25 Years of Innovation
Two decades ago, the
RANGER 6x6 vehicle was introduced and
revolutionized the
side-by-side category.
Mitchell Johnson, son of David Johnson - one of the founders
of Polaris,
remembers how the initial idea came to be. “We had talked
from
time-to-time about making a side-by-side ATV for a driver
and
passenger. One day, Edgar Hetteen [one of our founders] came
to my office and said we should make a 6x6 in a side-by-side
configuration, he loved the machine but wanted to ride
beside
his wife Hannah.”
Four concepts were explored as two important features were debated - ride-in vs. ride-on and handlebar vs. steering wheel. Eventually, the shown concept (left) was selected, with a ride-in and steering wheel design, and ultimately, became the first RANGER.
1999
The first Polaris
RANGER side-by-side vehicle was purposefully
made to
be a 6x6 so it could readily be classified as an
off-road
vehicle, with a top speed faster than 25 mph.
Good speed, great ride and handling with excellent off-road capability, plus a greater payload than any other utility haulers on the market were all attributes this vehicle needed to have. Most of all, it needed to be a lot of fun to drive and ride like the already popular Sportsman ® line.
2005
The mid-2000s brought numerous changes and improvements to the RANGER vehicle. Comfort was improved with the addition of a dual a-arm rear suspension, and electronic fuel injection became standard for increased convenience and overall ride. The powertrains were also built to be larger, making the RANGER more capable than ever before. Accessories also began to evolve with the introduction of Lock & Ride ® box accessories.
2009
After 10 years of RANGER®, the innovations kept coming. Dual a-arm suspension was added to the front of the vehicle and rider ergonomics were improved. Power and capability continued to improve as well with still larger powertrains introduced.
2013
The next level of "Hardest Working. Smoothest Riding.™" came with the introduction of an all-new RANGER XP® 900 platform. The ride was significantly improved to produce the most progressive suspension and smoothest ride with 10" of class leading travel. The ProStar ® 900 engine was introduced with 20% more power. Re-designed ergonomics, an adjustable drivers seat, underseat storage, and a new engine placement made the seating and comfort of the RANGER® top notch. Lastly, with the introduction of the new platform came an unprecedented amount of accessory options, including a full flush-mount cab integration system with Lock & Ride ® technology.
2018
More than 100 owner-inspired improvements were made in the completely reimagined Polaris RANGER XP ® 1000. It features a more rugged design, next-level in-cab comfort, 82 horsepower, and an industry-leading 2,500 lb towing capacity, 13 in of ground clearance and 11 in of suspension travel. Accessory integration was also taken to the next level with the introduction of the new, premium RANGER Pro Shield™ cab system - proven to have three-times better dust protection than competitive OEM offerings.
2019
The all-new RANGER CREW® XP 1000 was introduced with more than 100 owner-inspired improvements just like its three-seat brother, making it the new standard for 6-passenger utility. It features class-leading 82HP and an industry-leading 2,500 lb towing capacity, 1,750 lb payload capacity, 13 in of ground clearance and 11 in of suspension travel. It also comes equipped with an industry-leading 19 gallons of in-cab storage. At the end of the day, there's no comparison. More Rugged. More Refined. More RANGER.™
2024
Polaris introduced the Ranger XD 1500, a game-changer in the utility side-by-side segment. Featuring a robust 1500cc ProStar engine, pumping out an industry-leading 110 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque for effortless hauling and towing. Engineered to be stronger and more durable in nearly every way, featuring longer service intervals, a high-strength heavy-duty steel chassis, and the industry-exclusive STEELDRIVE transmission. The Ranger XD 1500 also features extra comfort with premium seating, a more spacious cab, and a new and improved LOCK&RIDE system, with a host of new accessories to help you to GET MORE DONE.
