Editor’s note: This article covers the midyear additions to the 2019 Polaris RANGER XP 1000 lineup, including the limited-production Back Country Edition and new factory-installed RIDE COMMAND packages. Prices shown are the original 2019 U.S. MSRPs.
Polaris expanded the 2019 RANGER XP 1000 family with a hunting-focused Back Country Edition, offered in both three-seat and six-seat configurations. The midyear release also brought factory-installed RIDE COMMAND packages to select RANGER CREW XP 1000 models and added new colors for the RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Edition.
These additions arrived during an important period in Polaris RANGER history. The XP 1000 platform had been extensively redesigned for 2018, while the six-passenger RANGER CREW XP 1000 was redesigned for 2019. Polaris then used special editions and factory technology packages to tailor the platform for hunters, all-weather users and buyers seeking more integrated electronics.
2019 RANGER XP 1000 Back Country Edition Specs
| Model | 2019 RANGER XP 1000 Back Country Edition |
|---|---|
| Seating | Three or six passengers |
| Engine | 999cc ProStar twin-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 82 hp |
| Ground clearance | 13 inches |
| Key equipment | Reduced gearing, geared reverse, high-mounted air intakes, arched A-arms and 4,500-pound winch |
| Color | Polaris Pursuit Camo |
| Original three-seat MSRP | $19,899 |
| Original six-seat MSRP | $21,099 |
A Factory Hunting and Backcountry Package
The Back Country Edition was aimed squarely at hunters who needed to reach remote areas, cross wet ground and haul equipment or game. Both versions wore Polaris Pursuit Camo and combined the standard XP 1000 platform with several components selected for difficult terrain.
The 82-horsepower ProStar 1000 engine was paired with a reduced-ratio transmission and geared reverse. The lower gearing improved low-speed control and reduced the strain associated with pulling through mud, climbing rough terrain or backing out of difficult situations.
Arched A-arms helped the Back Country Edition maintain 13 inches of ground clearance over rocks, ruts and uneven trails. High-mounted engine and clutch air intakes provided additional protection in wet or muddy conditions, although they did not turn the vehicle into a machine intended for unrestricted deep-water operation.
A Polaris Pro 4,500-pound HD winch was mounted behind the large stock front bumper. That gave owners factory-installed recovery capability without requiring them to select and install a winch separately.
RIDE COMMAND Was Also Expanded for 2019
As part of the same midyear announcement, Polaris made a factory-installed RIDE COMMAND package available on select RANGER CREW XP 1000 models. The package included a seven-inch glove-touch display with GPS navigation, vehicle information, Bluetooth connectivity, an AM/FM tuner, in-dash speakers and front- and rear-facing cameras.
Although RIDE COMMAND was not the defining feature of the Back Country Edition, its expanded availability showed how Polaris was adding more integrated technology across the 2019 RANGER XP 1000 lineup.
Where the Back Country Edition Fits in RANGER History
The Back Country Edition did not become a long-running RANGER trim, but its equipment illustrates how Polaris was segmenting the XP 1000 platform for specific uses. Its raised intakes, arched suspension arms, lower gearing and winch overlapped with hardware used on the more mud-focused 2019 RANGER XP 1000 High Lifter Edition. The Back Country model, however, was positioned more broadly for hunting and remote travel rather than dedicated mud riding.
The package also occupied an interesting middle ground between a standard utility RANGER and a dedicated mud machine. It gave hunters and backcountry users many of the durability and recovery features associated with the High Lifter Edition without its aggressive mud tires and more specialized focus.
For more on how this model fits into the broader timeline, see our complete history of the Polaris RANGER.
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Where the Back Country Edition Fits in RANGER History
The Back Country Edition did not become a long-running RANGER trim, but its equipment illustrates how Polaris was segmenting the XP 1000 platform by use. Its raised intakes, arched suspension arms, lower gearing and winch overlapped with the hardware used on the more mud-focused 2019 RANGER XP 1000 High Lifter Edition. The Back Country model, however, was positioned more broadly for hunting and remote travel rather than dedicated mud riding.
At the same time, the factory RIDE COMMAND and NorthStar packages showed the other direction in which utility UTVs were moving: larger displays, integrated cameras, connected audio and true all-season cab comfort. Together, the 2019 additions demonstrated how the RANGER XP 1000 was expanding beyond a single work-focused configuration into a family of specialized machines.
Explore more Polaris UTV news, reviews, model guides and history.
