Hands on with the 2025 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 UTV

Polaris announced the 2025 lineup of Polaris Ranger 1000 and XP 1000 utility task vehicles (UTV) featuring a redesigned look, upgraded transmission, and factory-installed accessories, as well as the all-new Ranger Crew XP NorthStar Texas Edition. 

All models in the2025 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 and NorthStar lineup are built with an 82-hp, 999cc liquid cooled, ProStar 4-stroke twin cylinder dual overhead camshaft engine. The Ranger 1000 also has a 999cc liquid cooled, ProStar 4-stoke twin cylinder in a single overhead camshaft engine netting out to 61 hp. The shift mechanism and shift drum in the new Gen 2 transmission have been upgraded to reduce shifting effort.

“The biggest improvement is the shifting on the transmission with very silky smooth shifting,” says Brett Esparmer, enterprise program director for Polaris. “For people getting in and out of the Ranger — putting it in park and then back to low or high — it just happens flawlessly.”

On-demand all-wheel drive automatically engages four-wheel drive when traction loss is detected by the UTV. A turf mode unlocks the rear differential in the transmission, only powering one wheel to prevent ground damage when taking tight corners across groomed surfaces like lawns or pastures. 

The Ranger XP 1000 models have three driving modes: work, standard, and performance. Work mode operates at lower speeds, providing more low end torque and power for a smoother drive in work applications, says Esparmer. Standard is suited for roading and casual trail riding. Performance mode has more reactive throttle input, designed for high speeds and intense trail rides. 

The electric power steering system has been upgraded for enhanced control and responsiveness, especially at lower speeds. 

The Ranger UTVs can haul 1,000 pounds of cargo in the 37- by 54-inch cargo box. The UTV has a standard 2-inch hitch, rated for up to 2,500 pounds of towing.

Ride Command+ is available as an accessory add-on for 2025 Ranger full-size models, and standard on the NorthStar Ultimate model. This system uses a 7-inch display with functions like GPS mapping, backup camera, and vehicle health and maintenance reminders. Farmers are able to program field names and routes into Ride Command+ either directly in the vehicle or using the companion app on their smartphones and computers.

“If farmers are trying to give farm hands directions, they can plan a waypoint and route that will take drivers right to the field,” Esparmer says. “You can also send text messages over the screen to say, ‘Hey come back for lunch,’ or ‘Come in for the night,’ and drivers will see it on the Ride Command display.” 

Hands on with the XP 1000

I spent 100 miles behind the wheel of the 2025 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Edition in the desert hills and valleys of southwest Texas, taking that time to truly push the UTV to its limit. 

Our ride time at the ranch was about four hours total, with guides taking riders through increasingly rough and complicated trails to let us get a feel for how the Ranger would handle challenging conditions. 

The Gen 2 transmission shifts as smoothly as described, effortlessly handling shifting for travel up and down steep inclines. The 4WD mode kept me stable on the path and in direct control of the UTV while traveling through rocky and uneven offroad conditions. 

Despite the heat and dust whipping around in the wind, the Northstar’s HVAC system and sealed cab kept the interior almost entirely cool and clean throughout my drive. The cab is fairly watertight, even when plunging into creeks up to two feet deep at high speeds and splashing water over the roof.  

Ride Command enabled easy, instant communication between drivers with messages appearing on the center console, transmitted via Bluetooth or SMS where available. The navigation system shows local trails and tracks the driver’s path to help navigate.

For those looking to listen to some tunes, the JBL sound system accessory can be heard loud and clear above the engine and outside noise of the UTV. Drivers can connect their Android or iOS smartphones over Bluetooth or directly through USB, and have standard audio control options like volume and equalizer control built into the display.

Accessories

Polaris offers a wide range of accessories for its Ranger line of UTVs, including a package of accessories specifically intended for farmers and ranchers. 

“We met with farmers to understand what they carry and help support their needs,” Esparmer says. “These accessories make their job easier and help them to work more efficiently and comfortably throughout the day. 

The farm/ranch package has a rear bumper, bed extender and divider, LED light bar, LED spot lights, Pro Armor wheel and tire set, and rear headache rack for additional operator protection and tool mounting. This package is available for an additional $3,439.94. Various accessory upgrades and packages are available for applications outside of farming.

Polaris has recently launched a garbage can hauler accessory for the UTV. While it may not be as exciting as some of the other accessories, it could get some serious use on large acreages.  

“Many people in more rural areas have one, two, three miles to go from their house to the road where they put their trash out,” Esparmer. “The garbage can hauler can really help out.”

LED headlights are available for upgrade on all models for driving in low light conditions. Other new accessories include a new upper front bumper, JBL audio upgrade kit, and reverse light harness. 

Click here for a full look at the accessories compatible with the Polaris Ranger UTV lineup.

Kolpin accessories

The Ranger UTV lineup is compatible with Kolpin Outdoors accessories. With Kolpin’s Dirtworks heavy-duty 3-point electric lift hitch system, farmers are able to attach a variety of agriculture-specific accessories. These include rear plow blades, landscaping rakes, soil cultivators, and disc plows. 

For more information, visit kolpin.com. 

Ranger XP 1000

The new XP 1000 models feature a restyled front end with new bumper and grille for added durability. The XP 1000 and NorthStar models have 29-inch tires, adding an extra inch of height for a total 14 inches of ground clearance. The Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar comes equipped with a fully-covered cab including roof, doors, windshield, and rear panel. The Ranger 1000 and XP 1000 models come factory-installed with a roof, and a Polaris heavy-duty 4,500-pound winch with synthetic rope, autostop and wireless remote.

These models are available in standard three person seating, or the Crew models with six person seating. The models come in four color choices: Onyx Black, Blue Slate Metallic Smoke, Sunset Red, and Polaris Pursuit Camo.

The 7-inch display powered by Ride Command and JBL audio system features come standard with the XP 1000 NorthStar Ultimate model. 

Ranger XP 1000 pricing

The Ranger XP 1000 Premium starts at $20,999, and the Ranger Crew XP 1000 Premium starts at $22,999. The Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Editions range from $27,999 to $35,999, depending on model and configuration. 

Ranger 1000 pricing

The standard Ranger 1000 models range from $13,999 to $15,999. The Ranger 1000 Premium models range from $17,999 to $19,999.

Special editions

Waterfowl edition

The 2025 model year marks the return of Ranger Crew XP 1000 Waterfowl Edition to Polaris’  lineup. This model is designed for waterfowl hunters to access flooded and muddy areas. These models have 29-inch Pro Armor Mud XC tires, and arched A-arms for traction and stability in muddy conditions. This model also features a high-mount winch and high-mount intakes. 

The Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 Waterfowl Edition starts at $25,499. 

Texas edition

The Texas editions of the Ranger XP 1000 are built for Texas terrain. These models feature a roof, exclusive Texas Edition badging, and embroidered cut-and-sew premium seats. This version also features the 29-inch tires and arched A-Arms for high ground clearance. The Texas Edition is available in Bronze Pearl Metallic.

The 2025 Ranger Crew XP 1000 Texas Edition starts at $24,499 and Ranger Crew XP 1000 NorthStar Texas Edition starts at $36,999.

Order availability

The 2025 Polaris Ranger lineup has already started shipping to dealers and is available to order now. For more information about Polaris’ UTVs, visit polaris.com.