The Polaris RANGER XP 900 arrived for the 2013 model year as an entirely new full-size utility UTV. Its introduction marked a major step beyond the previous RANGER 800 XP, combining a 60-horsepower ProStar engine with a redesigned chassis, more suspension travel, a quieter cab and substantially improved accessory integration.
Polaris updated the platform with recreationally focused and work-oriented Limited Editions before increasing output to 68 horsepower for 2015. The XP 900 ultimately helped establish the basic architecture and capabilities expected from later full-size RANGER models.
For newer machines, comparisons and reviews, see our Polaris RANGER models and buying guide and the complete history of the Polaris RANGER.
2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Introduction
The 2013 RANGER XP 900 was more than an engine upgrade. Polaris developed a new full-size platform around the 875cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine and relocated the engine beneath the rear cargo box. Moving it away from the occupants helped reduce noise and heat in the cab.
The dual-overhead-cam ProStar 900 produced 60 horsepower—a 20-percent increase over the previous full-size RANGER—and used a 180-degree crank firing order and counterbalancer to deliver smoother power. Polaris paired it with a stronger drivetrain, heavier-duty drive belt and improved clutch cooling.
Work Capacity and Storage
The RANGER XP 900 retained the utility capability that defined the RANGER family. It could tow up to 2,000 pounds using its standard 2-inch receiver and carry 1,000 pounds in the tilting cargo box. Total payload capacity was rated at 1,500 pounds.
The cargo box was large enough to accept a pallet and included additional tie-down locations, provisions for dividers and a revised tailgate release. Inside the cab, the bench seat flipped upward to expose storage, while additional compartments were incorporated into the dashboard.
A higher-capacity battery and stator provided 30 percent more electrical output than the previous model, supporting winches, lights, cab equipment and other work accessories. Polaris also designed a more accessible winch mounting system into the new chassis.
New Chassis and Three-Person Cab
The redesigned chassis had greater torsional rigidity, an 81-inch wheelbase and 10 inches of suspension travel at both ends. Ground clearance measured 12 inches. The longer wheelbase, stiffer frame and revised suspension were intended to improve both ride comfort and handling.
Polaris also redesigned the three-person cockpit with a lower seat, tilt steering and a centrally positioned digital gauge. Select Limited Editions added an adjustable driver’s seat. Brighter headlights projected farther down the trail than those on the preceding RANGER platform.
2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Specifications
| Engine | Four-stroke, twin-cylinder DOHC |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 875cc |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Horsepower | 60 hp |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT; High/Low/Neutral/Reverse/Park |
| Drive system | On-Demand True AWD, 2WD and VersaTrac Turf Mode |
| Front suspension | Dual A-arm; 10 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Dual A-arm IRS; 10 inches of travel |
| Brakes | Four-wheel hydraulic disc |
| Front tires | 25×10-12 |
| Rear tires | 25×11-12 |
| Wheelbase | 81 inches |
| Dry weight | 1,360 pounds |
| Dimensions | 116.5 × 60 × 76 inches |
| Ground clearance | 12 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 10 gallons |
| Cargo-box dimensions | 36.5 × 54 × 11.5 inches |
| Cargo-box capacity | 1,000 pounds |
| Payload capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 pounds |
| Hitch | Standard 2-inch receiver |
Specifications above describe the original base 2013 RANGER XP 900. Equipment, weight, colors and features varied among EPS and Limited Edition models.
2013 RANGER XP 900 Limited Editions
Bronze Mist Audio Edition
- Integrated audio system
- 12-inch black Xcelerator wheels with PXT tires
- Turbo Silver suspension springs
Orange Madness Limited Edition
- 12-inch black Xcelerator wheels with PXT tires
- Adjustable driver’s seat
- Orange Madness hood, dashboard and glove box
- Available with or without EPS
Sunset Red Limited Edition
- 12-inch black Xcelerator wheels with PXT tires
- Adjustable driver’s seat
- Turbo Silver suspension springs
- Available with or without EPS
Browning EPS Limited Edition
- Electronic Power Steering
- Factory-installed 4,500-pound Polaris HD winch
- Two Lock & Ride gun scabbards
2014 RANGER XP 900 Deluxe
The 2014 RANGER XP 900 Deluxe shifted the work-oriented platform toward recreational trail use. It replaced the three-person bench with bolstered bucket seats and a center console, then added color-matched half doors and factory-installed audio.
UTVGuide.net spent considerable time with the Nuclear Sunset Orange Deluxe on ranch property and trails including the Rubicon and Sand Hollow. Read the complete 2014 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Deluxe first look and owner experience. We also used that machine for our RANGER XP 900 field-mower review and later developed it through the RANGER XP 900 Deluxe build project.
2015 Polaris RANGER XP 900 Updates
For 2015, Polaris recalibrated the ProStar 900 to produce 68 horsepower, a 13-percent increase over the original 60-horsepower version. Redesigned intake openings on the pillars behind the occupants improved airflow to the engine and clutch intake systems. The XP 900 also received updated headrests, colors and graphics.
The standard RANGER XP 900 was offered in Sage Green, Solar Red and Polaris Pursuit Camo. EPS versions added choices including Sunset Red, Super Steel Gray, White Lightning and Black Pearl, along with several specialty packages.
2015 RANGER XP 900 Limited Editions
Vogue Silver Deluxe
The Vogue Silver Deluxe combined Vogue Silver bodywork with half doors, silver-and-black cut-and-sew seats, a premium steering wheel, center console and Electronic Power Steering. It also included the Polaris Interactive Digital Display used on select contemporary RZR editions.
Hunter Deluxe Edition
The Hunter Deluxe Edition used Polaris Pursuit Camo on both the vehicle and its enclosed PRO-FIT cab. Equipment included a glass tip-out windshield, doors, rear glass panel, front and rear brush guards, nerf bars, EPS, Engine Braking System, a 4,500-pound Polaris PRO HD winch, heated seats, Lock & Ride storage box and gun scabbards.
NorthStar Edition
The Sunset Red NorthStar Edition was built for cold-weather operation. Its factory package included a full PRO-FIT cab, fixed-glass windshield, rear glass panel, heater and defroster, heated seats, windshield wiper, dome light and rearview mirror.
Lock & Ride PRO-FIT Cab
The XP 900 introduced a cab frame with shaped profile tubing that provided a continuous sealing surface for the windshield, roof, doors and rear panel. Polaris developed the vehicle and its Lock & Ride PRO-FIT cab components together, improving fit and reducing the gaps common to add-on UTV enclosures.
Available configurations included tip-out windshields, sliding door and rear-panel windows, power windows and lined interior panels intended to reduce cab noise. Owners could combine components based on their desired weather protection and budget.
PURE Polaris XP 900 Accessories
Glacier PRO Plow System
The modular Glacier PRO plow system allowed buyers to select winch or hydraulic blade lift and either manual or hydraulic blade-angle control. Its cast frame used Lock & Ride attachment hardware for faster installation and removal.
Polaris PRO HD Winch
The 4,500-pound PRO HD winch featured 50 feet of synthetic rope, an aluminum fairlead, automatic hook-stop technology and a handheld remote. Cut-metal gears, a steel spool and a low-voltage contactor were intended to improve durability while limiting battery draw.
Additional RANGER XP 900 Accessories
Why the RANGER XP 900 Mattered
The RANGER XP 900 brought together several features that would shape later Polaris utility UTVs: a rear-mounted ProStar engine, a more rigid full-size chassis, substantial towing and payload ratings, improved in-cab storage and a cab structure designed around integrated enclosure components.
Its progression from the original 60-horsepower 2013 model to the 68-horsepower 2015 version also demonstrated how quickly utility UTV performance was increasing. Although newer RANGER generations have surpassed it in power, refinement and cab comfort, the XP 900 remains an important part of the model’s development.
Visit our Polaris RANGER buyer’s guide for additional model coverage, historical reviews and current RANGER information.
Originally published with information and specifications supplied by Polaris for the 2013–2015 RANGER XP 900 lineup.
