Polaris expanded its 2026 off-road lineup with a new 72-inch RZR XP S, substantial updates to the RZR XP, a larger RIDE COMMAND display for the RZR Pro R and three limited-production RZR and RANGER special editions.
The October 2025 announcement represents the second wave of Polaris’ 2026 model introductions. While the RZR XP S is the only entirely new platform variation in this group, the updates cover a broad range of customers—from recreational trail riders and desert enthusiasts to ranchers, hunters and owners who operate in steep mountain terrain.
Key additions to the 2026 Polaris RZR and RANGER lineup include:
- New 72-inch-wide Polaris RZR XP S
- Updated RZR XP styling, chassis protection, shifting and geared reverse
- New 10.4-inch vertical RIDE COMMAND display for the RZR Pro R Ultimate
- Limited-production RZR Pro S Calavera Edition
- RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar Texas Edition
- RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Mountaineer Edition in three- and six-passenger configurations
“The industry is more competitive than ever, and consumers look to Polaris to lead with performance, capability, and style,” said Reid Wilson, President of Polaris Off-Road Vehicles. “For 2026, we’ve elevated our lineup with rider-driven innovation, from the redesigned RZR XP to the expanded RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar offering.”
2026 Polaris RZR XP
2026 Polaris RZR XP Updates
The Polaris RZR XP received its most recent ground-up platform redesign for the 2024 model year. For 2026, Polaris builds on that platform with more aggressive styling and targeted durability and driveline improvements.
The most visible change is a redesigned front fascia with updated RZR Fang lighting and a low-profile front bumper inspired by the RZR Pro family. Beneath the bodywork, Polaris reinforced suspension mounting points and added full underbody protection intended to improve durability in rocks, ruts and other demanding trail conditions.
Polaris also added geared reverse for increased torque and improved low-speed throttle control. Updates to the shifting system are intended to deliver quicker, smoother engagement when selecting Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low or High.
These changes address areas that matter in real-world technical terrain. During our previous Polaris RZR XP rock-crawling test, the platform’s compact wheelbase, excellent turning radius and improved forward visibility made it especially effective on tight trails. The 2026 revisions should improve its durability and control without changing the basic character of the machine.
2026 RZR XP Sport
The RZR XP Sport remains the entry point into the full-size XP lineup. Its naturally aspirated 999cc ProStar 1000 Gen 2 twin-cylinder engine produces a claimed 114 horsepower.
Standard performance equipment includes:
- 114-horsepower ProStar 1000 engine
- Automatic PVT transmission with geared reverse
- Walker Evans Racing needle shocks
- 20 inches of advertised usable suspension travel
- 29-inch tires
- Reinforced chassis and suspension mounting points
- Full-coverage underbody protection
2026 RZR XP Ultimate
The RZR XP Ultimate adds a more complete collection of factory-installed electronics and accessories:
- Seven-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND
- Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 audio
- RZR Fang accent lighting
- Poly roof
- 30-inch tires
- 20.5 inches of advertised usable suspension travel
- Factory-installed 4,500-pound winch
For more information about the underlying chassis, engine, cockpit and suspension, see our complete Polaris RZR XP review.
2026 Polaris RZR XP S
All-New 2026 Polaris RZR XP S
The biggest addition is the new Polaris RZR XP S. It combines the naturally aspirated RZR XP platform with a 72-inch stance, 32-inch tires and substantially more suspension travel.
With a starting price of $22,499, the two-seat RZR XP S Sport occupies an important position between the 64-inch RZR XP and Polaris’ more expensive turbocharged RZR Pro S. It is aimed at riders who want a wider and more stable platform without paying for turbocharged power or semi-active suspension.
The XP S retains the RZR XP’s 114-horsepower ProStar engine and compact 90-inch wheelbase. Its wider suspension should make it better suited to open desert trails, rocks and rough terrain, although its 72-inch width will rule it out for many narrow or width-restricted trail systems.
RZR XP S Chassis and Driveline
Polaris strengthened the XP S driveline to handle the additional leverage and loads created by the wider suspension and larger tires. Upgrades include:
- Heavy-duty front drive components
- Upgraded prop shaft
- Stronger eight-ball half shafts
- Fully welded rear skid plate
- Reinforced chassis and suspension mounts
- Full underbody protection
The XP S also has three selectable drive modes that alter throttle response:
- Standard: Balanced response for general trail riding
- Sport: Quicker throttle response for aggressive driving
- Rock: Smoother response for technical terrain and precise low-speed control
Our experience with the four-seat model confirmed that these changes are more than specifications on a page. In our 2026 Polaris RZR XP S 4 Ultimate rock-crawling review, the reinforced platform felt solid, the larger tires worked well in technical terrain and Rock mode delivered excellent throttle control.
RZR XP S Suspension and Tires
The XP S uses 2.5-inch Walker Evans Racing shocks and rides on 32-inch Pro Armor Trekker tires mounted on 15-inch wheels. Polaris advertises 25 inches of usable suspension travel and 16 inches of ground clearance.
Polaris’ usable-travel measurement should not be confused with conventional wheel travel. The two-seat RZR XP S has 19 inches of front wheel travel and 21 inches at the rear, while the advertised 25-inch figure measures the total usable range between full droop and the bottom of the skid plate.
Complete dimensions, suspension specifications and equipment can be found in our 2026 Polaris RZR XP S Sport specifications and features.
RZR XP S Sport vs. Ultimate
The XP S Sport includes the core 72-inch chassis, 114-horsepower engine, Walker Evans shocks, 32-inch tires and three drive modes.
The XP S Ultimate adds:
- Seven-inch RIDE COMMAND display
- Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 audio
- RZR Fang accent lighting
- Poly sport roof
- Factory-installed 4,500-pound winch
Sand Dune and Stealth Gray were the two announced XP S colors. Polaris also said more than 60 RZR XP accessories would carry over, including windshields, roofs, storage systems and protection products. A new Rockford Fosgate audio roof gives Sport owners another factory-integrated audio option.
2026 Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate
2026 RZR Pro R Gets a 10.4-Inch RIDE COMMAND Display
The 2026 RZR Pro R Ultimate retains its 225-horsepower, naturally aspirated ProStar Fury 2.0 four-cylinder engine, but receives a major cockpit technology upgrade.
A new 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND replaces the previous seven-inch display. Polaris says it provides 52 square inches of usable screen area and 2.3 times more display area than the previous system.
Additional improvements include:
- Up to eight times faster processing
- Up to 38 times faster graphics rendering
- Twice the internal storage capacity
- Twice the boot speed
- Bluetooth device pairing
- Split-screen functionality
The split-screen layout allows the driver to keep a map visible on one portion of the screen while accessing vehicle information, audio or other functions on the second portion.
The RZR Pro R Ultimate continues to use a 74-inch stance, 104.5-inch wheelbase and MaxLink suspension with 29 inches of advertised usable travel. DYNAMIX DV semi-active suspension automatically adjusts damping based on terrain and driver inputs.
For 2026, Polaris also revised the shock calibration and introduced a triple-rate spring configuration. Pro Performance True 4WD gives the driver multiple selectable settings for changing traction conditions.
Announced colors included Indy Red, White Crystal, Super Graphite and Purple Thunder. Polaris later expanded the Pro R family with the limited-production 2026 RZR Pro R Ultra Edition.
2026 Polaris RZR Pro S Calavera Edition
RZR Pro S Calavera Limited Edition
Polaris created the RZR Pro S Calavera Edition to recognize the company’s 10th anniversary of selling vehicles in Mexico. Production was limited to 200 units.
Calavera translates to “skull” in Spanish, and the special graphics draw inspiration from Mexico’s Día de los Muertos traditions. Orange Fang accent lights inspired by the Polaris RZR Factory Racing team complement the limited-edition graphics.
Underneath the unique finish is the familiar RZR Pro S platform, including:
- 181-horsepower turbocharged engine
- 74-inch width
- 96-inch wheelbase
- 28 inches of advertised usable suspension travel
- DYNAMIX semi-active suspension
- FOX 3.0 Live Valve internal-bypass shocks
- RIDE COMMAND
- Rockford Fosgate Stage 4 audio
2026 Polaris RZR Pricing
| Model | Starting U.S. MSRP |
|---|---|
| RZR XP | $19,999 |
| RZR XP S | $22,499 |
| RZR Pro S Calavera Edition | $40,499 |
| RZR Pro R Ultimate | $43,999 |
Prices reflect the models announced in October 2025 and exclude destination charges, setup, taxes and registration. Dealer pricing and availability may vary.
2026 RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Special Editions
Polaris also expanded the RANGER XD 1500 lineup with two limited-production NorthStar models designed around different regional uses.
The Texas Edition builds on the six-passenger RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar with larger tires, premium audio and Texas-specific styling. The Mountaineer Edition uses lower final-drive gearing to improve throttle control and climbing performance in steep terrain.
2026 Polaris RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar Texas Edition
RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar Texas Edition
The RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar Texas Edition combines ranch-oriented equipment with exclusive styling.
32-Inch Pro Armor Tires
The Texas Edition rides on 32-inch Pro Armor Trekker tires that increase ground clearance to a claimed 16 inches. The larger tires provide additional clearance for ruts, rocks, brush and uneven ranch roads.
JBL Trail Pro 4200 Audio
A JBL Trail Pro 4200 audio system includes front and rear speakers plus two subwoofers. The full-surround system is designed to deliver coverage throughout the six-passenger cab.
Texas-Specific Styling
The exterior is finished in Black Crystal and paired with tinted windows, Texas badging and embroidered seats. At launch, the RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar Texas Edition started at $51,999.
2026 Polaris RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Mountaineer Edition
RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Mountaineer Edition
The Mountaineer Edition is the more mechanically significant of the two special-edition RANGER models. It is available in both three-passenger and six-passenger Crew configurations.
Its defining change is a 3.73:1 rear final-drive ratio in place of the standard XD 1500’s 3.07:1 ratio. The lower gearing provides approximately 20 percent more torque multiplication at the wheels, improving low-speed throttle control and climbing performance.
The lower gearing also reduces maximum speed. During our RANGER XD 1500 Mountaineer Edition high-elevation test, the vehicle reached approximately 51 mph.
We tested the Mountaineer from roughly 5,500 feet near Walker, California, to the 11,673-foot summit of Mount Patterson. The route included steep grades, rocky switchbacks and loose shale. In those conditions, the lower gearing produced smoother throttle response and made it easier to maintain traction on sustained climbs.
Mountaineer-specific equipment includes:
- 3.73:1 rear final-drive ratio
- Approximately 20 percent more torque multiplication at the wheels
- Factory-tinted windows
- Mountaineer Edition graphics and badging
- Reduced top speed compared with the standard RANGER XD 1500
Standard NorthStar Ultimate Equipment
Both Mountaineer configurations are based on the NorthStar Ultimate and retain its major work and comfort features:
- 110-horsepower, 1,498cc ProStar three-cylinder engine
- Polaris STEELDRIVE transmission
- 1,500-pound cargo-box capacity
- 3,500-pound towing capacity
- Fully enclosed cab with heating and air conditioning
- Heated front seats
- Seven-inch RIDE COMMAND display
- JBL audio system
- Electronic cargo-box lift
- Factory-installed winch
The Mountaineer’s lower gearing is particularly valuable because the XD 1500 does not have a conventional low-range gear. Owners who regularly work or ride on steep trails should appreciate the added control. Buyers who spend more time traveling on faster forest roads or open terrain may prefer the higher top speed provided by the standard 3.07 gearing.
2026 RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Pricing
| Model | Starting U.S. MSRP |
|---|---|
| RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Premium | $40,999 |
| RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar Premium | $44,999 |
| RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate | $45,999 |
| RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Mountaineer Edition | $45,999 |
| RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate | $49,999 |
| RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar Mountaineer Edition | $49,999 |
| RANGER CREW XD 1500 NorthStar Texas Edition | $51,999 |
Prices reflect Polaris’ October 2025 announcement and exclude destination charges, setup, taxes and registration. Current pricing and availability may vary.
Which 2026 Polaris Model Stands Out?
The RZR XP S is the most important new recreational model in this announcement. Its 72-inch stance, 32-inch tires, 25 inches of advertised usable travel and $22,499 starting price create a naturally aspirated alternative to substantially more expensive turbocharged wide-track machines.
The updated RZR XP remains the better fit for tighter trail systems where its 64-inch width and compact wheelbase provide greater maneuverability. The RZR Pro R continues to target high-performance desert and dune riders, with its new 10.4-inch screen bringing a meaningful improvement to navigation and cockpit technology.
On the utility side, the Texas Edition is primarily an upscale ranch-oriented package. The Mountaineer Edition makes a more fundamental mechanical change. Its lower gearing noticeably improves control in steep terrain, making it one of the most purpose-specific models in the current Polaris RANGER lineup.
Visit the official Polaris Off Road website for current colors, pricing and dealer availability.
