Polaris Outlines 2026 Updates for RZR and RANGER

Polaris Off Road announced additional updates to its 2026 lineup, including a redesigned RZR XP, a new 72-inch-wide RZR XP S, a larger touchscreen for the RZR Pro R, and two special editions for the RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar series. The company is also marking 10 years of selling Polaris vehicles in Mexico with a limited-run RZR PRO S Calavera Edition.

The company frames the changes as rider-driven refinements that span recreational performance and utility use cases.

“The industry is more competitive than ever, and consumers look to Polaris to lead with performance, capability, and style,” said Reid Wilson, President of Polaris Off-Road Vehicles. “For 2026, we’ve elevated our lineup with rider-driven innovation, from the redesigned RZR XP to the expanded RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar offering. Our commitment to continuous innovation is what has fueled Polaris for over 70 years—and it continues to drive us forward today.”

Guided by feedback across the past 11 years, the RZR XP receives a comprehensive refresh aimed at performance, durability, and quality. Updates include a new front fascia, reinforced chassis with upgraded suspension mounts, full underbody protection, and driveline changes intended to improve longevity. A geared reverse targets better low-speed control in difficult terrain, and revised shifting is designed to engage more quickly and smoothly. The RZR XP Sport retains a 114-horsepower ProStar 1000 engine, while the Ultimate trim adds features such as RIDE COMMAND, Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 audio, a poly roof, larger tires, increased usable travel, and a 4,500-pound winch.

The new RZR XP S extends the platform with a wider 72-inch stance and 25 inches of usable suspension travel. Polaris positions it for wide-open terrain and notes heavy-duty driveline components, a welded rear skid plate, and Walker Evans Racing Velocity shocks. The model offers three drive modes — Standard, Sport, and Rock — to tailor throttle response to the terrain. An XP S Ultimate package layers on RIDE COMMAND, Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 audio, accent lighting, a poly sport roof, and a 4,500-pound winch. Two color choices, Sand Dune and Stealth Gray, are planned.

Polaris says more than 60 carryover accessories fit the updated XP family, including a new Rockford Fosgate audio roof for Sport trims, redesigned front bumpers, and a portable fuel can, with an emphasis on customization from the trailhead.

RZR Pro R and Calavera Edition

For 2026, the RZR Pro R Ultimate adopts a 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen, described as the largest display in powersports, running RIDE COMMAND. The interface increases usable screen area, supports split-screen use, and introduces faster processing and graphics rendering compared to the previous system, along with Bluetooth pairing. The Pro R continues with a 225-horsepower ProStar Fury 2.0 four-cylinder, a 74-inch stance, a 104.5-inch wheelbase, and DYNAMIX DV semi-active suspension. New spring rates and shock calibration are intended to improve compliance in dune and desert conditions. Color options include Indy Red, White Crystal, Super Graphite, and Purple Thunder.

To commemorate a decade of Polaris sales in Mexico, the RZR PRO S Calavera Edition adopts graphics inspired by regional culture and terrain and will be limited to 200 units. It features a 181-horsepower turbocharged engine, 28 inches of suspension travel, a 74-inch width with a 96-inch wheelbase, FOX 3.0 Live Valve shocks with DYNAMIX, RIDE COMMAND, and Rockford Fosgate Stage 4 audio. Orange Fang lights reference elements from the brand’s factory racing program.

Pricing for the RZR family starts at $19,999 U.S. MSRP for the RZR XP, $22,499 for the RZR XP S, $40,499 for the RZR PRO S Calavera Edition, and $43,999 for the RZR PRO R Ultimate. Polaris indicates RZR models are expected to begin reaching dealers in October.

RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar: Texas and Mountaineer editions

The RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar range adds two special editions with regional focuses. The Crew Texas Edition pairs weather-ready comfort with distinctive styling cues and audio upgrades. The Mountaineer Edition is tuned for high-elevation and backcountry use, delivering approximately 20 percent more low-end torque than the standard RANGER XD 1500 and using a 3.77 rear-drive gear ratio for finer throttle control on climbs. Both add factory window tint and edition-specific graphics, with the Mountaineer adopting a reduced top speed relative to the standard NorthStar model.

Underneath the special-edition details, both are based on the NorthStar Ultimate specification, including the sealed, liquid-cooled STEELDRIVE transmission; a 1,500-pound box rating and 3,500-pound towing capacity; a fully enclosed HVAC cab with the most spacious RANGER interior; heated front seats; a 7-inch RIDE COMMAND display; and integrated JBL audio.

The NorthStar lineup starts at $40,999 U.S. MSRP for the Premium trim and runs to $51,999 for the Crew Texas Edition. Shipments are expected to begin in November.

Additional model news: RANGER 500 and broader 2026 family

Polaris also introduced the 2026 RANGER 500 earlier this year, a compact, mid-size utility side-by-side aimed at value-focused buyers. Starting at $9,999 U.S. MSRP, it includes factory equipment such as a roof, front bumper, winch, and LED headlights and is designed for straightforward operation and easy maintenance. The model emphasizes everyday utility with a 300-pound dump box, a 1,500-pound towing rating, and a standard 2-inch hitch. Shipping is expected to begin in early August.

Across the wider 2026 portfolio, Polaris highlighted updates to Sportsman ATVs including a limited 40th Anniversary 570 Premium along with the GENERAL, Polaris XPEDITION, additional RANGER trims, and the Youth range. Availability windows generally span August through November, depending on the model line.