2012 Polaris RZR 570: Launch, Specs and Price

The 2012 Polaris RZR 570 expanded the early RZR lineup with a less expensive, 50-inch-wide sport side-by-side designed for width-restricted trails. Starting at $9,999, it brought a new 567cc ProStar engine and much of the original RZR’s compact trail-oriented design to a lower price point.

Polaris introduced the RZR 570 in July 2011 as its second 50-inch trail model, joining the original Polaris RZR 800. Although positioned as the entry-level RZR, the 570 received a newly developed engine, transmission and independent rear suspension rather than simply using an existing ATV powertrain.

2012 Polaris RZR 570 Specifications

New 567cc ProStar Engine

The centerpiece of the 2012 RZR 570 was its 567cc ProStar single-cylinder engine. The liquid-cooled, double-overhead-cam engine used four valves and electronic fuel injection, producing a claimed 45 horsepower.

This made the smaller RZR surprisingly close to the original RZR 800 in output while retaining the lighter weight and lower cost associated with a single-cylinder powerplant. Polaris developed the engine specifically for side-by-side use, making it the second member of the ProStar family after the ProStar 900 introduced in the RZR XP 900.

A 650-watt charging system provided electrical capacity for accessories. Polaris also incorporated a wet-sump lubrication system and removable cargo-box floor to simplify routine engine access and service.

Transmission Developed for the ProStar 570

Polaris paired the new engine with a transmission designed to efficiently transfer its power to the ground. The design incorporated helical-cut final-drive gears and technology first used on the RZR XP 900.

According to Polaris, the optimized gear geometry reduced driveline noise and weight while providing the torque capacity required for trail riding. The automatic Polaris Variable Transmission included High and Low ranges along with Neutral, Reverse and Park.

50-Inch Trail-Ready Chassis

At 50 inches wide, the RZR 570 was designed to fit many width-restricted ATV and UTV trails. That narrow stance was a defining feature of the original RZR platform and distinguished the 570 from the wider recreational and high-performance machines beginning to enter the market.

Polaris placed the engine behind the seats, helping give the RZR 570 a low seating position and centralized feel. Its 77-inch wheelbase kept the vehicle compact and maneuverable on tight, wooded trails.

The RZR 570 joined what was becoming a rapidly expanding model family. See our 2012 Polaris RZR lineup guide for its position alongside the RZR 800, RZR S 800 and RZR XP 900.

Independent Suspension and Four-Wheel Braking

The front suspension used dual A-arms providing 9 inches of travel. At the rear, newly developed independent suspension provided 9.5 inches of travel. Preload-adjustable ZF Sachs shocks were fitted at all four corners.

Front and rear anti-sway bars helped control body roll despite the machine’s narrow track. The RZR 570 also offered 10 inches of ground clearance and hydraulic disc brakes at all four wheels.

Its combination of compact dimensions and independent suspension made the 570 particularly well suited to slower, tighter trail systems. Readers comparing narrow machines can also see our guide to 50-inch trail-capable UTVs.

On-Demand True AWD

The RZR 570 used Polaris’ On-Demand True AWD system. When AWD was selected, the system automatically engaged the front wheels after detecting rear-wheel slip. It returned to two-wheel drive when additional front traction was no longer required.

This automatic operation allowed the driver to concentrate on the trail without manually locking and unlocking a front differential. It also reduced steering effort when four-wheel drive was not needed.

Seating, Cargo and Safety Equipment

The two-seat cockpit included tilt steering, adjustable passenger handholds and adjustable seats. Occupant-protection equipment included side nets and a certified rollover protective structure.

Behind the seats was a flat cargo platform rated to carry 300 pounds. It incorporated Polaris Lock & Ride accessory mounting points and built-in rack extenders. The vehicle was also rated to tow as much as 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, although its primary purpose remained recreational trail riding rather than utility work.

2012 Polaris RZR 570 Price and Availability

The base 2012 Polaris RZR 570 was introduced in Indy Red with a starting MSRP of $9,999. Polaris planned dealer availability for late fall 2011.

That four-figure price was important. It placed the RZR 570 below the larger RZR models and gave buyers a more accessible entry into the emerging sport side-by-side category without abandoning four-wheel drive, independent suspension or the 50-inch RZR chassis.

Our Polaris RZR 570 First Ride

The specifications only tell part of the story. We later drove the machine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and found that its responsive engine, compact dimensions and predictable handling made it far more capable than its entry-level positioning suggested.

Read our complete Polaris RZR 570 review and trip report for firsthand riding impressions, additional photographs and a closer look at how the machine performed on the trail.

Why the RZR 570 Matters

The RZR 570 helped establish that a smaller-displacement sport UTV did not have to feel like a stripped-down utility vehicle. It offered meaningful performance, modern engine technology and trail-friendly dimensions at a price below the flagship RZR models.

The 570 also demonstrated how quickly Polaris was expanding the RZR concept. Within only a few years, the company had developed narrow trail models, wider sport machines and the high-performance XP platform. That evolution is covered in our complete Polaris RZR history.