20 years of innovation
Two decades ago, the RANGER 6×6 vehicle was introduced and revolutionised the side-by-side category.
Four concepts were explored as two important features were debated – ride-in vs. ride-on and handlebar vs. steering wheel. Eventually, the shown concept (below) was selected, with a ride-in and steering wheel design, and ultimately, became the first RANGER.
“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.”
1999
The first Polaris RANGER side-by-side vehicle was purposefully made to be a 6×6 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. Redesigned ergonomics, an adjustable driver’s seat, under-seat 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. At the end of the day, there’s no comparison. More Rugged. More Refined. More RANGER.
Polaris also introduced the all-new RANGER Diesel for 2019, a vehicle that has redefined refinement with the introduction of a brand-new diesel engine and updated chassis, along with superior levels of comfort, handling and driving capabilities that make it even more durable, dependable and capable.
The RANGER Diesel has been made to perform to the highest standards for years to come. With a new, three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine – the most powerful engine in its class – it delivers 24.8 HP and 40.8 ft.lb of torque. Paired with more consistent power and better torque distribution for a smoother ride, the new engine offers a lower cost of ownership thanks to over 200 hours between service intervals, plus a longer filter life and less oil consumption. There’s 1134kg of towing capacity and a 720kg payload capacity, so ‘capable’ only scratches the surface. The RANGER Diesel also has the highest ground clearance in its class of 33cm – a 20% increase from its predecessor.
2020
New decade, new style. The newly-announced 2021 RANGER XP 1000 features all-new striking LED headlights that deliver 60-percent more output than the traditional halogen lights, plus new colour options.
2020 has also seen the announcement of the brand new RANGER 1000 – the side-by-side that delivers a perfect balance of big-work capability and all-day comfort. With consumer-inspired improvements all round, the Ranger 1000 is designed to be the ultimate workhorse capable of getting the toughest jobs done. The RANGER 1000 is engineered for work with the all-new ProStar 1000 single overhead cam engine and new Pro-PVTi clutch system to deliver smooth drivability at low speeds and allow users to get the most out of the class-leading 1,134kg towing capacity. RANGER is renowned for the longevity of its vehicles, and the RANGER 1000 is no exception, with a completely redesigned interior and front end with a heavy-duty steel front bumper and a full-body skid plate, providing even more protection from unforgiving terrain. Enhanced durability, protection and ease of maintenance make the RANGER 1000 stronger and tougher, no matter the task.
See the full RANGER line-up on the Polaris Britain website here.