Polaris invited UTV Guide to Minnesota for the introduction of its complete 2010 RANGER and RZR lineup. The trip included an inside look at the company’s research and development facility in Wyoming, Minnesota, followed by a full day driving the new utility and sport side-by-sides.
The 2010 lineup was an important one for Polaris. It introduced the affordable midsize RANGER 400 and the company’s first production electric side-by-side, the RANGER EV. Polaris also increased power across much of the full-size RANGER family, redesigned the RANGER CREW and 6×6, added an electronic power steering option to the RANGER 800 XP and raised the RZR 800’s claimed top speed to 60 mph.
Every 2010 RANGER and RZR also received a ROPS-certified cab structure.
Inside the Polaris R&D Facility
Our visit began at the Polaris research and development facility in Wyoming, Minnesota. This was where Polaris engineers developed and tested vehicles across the company’s powersports divisions, including ATVs, side-by-sides and snowmobiles.
Seeing the facility provided useful context for the vehicles we drove afterward. Polaris was rapidly expanding beyond the traditional utility-vehicle formula. The company was developing smaller RANGER platforms, experimenting with electric propulsion and broadening the relatively new RZR sport family.
2010 Polaris RANGER Lineup
The utility side of the 2010 lineup included two completely new midsize vehicles and substantial updates to the existing full-size RANGER family.
2010 Polaris RANGER 800 HD
The heavy-duty 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 HD received the 800cc EFI engine for 2010. Polaris rated the twin-cylinder engine at 46 horsepower and listed a top speed of 53 mph.
Its defining feature remained the Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension, which was designed to maintain ride height when the cargo box was loaded. Variable-assist power steering and an available Lift & Carry system further separated the HD from the standard RANGER XP.
- 800cc EFI twin-cylinder engine
- 46 claimed horsepower
- 53 mph claimed top speed
- On-Demand AWD with Turf Mode
- Variable-assist electronic power steering
- Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension
- 1,000-pound cargo-box capacity
- 1,500-pound total payload capacity
- 2,000-pound towing capacity
- 12 inches of ground clearance
- Seating for three
For real-world ownership impressions, see our Polaris RANGER HD long-term review.
2010 Polaris RANGER 800 XP
The 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 XP replaced the previous 700-class engine with an 800cc EFI twin. Polaris claimed 46 horsepower, a 15-percent increase in power and a 53 mph top speed.
An available electronic power steering model used variable assist to reduce steering effort at low speeds while limiting feedback through the steering wheel at higher speeds.
- 800cc EFI twin-cylinder engine
- 46 claimed horsepower
- 53 mph claimed top speed
- On-Demand AWD with Turf Mode
- Available variable-assist power steering
- 1,000-pound cargo-box capacity
- 1,500-pound total payload capacity
- 2,000-pound towing capacity
- 9.6 inches of front suspension travel
- 9 inches of rear suspension travel
- 12 inches of ground clearance
- Seating for three
Available colors included Sage Green, Solar Red and Mossy Oak Break-Up camouflage. Limited Editions included Pearl White, Navy and Sandstone, and a Browning Edition.
2010 Polaris RANGER 800 6×6
The redesigned 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 6×6 paired its true six-wheel-drive system with an 800cc EFI engine and adjustable independent suspension at all six wheels.
The primary cargo box could carry 1,250 pounds, while a separate job box positioned between the cab and cargo bed added another 250 pounds of storage capacity.
- 800cc EFI twin-cylinder engine
- 40 claimed horsepower
- 46 mph claimed top speed
- On-Demand true six-wheel drive
- Adjustable dual-A-arm suspension at all six wheels
- 1,250-pound cargo-box capacity
- 250-pound job-box capacity
- 2,000-pound total payload capacity
- 2,000-pound towing capacity
- 12 inches of ground clearance
- Seating for three
2010 Polaris RANGER 500 H.O.
The full-size 2010 Polaris RANGER 500 H.O. received a claimed 13-percent power increase. Its 500cc EFI engine produced a claimed 30 horsepower and delivered a listed top speed of 47 mph.
Unlike the smaller RANGER 400, the RANGER 500 H.O. used the full-size three-passenger chassis.
- 500cc High Output EFI engine
- 30 claimed horsepower
- 47 mph claimed top speed
- On-Demand AWD with Turf Mode
- 1,000-pound cargo-box capacity
- 1,500-pound total payload capacity
- 1,500-pound towing capacity
- 9.6 inches of front suspension travel
- 9 inches of rear suspension travel
- 12 inches of ground clearance
- Seating for three
2010 Polaris RANGER EV
Sharing its chassis with the RANGER 400, the new 2010 Polaris RANGER EV was Polaris’ first electric side-by-side. Its quiet operation made it particularly attractive for hunting, property maintenance and work around livestock.
- 48-volt AC-induction motor
- 30 claimed horsepower
- 25 mph claimed top speed
- 35- to 45-mile estimated range
- High, Low and Max Range driving modes
- On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
- VersaTrac Turf Mode
- 500-pound cargo-box capacity
- 1,000-pound total payload capacity
- 1,250-pound towing capacity
- Charging from a standard 110-volt outlet
The electric powertrain delivered immediate response without engine noise or exhaust emissions at the vehicle. Read our separate 2010 Polaris RANGER EV review for driving impressions, along with our later RANGER EV long-term review for a closer look at living with the electric RANGER.
2010 Polaris RANGER 400
The 2010 Polaris RANGER 400 introduced a smaller two-seat platform designed to fit in the bed of many full-size pickup trucks. Its compact dimensions made it easier to transport and maneuver while retaining useful RANGER work features.
- 455cc carbureted single-cylinder engine
- 29 claimed horsepower
- 40 mph claimed top speed
- On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive with VersaTrac Turf Mode
- 500-pound cargo-box capacity
- 1,000-pound total payload capacity
- 1,250-pound towing capacity
- MacPherson-strut front suspension
- Independent rear suspension
- 10 inches of ground clearance
- $7,999 original MSRP
The RANGER 400 was aimed at property owners, hunters and buyers who wanted genuine work capability without the size or price of a full-size RANGER.
2010 Polaris RANGER 800 CREW
The redesigned 2010 Polaris RANGER 800 CREW combined six-passenger seating with the 800cc EFI engine and updated suspension.
Polaris added dual-A-arm front suspension, revised steering geometry and two additional inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers.
- 800cc EFI twin-cylinder engine
- 40 claimed horsepower
- 46 mph claimed top speed
- On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
- 1,000-pound cargo-box capacity
- 1,750-pound total payload capacity
- 2,000-pound towing capacity
- 9.6 inches of front suspension travel
- 9 inches of rear suspension travel
- 12 inches of ground clearance
- Seating for six
The standard colors included Sage Green, Solar Red and Mossy Oak Break-Up camouflage. A Sandstone Metallic Limited Edition was also available.
2010 Polaris RZR Lineup
The 2010 RZR range continued to offer two distinctly different sport models. The original RZR remained approximately 50 inches wide for width-restricted trails, while the wider RZR S targeted dunes, desert terrain and faster open trails.
2010 Polaris RZR 800
For 2010, the original Polaris RZR 800 was rated at 52 horsepower with a claimed top speed of approximately 60 mph. Its 50-inch width remained one of its most important features, allowing it to access many trails that excluded wider side-by-sides.
- 760cc EFI twin-cylinder engine
- 52 claimed horsepower
- Approximately 60 mph claimed top speed
- 50-inch overall width
- On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
- Independent front and rear suspension
- 300-pound Lock & Ride cargo box
- 1,500-pound towing capacity
- ROPS-certified cab structure
Available colors included green and red. Limited Editions included Tequila Gold and Turbo Silver.
Read our original Polaris RZR 800 review for firsthand impressions of the platform that helped establish the modern sport side-by-side category.
2010 Polaris RZR S 800
The 2010 Polaris RZR S 800 retained its approximately 60-inch width, 12 inches of suspension travel and FOX Podium reservoir shocks. Its wider stance and longer-travel suspension made it substantially better suited to aggressive driving in open terrain than the 50-inch RZR.
- 760cc High Output EFI twin-cylinder engine
- Approximately 60-inch overall width
- 12 inches of suspension travel
- 12.5 inches of ground clearance
- FOX Podium reservoir shocks
- Chromoly upper front A-arms
- On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
- 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires
- 12-inch black powder-coated wheels
- ROPS-certified cab structure
The standard RZR S was offered in Pearl White with a black rally stripe. Polaris also offered an Orange Madness Limited Edition.
Our Polaris RZR S long-term review covers how the wider sport model performed after extended use.
Driving the Complete 2010 Polaris Lineup
The Minnesota introduction demonstrated just how broad the Polaris side-by-side family had become. The RANGER 400 and EV addressed buyers who wanted a smaller utility vehicle, while the 800 XP, HD, CREW and 6×6 covered increasingly specialized work applications.
On the recreational side, Polaris continued to separate the RZR from its utility-oriented RANGER roots. The 50-inch RZR remained a quick and maneuverable trail machine, while the RZR S provided the width, suspension travel and stability needed for higher-speed terrain.
The RANGER EV was arguably the most forward-looking machine at the event. Electric UTVs were still unusual in 2009, but Polaris had already recognized the value of a quiet, low-maintenance drivetrain for hunting, property maintenance and other utility applications.
Visit our Polaris RANGER models, reviews and buying guide for more RANGER history and model comparisons. For the complete development of the sport family, read the history of the Polaris RZR.
