Originally published October 6, 2015. This article covers the original introduction of the 2016 Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS and RZR XP 4 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition. Specifications, prices and availability reflect the models when they were new.
Polaris expanded its four-seat RZR lineup for 2016 with two specialized performance models: the RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS for dunes and high-speed terrain and the RZR XP 4 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition for deep mud.
The two machines approached four-passenger performance from opposite directions. The XP 4 Turbo combined a 144-horsepower turbocharged engine with FOX internal-bypass suspension, while the XP 4 High Lifter Edition paired a naturally aspirated 110-horsepower engine with mud-specific gearing, elevated intake systems, aggressive tires and additional ground clearance.
Together, they demonstrated how quickly the four-seat sport UTV segment was becoming more specialized. The original RZR 4 800 established the factory four-seat RZR concept for 2010, but these 2016 models brought substantially more power and terrain-specific engineering to the platform. See how they fit into the complete model timeline in our history of the Polaris RZR.
2016 Polaris RZR XP 4 Models at a Glance
| Specification | RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS | RZR XP 4 1000 High Lifter Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged ProStar twin-cylinder | Naturally aspirated ProStar 1000 H.O. twin-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 144 hp | 110 hp |
| Primary terrain | Dunes, desert and fast trail riding | Mud and wet trails |
| Front travel | 16 inches | 16 inches |
| Rear travel | 18 inches | 18 inches |
| Ground clearance | 13.5 inches | 15 inches |
| Original U.S. MSRP | $27,499 | $25,699 |
2016 Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS
The RZR XP 4 Turbo brought the powertrain and driveline upgrades from the two-seat 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo to a four-passenger platform. Its turbocharged 925cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine produced 144 horsepower—30 percent more than the naturally aspirated RZR XP 4 1000 available at the time.
Polaris reinforced the engine with forged pistons, a forged crankshaft, high-strength connecting rods, sodium-filled exhaust valves and a closed-deck cylinder design. The cooling package used a liquid-cooled charge-air system and two front-mounted radiators supported by a high-capacity fan and electric pump.
Engine management included knock detection and electronic boost control, while a higher-capacity return-style fuel system supported consistent performance across changing temperatures, elevations and loads. Polaris also strengthened the driveline to handle the additional torque.
FOX Internal-Bypass Suspension
The XP 4 Turbo retained the 117-inch wheelbase of the four-seat XP platform. Dual A-arms provided 16 inches of travel at the front, while the three-link trailing-arm rear suspension delivered 18 inches.
FOX Podium internal-bypass shocks were the centerpiece of the suspension package. The progressive damping design was intended to provide a compliant ride over smaller chop while adding resistance deeper in the stroke for larger impacts.
That combination proved especially effective in the dunes. During our RZR XP 4 Turbo dune review, the four-seater accelerated harder than expected, remained composed through whoops and benefited from the stability of its longer wheelbase. We later evaluated the same platform in our RZR XP 4 Turbo desert review.
Brakes, Comfort and Accessories
Polaris equipped the XP 4 Turbo with three-piston front calipers, dual-piston rear calipers and 248mm ventilated stainless-steel rotors at all four corners. A front sway bar helped control body roll, while On-Demand True AWD automatically sent power to the front wheels when additional traction was needed.
Comfort features included adjustable front-seat sliders and adjustable rear shoulder-belt mounting heights. Polaris also designed the chassis with integrated accessory mounting and wiring provisions. More than 110 Polaris accessories were offered when the vehicle launched, including roofs, windshields, bumpers, rock sliders, doors, lighting and storage equipment.
The 2016 RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS carried an original U.S. MSRP of $27,499 and was offered in Graphite Crystal and Spectra Orange.
2016 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 High Lifter Edition
The RZR XP 4 1000 High Lifter Edition applied Polaris and High Lifter’s factory mud package to the four-passenger XP chassis. It shared its basic concept with the two-seat model we tested in our Polaris RZR XP 1000 High Lifter Edition review, but added seating for four riders.
Its naturally aspirated ProStar 1000 H.O. engine produced 110 horsepower. Reduced gearing improved low-speed torque delivery in thick mud, while a larger reverse chain increased drivetrain durability when backing out of difficult terrain.
Factory Mud Preparation
Polaris elevated the engine intake, clutch intake and clutch exhaust to help keep water and debris away from critical systems. Vent lines were integrated into the cab frame, reducing their exposure to mud.
High-clearance lower A-arms and rear radius rods helped provide 15 inches of ground clearance. Polaris also fitted stiffer springs to compensate for the added weight that accumulates when mud packs into the suspension, chassis and bodywork.
Traction came from 29.5-inch High Lifter Outlaw 2 mud tires. A factory-installed 4,500-pound winch with synthetic rope gave the driver a recovery option when the tires and ground clearance were no longer enough.
Dryseat upholstery, factory half doors and removable floor drains addressed the practical realities of mud riding. Electronic power steering reduced steering effort, while a standard rearview mirror made it easier for the driver to monitor passengers and other vehicles.
The RZR XP 4 1000 High Lifter Edition carried an original U.S. MSRP of $25,699. For more background on the partnership and the models it produced, see our guide to Polaris High Lifter Edition RZR and RANGER models.
Why These Four-Seat RZRs Mattered
The 2016 XP 4 Turbo and XP 4 High Lifter Edition helped move four-seat sport UTVs beyond the idea of simply stretching an existing two-seat model. Each was engineered for a distinct type of riding, with the powertrain, suspension, tires, gearing and supporting equipment chosen accordingly.
The XP 4 Turbo showed that a four-passenger RZR could deliver serious dune and desert performance without feeling dramatically compromised by its added length and weight. The High Lifter Edition demonstrated that a specialized factory mud machine could also carry four occupants.
Both models built on the foundation established by the original Polaris RZR XP 4 1000. They also foreshadowed the increasingly specialized RZR lineup that followed, including wider chassis, larger tires, stronger drivetrains, active suspension and substantially more powerful engines.
