Polaris RZR SW: Military Version of the RZR S

Polaris RZR SW

The Polaris RZR SW was a militarized version of the original Ranger RZR S developed by Polaris Defense. It combined the compact dimensions and performance of Polaris’ recreational sport side-by-side with equipment intended for military and government use.

Based on the 60-inch-wide 2009 Ranger RZR S platform, the two-seat RZR SW featured Desert Tan bodywork, blackout lighting, a winch and an electronic locking rear differential. Its 760cc twin-cylinder engine, automatic PVT transmission and On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive were closely related to the civilian machine.

The RZR SW was part of Polaris Defense’s early tactical-vehicle development and helped establish the foundation for the company’s more specialized Polaris MRZR family. Polaris Government & Defense continues to recognize the RZR-SW among the vehicles developed before the next-generation MRZR program arrived in 2012.

Polaris RZR SW Highlights

  • Military version of the 2009 Polaris Ranger RZR S
  • 760cc liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine
  • Automatic Polaris Variable Transmission
  • On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
  • Electronic locking rear differential
  • 12 inches of front and rear suspension travel
  • FOX reservoir shocks with compression adjustment
  • Standard blackout lighting
  • Standard 3,500-pound winch
  • Desert Tan exterior

Polaris RZR SW Specifications

Dimensions
Length 112 in. (285 cm)
Width 59 in. (150 cm)
Height 72.5 in. (184 cm)
Wheelbase 77 in. (196 cm)
Ground clearance 13 in. (33 cm)
Dry weight 1,112 lb. (504 kg)
Capacity
Seating capacity 2 adults
Published top speed 68 mph (109 km/h)
Cargo-box capacity 500 lb. (227 kg)
Vehicle payload 1,000 lb. (454 kg)
Towing capacity 1,500 lb. (681 kg)
Hitch tongue weight 150 lb. (68 kg)
Engine and Fuel System
Engine type Twin-cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement 760cc
Cooling Liquid-cooled
Lubrication Pressurized wet sump
Starting system Electric
Fuel delivery Electronic fuel injection with electric fuel pump
Fuel capacity 7.25 gal. (27.4 L)
Recommended fuel 87 octane or 89-octane oxygenated fuel
Drivetrain
Transmission Automatic PVT with high, low, reverse, neutral and park
Drive system On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
Rear differential Electronic locking differential
Suspension
Platform 2009 Polaris Ranger RZR S
Front suspension Dual A-arm with 12 in. (30.5 cm) of travel and compression-adjustable FOX reservoir shocks
Rear suspension Independent rear suspension with anti-sway bar, 12 in. (30.5 cm) of travel and compression-adjustable FOX reservoir shocks
Brakes and Tires
Brakes Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
Parking brake Park gear in transmission
Front tires 26×9-12
Rear tires 26×9-12
Color Desert Tan
Instrumentation and Equipment
Blackout lighting Standard
Hour meter Standard
Gear indicator Standard
Fuel gauge Standard
Warning light Standard
12-volt outlets Two
Brake light and taillight Standard
Tilt steering wheel Standard
Passenger grab bar Standard
Winch 3,500 lb.; included

Original RZR SW Accessories

The following equipment was listed for the RZR SW when the vehicle was available. Part numbers are retained for historical reference and may no longer be active.

  • Pre-runner front brush guard — Part No. 2876400-458
  • Poly half windshield — Part No. 2876435
  • Lock & Ride accessory rack — Part No. 2876378-458
  • Lock & Ride light bar — Part No. 2876547-458
  • 35-watt PIAA lights — Part No. 2876684

Polaris RZR SW Photos

Polaris RZR SW military side-by-side
Desert Tan Polaris RZR SW
Polaris Defense RZR SW front view
Polaris RZR SW rear view
Polaris RZR SW military vehicle profile
Polaris RZR SW cockpit and controls
Polaris RZR SW FOX suspension
Polaris RZR SW tactical equipment
Polaris RZR SW military UTV
Polaris Defense RZR SW in Desert Tan

From the RZR SW to the MRZR

The RZR SW retained much of the civilian RZR S architecture, but it demonstrated how a compact sport UTV could be adapted for military mobility. Polaris subsequently developed the purpose-built MRZR platform with additional payload, transportability and mission-configuration capabilities.

Explore more milestones in our Polaris RZR history, see the four-seat Polaris MRZR 4, or browse our complete Polaris UTV coverage.

Editor’s note: This page documents a discontinued military vehicle. Specifications and accessory part numbers reflect information published for the RZR SW when it was offered.