Polaris celebrated its 60th anniversary with one of the company’s largest off-road product introductions to date. The 2015 Polaris side-by-side lineup included completely redesigned trail-width RZR models, more power for the RZR XP 1000 platform, purpose-built mud and desert editions, and substantial updates throughout the RANGER utility-vehicle family.
Polaris also expanded its new single-seat Sportsman ACE platform with the more powerful ACE 570. Together, these introductions made model year 2015 an important chapter in the development of Polaris’ recreational and utility side-by-sides.
2015 Polaris RZR Lineup
For 2015, Polaris introduced its largest RZR lineup to that point. The company replaced its original RZR 800-based trail models with the new RZR 900 and RZR S 900, increased the output of the RZR XP 1000 platform and launched specialized RZR XP 1000 editions for mud and desert riding.
2015 Polaris RZR 900
2015 Polaris RZR 900
The new 2015 Polaris RZR 900 returned the RZR platform to its trail-oriented roots. At 50 inches wide, it was designed to fit width-restricted trails while delivering considerably more performance than the RZR 800 it replaced.
Power came from a 75-horsepower ProStar 900 engine. Polaris said the new engine produced more than 40 percent more horsepower and 15 percent more torque than the previous RZR 800 models.
The RZR 900 also adopted styling, ergonomics and accessory integration influenced by the RZR XP 1000. A dual A-arm rear suspension replaced the trailing-arm layout used on the XP models, helping maintain the compact dimensions and agility expected from a 50-inch trail machine.
2015 Polaris RZR S 900
2015 Polaris RZR S 900
The 60-inch-wide 2015 Polaris RZR S 900 used the same 75-horsepower ProStar 900 engine but added a wider stance for recreational trail riding.
Like the 50-inch RZR 900, the RZR S 900 featured dual A-arm rear suspension, updated ergonomics and bodywork inspired by the RZR XP 1000. It effectively replaced the RZR S 800 while providing a significant increase in power and overall capability.
2015 Polaris RZR 900 XC Edition
2015 Polaris RZR 900 XC Edition
Polaris positioned the 55-inch-wide RZR 900 XC Edition between the standard RZR 900 and RZR S 900. It was intended for riders who wanted more stability and premium equipment but did not need a full 60-inch machine.
XC Edition equipment included:
- Electronic Power Steering
- Polaris Engine Braking System
- High-performance On-Demand All-Wheel Drive
- Turf Mode
- FOX Podium X 2.0 shocks
- 27-inch GBC Dirt Commander tires
- 14-inch Vader wheels
- Polaris Interactive Digital Display
Polaris Interactive Digital Display
The 2015 Interactive Digital Display was one of the lineup’s most significant technology introductions. The full-color 4.3-inch LCD screen was standard on the RZR 900 XC Edition, RZR XP 1000 Desert Edition and RANGER XP 900 EPS Vogue Silver Deluxe.
The display provided information about vehicle performance and operating conditions. Its diagnostic functions could show fault codes, descriptions and suggested corrective actions.
Built-in GPS functions displayed elevation, latitude, longitude and compass information. Drivers could record routes, save waypoints and update trail and mapping information through Polaris’ RiderX service.
Bluetooth connectivity allowed the screen to display incoming text-message notifications, missed calls, phone battery level and cellular signal strength. Polaris also offered the display as an accessory for compatible vehicles.
More Power for the 2015 RZR XP 1000
Introduced for model year 2014, the RZR XP 1000 and four-seat RZR XP 4 1000 established a new level of performance for the RZR family. Their 999cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine originally produced 107 horsepower.
For 2015, Polaris increased output to 110 horsepower in both the RZR XP 1000 and RZR XP 4 1000. The updates included new direct-flow intake covers, a revised drive belt and a redesigned clutch cover with additional ducting.
Polaris said the revised ventilation system provided twice as much airflow directly to the clutches. The increased airflow was intended to help manage belt and clutch temperatures under demanding operating conditions.
Read more about these changes in our detailed look at the 2015 RZR XP 1000 and RZR XP 4 1000 power upgrades.
2015 Polaris RZR XP 1000 High Lifter Edition
2015 RZR XP 1000 High Lifter Edition
The 2015 Polaris RZR XP 1000 High Lifter Edition was the first factory RZR developed specifically for deep mud.
Polaris reduced the gearing to provide more mud-focused torque and added a heavy-duty reverse chain. High-mounted engine and clutch air intakes helped the vehicle operate in deep water and mud, while sealed switches, fuse-box components and battery connections provided additional protection.
Other High Lifter Edition equipment included:
- Redesigned front axles
- High-clearance front suspension arms
- Stiffer suspension springs
- Mud-specific Walker Evans shocks
- 29.5-inch High Lifter Outlaw II tires
- Half doors
- Front brush guard
- Polaris PRO HD 4,500-pound winch
- Synthetic winch rope and integrated controls
- High Lifter graphics package
The High Lifter Edition established a factory mud-RZR formula that Polaris would continue developing in subsequent model years.
2015 Polaris RZR XP 1000 Desert Edition
2015 RZR XP 1000 Desert Edition
The 2015 Polaris RZR XP 1000 Desert Edition was configured for high-speed desert recreation.
It combined the 110-horsepower XP 1000 platform with 16 inches of front suspension travel, 18 inches of rear travel and 13.5 inches of ground clearance. High-clearance A-arms provided additional clearance around rocks and desert obstacles.
Desert Edition equipment included:
- Beadlock wheels
- GBC Kanati Mongrel tires
- Six-point restraints
- Additional body protection
- Spare tire and carrier
- Roof
- Auxiliary lighting
- Interactive Digital Display
Together, the Desert and High Lifter editions demonstrated Polaris’ growing emphasis on factory-built RZR models developed for specific types of terrain.
2015 Polaris RANGER Lineup
Approximately 75 percent of the 2015 Polaris RANGER lineup received performance, styling or equipment updates. Much of the family adopted design elements, ergonomics and accessory integration derived from the flagship RANGER XP 900.
The lineup included compact and midsize two-passenger models, full-size three-passenger machines and multipassenger RANGER CREW configurations for work, hunting and recreational use.
2015 Polaris RANGER ETX
The new RANGER ETX served as the entry point to the 2015 RANGER family. It used a 31-horsepower, electronically fuel-injected ProStar engine and carried an introductory price of $8,699.
Although positioned as a value-oriented model, the ETX adopted the contemporary RANGER styling and ergonomic layout used by more expensive machines in the lineup.
Polaris RANGER 570 Midsize
2015 Polaris RANGER 570
The midsize 2015 Polaris RANGER 570 received an upgraded ProStar 570 engine producing 44 horsepower, an increase of approximately 10 percent.
Polaris increased towing capacity by 20 percent to 1,500 pounds. The updated RANGER 570 also offered increased fuel range, additional storage, a more comfortable bench seat and 10 inches of steering-wheel tilt adjustment.
Updated styling and Lock & Ride PRO-FIT cab integration made it easier to add compatible cab panels, windshields, roofs and other accessories. The four-passenger RANGER CREW 570 received corresponding updates.
2015 Polaris RANGER EV
The electric Polaris RANGER EV continued in the 2015 midsize lineup. It provided quiet, zero-emission operation for property maintenance, hunting and other applications where low noise was especially valuable.
2015 Polaris RANGER 570 Full-Size
A new RANGER 570 Full-Size brought the 44-horsepower ProStar 570 engine to a three-passenger chassis. It was designed to provide full-size RANGER passenger and cargo capacity at a lower price than the RANGER XP 900.
Polaris introduced the RANGER 570 Full-Size at $11,299, positioning it as an accessible full-size utility side-by-side for recreational and work applications.
2015 Polaris RANGER XP 900
Polaris recalibrated the RANGER XP 900’s ProStar 900 engine for 2015, increasing output to 68 horsepower. That represented a 13-percent increase over the previous model.
New intake openings located on the pillars behind the driver and passenger improved airflow to the engine and clutch intake systems. The machine also received revised headrests, graphics and color choices.
2015 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Crew – White Lightning
2015 Polaris RANGER CREW 900
The full-size 2015 Polaris RANGER CREW 900 provided seating for five and used a 60-horsepower ProStar 900 engine.
Like the two-seat XP 900, it received new engine and clutch intake openings behind the passenger compartment. Revised headrests, graphics and colors updated its appearance.
2015 RANGER CREW 570 Full-Size
The six-seat RANGER CREW 570 Full-Size combined the ProStar 570 engine with a full-size multipassenger chassis. Its 40-horsepower output placed it between the smaller CREW 570 and more powerful CREW 900.
The model gave buyers the seating capacity of a full-size RANGER CREW without requiring the larger ProStar 900 engine.
2015 Polaris RANGER Diesel
The 2015 Polaris RANGER Diesel received a three-cylinder Kohler diesel engine designed to meet Tier 4 emissions requirements.
Polaris offered the diesel powertrain in both three-passenger RANGER and six-passenger RANGER CREW configurations. These machines targeted farms, commercial users and owners who preferred diesel equipment.
2015 Polaris RANGER Diesel HST
The three-passenger Polaris RANGER Diesel HST and Diesel HST Deluxe added a hydrostatic transmission to the RANGER utility platform.
The system was intended to deliver controlled low-speed operation and predictable power delivery for demanding work. The Deluxe version added comfort and convenience equipment for commercial and property-maintenance applications.
2015 RANGER XP 900 Deluxe Editions
Polaris created three RANGER XP 900 EPS Deluxe packages for different types of owners: the Vogue Silver Deluxe for trail recreation, Hunter Deluxe for hunting and NorthStar Deluxe for cold-weather work.
RANGER XP 900 EPS Vogue Silver Deluxe
The Vogue Silver Deluxe featured painted bodywork, half doors, silver-and-black cut-and-sew seats, a premium steering wheel and center console.
Electronic Power Steering and the new Interactive Digital Display were standard. The display was similar to the unit fitted to the RZR 900 XC Edition and RZR XP 1000 Desert Edition.
RANGER XP 900 EPS Hunter Deluxe
The Hunter Deluxe was finished in Polaris Pursuit Camo and included a matching PRO-FIT cab. Cab equipment included a tip-out glass windshield, doors and a glass rear panel.
Additional hunting and utility equipment included:
- Electronic Power Steering
- Engine Braking System
- Front and rear brush guards
- Nerf bars
- Polaris PRO HD 4,500-pound winch
- Heated seats
- Lock & Ride cargo box
- Gun scabbards
RANGER XP 900 EPS NorthStar Deluxe
The 2015 Polaris RANGER XP 900 EPS NorthStar Edition was developed for work and recreation in extreme cold.
Its factory-installed PRO-FIT cab included a fixed-glass windshield, rear glass panel and doors. A heater with windshield defrost and heated seats improved comfort during winter operation.
The NorthStar package also included a windshield wiper, dome light and rearview mirror. It was offered in Sunset Red paint.
This early NorthStar Edition helped establish the factory-enclosed RANGER formula that Polaris would expand into increasingly sophisticated climate-controlled models.
2015 Polaris Sportsman ACE Lineup
Polaris introduced the original Sportsman ACE in January 2014. Its compact sit-in chassis combined elements of an ATV and side-by-side, with a steering wheel, driver’s seat, protective structure and centrally positioned single-seat layout.
For 2015, the original Sportsman ACE was available in White Lightning and Sage Green. Polaris also expanded the family with the substantially more powerful Sportsman ACE 570.
2015 Polaris Sportsman ACE 570
2015 Polaris Sportsman ACE 570
The 2015 Polaris Sportsman ACE 570 used a 45-horsepower, liquid-cooled ProStar 570 single-cylinder engine. It retained the compact architecture of the original ACE while providing much stronger acceleration and trail performance.
Utility features included On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, a high-and-low-range transmission, a 360-pound payload rating and a 1,500-pound towing capacity.
Our Polaris Sportsman ACE review explains how the unusual single-seat machine performed on the trail.
2015 Polaris Youth Side-by-Side
Polaris continued to offer the RZR 170 as its youth side-by-side. The compact two-seat model provided younger drivers with RZR-style bodywork, a protective cage and controls scaled for youth operation.
The RZR 170 was carried as a 2014 model during the initial 2015 lineup announcement and was designed around the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America’s youth-vehicle categories.
Why the 2015 Polaris Lineup Was Important
The 2015 model year represented a major transition for Polaris’ side-by-side business. The RZR 900 and RZR S 900 replaced the original 800-class machines with a more modern, powerful trail platform. At the performance end of the range, the XP 1000 gained more power and spawned factory-built editions for mud and desert riding.
The RANGER family expanded at nearly every level, from the entry-level ETX to the hydrostatic-transmission Diesel HST. The RANGER XP 900 NorthStar Edition was particularly important because it anticipated the factory-enclosed, heated and eventually air-conditioned utility vehicles that would become a major part of the modern RANGER lineup.
The Interactive Digital Display also foreshadowed the connected displays and navigation systems that later became common in premium Polaris side-by-sides.
For current models and specifications, visit the Polaris off-road vehicle lineup.
