The 2018 Polaris XP 1000 EPS seats three and is powered by a 999cc, 82 hp gas engine with EFI. This model features electronic power steering, High Performance On-Demand AWD/2WD/ VersaTrac Turf Mode, 11″ of front and rear suspension travel, 13″ of ground clearance, a 2,500 lb towing capacity and a 1,000 lb. capacity cargo dump bed with gas assist. This base model is priced at $15,299. Some key improvements over the 2017 model include a stiffer chassis, more suspension travel and ground clearance, increased payload, greater towing capacity, tighter steering system and improved cargo bed.
Polaris also offers what might be called a “premium” EPS model for a $1,000 more with several automotive style paint options as well as aluminum Black Xcelerator 2.0 wheels and cut and sew seats. For a further $200 you can have camo graphics. There is also a Northstar Edition for $23,999 which comes with a complete cab with heating and AC.
The following are summaries from a number of reviews of the 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS. These include reviews from trade magazines as well as user generated content. In general the reviews of this model are positive. Polaris made a number of improvements both large and small from the 2017 model and they were well received. Some of the more common features that reviewers liked included:
- Improved ingress and egress
- Large amounts of cab storage including a flip-up seat
- Built-in electrical buses for easily adding accessories
- Better low power delivery and smoother power delivery overall
- Improved cargo bed
www.atv.com – Two days of testing at a hunting property in Louisiana
- Slightly improved seat entry and egress
- “Massive” amounts of storage in the cab including fold up passenger seat for more cargo area
- Cargo bed has more molded in dividers
- Easy access to engine for maintenance
- Built-in electrical buses for easily adding accessories such as a winch
- Quiet cab
- Smooth power and throttle delivery
www.utvplanet.ca – Test drive in work and trail environment.
- Great suspension on a variety of terrain at slower speeds and improved over 2017 model at higher speeds with less body roll.
- Better low end power delivery
- “This is the most fun Ranger we’ve ever driven.”
- More comfortable seats with additional padding
- Cup holders have handle cutouts for mugs
- Lots of cab storage
- “Love” the new truck-inspired exterior design
- Improved handling with tighter steering system and better feel
- Smooth and controllable power delivery
- More trail capable with “.. improved control, ride quality and stability of the new, stiffer frame.”
Cycle Works Edmonton – Video walk through of various aspects of the vehicle
- Pre-built busbars for easy accessory connection
- Easy access to engine for maintenance
- Reinforced cargo box
- Easier cab ingress and egress
- Lots of cab storage – “Really like” the lower storage area in the dash
- Easy access and more storage with flip up seats
- Older accessories except doors will fit on new machines
- Skid plates and biggest standard bumper in the industry
- Can switch suspension to outside positioning for heavier weight like cab
- Tailgate can easily handle weight when sitting and latch system is beefier
User Forum – Actually a Honda forum but discussed the Ranger XP 1000.
- A number of users noted the increased ground clearance and greater towing and cargo bed capacity
- Several voiced concerns about reliability in light of all the Polaris recalls
- A couple of posters wanted doors instead of nets
- Some noted the improved suspension and improved belts which posters noted as a problem in the past
- Some posters liked the new design which was compared to that of a Toyota Tundra while others did not like it
Polaris Marketing Video – Marketing video that highlights some of the key features of the Ranger XP 1000 EPS
Dirt Trax Television – In-depth look video presentation. Mostly a presentation by a Polaris employee but a thorough explanation of the many changes made compared to the 2017 model.