The 2010 Polaris RANGER and RZR lineup marked an important expansion of the company’s side-by-side business. Polaris introduced the midsize RANGER 400 and its first electric vehicle, the RANGER EV, while adding more power and significant updates across its full-size utility lineup.
The recreational side continued to evolve as well. The original 50-inch RANGER RZR received a higher claimed top speed, while the 60-inch RANGER RZR S returned as Polaris’s wider, long-travel sport model. Every 2010 RANGER and RZR also came with a ROPS-certified cab structure.
Later in the model year, Polaris expanded the RZR family with the four-seat RZR 4 800. That model was not part of the initial July 2009 lineup announcement, but it became one of the most historically important Polaris introductions associated with the 2010 model year.
What Was New in the 2010 Polaris Lineup?
The major changes for 2010 included:
- Introduction of the midsize Polaris RANGER 400
- Introduction of the battery-powered Polaris RANGER EV
- A new 800cc EFI engine for several full-size RANGER models
- A redesigned RANGER 800 CREW and RANGER 800 6×6
- Available electronic power steering for the RANGER 800 XP
- A claimed 60-mph top speed for the 50-inch RANGER RZR
- ROPS-certified cab structures across the RANGER and RZR lineup
These changes made 2010 a particularly significant year for the utility side of Polaris’s business. The company expanded downward with a more compact and affordable RANGER while also moving into electric propulsion years before electric UTVs became a major industry topic.
2010 Polaris RANGER 400
The new RANGER 400 gave Polaris a smaller and less expensive alternative to its full-size utility machines. Its two-seat chassis measured 56.5 inches wide and was designed to fit in the bed of many full-size pickup trucks.
Power came from a 455cc liquid-cooled, carbureted single-cylinder engine producing a claimed 29 horsepower. Polaris listed a 40-mph top speed.
Despite its smaller dimensions, the RANGER 400 retained many recognizable RANGER features, including On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive, VersaTrac Turf Mode, independent rear suspension and a Lock & Ride cargo box.
- Engine: 455cc single-cylinder
- Claimed output: 29 horsepower
- Claimed top speed: 40 mph
- Cargo-box capacity: 500 pounds
- Payload capacity: 1,000 pounds
- Towing capacity: 1,250 pounds
- Ground clearance: 10 inches
- Original MSRP: $7,999
The RANGER 400 helped establish the midsize branch of the RANGER family. Its combination of a smaller footprint, useful cargo capacity and relatively accessible price made it suitable for property maintenance, hunting and general utility work.
2010 Polaris RANGER EV
The RANGER EV was one of the most forward-looking additions to the 2010 lineup. It was Polaris’s first electric vehicle and shared its midsize chassis with the RANGER 400.
A 48-volt AC induction motor provided quiet operation with no tailpipe emissions. Polaris claimed a range of approximately 35 to 45 miles, depending on operating conditions, and a top speed of 25 mph. Drivers could select High, Low or Max Range operating modes.
- Powertrain: 48-volt AC induction motor
- Claimed top speed: 25 mph
- Claimed range: 35 to 45 miles
- Drive modes: High, Low and Max Range
- Cargo-box capacity: 500 pounds
- Payload capacity: 1,000 pounds
- Towing capacity: 1,250 pounds
- Charging: Standard 110-volt outlet
On-Demand AWD and VersaTrac Turf Mode allowed the electric RANGER to retain much of the versatility of the gasoline-powered model. Its quiet operation was particularly attractive for hunting, property maintenance and work in noise-sensitive environments.
The original lead-acid battery system was considerably different from the lithium-ion technology found in the modern Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic, but the 2010 RANGER EV established an electric branch of the RANGER family more than a decade before the XP Kinetic arrived.
More Power for the Full-Size RANGER Lineup
Polaris also increased the performance of its established utility models for 2010. The former RANGER 4×4 became the RANGER 500 H.O., while the RANGER XP was renamed the RANGER 800 XP.
The RANGER 500 H.O. used a 500-class EFI engine rated at 30 horsepower. Polaris claimed a 47-mph top speed, a 1,000-pound cargo-box capacity and a 1,500-pound payload rating.
The RANGER 800 XP received an 800cc EFI twin producing a claimed 46 horsepower. Polaris listed a 53-mph top speed, 1,000-pound cargo capacity and one-ton towing capacity. An available version with variable-assist electronic power steering made steering easier at low speeds while reducing feedback through the steering wheel at higher speeds.
2010 Polaris RANGER 800 HD
The RANGER 800 HD combined the 46-horsepower, 800cc EFI engine with equipment intended for heavy work. Its defining feature was a self-leveling independent rear suspension system using Nivomat shocks.
The self-leveling system helped the vehicle maintain its ride height when carrying cargo or supporting heavy accessories. Variable-assist power steering was also standard equipment.
- Engine: 800cc EFI twin
- Claimed output: 46 horsepower
- Claimed top speed: 53 mph
- Cargo-box capacity: 1,000 pounds
- Payload capacity: 1,500 pounds
- Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
- Ground clearance: 12 inches
Redesigned 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 CREW
The six-passenger RANGER 800 CREW received updated styling, improved ergonomics and a new dual-A-arm front suspension for 2010. The rear seating area gained two inches of additional legroom, while revised pedals, an angled seatback and tilt steering were intended to make the vehicle more comfortable during long workdays.
Its 800cc EFI engine produced a claimed 40 horsepower. The CREW offered a 1,000-pound cargo-box capacity, a 1,750-pound total payload rating and a 2,000-pound towing capacity.
Adjustable suspension mounting positions allowed owners to increase suspension stiffness when carrying heavy loads or installing accessories such as a cab, plow or sprayer.
- Engine: 800cc EFI twin
- Claimed output: 40 horsepower
- Claimed top speed: 46 mph
- Cargo-box capacity: 1,000 pounds
- Total payload: 1,750 pounds
- Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
- Seating capacity: Six
- Ground clearance: 12 inches
Learn more about this model in our dedicated 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 CREW overview.
Redesigned 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 6×6
The 2010 RANGER 800 6×6 received one of the most extensive updates in the utility lineup. Polaris added the 800cc EFI engine, revised styling, improved ergonomics and adjustable dual-A-arm suspension at the front, middle and rear.
The true six-wheel-drive system remained the model’s defining feature. Polaris rated the vehicle for a 2,000-pound total payload and one-ton towing capacity.
Its rear cargo area was divided between a 1,250-pound-capacity cargo box and a smaller 250-pound job box positioned between the cab and main bed.
- Engine: 800cc EFI twin
- Claimed output: 40 horsepower
- Claimed top speed: 46 mph
- Total payload: 2,000 pounds
- Main cargo-box capacity: 1,250 pounds
- Job-box capacity: 250 pounds
- Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
- Ground clearance: 12 inches
The 6×6 also received a redesigned steering wheel, tilt steering and reduced steering effort. Its adjustable suspension was intended to help preserve ride height and ground clearance when the vehicle was carrying cargo or fitted with heavy accessories.
2010 Polaris RANGER RZR 800
The original RANGER RZR 800 remained the trail-focused member of Polaris’s sport lineup. At 50 inches wide, it could access many width-restricted trails that were closed to wider side-by-sides.
For 2010, Polaris increased its claimed top speed to 60 mph. The 800-class EFI engine produced a claimed 52 horsepower, while the compact chassis weighed approximately 945 pounds.
- Width: 50 inches
- Claimed output: 52 horsepower
- Claimed top speed: 60 mph
- Dry weight: 945 pounds
- Cargo capacity: 300 pounds
- Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
- Drive system: On-Demand True AWD
Available colors included green and red, along with Tequila Gold and Turbo Silver Limited Edition models.
2010 Polaris RANGER RZR S 800
The RANGER RZR S 800 returned as Polaris’s wider, more aggressive sport UTV. Its 60-inch stance made it better suited to deserts, dunes and open trails than the narrower standard RZR.
The RZR S used an 800 H.O. EFI engine, 12 inches of suspension travel and 12.5 inches of ground clearance. FOX Podium reservoir shocks, chromoly upper front A-arms and 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires further separated it from the standard model.
- Width: 60 inches
- Front and rear travel: 12 inches
- Ground clearance: 12.5 inches
- Shocks: Adjustable FOX Podium reservoir shocks
- Tires: 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn
- Drive system: On-Demand True AWD
The standard color was Pearl White with a black rally stripe. Polaris also offered the Orange Madness Limited Edition shown below.
The RZR 4 800 Arrived Later
Although it was not included in Polaris’s initial July 2009 lineup announcement, the company added the RZR 4 800 during the 2010 model year.
The RZR 4 was the first factory-built four-seat RZR. Before its introduction, owners commonly added extended cages and rear seats to two-seat sport UTVs. Polaris turned that aftermarket trend into a complete production vehicle with a stretched chassis, four proper seats and suspension designed around the longer wheelbase.
The RZR 4 proved that a multi-passenger UTV did not have to be based on a work-oriented platform. Four-seat models would become a major part of the RZR lineup and the broader sport UTV market.
See our complete history of the Polaris RZR for more on the RZR 4 and the development of Polaris’s sport UTV family.
Why the 2010 Polaris Lineup Mattered
The 2010 model year demonstrated how quickly Polaris was broadening the side-by-side market. The RANGER 400 created a more accessible midsize utility option, while the RANGER EV introduced quiet electric operation without abandoning cargo, towing or all-wheel-drive capability.
At the other end of the lineup, the RANGER 800 CREW and RANGER 800 6×6 expanded passenger and hauling capacity. The 50-inch RZR and 60-inch RZR S gave recreational buyers two distinct sport platforms, and the later arrival of the RZR 4 created an entirely new factory four-seat performance category.
For more context on how these vehicles influenced later models, explore the complete history of the Polaris RANGER and our Polaris RZR history.
See our Polaris UTV coverage for current model announcements, reviews, technical features, racing news and historical articles.
