2024 Polaris RZR XP Review

Posted on May 20, 2024

By Jon Crowley

In March 2023, Polaris announced that the industry’s best-selling sport side-by-side, the Polaris RZR XP1000, was redesigned from the ground up and the new vehicle was now called the Polaris RZR XP.

When the RZR XP1000 was first introduced, it was the at the apex of the sport UTV segment with more power and suspension than any other vehicle on the market. Over the next few years, turbos were added to sport UTVs and then more advanced suspension, and then more power, and then more suspension. Even though the XP1000 was surpassed by new sport UTV models like the XP Turbo, Turbo S, Pro XP and Pro R, Polaris kept the XP 1000 in the mix because it turns out that not everyone needs big horsepower and vehicles that are over six feet wide.

Meanwhile, the XP1000 quietly became a solid trail machine and with a few changes to the platform over the years, it turned into the highest selling sport UTV of all time. But after a decade, it was time for a complete refresh, and that’s where the 2024 Polaris RZR XP comes into the scene.

If you want all the details on the 2024 Polaris RZR XP, click the link below for all the details and fancy marketing information.

Original 2024 Polaris RZR XP Product Launch

Polaris Unleashes Revolutionary New Generation of the RZR XP — The Industry’s Best-Selling Sport Side-by-Side

Assuming you were too lazy to click on the link, here are a few details key details:

New aggressive style with integrated full doors
Newly designed, reinforced driveline
Better line of sight for driver and passenger
Stronger half shafts, prop shaft, and bearings
Improved acceleration thanks to an all-new ProStar 1000 Gen 2, 114-horsepower engine
New stronger, redesigned chassis
Lower-geared transmission
Slightly more legroom and lower seating position
90-inch wheelbase
16-inches of wheel travel

With keys in hand on a demo unit from Polaris, I set off to give the RZR XP Ultimate a thorough test in a variety of terrain so I could report back as a true enthusiast and potential buyer.

Over the period of a month, I put 500 mles on the RZR XP in terrain that varied from sand dunes in Nevada, to trail rides in Arizona and rock crawling in Utah. Checkout all the links below for more details on how the RZR XP did in specific terrain.

As a trail machine, Polaris hit it out of the park with the upgrades to the RZR XP. Everything about the vehicle is better than the RZR XP1000. If you are familiar and comfortable with the XP1000, this is a great starting point. If I was looking for a trail machine, the RZR XP would be very high on my list of choices (if not the top).

System 3 SS360 Tires mounted on SB-7 Beadlock Wheels

Can it go to the dunes? Yes it can. Is it the best in the dunes? Certainly not. I added a set of 31-inch System 3 SS360 tires and had a great time at Sand Mountain. But if you primarily trail ride and make a trip or two to the dunes each year, the RZR XP is absolutely capable and tons of fun.

33-inch High Lifter Chicane LT Tires fit with no rubbing.

Can it rock crawl? Absolutely. Low-range is definitely lower than original XP1000, but a bit taller than the Trail & Rock Edition. I fit 33-inch tires on it with no rubbing (35’s will rub). Turning radius is great. Chasss feels solid. 4-wheel drive system is simple, yet always works. It is one of the things I like about RZR – no need for a locked front differential, it just does what I need it to do without needing to push any buttons for tough obstacles. I also have a Can-Am Maverick R and the difference in the amount of switches and modes is staggering. It is refreshing to be able to just get in and drive without being distracted by trying to figure out what mode I am currently in and also what mode I should be in.

Polaris Ride Command is a great tool for groups rides, fiding routes and tracking rides.

Overall, the RZR XP handled everything I threw at it and it put a smile on my face while doing so. It is a very versatile machine and that is a solid fit to the variety of terrain found in suouthern Utah.

Likes:

Nimble
Great turning radius
Good power
Ride-Command
Chassis feels solid (no squeaks or rattles after 500 miles)
Adequate legroom
Good visibility
Low-range gearing is suitable for rock crawling
Can fit up to 33-inch tire
Large storage area in the bed
Stock roll cage looks good and has added triangulation with six point mounting to chassis
150 miles on a tank of gas (trail ride to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon)
Rear camera (available with Ride Command)
900W charging system

Dislikes:

Engine noise (louder than I’d like)
Would like a top-tier shock option from the factory (see FOX shock upgrade below)
“Dead pedal” foot rest isn’t at the right angle
There is no gauge in front of the steering wheel for speedometer, etc. Have to look to the middle of the dash
Must be in Park to start
While legroom is better than the XP1000, I’d like a bit more (I am 6’ 1”)
Can’t fit a 35-inch tire 😉
Would like a lower low-range (but that’s just because I like to do more technical rock crawling)