Polaris just announced an expansion of their 2019 lineup.
Last September, we flew to Fort Worth, Texas and had the chance to experience the Polaris RANGER 2019, 20th anniversary edition first-hand. I had a blast during the test run with the machine and I left the Lone Star State thoroughly impressed.
But apparently the engineers at Polaris weren't done. They've just announced an expansion to their lineup of 2019 machines.
Just when you thought these utility side-by-sides couldn't get any better, they go and do just that.
Back Country Editions
Expanding on their standard three- and six-seat model utility side-by-sides, Polaris announced the new XP 1000 EPS Back Country Edition RANGERS. Both sport an 82 horse, 4-stroke, twin cylinder engine with 999 ccs of pep under the hood. These machines are made to work and play equally as hard. Polaris also thought to mount the air intakes high, which those of us who hunt some pretty soggy areas thank them for.
The three-seater RANGER XP 1000 EPS Back Country edition has 13 inches of ground clearance, thanks in large part to the 27" Maxxis tires. We were quite impressed by the smooth ride that the suspension and tires offered during our tests in Texas. These machines eat bumps and ruts for breakfast.
These Back Country Editions are geared towards hunters. They feature Polaris Pursuit Camo and a 4,500 pound winch which should be helpful for getting any big game animal out of the field. According to specs, both models have a tow capacity of 2,500. The three-seater has a box capacity of about 1,500 pounds while the CREW model can handle slightly more at 1,750.
We should mention during our tests in Texas, we found both the standard and Crew model RANGERS to be extremely roomy. In the Crew model there was more than enough room for four to five people plus all our camera equipment. We expect both models should be perfect for hauling treestands, box blinds, and other hunting equipment in and out of the woods each season.
The three-seat, 2019 RANGER XP EPS Back Country edition has an MSRP of $19,899 while the six-seat Crew model is slightly more at $21,099.
Ride Command Technology
Polaris is once again offering their popular "North Star Edition" models that are packed with more technological features than the standard RANGERS.
New for 2019 is their "Ride Command" technology package that integrates Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, AM/FM radio, and built-in speakers. The new technology can be operated via a seven-inch display which can be used while wearing gloves. Sounds like they know their customers.
They've also incorporated front and rear cameras for navigational aid. That's a nice thing to have if you find yourself unexpectedly having to back down a narrow trail in the dark woods.
The North Star Edition models have also been popular because they feature the Pro Shield cab system that provides for a more comfortable riding experience in adverse weather conditions. These models come with heating and air conditioning standard, which is a plus if you're hunting in the extreme heat of early season or bitter cold of late season.
The Ride Command package also allows you to do diagnostics on the machine and log maintenance work for easy reference for you or your dealer. We like this idea; there's no more paperwork to misplace!
Polaris is also offering a wider variety of color for these North Star Editions with three different options. The 2019 RANGER Crew XP 1000 EPS North Star Edition starts with an MSRP of $27,299.
Work and play machines
One thing we took away from our tests in Texas with these machines is they were designed for outdoorsmen and women who like to work and play hard. The RANGERS were just as at home in the barnyard as they were in an ORV play area. It seems like Polaris has been putting effort towards offering more and more variety in the RANGER line to fit the differing needs in their customer base.
But the one constant with a RANGER is that you really get the best of both worlds. Check out the Polaris RANGER website for more info on these machines.
Performance machines
For anyone looking for something even more performance-oriented, the Polaris' RZR line is where it's at. Along with the announcements about their new RANGERS, Polaris has also just introduced two new sports side-by-side machines for their RZR line.
"We designed the Velocity models in response to drivers seeking the ultimate combination of performance and value," Vice President of ORV Marketing for Polaris Industries Kyle Duea said in a press release.
The new 72-inch RZR XP Turbo S Velocity models feature a huge 16-inch ground clearance and 32" ITP Coyote tires. For anyone wanting pure speed, the Velocity boasts a whopping 168 horses from its Prostar Turbo H.O. 4-stroke, twin cylinder, turbocharged engine. Sounds like a blast to me. That should be more than enough for anyone who wants to conquer the harshest of off-road terrain with a high-speed machine.
The RZR XP Turbo S Velocity is a two-seater model and has an MSRP of $25,399, while the 4-seater RZR XP 4 Turbo S Velocity has an MSRP of $28,399. Check out the Polaris RZR website for more info on these fast, high-performance machines.
All in all, the newest offerings from Polaris ought to satisfy lots of wish lists.
For more outdoor content from Travis Smola, be sure to follow him on Twitter and check out his Geocaching and General Outdoor Youtube Channels.
NEXT: WE TEST DROVE THE 2019 20TH ANNIVERSARY POLARIS RANGER
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