZR XP 1000 EPS Velocity Blue Limited Edition will come standard with the RIDE COMMAND 7” Display, front and rear cameras, and in-door audio system designed specifically for the RZR.
We got a chance to test some of the features of RIDE COMMAND out on the trails. Polaris had mapped a route on the navigation system that led us to predefined checkpoints. Each checkpoint allowed us to test a specific function of RIDE COMMAND.
Here are some of the features of this unique system we were able to experience:
Customizable Gauges, Navigation, Group Ride, Front and Rear Camera, Text Messaging, Music and GoPro Operation.
RIDE COMMAND was a breeze to operate and very responsive. The glove-touch operation on the display worked flawlessly. I would see myself using many of these great features, like the front/rear camera for instance. This feature removes the guesswork from loading/unloading a unit from a platform trailer. The ability to see what you are capturing on your GoPro via the display is another fantastic feature. RIDE COMMAND was a definite highlight of the event, good job Polaris!
As mentioned above, so many units, so little time. Here is a recap of some of the units we did manage to get some seat time in.
2017 POLARIS GENERAL 4 1000 EPS
The Polaris General 4 1000 EPS is a newcomer to the 2017 Polaris Lineup and is available in only one coloration: Silver Pearl. The General 4 has a completely new cabin, which provides exceptional comfort for four. The rear passengers will enjoy superior knee clearance and shoulder room along with their very own center console with 12-volt adapter. The rear console not only provides the rear passengers with a comfortable armrest, but also additional storage. The spacious cab features bolstered bucket seats that are very comfortable and they are adjustable for both the driver and front passenger. The four seats utilize the thin-film technology under the seat covers, providing for a dry ride in wet conditions.
In the cockpit not much has changed, as the design is similar to the General 1000 EPS. All the creature comforts are accounted for and you will also find 48.28L of integrated storage (combination of enclosed and in-dash).
The General 4 is powered by the same 100-horsepower ProStar® 1000 engine as its counterpart, the General 1000 EPS. The unit has a wheelbase of 113-in (287-cm) and is complemented with a performance-oriented Walker Evans suspension. The vehicle features a dual a-arm front suspension with a 12.25 in (31.12 cm) of suspension travel and 13.2-in (33.53-cm) rear travel. The Walker Evans shocks were designed and tuned specifically for the increased payload and performance needs of four people.
To maneuver through the tuff stuff, the unit has a ground clearance of 12 in. (30.48 cm) and a full-body skid plate. Standard front and rear sway bars are also included to keep the ride level during aggressive cornering. Consumers will also rejoice in learning that VersaTrac® Turf Mode has been added to the entire General lineup as of 2017.
The trails surrounding the Bull Run Guest Ranch consisted of hard packed surfaces, lose rocks, steep inclines, sharp descents and long open stretches. Nothing we faced that day even remotely challenged the General 4. With our limited seat time we still managed to walk away extremely please with the overall performance of the General 4. The Polaris General 4 provides for an exceptional trail ride experience and yet is versatile enough to be used in many applications.
On a side note, the outdoorsmen/women will be happy to learn that for 2017 the General 1000 EPS (two-seat) is available in a Hunter Edition with Polaris Pursuit® Camo.
2017 POLARIS RANGER XP 1000 EPS
The Polaris Ranger Lineup has always been one of the most complete lineups in the industry. The Ranger family comes in various sizes (mid-size, full-size and crew), various engine and passenger configurations and special edition formats. The lineup is so big in fact that it would take multiple reviews to do it justice.
Although we were briefly introduced to most of the Ranger lineup, we did manage to get some seat time in the new Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS.
The first notable change is the obvious addition of the new 1000cc and 80-horsepower ProStar® engine. However the vehicle features more than just increased horsepower. For 2017 all XP 1000 models feature 3-mode throttle control. Via a dash-mounted switch, the driver can select 3 modes of operation (Performance, Standard and Work). The Performance mode offers maximum and instant throttle response and should be selected for recreational purposes, such as trail riding. For a traditional blend of torque and high-speed performance, the driver would select the Standard mode. The Work mode provides lengthened low RPM band, this mode is ideal for such activities as towing a trailer or when navigating tight spaces.
Out on the trails we put the various modes to the test. Maneuvering through tight spaces was easier when selecting the Work mode as the unit responded with more precise control. In Standard mode the unit is still quite responsive taking advantage of the new 80-horsepower power plant. In Performance mode the unit seemed happiest providing an assertive throttle response and acceleration.
There are several other Rangers’ which caught our attention and deserve to be mentioned, even if we only caught a glimpse of them during the presentation.
- The RANGER CREW XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition – “Mud Bus”
- The RANGER XP 1000 EPS Ranch Edition
- The industry’s first gas-powered UTV with heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) on the RANGER XP 1000 EPS NorthStar HVAC and CREW HVAC Editions
The Ranger family for 2017 is the most complete and impressive lineup yet! So much in fact that we are confident that any consumer in the utilitarian market can find the exact Ranger to match their needs.
A few other units from the 2017 Polaris Lineup needs to be mentioned. We should be able to get our hands on a few of these for a complete write-up in the near future.
2017 POLARIS ACE 900 XC
Highlights of this unit:
- 78hp EFI ProStar Engine.
- 59” (150 cm) width and a 6” (15cm) longer wheelbase than the other ACE models.
- Premium 12.3” (31 cm) travel, dual A-arm front suspension, 12.6” (32 cm) rear suspension travel.
- Walker Evans adjustable needle shocks.
- Industry’s first digital gauge with Bluetooth connectivity.
- 27” GBC Dirt Commander Tires.
2017 POLARIS RZR S 570 EPS
Highlights of this unit:
- ProStar 570 engine delivers the power of a twin-cylinder with the efficiency of a single-cylinder.
- Enjoy a smooth ride on any trail with up to 12” (30 cm) of ground clearance and 12.5” (32 cm) of rear travel suspension.
- Premium agility with EPS, High-performance AWD and the stability of the RZR S signature 60” (152 cm) width.
2017 POLARIS XP 1000 EPS LE – GOLD MATTE METALLIC LE
Highlights of this unit:
- 55% lower gearing in low optimizes the grunt at low speeds to conquer the most challenging obstacles.
- Low-speed throttle map gives you more control at low speeds
- Strengthened front half-shafts
- The specially-engineered Xtreme Performance True On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system keeps the front and rear wheels pulling at almost the same speed, nearly eliminating rear-wheel slippage.
- Gated Shifter.
- High-visibility front fender flares.
2017 POLARIS XP 1000 EPS LE – VELOCITY BLUE LE
Highlights of this unit:
As mentioned above this is the only unit in the 2017 Polaris Lineup which comes with RIDE COMMAND.
Needless to say I was quite impressed with the overall Polaris Lineup for 2017. The highlights of the event for me were unquestionably: The Polaris General 4, The Polaris ACE 900 XC and the innovative RIDE COMMAND.
More information about Polaris Off-Road Vehicles and Polaris Engineered Accessories can be found online at www.Polaris.com.
