The 2015 Polaris Sportsman ACE 570 added substantially more power to Polaris’ unusual single-seat off-road platform. Its 45-horsepower ProStar 570 engine delivered a considerable performance increase over the 32-horsepower engine used in the original Sportsman ACE.
At only 48 inches wide, the ACE 570 combined the compact dimensions and maneuverability of an ATV with a steering wheel, protective cab frame, bucket seat and automotive-style controls. It was narrow enough for many width-restricted trails and compact enough to transport in the bed of some full-size pickup trucks.
The ACE 570 joined the range as part of the broader 2015 Polaris side-by-side lineup.
Sportsman ACE 570 Highlights
- 45-horsepower ProStar 570 engine
- Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder design
- Dual overhead camshafts and four valves
- Electronic fuel injection
- Automatic Polaris Variable Transmission
- On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
- 48-inch overall width
- 10.25 inches of ground clearance
- Fully independent rear suspension
- 9.5 inches of rear suspension travel
- Adjustable twin-tube shocks
- Centralized single-seat driving position
- Steering wheel and automotive-style controls
- Front and rear Lock & Ride cargo areas
- 1,500-pound towing capacity
- White Lightning or Voodoo Blue bodywork
A More Powerful Sportsman ACE
Polaris introduced the original Sportsman ACE in January 2014. Its 32-horsepower ProStar engine provided approachable performance for new riders, but experienced drivers quickly asked for more power.
Polaris responded for model year 2015 with the Sportsman ACE 570. Its liquid-cooled ProStar 570 engine produced 45 horsepower, giving the compact machine considerably stronger acceleration and trail performance.
The single-cylinder engine featured dual overhead camshafts, four valves and automotive-style electronic fuel injection. An internal counterbalance shaft helped reduce vibration, while EFI provided predictable throttle response, automatic altitude compensation and consistent starting.
The ProStar 570 engine had already been used in the Polaris RZR 570, giving Polaris a proven powerplant for the higher-performance ACE.
The 45-horsepower ACE 570 was offered in White Lightning and Voodoo Blue.
Single-Seat, Rider-Centric Design
The Sportsman ACE did not fit neatly into the traditional ATV or side-by-side categories. Polaris combined the compact dimensions and maneuverability of a Sportsman ATV with a sit-in driving position influenced by its RANGER and RZR side-by-sides.
The driver sat in the center of the machine between all four wheels. Centralizing the driver and other major components helped create a low center of gravity and responsive handling.
A high-back bucket seat, steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals provided a more familiar control layout than an ATV’s saddle, handlebars and thumb throttle. The protective cab frame and seat belt also gave the driver an enclosed seating position similar to a side-by-side.
This layout made the ACE accessible to riders who wanted an off-road vehicle but were not comfortable straddling and steering a conventional ATV.
48-Inch Trail Width
At 48 inches wide, the Sportsman ACE 570 was narrower than the 50-inch Polaris RZR models. Its compact dimensions made it suitable for many restricted-width trails while also simplifying storage and transportation.
The short, narrow chassis allowed the ACE to maneuver through wooded trails and other confined terrain where a larger side-by-side could be difficult to use.
Suspension and Ground Clearance
The ACE platform provided 10.25 inches of ground clearance. Its fully independent rear suspension used dual A-arms with an anti-sway bar and offered 9.5 inches of travel.
Twin-tube shocks with adjustable spring preload allowed the suspension to be adapted for different drivers, cargo loads and trail conditions. The combination of independent suspension, centralized seating and compact dimensions produced a stable but responsive trail machine.
On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
The 2015 ACE 570 used Polaris’ On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive system. Under normal conditions, power was delivered to the rear wheels. When the rear tires lost traction, the system automatically engaged the front wheels to provide additional grip.
Once the extra traction was no longer required, the system returned to two-wheel drive. This removed the need for the driver to manually lock and unlock a front differential while navigating changing trail conditions.
Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes provided stopping power, while braided stainless-steel brake lines were intended to produce consistent brake response.
Automatic Transmission and Controls
An automatic Polaris Variable Transmission offered Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low and High ranges. Low range provided better control for slow technical terrain, towing and heavy work, while High range was intended for general trail riding.
The driver’s seat and steering wheel could be adjusted to accommodate different body sizes. A dead pedal supported the driver’s left foot, while an integrated heel pocket helped keep the right foot properly positioned on the accelerator.
Side nets helped retain the occupant while preserving the ACE’s open cockpit. Halogen headlights provided low- and high-beam illumination for riding after dark.
Cargo and Towing Capability
Although the ACE 570 was designed primarily for trail recreation, Polaris retained many of the utility features associated with the Sportsman name.
Front and rear Lock & Ride cargo areas provided space for tools, camping equipment and other supplies. The platform also incorporated multiple tie-down points and accepted compatible storage accessories.
A standard 1.25-inch receiver hitch gave the ACE 570 a rated towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. The electrical system and chassis were also prepared for the installation of an accessory winch.
Sportsman ACE Accessories
Polaris offered more than 35 accessories for the expanded 2015 ACE family. Available equipment included:
- Full and partial doors
- Front and rear brush guards
- Rock sliders
- Roof panels
- Windshields
- Rear cab panels
- Winches
- Additional cargo storage
- Rack extenders
- Wheel and tire packages
The accessory catalog allowed owners to configure the ACE 570 for trail recreation, hunting, property work or changing weather conditions.
2015 Sportsman ACE 570 Compared With the Original ACE
| Feature | Original Sportsman ACE | Sportsman ACE 570 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ProStar single-cylinder | ProStar 570 single-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 32 hp | 45 hp |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection | Electronic fuel injection |
| Overall width | 48 inches | 48 inches |
| Ground clearance | 10.25 inches | 10.25 inches |
| Rear suspension travel | 9.5 inches | 9.5 inches |
| Drive system | On-Demand True AWD | On-Demand True AWD |
| 2015 colors | White Lightning or Sage Green | White Lightning or Voodoo Blue |
Why the ACE 570 Was Important
The original ACE introduced Polaris’ single-seat concept, but the more powerful 570 made the platform attractive to a broader group of experienced trail riders. Its 45-horsepower engine delivered meaningful performance without changing the ACE’s compact 48-inch dimensions.
Polaris subsequently expanded the family with additional engine and equipment packages. The company ultimately discontinued the ACE line, but its centralized single-seat layout helped establish the groundwork for the more performance-focused Polaris RZR RS1.
Our Polaris Sportsman ACE review covers how the original platform performed on the trail, while the Sportsman ACE history and model guide follows the complete evolution of the single-seat family.
