The 2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 1000 XT EPS arrived with substantially redesigned bodywork, more storage, improved occupant space and several updates intended to make Arctic Cat’s large-displacement utility UTV more comfortable and practical.
Although the Prowler 1000’s basic work-oriented formula remained intact, the 2015 revisions gave it a more automotive-style interior and addressed several everyday usability concerns. The updated machine combined Arctic Cat’s H2 V-twin engine with variable-assist electronic power steering, selectable four-wheel drive and a 600-pound-capacity cargo box.
Redesigned Bodywork and More Storage
One of the most visible changes for 2015 was the Prowler’s redesigned hood, bodywork and console. The automotive-style hood concealed a 3.0-cubic-foot storage compartment capable of carrying up to 25 pounds. That was an increase from the previous 2.5-cubic-foot compartment.
The hood incorporated an automotive-style latch, an integrated support and weather-resistant sealing. Opening it also provided easier access to the radiator, brake-fluid reservoir and headlight adjusters.
Arctic Cat formed the exterior panels from color-molded Surlyn plastic. Inside the cab, a redesigned dashboard provided a 539-cubic-inch glovebox, up from 234 cubic inches, along with a center storage cubby for smaller items.
Improved Cab Comfort and Ergonomics
Arctic Cat placed considerable emphasis on occupant comfort for the 2015 Prowler XT platform. Lower-profile shoulder and foot restraints made it easier to enter and exit the cab while providing each occupant with an additional 3.125 inches of shoulder room.
A fully variable tilt-steering mechanism increased the available adjustment range and provided approximately three additional inches of leg clearance with the wheel in its highest position. The dash-mounted shifter and redesigned brake and accelerator pedals were also intended to provide a more natural driving position.
Other cab updates included handle-style side-restraint latches, new three-point seat belts, easier access to the fuse box and a redesigned digital instrument display.
H2 V-Twin Engine and Duramatic Transmission
The 2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 1000 XT EPS was powered by the company’s liquid-cooled H2 V-twin engine with electronic fuel injection. For 2015, Arctic Cat added a closed-loop engine-management system and catalyst-equipped exhaust.
Arctic Cat claimed that the revised EFI system could improve fuel economy by as much as 25 percent while reducing carbon-monoxide emissions. Power was delivered through the company’s Duramatic continuously variable transmission with High, Low, Reverse and Park ranges.
The driveline included selectable two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and a lockable front differential. All three settings could be controlled through a single dashboard-mounted rocker switch. Engine braking helped control the vehicle when descending hills or carrying a load.
For perspective on the development of Arctic Cat’s large-displacement utility platform, see our earlier 2009 Arctic Cat Prowler XTZ 1000 overview and the Arctic Cat Prowler XTZ 1000 review.
Variable-Assist Power Steering
Variable-assist electronic power steering was standard on the Prowler 1000 XT EPS. The system reduced steering effort at lower speeds while retaining more feedback as vehicle speed increased.
That assistance was particularly useful when the cargo box was loaded, a snowplow was installed or the Prowler was being driven through rocks, mud and other terrain requiring frequent steering corrections.
Suspension, Ground Clearance and Cargo Capacity
The Prowler XT chassis used independent double-A-arm suspension at all four corners with 10 inches of wheel travel. Ground clearance was also listed at 10 inches. A rear-mounted sway bar helped control body roll, while softer shock calibration for 2015 was intended to improve ride comfort.
At the rear, the composite tilting cargo box could carry up to 600 pounds and incorporated a pickup-style tailgate. A round-tube, ROPS-certified canopy protected the passenger compartment and gave the utility-focused Prowler some visual similarity to Arctic Cat’s contemporary Wildcat sport UTVs.
What Was New on the 2015 Arctic Cat Prowler?
- Redesigned hood, bodywork, dashboard and center console
- Color-molded Surlyn exterior panels
- Weather-resistant 3.0-cubic-foot under-hood storage compartment
- Larger 539-cubic-inch glovebox and additional center storage cubby
- Combined LED accent and halogen headlight system
- Four-position lighting switch with LED accent, low-beam and high-beam settings
- Lower-profile shoulder and foot restraints
- Approximately 3.125 inches of additional shoulder space per occupant
- Fully adjustable tilt steering with more entry and leg clearance
- Dash-mounted shift lever
- Redesigned brake and accelerator pedals
- Closed-loop EFI with a catalyst-equipped exhaust
- Relocated fuse box for easier access
- Updated three-point seat belts
- Softer suspension calibration
- Redesigned digital gauge
A Major Update to Arctic Cat’s Utility Flagship
The 2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 1000 XT EPS was not an entirely new platform, but its redesigned cab, expanded storage and ergonomic improvements represented a meaningful update. Arctic Cat retained the H2 V-twin engine, capable chassis and 600-pound cargo capacity while making the vehicle easier and more comfortable to use.
Those changes positioned the Prowler 1000 XT EPS as Arctic Cat’s premium utility side-by-side for owners who wanted substantial engine performance without giving up work capability. Browse the Arctic Cat UTV archive for additional Prowler model information, reviews and historical coverage.
