The 2014 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Deluxe transformed Polaris’ full-size utility UTV into a more recreation-oriented machine without sacrificing the cargo, payload and towing capability that defined the RANGER line. UTV Guide owned a Nuclear Sunset Orange Deluxe and used it for everything from ranch chores and towing to the Rubicon Trail and rock crawling at Sand Hollow.
Polaris introduced the RANGER XP 900 Deluxe in December 2013 as a premium 2014 model aimed at owners who wanted a utility side-by-side that was also better suited to recreational trail riding. It was based on the recently introduced RANGER XP 900, but replaced the conventional bench-seat layout with a much more driver-focused interior.
The Deluxe arrived at an important point in the evolution of the recreational utility UTV. The RANGER was already a capable work vehicle, but the Deluxe demonstrated that a full-size utility machine could also offer bucket seats, doors, audio and trail-oriented styling directly from the factory. Polaris would expand that concept with additional Deluxe models, while the later Polaris GENERAL pushed the recreation-utility formula considerably further.
What Made the RANGER XP 900 Deluxe Different?
The most visible difference was the Nuclear Sunset Orange bodywork, but the Deluxe package involved considerably more than a special color and graphics.
- Bolstered cut-and-sew bucket seats
- Adjustable driver’s seat
- Center console with integrated storage
- Color-matched factory half doors
- Factory-installed audio system with Bluetooth and MP3 capability
- Performance-style tilt steering wheel
- Electronic Power Steering
- Polaris Pro-Fit cab compatibility
- Lock & Ride-compatible cargo box
Replacing the bench seat with two individual seats and a center console reduced the RANGER’s passenger capacity, but it gave the driver and passenger more support on rough trails. The doors provided more protection from mud, brush and trail debris, while the factory audio system was a relatively unusual standard feature on a utility UTV in 2014.
60-Horsepower ProStar 900 Engine
The 2014 RANGER XP 900 Deluxe was powered by an 875cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected ProStar twin producing 60 horsepower. Power reached the wheels through Polaris’ automatic PVT transmission, with High, Low, Neutral, Reverse and Park ranges.
Its selectable drive system included On-Demand True AWD, two-wheel drive and VersaTrac Turf Mode. Turf Mode unlocked the rear differential to reduce damage when turning on grass or other sensitive surfaces.
Historical note: The 2014 Deluxe should not be confused with the updated 2015 RANGER XP 900. Polaris recalibrated the ProStar engine for 2015 and increased output to 68 horsepower. The original 2014 Deluxe retained the earlier 60-horsepower specification.
2014 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Deluxe Specifications
| Engine | 875cc liquid-cooled four-stroke twin |
|---|---|
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Horsepower | 60 hp |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT; High/Low/Neutral/Reverse/Park |
| Drive system | On-Demand True AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode |
| Front suspension | Dual A-arm with 10 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Dual A-arm independent rear suspension with 10 inches of travel |
| Ground clearance | 12 inches |
| Cargo-box capacity | 1,000 pounds |
| Payload capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 10 gallons |
| Estimated dry weight | 1,342 pounds |
| Wheelbase | 81 inches |
| Overall dimensions | 116.5 x 63 x 76 inches |
Our RANGER XP 900 Deluxe
UTV Guide did more than briefly test the RANGER XP 900 Deluxe. We had one as a project vehicle and used it across a surprisingly broad range of conditions.
In stock form, the Deluxe handled daily chores around our alpaca ranch, including hauling hay, firewood, compost and tools. We also loaded its cargo bed with wet decomposed granite, used it for rough-cut field mowing and towed a 22-foot flatbed trailer.
The same machine was taken far beyond ordinary ranch duty. We drove it on the Rubicon Trail, rock crawled the Double Sammy trail at Sand Hollow State Park and explored the Bryce Canyon-area OHV trails.
Follow the complete vehicle project in our Polaris RANGER XP 900 Deluxe buildup.
Turning the Deluxe Into a Rock Crawler
To improve its performance in technical terrain, we installed DragonFire Racing forward-swept A-arms, Elka shocks, 30-inch tires and beadlock wheels. A Factory UTV UHMW skid plate helped protect the underside of the machine when crossing rocks.
The modified RANGER impressed us with its smooth throttle response, useful low-speed power and visibility over the hood. We did not experience noticeable CVT belt slippage during the rock-crawling test. The Elka shocks also improved control through hard suspension compressions while maintaining a plush ride.
The larger tires and forward-swept arms came with compromises. Acceleration and braking were affected slightly, the additional ride height made the cab harder to enter and steering stops increased the turning radius. Those tradeoffs were manageable on the trail but more noticeable when maneuvering the RANGER in tight work areas.
Read the complete Polaris RANGER XP 900 rock-crawling review for the modification details and driving impressions.
A Genuine Work-and-Play RANGER
The Deluxe did not turn the RANGER XP 900 into a sport UTV, but it made the platform considerably more enjoyable for recreational driving. The bucket seats and half doors improved the cockpit, while the 60-horsepower engine delivered smooth, controllable power for trails and technical terrain.
Just as importantly, the upgrades did not eliminate the utility side of the machine. The Deluxe retained a 1,000-pound cargo-box rating, 1,500-pound payload capacity and 2,000-pound towing capacity. Our experience using the same vehicle for ranch work, towing, trail riding and rock crawling demonstrated how broad that capability really was.
Used RANGER XP 900 Deluxe Safety Check
Anyone considering a used 2014 RANGER XP 900 Deluxe should obtain its vehicle identification number and confirm that all applicable safety recalls have been completed. The Deluxe was among the RANGER 900 models included in a Polaris fire-hazard recall. Recall eligibility and repair status should be verified directly with an authorized Polaris dealer or through the official Polaris recall information.
More RANGER XP 900 Resources
- Polaris RANGER XP 900 Deluxe Buildup
- Polaris RANGER XP 900 Rock-Crawling Review
- Polaris RANGER XP 900 Model Overview
- UTV Guide Build Projects
- Historical UTV Models and Discontinued Side-by-Sides
Specifications were verified against Polaris’ historical 2014 model information. This article was originally published when Polaris announced the RANGER XP 900 Deluxe and has been updated with UTV Guide’s subsequent ownership and testing experience.
Continue exploring Polaris UTV news, reviews and model history.
