By Jon Crowley
From the UTV Guide archives: After the original Polaris RZR XP 4 900 press introduction in Parker, Arizona, we took four demo vehicles directly to Glamis to see how the new four-seat sport UTV performed in the dunes.
I was fortunate to attend the 2012 Polaris RZR XP 4 900 press introduction in Parker, Arizona. Polaris put on a great event, as usual, and the icing on the cake was getting to take a demo unit home directly from Parker.
The RZR XP 4 900 was a significant machine in the development of the sport UTV market. It combined the 88-horsepower ProStar 900 engine and trailing-arm rear suspension of the original RZR XP 900 with room for four people. Learn more about its specifications and place in the lineup in our 2012 Polaris RZR XP 4 900 overview.
Taking Four RZR XP 4s to Glamis
Knowing that several other editors would also have demo units, I began scheming a plan to hit the dunes at Glamis the day after the Parker ride.
Joining me were Joey D. from UTVUnderground.com; Wally from Side x Side Outfitterz and Dirt Sports Magazine; Troy and Don from UTV Off-Road Magazine; Eli from ATV Rider Magazine; Brit from Octane Media; and Casey Cordeiro from Sand Sports Magazine.
I also invited several industry friends who were itching to see what the RZR XP 4 could do firsthand: Dave from Fullerton Sand Sports, Tim from SDR Motorsports, Doug from TMW Off-Road and Mike from RPM. I even convinced one of the Polaris marketing managers to join us and experience the dunes firsthand.
I brought two sets of paddle tires for Wally and me, while Dave from Fullerton Sand Sports brought additional sets for the other drivers. Four RZR XP 4s arrived at the Glamis Beach Store shortly after 8 a.m., where we were welcomed by “Mr. Glamis,” Tim Gantz. Two editors who apparently needed more beauty sleep joined us a few hours later.
We quickly mounted whip flags and GoPro cameras, adjusted tire pressure and prepared to head into the dunes.
Fresh Sand and Empty Dunes
The stars had aligned for us. Winds had blown at roughly 50 mph two days before our arrival, leaving beautiful, untouched ripples across Glamis. Because this was a random Tuesday, the dunes were almost completely empty. The conditions were just about perfect.
We headed through the dunes toward Osborne Overlook to take photographs while the morning light was still good. From there, it was game on. We quickly learned how much fun the RZR XP 4 could be in the sand.
Right from the start, I knew it was going to be an epic day. The sand was smooth, we had the dunes largely to ourselves, and everyone was driving the same new four-seat performance UTV. That made it easy to maintain a consistent pace while playing follow-the-leader through the bowls.
RZR XP 4 Performance in the Dunes
After taking photos, we climbed back into the RZRs and headed toward Oldsmobile Hill. That run has always been one of my favorites at Glamis. Fast bowls and fun transitions fill the route, and we played cat and mouse nearly the entire way.
The RZR XP 4 had enough power to maintain a spirited pace through the dunes, while its longer wheelbase added stability through transitions and rough sections. Although it was substantially longer than the two-seat RZR XP 900, it did not feel cumbersome. It still changed direction well and remained surprisingly nimble in the bowls.
Once we reached Oldsmobile Hill, Joey decided to demonstrate the XP 4’s suspension. He drove to the top, accelerated through the whoops and launched over the lip at the bottom. Not to be outdone, Wally climbed into his XP 4 and did the same. Watching the four-seat RZRs charge down the hill and hearing the paddle tires work through the whoops was impressive.
Why the Longer Wheelbase Worked
After more duning, we returned to the Glamis Beach Store so a few members of the group could pack up and head home. Following a quick lunch, the rest of us went back out.
The biggest takeaway was how well the four-seat chassis worked in the dunes. The extra wheelbase helped the XP 4 remain planted in situations where a shorter vehicle could become unsettled. It felt stable through rough transitions and at speed without sacrificing as much maneuverability as I had expected.
Final Impressions
After a full day of duning in the RZR XP 4, I could honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable days I had experienced at Glamis. We had a small group of capable drivers, identically equipped performance vehicles, excellent weather and freshly groomed dunes created by the wind.
The XP 4 turned well, delivered strong power for its era and used its longer wheelbase to provide excellent stability. Polaris had successfully taken the performance of the original XP 900 and extended it to a practical four-seat platform.
After a few days behind the wheel, I was already looking forward to spending more time with our XP 4 in the dunes and desert. I was also beginning to think about converting it into a two-seat hot rod—which ultimately reflected what made these early RZRs so compelling: they were capable in stock form but also provided an excellent foundation for custom builds.
For a broader look at what we learned after living with the machine, read our 2012 Polaris RZR XP 4 900 long-term review. You can also explore the model’s place in the development of the sport side-by-side in our history of the Polaris RZR.
