The 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 EPS combined the 100-horsepower ProStar 1000 engine with the compact, agile 60-inch chassis introduced on the RZR S 900. It gave trail riders substantially more power without requiring them to move up to the wider and longer RZR XP platform.
Introduced alongside the rest of the 2016 Polaris off-road lineup, the RZR S 1000 occupied an important position between the 75-horsepower RZR S 900 and the 64-inch-wide RZR XP 1000.
Why the RZR S 1000 Mattered
Polaris completely redesigned its middleweight sport platform for 2015 with the RZR S 900. One model year later, the company installed its larger 999cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine and introduced the RZR S 1000 EPS.
The result retained the S platform’s 60-inch overall width and short 79-inch wheelbase while increasing output from 75 to 100 horsepower. Polaris said the S 1000 produced more than 30 percent additional horsepower and 20 percent more torque than the S 900.
That combination gave riders stronger acceleration in a machine that remained smaller and more maneuverable than the contemporary RZR XP 1000. The S 1000 was especially well suited to winding trails, woods riding and recreational terrain where the larger XP chassis could feel cumbersome.
2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 Specifications
| Specification | 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 EPS |
|---|---|
| Engine | 999cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC twin-cylinder |
| Claimed horsepower | 100 hp |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low and High |
| Drive system | High-Performance On-Demand True AWD/2WD |
| Steering | Electronic power steering |
| Overall width | 60 inches |
| Overall length | 108 inches |
| Overall height | 72 inches |
| Wheelbase | 79 inches |
| Ground clearance | 12.5 inches |
| Front suspension | Dual A-arm with FOX 2.0 Podium X shocks |
| Front suspension travel | 12.25 inches |
| Rear suspension | Dual A-arm with stabilizer bar and FOX 2.0 Podium X shocks |
| Rear suspension travel | 13.2 inches |
| Front tires | 27 x 9-12 GBC Dirt Commander |
| Rear tires | 27 x 11-12 GBC Dirt Commander |
| Fuel capacity | 9.5 gallons |
| Cargo-box capacity | 300 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Original MSRP | $17,999 |
100-Horsepower ProStar 1000 Engine
The RZR S 1000 was powered by a 999cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine rated at 100 horsepower. The engine used a 93mm bore, 73.5mm stroke, dual 48mm throttle bodies and an 11.0:1 compression ratio.
Polaris paired the engine with a high-performance transmission related to the one used in the RZR XP 1000. Its gearing was calibrated around the S 1000’s smaller, lighter platform and 27-inch tires.
Polaris claimed a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 8.1 horsepower per 100 pounds of dry vehicle weight. More important to riders, the larger engine provided noticeably stronger acceleration than the RZR S 900 while retaining predictable naturally aspirated power delivery.
60-Inch Chassis and FOX Suspension
The RZR S 1000 shared its basic chassis, cockpit and dual A-arm suspension layout with the RZR S 900. At 60 inches wide, it was narrower than the 64-inch RZR XP 1000 but too wide for designated 50-inch trail systems.
Front suspension travel measured 12.25 inches, while the rear provided 13.2 inches. FOX 2.0 Podium X shocks were fitted at all four corners and included adjustable compression damping and threaded spring-preload adjustment.
The relatively short 79-inch wheelbase contributed to quick steering response and a tight turning radius. Compared with an XP model, the S chassis emphasized maneuverability and the ability to change direction quickly rather than maximum high-speed suspension travel.
GBC Dirt Commander Tires
Polaris equipped the S 1000 with eight-ply, 27-inch GBC Dirt Commander tires. The front tires measured 27 x 9-12, while the rear tires measured 27 x 11-12.
The Dirt Commander’s relatively stiff carcass and aggressive tread complemented the machine’s trail-focused suspension. The tires were designed to provide predictable tracking and cornering traction across hardpack, rocks and loose recreational terrain.
High-Performance On-Demand AWD
The RZR S 1000 used Polaris’ High-Performance On-Demand True AWD system. Under normal conditions, the vehicle operated in rear-wheel drive. When the system detected rear-wheel slip, it automatically engaged the front drive to provide additional traction.
This allowed the RZR to steer without the constant front-end push associated with some full-time four-wheel-drive systems while still delivering four-wheel traction when accelerating over loose or uneven ground.
Cockpit, Comfort and Utility
The cockpit carried over the updated RZR ergonomics introduced with the S 900. It featured bolstered seats, an adjustable driver’s seat, factory quarter doors and separate foot supports for the driver and passenger.
LED floor lighting and a blue-backlit instrument display improved visibility inside the cab. Storage included a center compartment, glove box and rear cargo bed. Sealed floor seams, equipment pass-throughs and removable floor drains helped keep the interior cleaner and simplified washing.
Integrated accessory mounting points and concealed wire-routing areas were designed to simplify the installation of roofs, windshields, doors, lighting and other accessories. The cargo bed was rated for 300 pounds, while a standard 1.25-inch receiver provided a claimed towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
RZR S 1000 vs. RZR S 900
| Specification | 2016 RZR S 900 EPS | 2016 RZR S 1000 EPS |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 875cc ProStar twin | 999cc ProStar twin |
| Horsepower | 75 hp | 100 hp |
| Overall width | 60 inches | 60 inches |
| Wheelbase | 79 inches | 79 inches |
| Front travel | 12.25 inches | 12.25 inches |
| Rear travel | 13.2 inches | 13.2 inches |
| Ground clearance | 12.5 inches | 12.5 inches |
The defining difference was engine output. The S 1000 delivered 25 additional horsepower in essentially the same chassis. That made it the better choice for riders who valued acceleration, while the S 900 offered more manageable power and a lower purchase price.
For firsthand impressions of the smaller-engine platform, see our Polaris RZR S 900 review and RZR S 900 rock-crawling review.
Where the RZR S 1000 Fits in RZR History
The RZR S 1000 represented a straightforward but effective idea: combine the strongest naturally aspirated RZR engine then available with Polaris’ compact 60-inch sport chassis. It delivered considerably more power than the S 900 without adopting the longer wheelbase and 64-inch stance of the XP platform.
That made the 2016 S 1000 a notable step in the evolution of the RZR S family. Explore the full timeline in our history of the Polaris RZR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does a 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 have?
Polaris rated the 999cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine at 100 horsepower.
How wide is the Polaris RZR S 1000?
The 2016 RZR S 1000 measures 60 inches wide. It will not fit trails restricted to vehicles no wider than 50 inches.
How much suspension travel does the RZR S 1000 have?
It provides 12.25 inches of front suspension travel and 13.2 inches at the rear. FOX 2.0 Podium X shocks were standard.
What is the difference between the RZR S 900 and RZR S 1000?
The principal difference is the engine. The RZR S 900 uses an 875cc engine rated at 75 horsepower, while the S 1000 uses a 999cc engine rated at 100 horsepower. Their width, wheelbase and suspension-travel figures are essentially the same.
What was the original price of the 2016 RZR S 1000?
The 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 EPS had an original listed MSRP of $17,999.
Originally published October 25, 2015. Updated in September 2026 with expanded specifications, historical context and links to related UTV Guide coverage.
