The 2011 Polaris RANGER 500 EFI brought additional power and electronic fuel injection to Polaris’ midsize utility side-by-side platform. It shared its compact two-seat chassis with the RANGER 400 but used a 498cc EFI engine producing a claimed 32 horsepower.
With a claimed top speed of 44 mph, On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive, VersaTrac Turf Mode and independent rear suspension, the RANGER 500 was designed to balance everyday utility capability with dimensions that were more manageable than those of a full-size RANGER.
This article covers the original 2011 midsize RANGER 500. It should not be confused with the substantially different 2026 Polaris RANGER 500. For a broader look at the development of the platform, visit our history of the Polaris RANGER.
2011 Polaris RANGER 500 EFI Engine and Performance
The liquid-cooled 498cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine produced a claimed 32 horsepower. Electronic fuel injection eliminated the need for a manual choke while helping the engine compensate automatically for changes in temperature and elevation.
Power was delivered through Polaris’ automatic PVT transmission with High, Low, Neutral, Reverse and Park ranges. The selectable drive system provided two-wheel drive, On-Demand True AWD and VersaTrac Turf Mode.
In Turf Mode, the rear differential could unlock to reduce damage to grass and other sensitive surfaces. When additional traction was required, the driver could select AWD and allow the system to engage the front wheels automatically.
Compact Midsize RANGER Chassis
The RANGER 500 measured approximately 56.5 inches wide and seated two occupants. Its smaller footprint made it easier to transport, store and maneuver through confined areas than Polaris’ full-size utility models.
MacPherson-strut front suspension provided 8 inches of travel, while the dual-A-arm independent rear suspension offered 9 inches. Ground clearance was a claimed 10 inches.
Heavy-duty front-end protection, inset headlights and protection for critical components reflected the machine’s work-focused design. The ROPS-certified cab was equipped with driver and passenger safety nets.
Cargo and Towing Capacity
The gas-assist dumping cargo box could carry up to 500 pounds and incorporated Polaris’ Lock & Ride accessory system. Total payload capacity was rated at 1,000 pounds, while the standard 2-inch receiver hitch provided a claimed towing capacity of 1,250 pounds.
These capacities made the midsize RANGER suitable for property maintenance, hunting, hauling tools and completing lighter farm or ranch chores without requiring a larger utility vehicle.
Key Features
- 498cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine
- Electronic fuel injection
- Claimed 32 horsepower
- Claimed 44 mph top speed
- Automatic PVT transmission with High and Low ranges
- On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
- VersaTrac Turf Mode
- 500-pound gas-assist dumping cargo box
- Lock & Ride cargo system
- 1,000-pound total payload capacity
- 1,250-pound towing capacity
- Standard 2-inch receiver hitch
- Independent rear suspension
- 10 inches of ground clearance
- ROPS-certified two-seat cab
- Digital instrumentation
2011 Polaris RANGER 500 EFI Specifications
| Engine type | Four-stroke single cylinder |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 498cc |
| Claimed horsepower | 32 hp |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT with High, Low, Neutral, Reverse and Park |
| Final drive | Shaft |
| Drive system | On-Demand True AWD, 2WD and VersaTrac Turf Mode |
| Engine braking/Active Descent Control | Not equipped |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut with 8 inches (20.3 cm) of travel |
| Rear suspension | Dual A-arm independent rear suspension with 9 inches (22.9 cm) of travel |
| Brakes | Four-wheel hydraulic disc with dual-bore front calipers |
| Parking brake | Park in transmission |
| Front tires | 25 × 10-12 |
| Rear tires | 25 × 11-12 |
| Wheels | Stamped steel |
| Wheelbase | 104 inches (264 cm) |
| Dry weight | 1,055 pounds (479 kg) |
| Overall dimensions | 108 × 56.5 × 73 inches (274 × 144 × 185 cm) |
| Ground clearance | 10 inches (25.4 cm) |
| Fuel capacity | 9 gallons (34.1 L) |
| Cargo-box dimensions | 32 × 42 × 11.5 inches (81 × 107 × 29 cm) |
| Cargo-box capacity | 500 pounds (226.8 kg) |
| Payload capacity | 1,000 pounds (453.6 kg) |
| Towing capacity | 1,250 pounds (567 kg) |
| Hitch | Standard 2-inch receiver |
| Cargo system | Lock & Ride |
| Lighting | 50-watt headlights and LED taillights |
| Power steering | Not equipped |
| Instrumentation | Digital gauge, speedometer, odometer, tachometer, trip meter, hour meter, gear indicator, DC outlet and high-temperature warning light |
| Colors | Solar Red, Sage Green and Polaris Pursuit Camo |
| Original U.S. MSRP | $8,999 |
RANGER 500 Versus RANGER CREW 500
Polaris introduced the four-seat 2011 RANGER CREW 500 alongside the two-seat model. The CREW used a longer chassis to accommodate a second seating row while retaining the same basic 498cc EFI powertrain and midsize utility focus.
The two-seat RANGER 500 was the more compact and maneuverable choice, while the RANGER CREW 500 was intended for owners who needed to transport additional passengers.
Historical Significance
The 2011 RANGER 500 helped expand Polaris’ midsize lineup beyond the entry-level RANGER 400. Its combination of EFI power, manageable dimensions, independent rear suspension and practical cargo capacity established a formula Polaris later developed through models such as the RANGER 570 and RANGER SP 570.
Polaris reused the RANGER 500 name for an all-new utility model introduced for 2026, but that newer machine does not share the same chassis or specifications as this original 2011 version.
2011 Polaris RANGER 500 FAQ
How much horsepower did the 2011 Polaris RANGER 500 have?
Polaris rated the 498cc EFI engine at 32 horsepower.
How fast was the 2011 RANGER 500?
Polaris listed a claimed top speed of 44 mph.
How much could the RANGER 500 tow?
The 2011 model had a claimed towing capacity of 1,250 pounds and came with a standard 2-inch receiver hitch.
How much weight could its cargo box carry?
The gas-assist dumping cargo box was rated to carry 500 pounds. Total vehicle payload capacity was listed at 1,000 pounds.
Did the 2011 RANGER 500 have power steering?
No. Electronic power steering was not standard equipment on this model.
Is the 2011 RANGER 500 the same as the 2026 model?
No. Although Polaris reused the RANGER 500 name, the 2026 model is a newer vehicle with different dimensions, equipment and performance specifications.
Specifications and pricing reflect Polaris information published for the 2011 model year. Actual condition and performance of surviving machines will vary with age, maintenance, accessories and modifications.
