Polaris says they have created an all-new “extreme duty category” of side-by-side. Think of the 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 as a 3/4-ton UTV. With big power, strength built in throughout, tons of tech, and loads of creature comforts, this machine is ready to do work.
“Polaris RANGER has been the No. 1 selling utility side-by-side brand for more than 15 years and with the introduction of RANGER Extreme Duty, we’ve taken the industry’s hardest-working lineup and expanded it,” said Chris Judson, Vice President of Off Road Utility.
“A segment of our utility customers said they are facing exceptionally large tasks and they simply need a machine with more power, more torque, more hauling and towing capacity, and more durability. And our team set out to deliver just that, incorporating dozens of new features and the latest engineering to make the RANGER XD 1500 more capable, stronger, and more comfortable than any other utility side-by-side out there.”
Powertrain Strength
The ProStar 1500cc three-cylinder engine puts out an impressive 110 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. The big, powerful engine is backed with a new STEELDRIVE CVT automatic transmission.
This 100% steel construction, fully sealed, and liquid-cooled design offers maximum durability. This system is touted as having more durability and longevity while requiring less maintenance than traditional rubber belts.
It should also offer smooth and predictable throttle engagement, which is super important for slow-speed off-road maneuvering and when towing a trailer. Along with that, Polaris says it is much quieter and easier to shift between drive, park, and reverse.
Also built into the drivetrain of the 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is Hill Assist. The system engages the transmission to maintain control on steep downhill slopes and prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when you come off the brake or gas on uphill slopes.
Big Do-Work Capability
The cargo box on the Ranger XD 1500 has an impressive 1,500-pound capacity. It also has “nearly 50% more box volume than existing models.”
If what you need to haul won’t fit in the bed, or weighs more than 1,500 pounds, then hitch up a trailer and go. With a 3,500-pound towing capacity, the Ranger XD 1500 is ready to do some serious work.
For off-the-graded-road adventures, the Ranger XD 1500 offers a massive 15 inches of ground clearance. This is achieved with high-clearance arched A-arms and 29-inch tires. Up to 32-inch tires are available from the factory for even more off-road capability.
2024 Ranger Extreme Duty Comfort
Inside the new extreme-duty Ranger 1500, you’ll find a spacious cabin with tons of creature comforts and adjustability. More leg and shoulder room are on offer, as are adjustable seats and a telescoping steering column.
The seats are also much more comfortable and performance-oriented than found in other utility side-by-side vehicles. The center front seat back also folds down to create an armrest with cupholders. Oh, and heated seats are now a factory option.
Of course, just like the Ranger XD 1500’s sibling, the XPEDITION XP, there is a fully enclosed ProShield cab option that is sealed super well and offers a full HVAC system. Yes, heat and AC in your utility UTV. Year-round work has never been easier.
You expect sun visors in most vehicles, as they are required by law in most street-legal vehicles, but they weren’t available on the Ranger until now.
Polaris RIDE COMMAND
An optional 7-inch waterproof touchscreen with RIDE COMMAND software features all kinds of useful tools. You can get a backup camera, GPS navigation (with the property line mapping feature), AM/FM with Bluetooth streaming, and even a Game Camera Link to keep an eye on what your hunting camera is seeing.
RIDE COMMAND+ allows you to track your 2024 Ranger XD 1500 from the Polaris App. It also allows you to monitor the health of the vehicle. Polaris says it’s “the industry’s only connected-vehicle technology,” a common feature on all modern road vehicles. Think over-the-air update compatible. The RIDE COMMAND+ features are available from the factory on the NorthStar Ultimate package on the 2024 Ranger XD 1500.
2024 Polaris Ranger XT 1500 Pricing & Availability
Pricing on the 2024 Polaris Ranger XT 1500 starts at $29,999: The Premium model starts at $29,999, NorthStar Premium at $39,999, and NorthStar Ultimate at $44,999.
The $10,000 bump to NorthStar trim gets you a fully enclosed cabin with HVAC, an electronically controlled dump bed, accessory switches, and a cargo box light. NorthStar Premium trim — for another $5,000 — gets you a 7-inch infotainment screen with RIDE COMMAND, heated seats, a JBL stereo system, and RIDE COMMAND+.
In early fall 2023, the new Ranger XT 1500 should be hitting dealerships. Dive deeper into this impressive machine and find a dealer near you at Polaris.com.
Stay tuned for a full review later this summer, once we spend some time behind the controls of this new extreme-duty UTV.
