Polaris unveils mid-size utility side-by-side
Polaris Off Road has unveiled the 2026 Ranger 500, an all-new mid-size utility side-by-side aimed at bringing the quality and reliability of the American brand into the value segment.
Using the same logic, comparing a typical side-by-side with the Polaris Ranger XD 1500 will allow you to understand why the US manufacturer came up with a whole new category - the Extreme Heavy Duty.
Launched in New Zealand in 2024, along with its XD 1500 NorthStar Edition sibling, the XD 1500 is equipped with a 3-cylinder ProStar, fuel-injected 1500cc engine pushing out 110hp and 142Nm of torque. This in turn is married to the SteelDrive transmission, that as the name suggests, uses a fully sealed and liquid cooled, 100% steel constructed drive belt.
Complementing that combination, the drive system offers On-Demand, True All-Wheel Drive, 2WD, Turf and Ultra-Turf drive modes, alongside Comfort, Standard, Sport and Tow/ Haul settings. In addition, drive mode specific functions include engine braking and hill assist, with the latter allowing the vehicle to hold its position and offer improved control when stopping or starting on slopes or hills.
Featuring 29-inch diameter tyres on 14-inch rims, the 1500HD has 38cm of ground clearance and 30.4cm of suspension travel, using a layout that uses dual “A” arms up front and dual arched “A” arms to the rear. A dry weight of 1,122kg spread over a 241cm wheelbase means the vehicle feels very sure-footed laterally, imparting a feeling of stability, while also delivering 680kg load and 1,588kg towing capacities.
In the cabin, increased legroom makes access easier, as does a new bottom mounting system for the door nets that help remove a trip hazard. Adjustable seating and a telescopic steering wheel allow users to get comfortable, while the additional bolstering to the side of the seats inspires confidence, while a flip-down centre seat gives driver and passenger the obligatory cup holders.
During a short test ride on a steep site under the shadows of the central Manawatu’s wind farms, east of Palmerston North, while it’s undoubtedly large, once on the move, it shows no signs of being unwieldy. Indeed, after a brief period, the XD inspired confidence in both its travelling and climbing abilities, crossing deep drains and climbing very steep slopes with ease, while always being in control.
Offering 110hp on tap, power was never an issue, even on the steepest, longest climbs, while throttle response at slow speeds was infinitely controllable and coupled with the silky-smooth power steering, made new acquaintances feel at home quickly. Certainly, more expensive than more “normal” side-by-sides, the XD 1500 certainly makes a lot of sense for those carrying heavy loads or working on terrain that is too much for standard machines. Given that they are less expensive than many utes in the marketplace, they certainly warrant a closer look.
www.polarisnewzealand.com
