2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900: Specs, Features and History

The 2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 introduced an extensively redesigned full-size utility side-by-side platform. It combined a new 60-horsepower ProStar engine with a longer, more rigid chassis, improved passenger comfort, additional suspension travel and an accessory-ready cab structure.

This was much more than a larger-engine version of the previous RANGER 800. The XP 900 helped move full-size utility UTVs toward the combination of work capability, trail performance and occupant comfort that buyers now expect.

2013 RANGER XP 900 Highlights

• 875cc liquid-cooled ProStar twin-cylinder engine
• 60 horsepower
• Automatic PVT transmission with high and low range
• On-Demand True AWD, 2WD and VersaTrac Turf Mode
• 2,000-pound towing capacity
• 1,000-pound cargo-box capacity
• 1,500-pound payload capacity
• Three-person bench seating
• 10 inches of front and rear suspension travel
• 12 inches of ground clearance
• Available electronic power steering
• Lock & Ride cargo box and PRO-FIT cab compatibility

New 60-Horsepower ProStar Engine

At the center of the new RANGER was an 875cc, four-stroke ProStar twin-cylinder engine producing 60 horsepower. That represented a 20-percent increase over the previous full-size RANGER powerplant.

The dual-overhead-cam engine used a 180-degree crankshaft firing order and internal counterbalancing to provide smooth power delivery. Polaris also repositioned the engine beneath the rear cargo box, helping reduce the noise and vibration reaching the occupants.

An upgraded drivetrain, stronger drive belt and dedicated clutch cooling system were engineered to handle the additional output. The result was a substantial improvement in acceleration without sacrificing the controlled low-speed response needed for towing, hauling and technical terrain.

Work Capability

Although the XP 900 was quicker and more comfortable than the model it replaced, Polaris did not compromise its utility ratings. The vehicle could tow as much as 2,000 pounds through its standard 2-inch receiver and carry 1,000 pounds in the rear cargo box.

The redesigned Lock & Ride cargo box was wide enough to hold a standard pallet. It also incorporated additional tie-down locations, provisions for removable dividers and a smoother tailgate release.

Total payload capacity was rated at 1,500 pounds, including occupants and cargo. A higher-capacity battery and upgraded stator provided approximately 30 percent more electrical output for accessories such as lights, cab equipment and a winch.

Redesigned Chassis and Suspension

Polaris developed a more rigid chassis for the 2013 RANGER XP 900 and stretched its wheelbase to 81 inches—five inches longer than the preceding platform. Moving the rear wheels farther toward the back of the vehicle improved stability and helped the machine track more predictably through rough terrain.

Dual A-arm independent suspension provided 10 inches of travel at both ends, an increase of one inch. Ground clearance measured 12 inches. The XP 900 could be ordered with electronic power steering, although Polaris also worked to reduce steering effort on the non-EPS model.

The combination proved useful well beyond basic property work. During our later RANGER XP 900 rock-crawling test, its smooth throttle response, upright visibility and low-range power made it surprisingly capable in technical terrain. The available suspension travel was still modest compared with a sport UTV, but careful line selection allowed the RANGER to tackle challenging obstacles.

Improved Cab and Storage

The redesigned cockpit retained a three-person bench seat but provided more room for the occupants. A lower seating position, tilt steering wheel and easier-to-use seat belts improved comfort, while selected Limited Edition models added an adjustable driver’s seat.

A center-mounted digital instrument display consolidated vehicle information in one location. Flip-up seat bases opened access to additional storage, supplementing the compartments built into the dashboard.

Polaris also moved the fuel filler to the driver’s side and increased tank capacity to 10 gallons, approximately 11 percent larger than the previous tank.

PRO-FIT Cab and Accessories

The RANGER XP 900 introduced a cab frame designed around Polaris Lock & Ride PRO-FIT components. Profiled tubing provided a continuous sealing surface for matching windshields, roofs, doors and rear panels.

This integration allowed owners to install cab components with fewer gaps than conventional clamp-on accessories. It also established the foundation for the increasingly sophisticated factory cab packages Polaris would introduce in later years. Read more about the original RANGER XP 900 PRO-FIT cab system.

Other available accessories included Glacier PRO plows, HD PRO winches and a SpeedKey system. The yellow SpeedKey limited vehicle speed to 25 mph for jobsites, farms or other situations where operators needed a controlled maximum speed.

2013 Colors and Editions

The standard 2013 RANGER XP 900 was offered in Sage Green, Solar Red and Polaris Pursuit Camo, with EPS available on selected versions.

Polaris also released Sunset Red, Orange Madness, Browning EPS and Bronze Mist Audio variants. See the separate overview of the Limited Edition 2013 RANGER XP 900 models for their specific colors and equipment.

2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Specifications

How the RANGER XP 900 Performed

UTVGuide.net subsequently tested the RANGER XP 900 in several environments. Those experiences showed that its appeal extended beyond the specification sheet:

• Our RANGER XP 900 dune review demonstrated that the 60-horsepower utility machine could also be entertaining in the sand.
• The rock-crawling project used 30-inch tires, forward-swept A-arms and UHMW protection to explore the platform’s technical-trail potential.
• The later RANGER XP 900 Deluxe added bucket seats, half doors, a center console and factory audio for a more recreation-oriented version of the platform.

RANGER XP 900 Legacy

The 2013 XP 900 became one of the most important models in the history of the Polaris RANGER. It proved that a three-seat utility UTV could retain serious towing and hauling ability while delivering more power, better ride quality and a considerably more refined cockpit.

For 2015, Polaris recalibrated the ProStar engine to produce 68 horsepower and revised the intake system. The XP 900 remained in the lineup through 2019 before the RANGER 1000 replaced it for 2020 as Polaris’ value-oriented full-size platform.

2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 FAQ

How much horsepower does a 2013 RANGER XP 900 have?

The original 2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 produced 60 horsepower from its 875cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine. Later versions of the XP 900 were increased to 68 horsepower.

How much can the 2013 RANGER XP 900 tow?

Its factory hitch towing rating is 2,000 pounds. The vehicle is equipped with a standard 2-inch receiver.

What is the cargo capacity?

The rear cargo box is rated for 1,000 pounds, while total vehicle payload capacity is 1,500 pounds.

Does the 2013 RANGER XP 900 have power steering?

Electronic power steering was available on EPS and selected Limited Edition models. The base RANGER XP 900 did not include EPS.

How many people does it seat?

The 2013 RANGER XP 900 uses a full-width bench seat designed for as many as three occupants.