By Jon Crowley
The redesigned 2024 Polaris RZR XP is not the fastest or most heavily suspended sport UTV in the Polaris lineup—and that is precisely why it makes sense for so many riders. After putting approximately 500 miles on a RZR XP Ultimate in Nevada, Arizona and Utah, I came away impressed by how well this 64-inch machine balances trail agility, usable power, rock-crawling ability and all-around versatility.
My test included sand dunes at Sand Mountain, long trail rides in northern Arizona and technical rock crawling around Sand Hollow. The RZR XP handled all three environments without requiring major modifications or forcing the driver to manage a long list of drive modes.
Bottom line: If I were shopping for a versatile trail-focused sport UTV, the RZR XP would be near the top of my list.
Why Polaris Redesigned the RZR XP
Polaris introduced the original RZR XP 1000 for the 2014 model year. At the time, its combination of horsepower, suspension travel and compact dimensions placed it near the top of the sport side-by-side market.
The segment changed considerably over the following decade. Turbochargers, longer wheel travel, wider chassis and increasingly powerful engines pushed vehicles such as the RZR XP Turbo, Turbo S, Pro XP and Pro R well beyond the original XP 1000’s performance envelope.
Polaris kept the XP 1000 in the lineup because not every rider needs a six-foot-wide UTV with extreme horsepower. The XP 1000 developed into a dependable and approachable trail machine, but after nearly a decade, the platform was ready for a comprehensive redesign.
The result was the 2024 RZR XP, powered by a second-generation ProStar 1000 engine producing a claimed 114 horsepower. You can read the complete introduction and original trim information in our 2024 Polaris RZR XP first look.
2024 Polaris RZR XP Highlights
- 114-horsepower ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine
- Redesigned and reinforced chassis
- Stronger half shafts, prop shaft and wheel bearings
- Lower transmission gearing
- 90-inch wheelbase
- 16 inches of suspension travel
- Integrated full doors
- Improved visibility for the driver and passenger
- Lower seating position with slightly more legroom
- Six-point roll-cage mounting with additional triangulation
- 900-watt charging system
- Available RIDE COMMAND display and rear camera
Polaris supplied a RZR XP Ultimate demo unit for this review. I approached the test as both an enthusiast and a potential buyer, using the vehicle in the same varied terrain that owners regularly encounter in the Southwest.
Trail Performance
Trail riding is where the redesigned RZR XP makes its strongest case. The 64-inch width, compact 90-inch wheelbase and excellent turning radius make it far easier to place on a narrow or technical trail than one of today’s wider, longer high-horsepower sport UTVs.
The 114-horsepower engine delivers plenty of usable power for recreational trail riding. It does not have the acceleration of a turbocharged RZR, but the power matches the chassis well and never left me feeling that the machine was underpowered for its intended purpose.
The chassis also felt substantially more solid than the previous RZR XP 1000. After 500 miles, the test vehicle had not developed the distracting squeaks or rattles that can appear after repeated use in rough terrain.
Visibility is good, and the redesigned seating position makes it easy to judge the vehicle’s placement on the trail. Legroom is improved compared with the original XP 1000, although at 6 feet 1 inch tall, I would still appreciate a little more room.
One of the most useful tests was a long ride to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The RZR XP traveled approximately 150 miles on a tank of fuel during that ride, demonstrating the range available under favorable trail conditions. Actual range will naturally vary with terrain, speed, elevation, load and driving style.
RIDE COMMAND
The center-mounted RIDE COMMAND display provides mapping, route tracking and group-ride features, while the available rear camera is helpful on the trail and around staging areas. I would still prefer a separate gauge directly in front of the steering wheel for frequently referenced information such as vehicle speed. Looking toward the center of the dashboard takes more attention away from the trail than a conventional driver-facing gauge.
Sand Dune Performance
The RZR XP can absolutely be used in the dunes, although riders who spend most of their time in open sand will likely prefer a turbocharged machine with more horsepower and suspension travel.
I installed 31-inch System 3 Off-Road SS360 sand tires mounted on SB-7 beadlock wheels and had a great time at Sand Mountain, Nevada. The naturally aspirated engine requires more attention to momentum than a turbocharged RZR, but the XP remained predictable and entertaining.
If you primarily trail ride and visit the dunes once or twice each year, the RZR XP is capable enough that you do not need a dedicated dune machine. For more detail, read our separate 2024 Polaris RZR XP dune review.
Rock-Crawling Performance
The redesigned RZR XP is also a surprisingly competent recreational rock crawler. Its low-range gearing is lower than the original XP 1000’s gearing, although it is not quite as low as the former RZR XP 1000 Trails & Rocks Edition.
I fitted 33-inch High Lifter Chicane LT tires without experiencing tire rub. The compact wheelbase, good visibility and tight turning radius make the RZR XP easy to maneuver around obstacles. Thirty-five-inch tires will rub without additional clearance or suspension changes.
The chassis remained composed in the rocks, and Polaris’ on-demand all-wheel-drive system worked without requiring the driver to select a separate front differential-locking mode. When traction was needed, the system simply did its job.
That simplicity is refreshing. Compared with machines that offer numerous drive, steering, suspension and differential settings, the RZR XP allows the driver to concentrate on choosing a line and driving the obstacle.
For a closer look at the machine on Double Sammy at Sand Hollow—including feedback from Polaris racer Michael Lee—read our complete Polaris RZR XP rock-crawling review.
Ride Quality and Suspension
The stock suspension works well for normal trail use, but this is one area where the RZR XP leaves room for improvement. I would like to see a higher-end factory shock option for riders who regularly encounter rough, rocky terrain or drive at a more aggressive pace.
Our later test of a FOX shock upgrade for the Polaris RZR XP demonstrated how much additional ride quality can be unlocked with improved suspension tuning.
Owners looking for stronger replacement suspension components can also see the HCR Racing RZR XP Sportline suspension kit.
What I Like About the RZR XP
- Nimble handling and a tight turning radius
- Good usable power for trail riding
- Solid chassis with no squeaks or rattles after 500 miles
- Good driver visibility
- Improved legroom compared with the original XP 1000
- Low-range gearing suitable for recreational rock crawling
- Room for 33-inch tires without rubbing in our test
- Large rear cargo area
- Attractive stock cage with added triangulation and six chassis mounting points
- Approximately 150 miles of range during our Grand Canyon trail ride
- Useful RIDE COMMAND mapping and group-ride features
- Available rear camera
- Powerful 900-watt charging system for accessories
- Simple all-wheel-drive operation
What Could Be Better
- More engine noise in the cabin than I would prefer
- No premium top-tier factory shock option
- The dead-pedal footrest angle was uncomfortable for me
- No separate gauge directly in front of the steering wheel
- The transmission must be in Park before the engine will start
- Taller drivers may still want more legroom
- Thirty-five-inch tires require additional clearance
- An even lower low range would help on more technical rock-crawling obstacles
Aftermarket Accessories
The RZR XP’s 900-watt charging system provides useful electrical capacity for lighting, communications and other accessories. Rugged Radios offers a vehicle-specific Polaris RZR XP communication kit with an intercom and two-way radio for group rides.
2024 Polaris RZR XP Review Verdict
The 2024 Polaris RZR XP handled every type of terrain I threw at it and consistently put a smile on my face. Its strength is not dominance in one specialized environment. Instead, it delivers an unusually useful combination of trail agility, adequate power, predictable handling and genuine rock-and-dune capability.
Dedicated dune riders may want turbocharged power, and aggressive desert drivers may prefer a wider platform with more suspension travel. Extreme rock crawlers may also want lower gearing and room for larger tires. But for riders who explore a mixture of trails, rocks and occasional sand, the RZR XP is a remarkably well-rounded sport UTV.
For the terrain found around southern Utah and across much of the Southwest, the RZR XP is one of the most versatile and approachable choices in the Polaris sport lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2024 Polaris RZR XP have?
The 2024 RZR XP uses a ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine rated by Polaris at 114 horsepower.
Is the 2024 RZR XP good for trail riding?
Yes. Trail riding is arguably its strongest use. The 64-inch width, compact wheelbase, tight turning radius, good visibility and usable naturally aspirated power make it well suited to varied trail conditions.
Can the Polaris RZR XP use 33-inch tires?
Our test vehicle accommodated 33-inch High Lifter Chicane LT tires without rubbing. Tire clearance can vary with wheel offset, tire construction, suspension setup, load and riding conditions.
Can the RZR XP fit 35-inch tires?
Not without additional clearance. We found that 35-inch tires would rub in the stock configuration.
Is the RZR XP good in sand dunes?
It is capable and fun in the dunes, especially with appropriate sand tires. Riders who primarily drive in open dunes will likely prefer a turbocharged model, but the naturally aspirated XP works well for occasional dune trips.
Is the RZR XP a good rock crawler?
Yes, for recreational rock crawling. Its lower gearing, compact dimensions, tight turning radius and automatic all-wheel-drive system make it easy to manage on technical trails. Extreme crawling may call for lower gearing, suspension upgrades and additional tire clearance.
