Industry News Polaris

History of the Polaris RANGER

1999 Polaris RANGER 6x6

The Polaris RANGER has undergone significant evolution since its inception in 1999, adapting to the changing needs of consumers and advancements in technology.

1990s—The First Polaris RANGER

Believe it or not, the first Polaris RANGER was actually a 6×6!

Polaris RANGER 6x6 concept

Polaris RANGER 6×6 concept

In the 1990s, the only off-road vehicle that Polaris made was the Sportsman ATV,  the Ranger 6X6 was a mere concept. Edgar Hetteen, co-founder of Polaris, sat down with Mitchell Johnson, the son of Polaris’ other co-founder, and imagined what a side-by-side ATV would look like. The fruit of their conversations became the Ranger 6×6. Hetteen loved riding the Sportsman, and like most riders, he wanted to share the experience, which inspired the idea of a side-by-side ATV. They had no idea their conversation would begin a revolution for the side-by-side industry.

During early conversations, the main characteristics that the new machine had to have were fairly clear.

“Good speed, great ride and handling with excellent off-road capability, plus a greater payload than any of the utility haulers on the market were all attributes we wanted the vehicle to have. Most of all, it had to be a lot of fun to drive and ride like the already popular Sportsman line.” Mitchell Johnson

“The initial prototype was received well by management. And the first production made a small profit in the first year. We also achieved ‘off-road’ status for the vehicle – which was essential.”

The Ranger 6X6 went from concept development to the production line in two short years!

1999 Polaris RANGER 6x6

1999 Polaris RANGER 6×6

Early 2000s: Expansion and Innovation

Following its 1999 debut, the RANGER lineup expanded to include various models tailored for both work and recreational use. In 2005, enhancements such as dual A-arm rear suspension and electronic fuel injection were introduced, improving comfort and performance. The introduction of Lock & Ride® box accessories during this period also allowed for greater customization and utility.

The 2005 Polaris RANGER 500 4×4 had a 30HP, single-cylinder, 4-stroke 499cc engine mated to a CVT with high/low range. It had selectable 4X2/4X4 with limited slip differential.

2005 Polaris RANGER 500 4x4

2005 Polaris RANGER 500 4×4

Late 2000s: Enhanced Performance

By 2009, the RANGER had incorporated dual A-arm suspension in the front, further refining ride quality and handling. Larger powertrains were introduced, boosting power and capability to meet the demands of both recreational riders and professionals.

2006 Polaris RANGER 6×6 700

2008 Polaris RANGER Crew

In 2009, Polaris introduced the ruggedly re-engineered RANGER that was the hardest working and smoothest riding RANGER EVER built, and introduced the new RANGER HD, the ultimate heavy-duty utility vehicle with a self leveling rear suspension and power steering. This year, the company powered up the RANGER 4×4 (now called RANGER 500 H.O.) with a 500 H.O engine and added an 800 EFI engine across the rest of the line. The RANGER 4×4 gets a 13 percent power increase with the 500 H.O. engine, and the RANGER XP (now called RANGER 800 XP) receives a 15 percent power upgrade with the addition of the 800 twin EFI power plant. The 800cc engine also has been added to the RANGER 800 HD, RANGER 800 CREW and RANGER 800 6×6 solidifying the “Hardest Working” RANGER promise.

Polaris Ranger 800 XP

Along with a brand new RANGER 4×4 and RANGER XP, Polaris is introducing the new RANGER HD, the ultimate heavy-duty utility vehicle with Self Leveling rear suspension and power steering.

Polaris Ranger HD

2010s: Advanced Engineering

New for 2010, Polaris is introducing the value-priced, Midsize RANGER 400 and the company’s first electric vehicle, RANGER EV.

Polaris RANGER EV

Also for 2010, the company powered up the RANGER 4×4 (now called RANGER 500 H.O.) with a 500 H.O engine and added an 800 EFI engine across the rest of the line. The RANGER 4×4 gets a 13 percent power increase with the 500 H.O. engine, and the RANGER XP (now called RANGER 800 XP) receives a 15 percent power upgrade with the addition of the 800 twin EFI power plant. The 800cc engine also has been added to the RANGER 800 HD, RANGER 800 CREW and RANGER 800 6×6 solidifying the “Hardest Working” RANGER promise.

2010 Polaris Ranger 800 Crew

2010 Polaris Ranger 800 6×6

For 2011 Polaris also is entering the diesel Side-by-Side segment, with the introduction of the new RANGER Diesel. The RANGER Diesel shares the same full-size chassis as the RANGER XP 800 EFI with the same attributes that made the RANGER line the hardest working, smoothest riding vehicles on the market.

Polaris Ranger Diesel

In 2013, Polaris unveiled the RANGER XP® 900, featuring a new platform that offered a significantly improved ride with 10 inches of class-leading suspension travel. This model emphasized the “Hardest Working. Smoothest Riding.™” ethos, catering to users requiring both durability and comfort. For Model Year 2013, Polaris will add two new vehicles to the already comprehensive line-up. Defining an all new class of Hardest Working, Smoothest Riding is the new full size RANGER XP 900; and the new RANGER 800 Midsize combines the 800cc engine with the midsize chassis for a spirited, addition that adds another value model to the family.

2013 Polaris Ranger XP 900

The midsize RANGER and midsize multi-passenger lines also have new members for 2014 with the introduction of the RANGER 570 EFI and RANGER CREW 570 EFI.

Polaris RANGER 570

With the addition of the RANGER 500 EFI to Polaris’ midsize Side-by-Side offering, Polaris also is entering the value-priced, multi-passenger vehicle segment with the new 2015 RANGER CREW 500.

Polaris RANGER 500 Crew

Also in 2013, Polaris announced an initiative to expand into the commercial vehicle market. As a result of this initiative, Polaris® unveiled the Polaris BRUTUS, the company’s first purpose-built commercial vehicle line and the first side-by-side utility vehicle in the market to deliver front-end power take-off (PTO) capability.

Polaris BRUTUS

The MVRS800 is the newest addition to the Polaris family of Ultra Light Tactical Vehicles produced for the military. It is powered by a 760cc, 40hp Patriot Engine that operates on JP8, the U.S. military’s standard fuel. This breakthrough engine was first introduced by Polaris earlier this year on the militarized all-terrain vehicle (ATV), the MV800.

Polaris Ranger MVRS800

To tackle the extreme cold, the 2015 RANGER XP 900 EPS NorthStar Edition is the first RANGER with standard heated seats and a full cab offering a premium cold-weather package for enhanced comfort and convenience. With its full PRO-FIT cab, fixed-glass windshield, rear glass panel, heater with defrost, and heated seats, the operator can work in even the most-extreme cold; while its windshield wipers, dome light and rear view mirror provide convenience not found on an ordinary side-by-side.

Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS NorthStar Edition

For 2015, the Polaris RANGER XP 900 will feature a recalibrated, high output ProStar 900 engine that churns out 68 horsepower, a 13 percent increase, and keeps the vehicle as the class-leader in torque. New, intake openings, on the pillars behind the driver and passenger, allow for improved airflow for the engine and clutch air intake systems.

Polaris Ranger Crew 900

For 2015, Polaris also engineered a Polaris RANGER CREW Diesel side-by-side utility vehicle with an integrated multi-power system, a first for vehicles in this category. A flip of a switch allows operators to power hydraulic, pneumatic, electric and welding equipment directly from the vehicle’s diesel engine through the integrated HIPPO Multipower System from the Mobile Hydraulic Equipment Company.

Polaris Ranger Crew Diesel with Fully integrated HIPPO Multipower

The 2016 Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition was introduced as the industry’s first three-seat mud riding machine, designed to tackle the most challenging terrains with ease. This special edition featured a 68-horsepower ProStar engine, electronic power steering, and a high-mounted air intake system to ensure optimal performance in wet and muddy conditions. With a lifted suspension, 28-inch High Lifter Outlaw II tires, and arched A-arms, it offered increased ground clearance and improved traction, making it a formidable choice for off-road enthusiasts seeking both utility and adventure.

New 2016 High Lifter Edition Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS

Polaris welcomes the new flagship 2017 RANGER XP 1000, which expands on both hardest working and smoothest riding attributes. The vehicle features a new ProStar® 1000 engine, with an unprecedented 80 horsepower, 17 percent more power than its predecessor.

Polaris RANGER XP 1000

Polaris celebrated rolling the one-millionth RANGER® machine off the production line in 2017 and 2018 marks two decades since the utility vehicle was introduced to the Polaris line-up. Forming a key part of the Polaris product line, the RANGER® is used all over the globe for a variety of tasks – with the RANGER® Diesel and RANGER® 570 variants being international best sellers.

POLARIS RANGER CELEBRATES TWO DECADES OF INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP

For Model Year 2018, Polaris has set a new standard in utility side-by-sides with the introduction of the all-new RANGER XP 1000. Simply put, the new flagship RANGER is more rugged, more refined, more RANGER. More than 100 owner-inspired innovations make the new RANGER XP 1000 the hardest working, smoothest riding RANGER ever built.

2018 Polaris RANGER XP 1000

Also in 2018, Polaris introduced today the RANGER® 150 EFI, a first-of-its-kind youth vehicle for riders 10 years and older that features rider-safety technology designed for parents’ peace of mind while letting youth riders experience the fun of driving their own vehicle.

Polaris RANGER 150 EFI

Polaris® RANGER®, the industry’s No.1-selling utility side-by-side vehicle, today introduced new 2019 limited-edition models and additional upgrade options to further expand its industry-best RANGER XP® 1000 lineup. The introduction features the RANGER XP® 1000 EPS Back Country Edition available in 3 and 6-seat models. RANGER also announced availability of its factory-installed Ride Command® Package on the RANGER CREW XP 1000 EPS and the popular RANGER CREW XP 1000 EPS NorthStar Edition, which adds two exterior color options for the mid-year release.

Polaris RANGER Expands Industry-Leading 2019 RANGER XP 1000 Lineup

Fueled by more than 100 owner-Inspired improvements, the all-new 2019 Polaris RANGER CREW XP 1000 sets the new standard for six-passenger utility side-by-sides. The vehicle brings added passenger and payload capacity to the world’s HARDEST WORKING. SMOOTHEST RIDING. side-by-side.

All-new 2019 Polaris RANGER Crew XP 1000

The all-new 2019 Polaris RANGER Crew High Lifter Edition was designed, tested and built side-by-side with the king of mud.

High Lifter Edition Polaris RANGER XP 1000 Crew

2020s: Technological Integration

In model year 2020 the Ranger XP 900 is now replaced by the Ranger 1000 and we will say so long to that 900cc model line. This should not get you down however because this Polaris Ranger 1000 is packed with incredible updates and the price is something that has us all turning our heads.

2020 Polaris RANGER 1000 Replaces RANGER XP 900 Model

Polaris RANGER Introduces the All-New RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000

The 2020s have seen the RANGER series embrace advanced technologies and sustainable solutions. In 2021, Polaris introduced the RANGER XP Kinetic, an electric off-road vehicle that combines the performance and durability expected from the RANGER lineup with the benefits of electric power, such as reduced noise and maintenance.

Introducing the Polaris Pro XD Kinetic – The All-Electric UTV Built to Work

Polaris Off-Road, the global leader in powersports and off-road innovation, is once again breaking new ground with the industry’s first extreme duty utility side-by-side: the all-new 2024 RANGER XD 1500.

With its unprecedented capability, brute strength, and unmatched comfort, the new extreme duty class of RANGER side-by-sides are engineered with the first-ever ProStar 1500cc 3-cylinder engine that offers an industry-leading 110 horsepower, the industry-exclusive STEELDRIVE automatic transmission for greater durability and precise control and over 70 new accessories for enhanced customization, highlighted by Polaris’ exclusive Lock & Ride MAX system. The RANGER XD 1500 establishes a new benchmark for utility side-by-sides.

Polaris Expands Its Ranger Lineup With The All-new Ranger XD 1500, An Entirely New Class Of Extreme Duty Utility Side-by-sides

2025 RANGER lineup features a redesigned front end and new front bumper for added durability, an upgraded Gen 2 transmission for smooth and consistent shifting, and additional factory-installed accessories for added rider value and convenience. In addition to the upgrades, Polaris is introducing the all-new RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Texas Edition, as well as bringing back a fan favorite – the RANGER CREW XP 1000 Waterfowl Edition.

POLARIS ELEVATES THE BEST-SELLING SIDE-BY-SIDE OF ALL TIME WITH THE 2025 FULL-SIZE RANGER LINEUP

Throughout its history, the Polaris RANGER has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of its users, maintaining its position as a leader in the utility side-by-side market.

Polaris RANGER Reviews

2006 Polaris RANGER Review

Polaris RANGER XP 900 Rock Crawling Review

Polaris RANGER EV Review

Polaris Ranger XP 900 Field Mowing Review

Polaris Ranger XP 900 Dune Review

2009 Polaris Ranger XP Review

Field Mowing with the 2018 Polaris RANGER XP 1000

Waterfowl Hunting With The All-New Polaris Ranger 1000

Customized Polaris RANGERs

The Polaris RANGER 4×4 and RANGER 6×6 have served as Fire Department and Emergency Services vehicles for years.  Here are a few examples where fire skids were added to create a vehicle that was much more nimble and off-road capable than traditional full-size trucks.

Bulverde Area Volunteer Fire Department Polaris Ranger 6×6

Warwick Ambulance Polaris Ranger 6×6

Grand Canyon National Park Polaris Ranger 6×6

Rutgers University Polaris Ranger 6×6

Operation Ranger Provides First Response Organizations in Need with Polaris Ranger 6×6 Utility Vehicles

 

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