2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000

Excellent power, great capability, and multiple special editions to fit your use case

Can be pricey, a roof does not come standard, and the base mesh doors are a pain.

This is the top of the Ranger mountain, and it shows. If you need a machine that’s a workhorse during the week and a capable trail machine on Saturday, this is it.

The 2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 is the perfect go-to if money is no object. The 999cc parallel twin spits out 82 hp, there’s up to 135 inches of ground clearance available, and a 2,500-pound tow capacity. With seating for three and five packages aimed at specific use cases, Polaris has a Ranger XP 1000 for nearly everyone. Flashy wheels, LED lighting, and nice paint may seem like unnecessary trim on a utility rig, but they help transform the Ranger from a run-of-the-mill buckboard to a side-by-side you don’t mind running around in on the weekend.

Aside from a few color options, the Ranger XP 1000 is largely unchanged from the 2020 version.

2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Premium MSRP: $17,399

2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Texas MSRP: $19,499

2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Trail Boss MSRP: $19,799

2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 High Lifter MSRP: $20,999

2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Northstar Premium MSRP: $24,599

2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Northstar Ultimate MSRP: $27,599

Unless you need the full cabin of the Northstar editions or the additional ground clearance of the High Lifter, the Ranger XP 1000 Trail Boss is a good choice. Its tall, aggressive 29-inch tires, arched A-arms, and 11 inches of suspension travel make it a good all-around machine, and you can spend some of the coin you saved by skipping the pricier models on a windshield and a roof. Our long-term Trail Boss has stood up to everything we’ve thrown at it, from beach camping in North Carolina to hauling hay around the farm.

The Ranger XP 1000 differentiates itself from the standard 1000 model in a few ways, but the most important is power delivery. The 82 hp 999cc parallel twin is a stout powerplant, delivering nice grunt down low where you need it on the farm. The three-mode throttle control changes the vehicle’s personality from snappy sport machine to torquey work rig. The CVT gearbox is nice and smooth, and the on-demand AWD system makes switching between four-wheel drive, two-wheel drive, and turf mode simple. The Ranger XP 1000 isn’t what we’d call quick by sport model terms, but we measured a 0-40 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a 0-60 time of 13.1 seconds.

Like most work rigs, the Ranger XP 1000 eschews fancy sport suspension for tried-and true bits. Still, we’ve enjoyed wheeling the machine around. Electronic power steering (EPS) is standard, and the dual A-arm suspension front and rear allows for a decent amount of flex. Keep in mind this unit is made to work with big payload and towing capacities, both of which require stiff springs.

With four-wheel hydraulic discs with twofour-piston calipers on each corner, the Ranger XP 1000 stops well. In our testing, it managed to slow from 40-0 mph in 75.3 feet with an empty bed and a driver behind the wheel.

The Ranger XP 1000 has an upright seating position with room for three adults. The Northstar edition adds creature comforts like a full cab and HVAC, which is a nice touch for those who work in extreme climates. The optional Winter Prep package throws in a steel bumper with factory winch, a heater, a 900-watt stator, and cab seal kit to keep foul weather at bay.

The XP 1000 shines here, with a 1,000-pound bed capacity and a 2,500-pound towing capacity. The dump bed is also gas-assist, which makes moving material easy.

The optional Ride Command package adds Polaris’ excellent navigation/connectivity system to the Ranger XP 1000, while the optional MB Quart Audio Package throws in a stellar seven-speaker stereo system. Otherwise, don’t expect much in the way of electronics.

Like other Ranger models, the XP 1000 comes with a one-year, unlimited-mile warranty.