The 2010 Polaris RZR 4 800 changed the sport side-by-side market by giving enthusiasts something that had not previously been available from a major manufacturer: a factory-built, four-seat sport UTV.
Before the RZR 4 arrived, families and groups generally had to choose between a two-seat sport UTV, a utility-focused four-passenger machine or an expensive custom sand car. Polaris stretched the RZR platform, retained its sport-oriented suspension and placed four bucket seats inside a purpose-built chassis.
The result was more than another RZR model. The RZR 4 established the four-seat sport UTV category that remains a major part of the market today. It also marked an important milestone in the broader history of the Polaris RZR.
Polaris Creates the First Four-Seat Sport UTV
The original Polaris RZR 800 established a new type of compact sport side-by-side for 2008. The wider Polaris RZR S 800 followed for 2009 with a 60-inch stance and substantially more suspension travel.
For 2010, Polaris took the next step by introducing the RZR 4 800. The new machine was developed with input from off-road racer Robby Gordon and combined four-person seating with many of the performance features already associated with the RZR S.
Its 103-inch wheelbase was considerably longer than the two-seat RZR platforms, but the vehicle remained only 60.5 inches wide. At a claimed dry weight of 1,255 pounds, it was also remarkably light for a four-passenger machine.
“Polaris saw a market for a multi-passenger Sport vehicle at a significantly lower price than an expensive Sand Car or Rail,” said Eric Nault, RANGER RZR 4 product manager when the vehicle was introduced.
That assessment proved correct. Four-seat sport UTVs eventually became common across the industry, but the RZR 4 800 was the vehicle that demonstrated the potential of the category.
800cc Twin-Cylinder Engine
The RZR 4 was powered by Polaris’ liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 760cc High Output parallel-twin engine, marketed as the 800. It was connected to an automatic PVT transmission with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low and High ranges.
With four occupants aboard, the 800 engine did not deliver the acceleration of later RZR XP models. However, the combination offered useful performance for trail riding, exploring and family recreation. Polaris claimed a top speed of approximately 61 mph under favorable conditions.
Polaris positioned the engine behind the rear seats. This kept much of the drivetrain mass low in the chassis and placed the rear axle behind the second row instead of directly beneath the rear passengers. That layout helped improve rear-seat ride quality while preserving the RZR cargo bed.
Long-Travel RZR Suspension
The RZR 4 800 used dual A-arm independent suspension with 12 inches of travel at both ends. FOX Podium X 2.0 piggyback-reservoir shocks provided adjustable compression damping, while dual-rate rear springs and a rear anti-sway bar helped manage the longer chassis.
Chromoly upper front A-arms added strength, and the machine rode on 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn radial tires mounted to 12-inch aluminum wheels. Polaris’ On-Demand True AWD system automatically sent power to the front wheels when additional traction was required and returned the vehicle to two-wheel drive when it was no longer needed.
Although its suspension numbers appear modest compared with current four-seat RZRs, the original RZR 4 was impressively capable for 2010. Its relatively narrow width, low weight and 103-inch wheelbase made it more maneuverable than its four-seat configuration suggested.
For our impressions from behind the wheel, read the original Polaris RZR 4 800 review and our later 2010 RZR 4 long-term review.
Stadium-Style Four-Passenger Seating
The RZR 4 used stadium-style seating, positioning the rear passengers higher than the occupants in front. This improved their forward view without requiring an excessively tall vehicle.
All four bucket seats were interchangeable and offered approximately four inches of fore-and-aft adjustment. The driver received tilt steering, while the front passenger had an adjustable handrail. Rear occupants had their own handrail, two cup holders and a 12-volt accessory outlet.
Legroom was reasonable considering the vehicle’s compact overall dimensions. Polaris also fitted side nets for all four seating positions, which was standard practice before full doors became common on sport UTVs.
Robby Gordon Edition Styling
The first RZR 4 was closely associated with Robby Gordon. Its black, blue and white graphics were inspired by Gordon’s off-road racing program, and the bodywork carried Robby Gordon Off-Road logos. Cut-and-sew seats, black wheels and race-inspired graphics helped distinguish the vehicle from utility-oriented four-seat side-by-sides.
The original Robby Gordon Edition carried a starting MSRP of $14,999 in the United States. Electronic power steering was offered on an upgraded version.
2011 Polaris RZR 4 800 Updates
Polaris updated the RZR 4 for 2011 with more aggressive front styling designed to increase cooling airflow. Revised engine management improved drivability and extended the vehicle’s operating range, while an in-cab glove box and redesigned side nets addressed everyday usability.
Two Robby Gordon packages were offered. One featured black-and-red bodywork, while an EPS version received blue, white and black Robby Gordon-inspired graphics.
2010 Polaris RZR 4 800 Specifications
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke twin-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 760cc High Output |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT with P/R/N/L/H; shaft final drive |
| Drive system | On-Demand True AWD/2WD |
| Front suspension | Dual A-arm with FOX Podium X 2.0 reservoir shocks; 12 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Dual A-arm rolled IRS with anti-sway bar and FOX Podium X 2.0 reservoir shocks; 12 inches of travel |
| Brakes | Four-wheel hydraulic disc |
| Front tires | 26 x 9-12 Maxxis Bighorn |
| Rear tires | 26 x 12-12 Maxxis Bighorn |
| Wheelbase | 103 inches |
| Overall dimensions | 130 x 60.5 x 75 inches |
| Ground clearance | 11.5 inches |
| Estimated dry weight | 1,255 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 7.25 gallons |
| Cargo-box capacity | 300 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Receiver | 1.25 inches |
| Seating capacity | Four |
| Original MSRP | Starting at $14,999 |
Why the Original RZR 4 Still Matters
The 2010 RZR 4 800 did not simply add two seats to an existing side-by-side. It established a formula that nearly every major sport UTV manufacturer would eventually follow: a stretched performance chassis, dedicated rear seating and suspension designed to carry four people at trail speeds.
Later four-seat RZRs gained substantially more power, suspension travel, wheelbase and cabin space, but their basic mission can be traced directly to this machine. The original RZR 4 made it possible for families and groups of friends to share the sport UTV experience in one vehicle—and permanently expanded what buyers expected from the category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year did the Polaris RZR 4 come out?
Polaris introduced the RZR 4 800 for the 2010 model year. It was the first factory-built four-seat sport side-by-side from a major UTV manufacturer.
What engine was in the original RZR 4?
The 2010 RZR 4 used Polaris’ liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 760cc High Output twin-cylinder engine. Polaris marketed the vehicle as the RZR 4 800.
How wide was the 2010 Polaris RZR 4?
The original RZR 4 was 60.5 inches wide. That made it wider than the original 50-inch RZR 800 but considerably narrower than many current four-seat sport UTVs.
How much suspension travel did the RZR 4 800 have?
The RZR 4 800 had 12 inches of front and rear suspension travel with adjustable FOX Podium X 2.0 piggyback-reservoir shocks.
Was the original RZR 4 a Robby Gordon Edition?
Yes. Robby Gordon collaborated with Polaris on the original RZR 4, and the first model carried Robby Gordon-inspired graphics and branding. Additional Robby Gordon packages were offered for 2011.
