The 2012 Polaris RZR XP 4 900 brought the performance of the original RZR XP 900 to a four-seat platform. Introduced in December 2011, it combined an 88-horsepower ProStar engine, trailing-arm rear suspension and Walker Evans shocks with a 107.4-inch wheelbase and seating for four.
The earlier RZR 4 800 had already demonstrated the appeal of a four-seat sport side-by-side. The RZR XP 4 900 took the concept substantially further by adding the power, suspension design and 64-inch stance of Polaris’ high-performance XP platform.
That combination made the XP 4 900 an important vehicle in the history of the Polaris RZR. It helped establish the long-wheelbase, four-seat sport UTV as a serious performance platform rather than simply a family-oriented version of a two-seat machine.
2012 Polaris RZR XP 4 900 Highlights
- 875cc ProStar DOHC twin-cylinder engine
- 88 advertised horsepower
- Electronic fuel injection
- Automatic Polaris Variable Transmission
- On-Demand True AWD
- 64-inch overall width
- 107.4-inch wheelbase
- 13.5 inches of front suspension travel
- 14 inches of rear suspension travel
- 12.5 inches of ground clearance
- Walker Evans compression-adjustable shocks
- Four interchangeable bucket seats
- 900-pound payload capacity
ProStar 900 Engine and Drivetrain
The RZR XP 4 900 was powered by the same 875cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine used in the two-seat RZR XP 900. Polaris rated the liquid-cooled, dual-overhead-cam engine at 88 horsepower.
The engine used four valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection and individual throttle bodies positioned close to the intake valves. At the time, this was one of the strongest naturally aspirated engines available in a production side-by-side.
Power was delivered through an automatic PVT transmission with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low and High ranges. Polaris’ On-Demand True AWD system automatically engaged the front wheels when additional traction was required.
Trailing-Arm Suspension and Walker Evans Shocks
The XP 4 900 used a dual-A-arm front suspension with 13.5 inches of travel and Polaris’ three-link trailing-arm independent rear suspension with 14 inches of travel.
Its rear suspension consisted of a forward-mounted trailing arm and two long radius rods. This arrangement helped control wheel movement while providing the travel and ground clearance needed for dunes, desert terrain and rough recreational trails.
Walker Evans reservoir shocks were fitted at all four corners. The front shocks used 2-inch bodies, while the rear received large 2.5-inch-body shocks with adjustable compression damping.
The larger rear shocks provided approximately 35 percent more piston area and oil capacity than comparable 2-inch shocks. That additional capacity helped manage heat and maintain more consistent damping during repeated impacts.
Long-Wheelbase Stability
At 107.4 inches, the RZR XP 4 900’s wheelbase was substantially longer than the wheelbase of the two-seat XP 900. The additional length created space for the second row while also giving the vehicle a stable, predictable feel in rough terrain.
The long chassis was especially well suited to open desert and sand dunes, where stability through whoops and uneven transitions could be more valuable than the tight turning characteristics of a shorter two-seat machine.
Despite its added length, the XP 4 retained the engine-behind-the-seat layout and relatively low center of gravity that defined the XP platform. The suspension geometry was designed to manage camber through its travel and keep the tires planted while cornering.
Four-Seat Interior
Polaris equipped the XP 4 900 with four individual bucket seats. Each seat could be moved between positions and offered approximately four inches of fore-and-aft adjustment.
The driver received tilt steering, while the front passenger had an adjustable grab bar. Rear passengers had a full-width handrail, two cup holders and access to a 12-volt power outlet.
Protective side nets and a certified rollover protective structure were standard. Full doors were not standard on the base model, although doors were included on the later Jag X Edition.
2012 Polaris RZR XP 4 900 Specifications
| Engine | Four-stroke DOHC twin cylinder |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 875cc |
| Advertised horsepower | 88 hp |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low and High |
| Drive system | On-Demand True AWD/2WD |
| Front suspension | Dual A-arm with Walker Evans 2-inch reservoir shocks; 13.5 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Three-link trailing arm with Walker Evans 2.5-inch reservoir shocks; 14 inches of travel |
| Brakes | Four-wheel hydraulic discs with dual-bore calipers |
| Front tires | 27 x 9-12 ITP 900 XCT |
| Rear tires | 27 x 11-12 ITP 900 XCT |
| Wheels | Cast aluminum |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 inches |
| Overall dimensions | 134.4 x 64 x 77 inches |
| Ground clearance | 12.5 inches |
| Advertised dry weight | 1,390 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 7.25 gallons |
| Cargo-box dimensions | 23 x 38 x 10 inches |
| Cargo-box capacity | 300 pounds |
| Payload capacity | 900 pounds |
2013 RZR XP 4 900 Limited Editions
Polaris continued the XP 4 900 for 2013 and offered several upgraded editions. These should not be confused with the original base-model specification listed above.
RZR XP 4 900 EPS Black/White/Red Limited Edition
- Electronic power steering
- Maxxis Bighorn tires
- 12-inch black Crusher aluminum wheels
- Gloss-black painted dashboard
- White Lightning painted hood
- Indy Red front and rear suspension springs
- Black and Indy Red cut-and-sew seats
- Limited-edition graphics package
RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition
The four-seat RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition increased output to a claimed 94 horsepower and added equipment inspired by the Jagged X desert-racing program.
- 94-horsepower ProStar 900 Twin EFI engine
- SLP stainless-steel exhaust
- Walker Evans 2.5-inch-body rear shocks
- Electronic power steering
- PRP seats
- Factory-installed doors
- Dual removable cargo boxes
- Maxxis Bighorn tires
- Painted Walker Evans beadlock wheels
- Jagged X-inspired graphics package
For firsthand driving impressions, see our Polaris RZR XP H.O. Jagged X Edition review.
RZR XP 4 900 Liquid Silver Limited Edition
- Electronic power steering
- Maxxis Bighorn tires
- 12-inch black Crusher aluminum wheels
- Black-and-white cut-and-sew seats with red RZR emblems
- Liquid Silver painted dashboard
- Gloss-black hood
- Color-matched suspension springs
- White Lightning control arms, trailing arms and radius rods
- Custom graphics package
Polaris RZR XP 4 900 Accessories
Polaris offered a broad range of factory accessories for the RZR XP 4 900. Available equipment included an aluminum roof, Lock & Ride cargo box, rock sliders, underbody protection, suspension-arm guards, brush guards and winches.
Lock & Ride Cargo Box
The accessory cargo box attached to the rear bed using the Lock & Ride system. It included a rubber gasket, lockable latches, heavy-duty hinges and carrying handles. Polaris claimed it could be installed or removed in approximately 10 seconds.
Rock Sliders and Underbody Protection
Available aluminum rock sliders protected the lower sides of the vehicle from rocks, stumps and other trail obstacles. Pre-drilled mounting locations simplified installation.
The accessory underbody package used 0.125-inch aluminum across the front two-thirds of the vehicle and thicker 0.1875-inch aluminum at the rear. Matching front A-arm and rear trailing-arm guards added protection for vulnerable suspension components.
Pre-Runner Brush Guards
Front and rear pre-runner-style guards were available in brushed aluminum or powder-coated steel. The front guard was designed to work with Polaris winch and plow systems.
Why the RZR XP 4 900 Mattered
The RZR XP 4 900 was not the first four-seat RZR, but it was Polaris’ first four-seat model built around the high-performance XP architecture. Its 88-horsepower engine, trailing-arm rear suspension and long wheelbase gave four occupants access to performance previously associated mainly with two-seat sport UTVs.
Its basic formula—strong power, a wide chassis, long-travel suspension and four individual seats—would continue through the RZR XP 4 1000, XP Turbo, Turbo S, PRO XP 4 and later generations.
Read our Polaris RZR XP 4 Glamis trip report for an early real-world look at the machine.
Our 2012 Polaris RZR XP 4 900 long-term review covers firsthand testing, modifications and ownership experience. You can also explore the platform’s complete evolution in our Polaris RZR history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year was the Polaris RZR XP 4 900 introduced?
Polaris announced the RZR XP 4 900 in December 2011 as a 2012 model. Dealership availability was scheduled to begin in January 2012.
How much horsepower did the RZR XP 4 900 have?
The standard 2012 RZR XP 4 900 was rated at 88 horsepower. The later RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition was rated at 94 horsepower.
Did every RZR XP 4 900 have power steering?
No. Electronic power steering was not included on the original base model. EPS was fitted to selected limited-edition versions.
How wide was the RZR XP 4 900?
The RZR XP 4 900 measured 64 inches wide. Its wheelbase was 107.4 inches, and its overall length was 134.4 inches.
What was the difference between the RZR 4 800 and RZR XP 4 900?
The RZR 4 800 used a smaller 760cc engine and the suspension architecture of the original RZR platform. The XP 4 900 added the 875cc ProStar engine, more horsepower, a 64-inch stance and three-link trailing-arm rear suspension with 14 inches of travel.
Is this the same vehicle as the RZR XP 4 1000?
No. The XP 4 900 preceded the RZR XP 4 1000. The 1000 arrived for the 2014 model year with a larger engine, more power and increased suspension capability.
