Your need-to-know list from the 2021 Polaris off-road launch
Aug. 26 2020
Equipment Reviews / Updates
Polaris launched their 2021 off-road lineup this month and, while some of the updates seemed minor, the updates are thoughtful, valuable and didn't touch the price point much which is great news for those in the market for a new side-by-side or ATV. These updates can get a little confusing, so we made it easy and summarized the info. you'll want to know. Let's break it down by model, starting with the 2021 Polaris GENERAL.
2021 Polaris GENERAL Updates:
- NEW TO THE GENERAL LINE-UP:The all-new 2021 XP 1000 GENERAL Pursuit Edition - specifically designed for the hunter.
- Available in two- and four-seat models, the Pursuit Edition is purpose-built to transport avid hunters and their gear to remote locations and haul their trophy back to camp.
- Features include the new Lock and Ride Rear Bed Storage Rack providing two levels of storage and is built to fit a Polaris Northstar cooler in the cargo box while the upper rack carries up to 50-lbs of gear.
- Also included is a Kolpin Stronghold Gun Boot which makes it easy to pack away a firearm.
- Hunters will also appreciate the 11-inch Pro Armor light bar mounted to the color-matched front bumper.
- To complete the package, the Pursuit Edition features the perfect blend of Polaris Pursuit Camo on Stealth Black, Stealth Green and Military Tan graphics with custom seats.
- The Pursuit Edition starts at $23,999 U.S. MSRP
- OTHER GENERAL UPDATES:
- RIDE COMMAND – For the 2021 model year, RIDE COMMAND enhancements include a fully configurable gauge screen plus more accessible points of interest (POI) such as gas stations, restaurants and hotels. Additional improvements include the innovative Follow Mode that lets the group leader leave a digital track for others to follow.
- New Accessories – The new Lock & Ride Rear Bed Storage Rack featured on the GENERAL XP 1000 Pursuit Edition will also be available as an accessory for 2021. Other new accessory offerings include a Lock & Ride fixed glass windshield and track mount kits for GENERAL XP 1000 models.
- Premium Colors, Graphics and Finishes – New premium color options including Burgundy Metallic, Ghost Grey, Matte Military Tan and Super Graphite are now available. Additionally, all models receive upgraded, semi-perforated seating surfaces for 2021.
- See the full 2021 Polaris GENERAL lineup here.
2021 Polaris RZR Updates:
- Upgrades to the 2021 RZR Pro XP and RZR Pro XP 4 lineup are very much rider-focused.
- Enhanced Audio – The Rockford Fosgate® audio system has 2.5-times greater volume output, better bass tune and better sound quality at higher volumes.
- RIDE COMMAND – Polaris RIDE COMMAND continues to lead the way in innovation and tech and now includes configurable gauges and the new "Follow Mode" function on Group Ride. By selecting the leader of a ride group, this new feature allows riders to leave a track on the map that can be followed by others. HELPFUL POWER PAC INSIDERS TIP: We can update any older models of Ride Command to include these updates. Stop in and we'll update your software!
- Trims – With the increasing popularity of RIDE COMMAND, the Pro XP Premium trim will now come with RIDE COMMAND with integrated 7-inch touch display and Rockford Fosgate® audio for 2021.
- Engine Air Intake – Material used for the engine intake is now blow molded, resulting in improved durability at higher temperatures, ultimately unlocking the ability to go full throttle longer.
- Rear Shock Guards – Improved rear shock guards now feature sides that index to the shock to help avoid rotation.
- Lightweight Wheels – New wheels that are 18 percent lighter allow for increased agility to conquer the world’s most challenging trails.
- Design – Improved clutch alignment and resulting shift effort, along with door latch bumper updates, result in less rattle while driving.
- Tender Springs – Updated rear tender springs were built to last longer and improve suspension performance, creating a smoother riding experience. This upgrade is exclusive to the RZR Pro XP.
- New Accessories – Customize Pro XP further with 20 additional accessories you can check out in this walk-through video.
- In addition to the above upgrades, all model year 2021 RZR models—except for the RZR 570—come standard with a new in-dash trickle charge port adapter. This allows a trickle charger to be connected to the vehicle, creating an easier, safer and more reliable way to maintain each battery while in storage, during the off-season or during long periods of inactivity.
- Check out the full 2021 Polaris RZR lineup here.
2021 Polaris RANGER Updates:
- The 2021 RANGER lineup is packed with rider-inspired quality upgrades, new premium features and purpose-built limited editions. Highlights include:
- INTRODUCING THE FIRST-EVER RANGER XP 1000 (AND NORTHSTAR) TRAIL BOSS
- For riders that simply need more from their utility side-by-side, Polaris introduced the first-ever, purpose-built RANGER XP 1000 Trail Boss and RANGER XP 1000 Northstar Trail Boss. Available in 3-seat and CREW models, the Trail Boss limited edition brings more premium features and big work and play capability for riders operating in demanding terrains.
- Standard equipment includes larger, 29-inch Maxxis® tires while high-clearance arched A-arms and self-leveling rear suspension make the most of the class-leading 14-inches of ground clearance, even when fully loaded.
- For added confidence on hilly terrain, active descent control (ADC) also comes standard. All four wheels engage for maximum traction and control on descents.
- To round out the list, striking LED headlights improve visibility and add premium style.
- INTRODUCING THE FIRST-EVER RANGER XP 1000 (AND NORTHSTAR) TRAIL BOSS
- OTHER RANGER UPDATES:
- Upgraded Clutching - All 2021 RANGER XP 1000 models feature upgraded clutch componentry for 50 percent more durability. Spend more time riding and less time on maintenance with an industry-leading 6,000-mile clutch service interval (three-times longer than the 2020 model year).
- Stronger Front Drive - Polaris has increased front-drive strength by 30 percent on all 2021 RANGER 1000 and XP 1000 models for improved durability. The chassis itself has also been redesigned around the new isolated front drive, making it 15 percent stronger, and suspension durability has been increased by 50 percent so that riders can work and play harder.
- Striking LED Headlights - Standard on Trail Boss and Northstar Ultimate models, LED headlights are also now included in the RIDE COMMAND package on RANGER XP 1000. That's 90% more output than halogens – the most in the industry – for better visibility in low-light conditions.
- 29-inch Maxxis® Tires - Trail Boss and Northstar Ultimate models also feature new 29-inch tires, providing more ground clearance, traction and cornering stability to tackle tough tasks and trails.
- 14-inch Aluminum Wheels - 14-inch aluminum wheels featuring a machined face for eye-catching style, now standard on all RANGER XP 1000 models for 2021.
- Battery Charging Port - All 2021 RANGER 1000 and XP 1000 models now include a battery charging port easily accessible in the dash to keep the machine ready for work or play regardless of how long it sits in between rides.
- New Accessories - The bold new LED headlights are also available as an accessory upgrade kit for RANGER XP 1000 models, and the kit is compatible with prior model years. Polaris is also offering a geofencing kit for RANGER 1000, enhancing vehicle controllability with speed control down to 4 MPH and the ability to set operating boundaries.
- Premium Colors and Graphics - Polaris RANGER introduced new, premium colors and graphics throughout the 2021 lineup, offering new options for riders looking to upgrade their style.
- The RANGER XP 1000 Texas Edition, RANGER XP 1000 High Lifter Edition, and highly-popular RANGER XP 1000 Northstar also receive notable upgrades for 2021:
- The Texas Edition gets larger, 29-inch Maxxis® tires, LED headlights, more premium color, graphics and Texas Edition badging to take style to the next level.
- The High Lifter Edition gets 30-inch Outlaw 2 tires for more mud-churning capability and style. The new, larger tires bring ground clearance to a towering 15 inches for increased capability to ride in deeper mud. Polaris also improved draining on the standard, premium half doors and added bold color accents to the interior.
- On the Northstar Edition, Polaris improved cab-sealing and door fitment for better protection from the elements, enhancing rider comfort. Inside the cab, both Premium and Ultimate trims now feature signature Northstar seat embroidery for an ultra-premium look. Additionally, to raise the bar on capability and style, Northstar Ultimate now receives 29-inch Maxxis® tires and LED headlights as standard equipment.
- Check out the full 2021 Polaris RANGER lineup here.
2021 Polaris SPORTSMAN Updates:
- For 2021, Polaris unveiled the all-new Sportsman 450 H.O. and Sportsman 570, taking its best-selling lineup to the next level.
- Industry's fastest engaging all-wheel-drive
- Better ground clearance and smoother ride: 11.5" in ground clearance and a class-leading 9.5" of travel with new sealed automotive bushings.
- New look and design: Bold LED headlights and new aggressive stance that is reminiscent of the XP 1000.
- Increased towing capacity: The 450 H.O and 570 now boast an increased 1,350 lb towing capacity, a combined 270 lb rack capacity.
- Larger, stronger tires: 25" 6 ply tires no come standard on all models
- Larger battery & easier battery access: Battery went from a 14 ampr to a 22 ampr. They also moved the battery to underneath the front rack so no more crouching in the mud or snow to access the battery! Another great feature: they added a trickle charger in the pod that doubles as a 12V charger.
- Improved braking system for smoother engine braking
- New sealed bushings - New rubber, automotive style bushings mean less wrenching and more riding. No need to grease, they're quieter and allow for a softer suspension.
- Improved accessory pre-wiring: plug and play harness for winch, plow or hand warmer installation
- New accessories: With 24 all-new accessories, you can take customization to the next level.
- Check out the full 2021 Polaris SPORTSMAN lineup here.
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