Polaris' New RZR Side-by-Side Series Are Race-Ready Rippers

Grabbing the steering wheel and cruising around in a race car is a dream come true, especially off-road, traversing the same roads that take professionals from the dust to victory. Lucky for us, brands like Polaris pour hours of R&D into their UTV fleets, gathering ideas from athletes tackling the world's toughest terrains as well as white-knuckle fun-addicted enthusiasts. What Polaris has done with the release of the new RZR Pro series is simply taking racing DNA and injecting it into machines the rest of us can experience.

This summer, Polaris will launch the thrilling off-road-ready base model RZR Pro launched in the hills. It's the playground for gearheads who enjoy surfing the sand with these vehicles. Smashing through the desert side by side is kind of fun, but overcoming G-forces on silica waves is like falling into a giant embankment in Mavericks. This is the perfect testing ground for the new series.

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For 2024, the Polaris team looked to the past to inform the present and re-evaluated rider feedback to fine-tune the details. “We had really good platforms to start with,” says Dave Elia, Polaris' director of recreational product planning. Since 2020, we have launched a number of Pro models with truly advanced chassis, suspension and powertrains. We really did well for 2025. “We gave the engineering team the ability to focus on improving that, to focus on styling, trim and interior comfort, as well as some new technology and audio systems, so they could perform at a high level.”

On all models, this means greater comfort, and climbing into the cockpit of any RZR Pro is simply amazing; especially when you see Polaris light up with bold new Fang Lighting, a distinctive style point. The cabins of older RZRs got hot, so new radiator scoops circulate air more efficiently on all Pro models; a huge improvement considering the sweltering heat at many OHV recreation areas.

Your body is given new contoured fit patterns when you lower the seatbelt straps, and a red panic button on the steering wheel temporarily stiffens the suspension so you don't scratch the skid plate in a g-out. Most mud, dust and debris are reduced thanks to new sturdy doors and reinforced seals. Polaris' Ride Command navigation system has been redesigned to give you quicker access to its interface to find other riders, plot your route, or fine-tune the new Rockford Fosgate Stage 4 audio system that easily pairs with your phone.

Here's what it's like to drive each one.

RZR ProXP

Coos Bay Dunes isn't just a wide-open, full-throttle playground; it's also surrounded by tight, technical wooded trails that are perfect for the smaller RZR Pro XP. Its shorter wheelbase and new lower low gear made it easier to navigate tighter terrain; These are features I would fully appreciate in more mountainous areas, especially with the added protection of Polaris' optional rock slider accessory.

In sandy corners, the turbocharged 181HP engine has no qualms and will tear up bumps quickly once you put your foot in it. From the moment you turn the ignition, power not only keeps up with your ambitions, it strengthens them. It's fast, precise and aggressive in every way, yet priced like an affordable daily driver.

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RZR Pro S

Most off-road enthusiasts want a vehicle that is just right, not underpowered, but also able to spark your imagination and offer a ride you can grow from. Formerly the Turbo R, the new RZR Pro S lives up to those expectations, and the ride feels incredibly familiar, even if you've never been behind the wheel of a side-by-side vehicle before. This is largely due to extensive development and upgrades; This results in a complete package that feels confident bombing up and down dunes and navigating tight, curved corners with ease.

Certain areas of Coos Bay look a lot like the sultry parts of San Felipe in Baja; So, with an aptly named mode, the DYNAMIX DV suspension option adjusts a dynamic damping range at the touch of a button. Other modes like Comfort, Track and Rock make the RZR Pro S a formidable competitor on any terrain.

RZR ProR

The dream of driving a full-fledged racer comes true in the Polaris RZR Pro R, and it does. “Our factory race team has proven its racing toughness,” Elia told me. In fact, most of the components on the stock Pro R are from the factory race car. “And now these [parts] It was proven in the race that they won the Baja 1000.” An impressive claim considering the demands of the toughest off-road races in the world.

Hobbling through the staging area on the way to the dunes, the RZR Pro R feels like a caged lion ready to pounce. This vehicle, which has 44 horsepower more power than its siblings, comes to life as soon as you press the gas and roars with the anger of a reliable machine. Its 74-inch stance is wide and stable, its cut is sleek and looks fast, and its 29 inches of usable travel space satiated all the excitement.

This is not a pleasant journey through the forest; The excitement of this competition is the kind that leaves your heart pounding and your hands shaking after you've stopped. RZR Pro R puts you in the driver's seat of the off-road fantasy you've been dreaming of since your childhood.

For a moment I forgot I was an average Joe and felt like I could tackle the Baja or the Dakar. This is what makes the RZR Pros stand out; making this level of performance achievable.

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