The 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 6×6 brought more power, improved suspension, better ergonomics and increased protection to Polaris’ six-wheel utility UTV. Powered by an 800cc twin-cylinder EFI engine, the redesigned RANGER combined true six-wheel drive with a 1,250-pound cargo box, an additional 250-pound job box and a 2,000-pound towing capacity.
The model was especially significant because the original Polaris RANGER began as a 6×6. By 2010, Polaris had substantially modernized that original work-focused concept with independent suspension, electronic fuel injection and more comfortable three-person seating.
What Changed for the 2010 Polaris RANGER 6×6?
The largest mechanical change was the addition of Polaris’ 800cc twin-cylinder EFI engine. Polaris rated the engine at 40 horsepower, representing a claimed 15-percent power increase over the previous RANGER 6×6 powertrain.
Polaris also added adjustable dual A-arm suspension at the front, middle and rear of the vehicle. The suspension provided 9.6 inches of front-wheel travel, 9 inches of travel at the middle and rear wheels, and 12 inches of ground clearance.
The redesigned RANGER retained the six-wheel configuration that helped establish the Polaris utility-vehicle lineup.
True On-Demand Six-Wheel Drive
The 2010 RANGER 800 6×6 used Polaris’ On-Demand drive system to send power to all six wheels when additional traction was required. The tandem rear axles provided a large contact patch for climbing, carrying cargo and traveling through mud, snow or soft ground.
The independent suspension also helped distinguish the RANGER from traditional six-wheel utility vehicles that relied on simpler solid-axle arrangements. All six wheels could move independently, improving ride quality and helping the tires maintain contact with uneven terrain.
Adjustable Suspension for Heavy Loads
Polaris designed the suspension to accommodate both unloaded driving and demanding work applications. Each suspension position included preload adjustment, while two upper shock-mounting positions allowed the motion ratio to be changed.
Moving the shocks to the firmer mounting position increased suspension stiffness for loads such as sprayers, cab systems, snowplows and heavy cargo. This helped the RANGER maintain its ground clearance and suspension travel when equipped for work.
Cargo, Payload and Towing Capacity
Work capacity remained one of the RANGER 6×6’s defining strengths. The rear cargo box was rated to carry as much as 1,250 pounds. A separate truck-style job box positioned between the cab and cargo bed added another 250 pounds of storage capacity.
Polaris rated the vehicle to tow as much as 2,000 pounds. Lock & Ride mounting points allowed compatible accessories to be installed without permanently modifying the cargo areas.
The RANGER’s combination of traction, cargo capacity and relatively compact dimensions also made six-wheel models popular with fire departments, search-and-rescue teams and other agencies that needed to transport personnel and equipment into areas inaccessible to conventional trucks.
Improved Protection and Ergonomics
The redesigned front end provided additional protection for the radiator, cooling system and front differential. Inset headlights were less exposed to rocks and branches, while the heavy-duty bumper incorporated a bash plate, tie-down points and a central tow hook.
Polaris also made several changes intended to make long workdays more comfortable:
- More seat and legroom
- Angled seat back
- Repositioned brake and accelerator pedals
- Relocated parking-brake lever
- Standard tilt steering
- Redesigned steering wheel for use with gloves
- Reduced steering effort
- Anti-kickback steering to reduce feedback over rough terrain
2010 Polaris RANGER 800 6×6 Specifications
| Engine | 800cc twin-cylinder EFI |
|---|---|
| Claimed Power | 40 horsepower |
| Top Speed | 46 mph |
| Drive System | On-Demand true six-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Automatic continuously variable transmission |
| Front Suspension | Adjustable dual A-arm; 9.6 inches of travel |
| Middle and Rear Suspension | Adjustable independent suspension; 9 inches of travel |
| Ground Clearance | 12 inches |
| Seating Capacity | Three |
| Cargo-Box Capacity | 1,250 pounds |
| Job-Box Capacity | 250 pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds |
| Cab Structure | ROPS-certified |
Where the 2010 RANGER 6×6 Fits in Polaris History
Polaris introduced the original RANGER 6×6 as a 1999 model. That first machine established the basic RANGER formula: side-by-side seating, substantial cargo capacity and ATV-influenced off-road performance.
The 2010 RANGER 800 6×6 showed how far that formula had advanced in approximately a decade. Fuel injection, independent suspension, improved occupant protection and substantially better ergonomics made it more capable and comfortable without abandoning the tandem-rear-axle design.
Polaris eventually shifted its full-size RANGER lineup toward four-wheel platforms, including CREW, NorthStar, XP Kinetic and extreme-duty XD 1500 models. The six-wheel machine nevertheless remains an important part of RANGER history and a distinctive choice on the used market.
For additional photos and complete archived technical information, see our 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 6×6 model page. You can also explore the complete development of the platform in our history of the Polaris RANGER.
