Polaris Ranger 2021. Review of the line of utilitarian all-terrain vehicles, models, characteristics, reviews

Side-by-Side all-terrain vehicles were originally designed for work. Today, utility vehicles (UTVs) remain relevant. They work on farms, warehouse construction sites, transport cargo and passengers, clear snow, and help rescuers and the military. Features of utilitarian Side-by-Side are load capacity, cross-country ability, ease of operation. Anyone who knows how to drive a car can ride them. With all-wheel drive, long-travel suspension and high ground clearance, UTVs can handle challenging terrain. Polaris Ranger is the world's best-selling line of side-by-side utility vehicles. It includes models of different purposes, load capacities and prices. The Polaris Ranger motto is “Work Hard, Ride Soft.” The advantages of American all-terrain vehicles are a soft suspension, a carefully thought-out interior, and a large selection of trim levels. Ranger is less versatile than General, but they are also used for more than just work. Rangers are suitable for traveling, hunting, fishing, off-road excursions and other recreational activities.

The Polaris Ranger's main task is to work

Cabin

The Ranger line includes vehicles with different numbers of seats. The full-size cab seats three people per row. There is a passage in front of the seats. The entire crew can use one door if the second is covered by a wall or other obstacle. When working you have to stop and get out often. In order not to make unnecessary movements and not to strain, the chairs are located high, the legs are at right angles. The line includes compact models with two seats in a row. They are designed for driving and parking in confined spaces. Polaris Ranger Crew - all-terrain vehicles with two rows of seats. Full-size models accommodate six people, a work crew or an excursion group. The cab interior is optimized for work. And working in comfort is much more effective. The designers provided soft padding and adjustable seats, headrests, cup holders, and luggage containers. There is room for large cargo under the lift-up seats.

The crew exits along a wide passage in any direction

Tenacious and fast

The 6x6 all-wheel drive concept is ideal for extreme off-road conditions: the contact patch of a six-wheeler is significantly larger in area than that of more common solutions, so the car can “cling” to every centimeter and get out of any traps. When a regular ATV gets stuck in a wet ravine or a harrowed field after a rainstorm, the Polaris Sportsman will crawl out of this jam.

During sowing or harvesting, you have to save every minute: a downtime of an hour is equal to the loss of hundreds of thousands of rubles. In a rush situation, driving a tractor from field to field is too expensive in terms of fuel, and killing personal cars, even SUVs, is more expensive. The all-terrain vehicle will solve the problem of prompt delivery of everything you need: it is not afraid of either heavy rains or agricultural work going on in the fields - the machine is compact enough to deftly go around any occupied area. An average farm can recoup the cost of purchasing a Polaris all-terrain vehicle in a couple of seasons - if you count fuel costs, losses from delays and other costs.

Engine and transmission

The flagship full-size Ranger 1000 is equipped with a two-cylinder ProStar 1000 engine. Its displacement is the same as that of the engines of the sports RZRs and the General all-terrain vehicles. But the peak power is less, 82 hp. for the Ranger 1000 XP and 61 for the Ranger 1000. The engines were derated not because they spared horsepower. They have low fuel consumption and can work all day long for many years with little maintenance. And they work well in the most popular, lower part of the range, which is used when transporting and towing cargo. The towing force of the Ranger 1000 is 1133 kilograms versus 680 for the universal General 1000.

If maximum power and torque are not needed, there is a 44-horsepower 567 cm3 engine and a 32-horsepower 500 cc engine. The Polaris Ranger EV is designed for places where the use of internal combustion engines is contraindicated, and for lovers of future technologies.

The goal of a CVT transmission is maximum cross-country ability with minimal driving skills. It does not have a gearbox or clutch; gears need to be switched to reverse or downshifted only when driving in reverse or with a heavy load. The AWD system automatically engages all-wheel drive if the rear wheel drive fails to cope with slippery surfaces. Switching occurs unnoticed by the driver and does not give him the opportunity to make a mistake and stall.

Ranger engines have a long service life and efficient operation at low speeds

Polaris Ranger 800 6x6 EFI – TEST

CENTIPEDE

2014, 760 cm3, 704 kg, from RUB 850,000.

text: Yuri Solonovich photo: Roman Romanishin

in the photo: Yuri Solonovich

»Despite the all-consuming information war that has engulfed the off-road equipment market, even a highly brand-dependent individual is unlikely to argue with the fact that Polaris has always been and remains one of the industry leaders. Just look at the first ever side-by-side sports all-terrain vehicle, the Polaris RZR model or the revolutionary lightweight mountain bike Pro RMK. And in the purely utilitarian segment, the laurels of the manufacturers of the first multi-wheeled serial all-terrain vehicles also belong to this respected American company. True, in our country the Sportsman Big Boss 6x6 and Ranger 6x6 have always been expensive and rare curiosities.

But, despite its exoticism, the Ranger 6x6 with a 700 cc power plant has been produced since 2009. And since 2010, an updated model appeared on the assembly line with a new engine of increased volume - a 760 cc V-twin. Its purely utilitarian nature provides the vehicle with maximum off-road capability and an impressive towing capacity of 907.2 kg... Yes, yes, the Ranger 6x6 can tow a trailer weighing almost a ton - incredible! The transmission operates in several modes: all-wheel drive on all six wheels, which automatically engages when they slip, four-wheel drive at the rear and VersaTrac mode, which allows you to unlock the rear differential for easier cornering and a tighter turning radius. The combination of a high-torque, low-powered engine and impressive ground clearance (305 mm) gives the car truly “adult” cross-country ability.

The Polaris six-wheeler has independent suspension on all wheels, traditional for utilitarian vehicles, each of which is suspended on double A-arms. The front suspension travel is 244 mm, the middle and rear - 229 mm. Interestingly, the rear suspension is self-adjusting. The Ranger 6x6's ground clearance does not decrease even when the body and interior are fully loaded. By the way, if we talk about carrying capacity, the American “centipede” amazes the imagination here too: the machine can carry up to one ton of cargo!

The car is technically a three-seater, but three adults will find it difficult to fit into the Ranger 6x6. A modest and ascetic dashboard: no visual or ergonomic frills for you - everything is as simple and functional as possible.

A dump truck body with an area of ​​about 1.5 m2 can load 567 kg, and another 114 kg can easily fit in a special plastic cargo box with a volume of about 150 liters, located between the body and the cabin. The cabin of the all-terrain vehicle is formally three-seater. In terms of the functionality of the seats, it is somewhat inferior to the more sophisticated system of another three-seater “junk”, the Yamaha Viking, but nevertheless it is quite comfortable to sit. Of course, three broad-shouldered men will fit in a Ranger 6x6 with a minimum level of comfort, but making a short trip from point “A” to point “B” is quite possible. In the cockpit, everything is as simple and functional as possible: the gearbox selector lever, the parking brake lever, keys for selecting transmission modes and headlights, as well as a multifunctional instrument panel showing a lot of useful information - from engine speed and driving speed to the gear engaged and the hour meter. The front panel, traditionally for American technology, has two cup holders integrated.

Suspension arm protection is basic equipment on the Polaris Ranger 6×6 and a very useful element of the all-terrain vehicle. The suspension of all six wheels of the Ranger 6x6 is independent, using traditional A-arms.

Of course, I won’t talk about how quickly and deftly the six-wheeled truck drives, but I will dwell on its off-road qualities in a little more detail. In order to test the real capabilities of an all-terrain vehicle, I heartlessly drove Ranger onto a specially prepared track for motorcycle endurocross: impressively sized logs across the traffic, huge stones lying in a chaotic manner, plus other artificial obstacles made it possible to simulate the most extreme conditions of possible operation... And, I must say, Ranger 6 ×6 surprised me a lot. Despite the very modest characteristics of the engine, considerable weight and impressive dimensions, it effortlessly moved on any of the proposed surfaces! Thus, coupled with its simply unique carrying capacity, the Ranger 6×6 becomes an almost uncontested all-terrain cargo vehicle.

In general, unlike its 4-wheeled “muscular” colleagues in the side-by-side class, the six-wheeled Ranger is an exclusively utilitarian device, designed to perform various applied tasks. No double standards for you, no sports - for such things, Polaris’ production range already has cars pumped up with anabolic steroids! And the Ranger 6x6 is built for tough work in harsh environments. Its element is the absence of roads; it is in demand where an economical off-road vehicle with a serious carrying capacity is needed. Oil and gas workers, hunters, fishermen - the American “centipede” can help any potential user! But the potential owner of this miracle technology should earn quite well... /

Chassis

Utilitarian cars are not distinguished by elegant finishes. And Ranger too. The exterior and interior are designed to be handled lightly. The machine can hit obstacles, drop firewood on it, carry cement, bricks or reinforcement; scratches and chips will not be noticeable. This is exactly the case when scars do not spoil, but decorate.

A special feature of Polaris off-road vehicles, including Ranger, is a soft, long-travel suspension. The wheel travel of the Ranger XP is 28 centimeters. More than enough to float over bumps like a boat. To make it easier to turn the steering wheel, EPS electric power steering is provided. Some models are equipped with an off-road ABS anti-lock braking system.

The dump body of full-size models measuring 137x93x31 centimeters transports cargo weighing up to 450 kilograms. There is also a tow bar with such a traction force that you can even drag trailers or pull jeeps out of swamps.

The dump body carries sand, firewood, scrap metal

Options

Ranger XP 1000

The Ranger line includes dozens of models of different sizes, weights and purposes. The pinnacle is the Ranger XP 1000, where XP stands for eXtreme Performance. These are more than just work machines. They have the most powerful engines, comfortable three- and six-seat cabins, high ground clearance and long suspension travel. They are suitable not only for work, but also for entertainment. Thanks to its increased ground clearance, the Ranger XP 1000 Big Game Edition can drive through logging areas and rocks. With head-mounted snorkels, full skid plate and 30-inch Outlaw 2 tires, the Ranger XP 1000 High Lifter handles any mud.

Ranger 1000

Polaris Ranger 1000 - a simpler package. The engine has 61 horsepower versus 82 in the XP version, the trim and body kit are more modest. There are a minimum of frills, only what is necessary for work. Thus, it was possible to achieve an optimal price-performance ratio and make it an international utilitarian bestseller.

Ranger 570

This trim comes in a variety of cab types, a two-seat, a full-size three-seat and a four-seat Crew. It is cheaper than the Ranger 1000 and noticeably inferior to it in terms of characteristics. With a power of 44 horsepower it is difficult to count on high speeds; the torque is also noticeably more modest. The machine is suitable for those who need to work not too hard, without transporting and towing heavy loads.

Ranger 150

A children's car seems like a toy, but in fact it is a full-fledged UTV for those who are taking their first steps off-road. Protective nets are installed in the doorways, a load weighing up to 22 kilograms can be placed in the body, and the position of the seat and steering wheel is adjustable. The car is equipped with a unique security system: a password to start, a digital speed limiter, and a GPS tracker for tracking location via a smartphone.

Polaris Ranger HighLifter - a machine for swamps and deep mud

Updates 2021

New for the season is the Ranger 1000 Nordic Pro model. It has a fully enclosed cabin with sealed seams, a heater, 12-inch black aluminum wheels, and a 2041 kg Polaris winch. The Ranger XP 1000 also has similar equipment for harsh weather conditions.

The clutch on Ranger XP 1000 models now lasts twice as long and requires three times less maintenance. They are equipped with new 14-inch aluminum wheels. The front-wheel drive of the Ranger 1000 and XP 1000 has become 30% stronger, and the life of the front suspension has increased.

Closed cabin configurations are used in bad weather

CHARACTERISTICS

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Accessories and tuning

Over decades of production, Ranger has acquired a huge catalog of tuning options. Its installation is simplified by the proprietary Polaris Lock&Ride system. Parts for protecting the cabin from wind, precipitation, dirt, and cold are very popular: roofs, glass, doors. Covers, mats, cargo holders, sealed luggage boxes and refrigerators, stands for guns and chainsaws are installed in the body. Fans of serious off-roading order power bumpers, snorkels, winches, wheels with beadlocks and mud tires? caterpillars. There are also entertainment accessories like audio systems.

In the standard wheeled version, the Polaris Ranger has excellent off-road capability. If you need even more, install caterpillars

Expert reviews

Nikolay Bogomolov, test editor of Motoexpert magazine:

I am not a farmer, not a summer resident or a forester, it is difficult for me to judge working qualities, although they are the main ones here. I appreciated how convenient it was to get out of the cabin. You have to get out of the deep buckets of sports equipment using pull-ups on a frame, but from these trolleybus benches you just get up and get out without any effort. There are cup holders, trunks everywhere, everything is in its place. Of course, Polaris has more fiery “sides”, but the Ranger is also a fun ride. Especially if you don’t have to drive very fast, overcoming obstacles, and carry tents, a generator, fuel, a barbecue, a refrigerator and five passengers with you.

Create your Sportsman

The Brandt company offers a wide selection of accessories for any job and any riding style: more than 1,400 items of accessories with the Lock & Ride fastening system - this entire range is available to Russian buyers. With this line, you can customize the all-terrain vehicle to suit your needs with maximum efficiency.

With a variety of Pro Fit cab configurations, you can use the ATV all year round; A wide range of specially designed accessories will allow you to carry out large volumes of complex work and make longer and more comfortable trips. Sportsman ATVs are a good alternative for those who are not ready to spend money on a mini-tractor.

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