By Cody Hooper
The 144-horsepower 2016 Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo arrived as one of the fastest and most capable four-seat sport UTVs of its era. After driving it in the Glamis dunes, we took the same machine to California City to see how its turbocharged powertrain, long wheelbase and FOX Internal Bypass suspension performed on rocks, hardpack, silt and desert whoops.
From Glamis to California City
A few weeks earlier, we had driven the new four-seat Turbo in the sand at Glamis during Camp RZR. That environment showcased its abundant horsepower, but not every UTV owner has access to large dunes. We wanted to find out how the XP 4 Turbo handled the harder, rougher and more varied terrain of the California desert.
With only 120 miles on the odometer, we installed a set of 32x10R15 STI Chicane tires on the otherwise stock RZR and headed into the vast desert surrounding California City. Our separate 32-inch STI Chicane tire review examines the tires in greater detail.
We already knew how the RZR XP platform behaved on its original Maxxis Bighorn tires after driving thousands of miles in this chassis. The larger Chicanes added considerably more traction, which gave us an opportunity to determine whether the extra grip would complement the Turbo powertrain or expose weaknesses elsewhere in the chassis.
2016 RZR XP 4 Turbo Specifications
| Engine | 925cc turbocharged parallel twin |
|---|---|
| Claimed horsepower | 144 hp |
| Width | 64 inches |
| Length | 146 inches |
| Height | 73.75 inches |
| Suspension | FOX Internal Bypass shocks |
| Original MSRP | $27,499 |
| Original colors | Graphite Crystal and Spectra Orange |
The Turbo shared its basic platform with the naturally aspirated RZR XP 4 1000, but Polaris added a 925cc turbocharged engine along with upgraded clutches, transmission components, driveline parts, axles and brakes. It also received a front sway bar and FOX Internal Bypass shocks.
At the time, the Turbo carried approximately a $5,000 premium over the XP 4 1000. That premium bought substantially more power, more sophisticated suspension and a reinforced drivetrain designed for the added output.
Turbo Power and Low-Speed Control
We started with slow-speed rock crawling to evaluate low-rpm torque, clutch engagement and driveline response. Despite its considerable power, the Turbo did not feel abrupt or difficult to control. Clutch engagement was smooth and predictable, allowing the driver to manage wheelspin on loose and slippery surfaces.
The powertrain was equally entertaining when the trail opened up. A deliberate push of the throttle quickly brought the turbocharged twin to life, delivering the strong acceleration expected from a 144-horsepower sport UTV.
Testing With Four Adult Occupants
Although the action photos show only a driver, the hardest testing was completed with four adults aboard. Passenger weights ranged from approximately 120 to 260 pounds, and we rotated drivers and passengers throughout the day. That gave us a more representative look at how the four-seat chassis performed when carrying a realistic load.
The additional weight did not overwhelm the powertrain or suspension. The XP 4 Turbo continued to accelerate hard and remain composed through rough terrain, demonstrating one of the main benefits of combining turbo power with a long-wheelbase four-seat platform.
Size and Trail Suitability
The XP 4 Turbo is a large machine. Its 64-inch width and 146-inch overall length make it far better suited to dunes, desert trails and other open terrain than narrow wooded trails. Owners also need roughly 12.5 feet of usable trailer length to transport it comfortably.
That size pays dividends in rough terrain. The long wheelbase contributes to stability through whoops and across uneven ground, while the four-seat layout provides room for additional passengers or gear.
California Desert Performance
Our test route included quartz-strewn rock sections, loose sand, silt beds, hardpack and fast dirt trails. Across those conditions, the XP 4 Turbo accelerated forcefully, remained stable in corners and handled large impacts without complaint.
Recent rain had cut numerous washes across the California City riding area. After scouting the approaches, we crossed several drops approaching four feet deep at speed with four occupants aboard. Maintaining momentum helped the long-wheelbase RZR clear the abrupt transitions without burying its front end.
Cornering With 32-Inch STI Chicane Tires
The STI Chicane tires produced so much traction that the RZR sometimes felt almost too planted. Aside from adding approximately one inch of front spring preload, we left the suspension settings stock.
In four-wheel drive, the XP 4 Turbo cornered neutrally but resisted rotating its rear end until pushed hard. Switching to two-wheel drive made it easier to steer the vehicle with the throttle. The rear could be rotated into a turn, while the Chicanes still provided enough forward grip to maintain speed and hold the selected line.
The XP 4 Turbo already handled well in stock form, but the added traction from the 32-inch Chicanes noticeably changed its cornering behavior and allowed us to use more of the engine’s power.
FOX Internal Bypass Suspension
The FOX Internal Bypass shocks showed their greatest advantage as speeds and impact loads increased. Their low-speed ride was slightly firmer than the Walker Evans-equipped XP 4 1000, but the tradeoff was impressive control in whoops, square-edged bumps and abrupt drop-offs.
We did not need to adjust the compression clickers during this test. The stock settings allowed us to drive aggressively through some of the roughest terrain we could find without excessive bottoming.
Internal bypass shocks vary damping through different portions of the suspension travel. Oil flows through bypass ports when the shock is higher in its stroke, helping it respond to smaller impacts. As the shock compresses past those ports, damping increases to better resist bottoming. Because the damping changes with shock position, spring preload and ride height can have a significant effect on overall suspension performance.
2016 Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo Desert Review Verdict
The 2016 RZR XP 4 Turbo proved exceptionally versatile for a stock four-seat sport UTV. Even with four adults aboard, it accelerated hard, stayed composed in rough terrain and offered enough low-speed control for rocky sections.
Its size makes it less appropriate for tight wooded trails, but that same long chassis is a major advantage in dunes and open desert. The combination of 144 horsepower, a reinforced drivetrain and FOX Internal Bypass suspension made the XP 4 Turbo one of the most complete high-performance four-seat packages available in 2016.
Drivers interested primarily in sand should also read our Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo Glamis review. For more background on the vehicle’s specifications and place in the RZR lineup, see the 2016 Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo model overview and our broader history of the Polaris RZR.
