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Marine Corps Now Fielding Polaris MRZR Alpha

The Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle replaces old military UTVs.

June 16, 2023

The Marine Corps has adopted the new Polaris MRZR Alpha as part of its Force Design 2030 modernization program.Polaris

The United States Marine Corps has just adopted the Polaris MRZR Alpha to serve as its Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle. The MRZR Alpha is Polaris’ latest iteration of its line of military rigs, and it replaces the armed forces’ outgoing UTV platforms. The Marine Corps says the machine is part of its Force Design 2030 modernization plan.

The four-seat MRZR Alpha can carry a 2,000-pound payload 225 miles across the nastiest terrain you can imagine.Polaris

The MRZR will be used by infantry, reconnaissance, logistics units as lightweight, fast transportation in gnarly terrain. While the MRZR Alpha shares some family resemblance with the RZR Pro R, it shares almost nothing mechanical in common with any consumer rigs.

Bristling with machine guns and full of ready-to-fight Marines, the MRZR Alpha looks straight out of Call of Duty.Polaris

The MRZR is powered by a turbodiesel engine that makes 118 hp and 200 lb.-ft. of torque. The twist is routed through an automotive-style eight-speed automatic and a 2WD/4WD transfer case with selectable lockers. Think mini-Humvee and you’re getting close, but this machine is much lighter, quicker, and more maneuverable than the venerated Hummer. Polaris says it can tow 1,500 pounds, and has a 1,400-pound payload capacity in two-seat guise and 2,000 pounds as a four-seater. And, even at maximum GVW, Polaris says the MRZR can cover 225 miles on a tank of fuel.

The Marines will roll the MRZR Alpha out slowly over the summer, with its full complement to be deployed by the end of August.

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