Polaris completely reset expectations for high-performance side-by-sides with the introduction of the 2022 RZR Pro R and RZR Turbo R. Both machines arrived with 74-inch stances, heavily reinforced chassis, long-travel suspension and available DYNAMIX DV electronically controlled shocks. The difference was how they produced their power: the flagship RZR Pro R introduced a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 225 horsepower, while the RZR Turbo R paired a familiar turbocharged twin-cylinder engine with an entirely new platform.
Introduced on November 9, 2021, the two machines represented the next major step in the evolution of the wide-open RZR platform. The RZR Turbo R effectively succeeded the influential Turbo S, while the RZR Pro R established a new flagship above every previous production RZR.
2022 Polaris RZR Pro R and Turbo R at a Glance
| Specification | RZR Pro R | RZR Turbo R |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder | Turbocharged twin-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 181 hp |
| Width | 74 inches | 74 inches |
| Front suspension travel | 27 inches | 27 inches |
| Rear suspension travel | 29 inches | 28 inches |
| Tires | 32-inch Maxxis Rampage Fury | 32-inch Maxxis Rampage Fury |
| Two-seat wheelbase | 104.5 inches | 96 inches |
| Four-seat wheelbase | 133.5 inches | 125 inches |
| Original two-seat MSRP | $31,999 | $25,999 |
| Original four-seat MSRP | $35,999 | $29,999 |
Prices shown are the starting U.S. MSRPs announced for the original 2022 models and do not reflect current pricing.
Why These RZR Models Mattered
The RZR Pro R and Turbo R were more than higher-output versions of existing Polaris sport UTVs. Polaris developed a stronger one-piece chassis, fully welded roll cage, larger suspension components, five-lug hubs and upgraded driveline parts to support the increased performance.
Both machines also introduced DYNAMIX DV. Unlike earlier active-suspension systems that primarily adjusted compression damping, DYNAMIX DV could independently manage compression and rebound. The system monitored driver and vehicle inputs hundreds of times per second and adjusted the FOX Live Valve shocks to help control body movement, resist bottoming and keep the tires connected to uneven terrain.
With 74-inch-wide platforms and as much as 29 inches of usable suspension travel, these RZRs were designed primarily for dunes, desert terrain and other wide-open riding environments. Riders looking for more background on how they fit into the complete model family can visit our history of the Polaris RZR.
2022 Polaris RZR Pro R
The RZR Pro R was the headline machine. Its ProStar Fury engine displaced 1,997cc and produced 225 horsepower without a turbocharger. At launch, it was the largest and most powerful engine installed in a production side-by-side.
Instead of adapting an existing twin-cylinder RZR engine, Polaris developed a four-cylinder powerplant with a broad powerband and rapid throttle response. A larger clutch and belt were employed to transfer that output, while a dual-path clutch-cooling system managed airflow and heat.
Three selectable throttle modes changed how the Pro R responded to accelerator input:
- Sport: A progressive response intended for general recreational driving.
- Rock: Softer initial response for smoother low-speed control over technical terrain.
- Race: The most immediate throttle response for aggressive driving.
The engine received most of the attention, but the Pro R platform was equally important. Polaris used a one-piece chassis, fully welded cage, massive boxed-steel A-arms, stronger shafts and knuckles, unitized hubs and a torque limiter designed to help protect the front driveline from sudden loads.
RZR Pro R Suspension and Handling
The two-seat Pro R used a 104.5-inch wheelbase, considerably longer than the Turbo R’s 96-inch measurement. That additional length contributed to stability at speed and helped the suspension manage large desert bumps and whoops.
Up front, boxed-steel dual A-arms worked with FOX 3.0 Live Valve X2 internal-bypass shocks to provide 27 inches of usable travel. The rear MaxLink suspension delivered 29 inches of travel through boxed trailing arms, high-clearance radius rods and Polaris’ through-arm rear toe link.
The toe-link design helped manage toe change as the rear suspension cycled through its considerable travel. Combined with the 74-inch stance and 32-inch Maxxis Rampage Fury tires, the system was engineered to keep the Pro R stable and predictable at high speeds.
DYNAMIX DV Active Suspension
DYNAMIX DV-equipped Pro R models offered four suspension and steering modes. The system used information including steering input, throttle position, braking and vehicle movement to adjust each shock continuously.
By controlling rebound as well as compression, the system could address multiple aspects of chassis behavior. It could add support during hard cornering or braking, prepare for a landing and control how quickly the suspension extended after an impact.
Not every Pro R used the same shock package. Buyers comparing used machines should verify the trim and installed suspension rather than assuming every model includes DYNAMIX DV. UTV Guide has also covered several RZR Pro R and Turbo R suspension upgrades for owners looking to tune these platforms further.
RZR Pro R Interior and Technology
Available equipment included Polaris RIDE COMMAND with GPS mapping, group-ride functions, vehicle information and suspension displays. Select trims also included a Rockford Fosgate audio system.
The cabin featured bolstered seats, multi-point harnesses, four-way seat adjustment and fold-flat passenger storage. These features built upon the cockpit design introduced with the earlier Polaris RZR Pro XP platform.
Original RZR Pro R Pricing
- 2022 RZR Pro R: Starting at $31,999
- 2022 RZR Pro R 4: Starting at $35,999
The original lineup included Sport, Premium and Ultimate trims. Equipment, colors, suspension and electronics varied by trim.
2022 Polaris RZR Turbo R
The RZR Turbo R delivered many of the Pro R platform’s most important chassis and suspension developments at a lower original price. Its turbocharged twin-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower, but the vehicle surrounding that engine was substantially different from the previous RZR Turbo S.
The Turbo R received a one-piece chassis, reinforced cage, five-lug unitized hubs, boxed front A-arms and an extensively revised rear suspension. It was still recognizable as the successor to the Turbo S, but its structure, suspension and cockpit moved it into the newer RZR Pro generation.
RZR Turbo R Engine and Drivetrain
The 181-horsepower turbocharged engine emphasized strong acceleration and a broad supply of usable power. Polaris also gave the Turbo R a lower low-range ratio than its predecessor, improving low-speed response for rocks and other technical terrain.
Although the Turbo R gave up 44 horsepower to the Pro R, it remained an extremely fast machine. Its combination of turbocharged power, shorter wheelbase and lower price also made it an appealing alternative for drivers who did not need the Pro R’s four-cylinder engine.
RZR Turbo R Suspension
The Turbo R shared the Pro R’s basic front-suspension layout, including boxed dual A-arms and FOX 3.0 Live Valve X2 internal-bypass shocks. It provided 27 inches of usable front-wheel travel.
At the rear, large tubular trailing arms with boxed reinforcement worked with a rear toe link, high-clearance radius rods and FOX 3.0 shocks. Rear travel measured 28 inches—one inch less than the Pro R, but still a major increase in capability compared with most earlier production sport UTVs.
The two-seat Turbo R used a 96-inch wheelbase, while the Turbo R 4 measured 125 inches. The shorter dimensions made both versions more compact than their Pro R counterparts, though neither 74-inch-wide model was intended for width-restricted trails.
Original RZR Turbo R Pricing
- 2022 RZR Turbo R: Starting at $25,999
- 2022 RZR Turbo R 4: Starting at $29,999
Like the Pro R, the Turbo R was initially offered in Sport, Premium and Ultimate trims. Suspension, displays, audio and other equipment depended on the selected trim.
RZR Pro R vs. Turbo R: What Was the Difference?
The most obvious difference was the engine. The RZR Pro R’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder produced 225 horsepower, while the Turbo R used a 181-horsepower turbocharged twin. The Pro R also had an additional inch of rear suspension travel and a longer wheelbase.
The Turbo R countered with a substantially lower original price and a more compact chassis. It still offered a 74-inch stance, 32-inch tires, enormous suspension travel and available DYNAMIX DV—features that placed it far beyond the earlier 64-inch RZR Pro XP in wide-open terrain.
| Choose the Pro R for: | Choose the Turbo R for: |
|---|---|
| Maximum naturally aspirated power | Lower original purchase price |
| Longer wheelbase and high-speed stability | More compact overall dimensions |
| 29 inches of rear suspension travel | Strong turbocharged acceleration |
| The flagship RZR platform | Much of the Pro-platform chassis technology |
Five-Lug Wheels and Factory Accessories
The new RZR family introduced five-lug hubs and 15-inch wheels, moving away from the four-lug pattern traditionally used on many sport UTVs. The stronger hub design reflected the higher vehicle weights, speeds and suspension loads these machines were expected to handle.
Polaris developed more than 70 accessories for the Pro R and Turbo R, including parts organized around desert, dune and rugged-trail builds. Pro Armor also supported the platform with wheels, cages, roofs, windshields and storage products.
Owners modifying either model should confirm exact year, trim and two-seat or four-seat fitment before ordering components. Similar-looking Pro R and Turbo R parts are not automatically interchangeable. Suspension owners can also explore an aftermarket RZR Pro R and Turbo R tie-rod upgrade.
The Pro R and Turbo R Legacy
The RZR Pro R established a new performance ceiling for production side-by-sides. Its 225-horsepower four-cylinder engine, reinforced platform and extensive suspension travel also gave Polaris a foundation it could develop for desert racing. That connection later became more visible with the purpose-built RZR Pro R Factory race UTV.
The Turbo R had a shorter run under its original name, but its platform did not simply disappear. Its place in the lineup evolved into the RZR Pro S, continuing the 181-horsepower, 74-inch-wide branch of the Pro family.
Together, the 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R and Turbo R marked one of the most significant changes in RZR history. They shifted the wide-open category toward stronger factory chassis, larger suspension components, more sophisticated electronic damping and performance levels that previously required extensive aftermarket work.
Key Takeaways
- The 2022 RZR Pro R debuted with a 225-horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
- The RZR Turbo R produced 181 horsepower from a turbocharged twin-cylinder engine.
- Both platforms measured 74 inches wide and used five-lug hubs with 32-inch tires.
- The Pro R offered 27 inches of front and 29 inches of rear suspension travel.
- The Turbo R provided 27 inches of front and 28 inches of rear travel.
- Available DYNAMIX DV suspension independently controlled compression and rebound damping.
- The listed prices are the original starting MSRPs announced for the 2022 model year.
