The 2016 Polaris ACE 900 SP brought substantially more performance to Polaris’ single-seat off-road platform. Its 60-horsepower ProStar 900 engine represented a major step up from the original ACE and ACE 570 while retaining the compact dimensions, centered driving position and familiar automotive-style controls that defined the ACE concept.
Polaris introduced the ACE 900 SP on July 28, 2015, as part of its expanded 2016 Polaris UTV lineup. Other important introductions that year included the RZR XP Turbo, RZR S 1000 and RANGER XP 900 High Lifter Edition.
2016 Polaris ACE 900 SP Quick Facts
- Engine: 875cc ProStar twin-cylinder
- Claimed horsepower: 60 hp
- Transmission: Automatic PVT with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low and High
- Drive system: High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand AWD
- Width: 48 inches
- Front suspension travel: 8.2 inches
- Rear suspension travel: 9.5 inches
- Ground clearance: 10 inches
- Dry weight: 966 pounds
- Original MSRP: $11,499
2016 Polaris ACE 900 SP
60-Horsepower ProStar 900 Engine
The ACE 900 SP was powered by an 875cc, liquid-cooled ProStar twin-cylinder engine producing a claimed 60 horsepower. The double-overhead-cam engine used electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control, delivering significantly more performance than the smaller ACE models available at the time.
Power was delivered through Polaris’ automatic PVT transmission and shaft final drive. The selectable drive system normally operated in two-wheel drive, with the On-Demand AWD system engaging the front wheels when rear-wheel slip was detected.
Polaris equipped the 900 SP with its High Performance Close Ratio version of On-Demand AWD. This system was designed to engage the front driveline more quickly than the standard ACE system, helping the driver maintain momentum in mud, loose dirt and technical terrain.
Compact 48-Inch Single-Seat Chassis
The ACE placed its driver in the center of the vehicle behind a steering wheel and pedals. A protective ROPS structure, high-back seat, seat belt and half doors surrounded the occupant, while the 48-inch overall width allowed the machine to fit on many width-restricted ATV trails.
That narrow footprint was a major part of the ACE’s appeal. The vehicle offered a driving experience closer to a small side-by-side while remaining only slightly wider than many full-size four-wheel-drive ATVs.
Suspension, Steering and Handling
Electronic power steering was standard on the ACE 900 SP. Polaris also added a front stabilizer bar to help control body roll and improve stability under acceleration, braking and cornering.
The front suspension used MacPherson struts with 8.2 inches of travel. At the rear, dual A-arms provided 9.5 inches of travel. New dual-rate rear springs were selected to support the heavier and more powerful ProStar 900 engine while maintaining a predictable ride over uneven terrain.
The ACE 900 SP was not intended to match the long-travel suspension of a full-size sport UTV. Its strengths were its compact wheelbase, narrow trail capability and favorable power-to-weight ratio.
2016 Polaris ACE 900 SP Specifications
| Engine | 875cc liquid-cooled, DOHC twin-cylinder four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Claimed horsepower | 60 hp |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Throttle | Electronic throttle control |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H |
| Drive system | Selectable 2WD and High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand AWD |
| Power steering | Standard EPS |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut with 8.2 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Dual A-arm with 9.5 inches of travel |
| Front tires | 25×8-12 |
| Rear tires | 25×10-12 |
| Wheels | 12-inch cast aluminum |
| Brakes | Four-wheel hydraulic disc |
| Length | 90 inches |
| Width | 48 inches |
| Height | 68 inches |
| Wheelbase | 61.5 inches |
| Ground clearance | 10 inches |
| Dry weight | 966 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 5.25 gallons |
| Front storage capacity | 120 pounds |
| Rear cargo capacity | 240 pounds |
| Payload capacity | 575 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Color | Stealth Black |
| Original MSRP | $11,499 |
Cargo and Utility Capability
Although the ACE 900 SP was positioned as a recreational machine, it retained useful work capability. The front storage platform was rated for 120 pounds, while the rear cargo area could carry up to 240 pounds.
A standard 1.25-inch receiver hitch gave the ACE a claimed towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Those ratings made it more versatile than its compact, performance-oriented appearance suggested.
What Made the ACE 900 SP Different?
The original Polaris ACE introduced in 2014 focused on approachable performance. The 900 SP changed the character of the platform by putting 60 horsepower into a machine weighing less than 1,000 pounds.
Its combination of a narrow chassis, single centered seat, close-ratio AWD and ProStar 900 power gave it a distinct place between a traditional ATV and a two-seat sport UTV. For more background on the complete family, see our Polaris Sportsman ACE model guide and history.
Used 2016 ACE 900 SP Buying Considerations
The ACE 900 SP is now primarily found on the used market. Prospective buyers should inspect the CVT belt and clutch system, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, steering components, driveline boots and underside protection. A test drive should confirm that the On-Demand AWD engages correctly and that the EPS warning light remains off.
Because the machine places substantial power in a short and narrow chassis, buyers should also look for signs of rollover damage, bent cage components or poorly repaired frame and suspension mounts. Service records and evidence of regular air-filter maintenance are especially valuable on machines used in dusty conditions.
A High-Performance Chapter in ACE History
The 2016 Polaris ACE 900 SP pushed the single-seat platform into a new performance category. While it lacked the suspension travel and passenger capacity of a conventional sport side-by-side, its 60-horsepower engine, 48-inch width and centered driving position created an experience unlike nearly anything else available at the time.
The ACE family was later discontinued, but the 900 SP remains one of the most distinctive models from Polaris’ rapid expansion of its off-road lineup during the mid-2010s.
