Utility automobiles don’t typically supply a ton of consolation. That’s kind of implied when a rig is labeled a “utility” car. They’re meant for work and a little bit of play however typically miss the mark of being cozy. Sometimes, you must select between an opulent experience and a succesful workhorse.
The 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 bridges the hole between a rugged utility car and severe consolation. With unimaginable towing and payload capacities, this side-by-side is constructed for severe work whereas providing an upscale driving expertise and uncommon expertise for the class.
I examined this rig by means of late-season snowfalls and early-season hunts for about 3 months in complete. After dropping the keys and some tech quirks, I actually made up my thoughts about this beast of a UTV.
Briefly: The 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is about as luxurious of a UTV experience because it will get, with greater than sufficient energy to get practically any job completed in the event you can abdomen the value. Except for a number of tech quirks that aren’t unusual to the model, this was one in every of my favourite UTVs of 2024.
Excessive towing and payload capacities
Snug experience
Rugged and sturdy
Superior expertise in cams/sprint
Value
Gasoline financial system
Barely clumsy tech/Bluetooth connection
Rachelle Schrute
2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 Assessment
(Picture/Polaris)
Options
The standout characteristic is the 1,500cc engine, delivering 110 horsepower to deal with heavy-duty duties. This sucker pulls and hauls.
The hydraulic-assist cargo field simplifies unloading, and the 14 inches of floor clearance permits it to navigate uneven terrain with ease.
Inside, the cab is suited up with automotive-grade seating (far nicer than my truck), local weather management, and a technology-filled sprint. The 7-inch touchscreen with Journey Command+ has the whole lot you would really want. The system supplies GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and entrance/rear cameras, making it simple to plan routes or monitor hundreds — if you may get the sucker to work. Extra on that later.
Testing the Ranger XD 1500
Greater than sufficient room for chicken canines and a big Gunnar kennel; (picture/Rachelle Schrute)
When searching season rolls round, the whole lot else will get placed on maintain. This 12 months, the Polaris Ranger XD 1500 grew to become an asset. Its energy and utility weren’t simply useful; they grew to become relied on. I loaded it with gear, arrange camp miles from the closest paved highway, and used its 1,500cc engine to climb steep inclines that would depart most automobiles spinning their wheels.
Within the early season, we used the Ranger to run our canines out into areas within the chase for upland birds. Even previous to the season, we loaded up a pile of tree stands to prepare for the upcoming deer adventures.
However the Ranger XD 1500 wasn’t only a seasonal machine. Again house, I put it by means of its paces, hauling wooden, transporting feed, and even transferring random provides that had been a ache to haul by hand.
The hydraulic-assisted cargo field was a lifesaver, particularly when unloading heavy logs and gravel. The big mattress dealt with each load with no trace of pressure, and the bottom clearance meant I didn’t have to fret about getting hung up on uneven trails or rutted pastures.
What This Machine Does Greatest
Crew cab model; (picture/Polaris)
The Ranger XD 1500 excelled at dealing with significantly demanding workloads. Its towing and payload capacities are comparatively unmatched in its class, which made it a really perfect selection for hauling tools, wooden, tenting gear, supplies, and even trailers. The strong construct and excessive floor clearance meant it carried out reliably on tough terrain, whereas the snug inside was only a cherry on prime.
This factor bought the work completed, however it was cozy and comfy. That’s one thing that you just don’t get typically in a UTV.
The Drawbacks
(Picture/Rachelle Schrute)
Whereas the Polaris Ranger XD 1500 excelled in lots of areas, it wasn’t with out its drawbacks. Listed below are a number of areas the place it might see enchancment:
Buy value: At a beginning value of $29,999, the Ranger XD 1500 is a big funding. For a lot of consumers, particularly these utilizing it for smaller properties or lighter workloads, the value could really feel exhausting to justify. Comparable side-by-sides can typically be discovered at a decrease value, albeit with lowered capabilities.
Gas effectivity: With nice energy comes nice fuel consumption. The 1,500cc engine is a beast, however it’s a thirsty one. For homeowners masking lengthy distances or operating it extensively, the gas prices can add up shortly. A barely extra fuel-efficient engine choice or hybrid expertise would make this machine extra economical for day by day use.
Journey command studying curve: Whereas the Journey Command+ system is a standout characteristic, it isn’t essentially the most intuitive for everybody. Navigating the menus and studying easy methods to totally make the most of GPS, cameras, and different options felt overwhelming at first. It additionally had some quirks on the subject of staying related to a cellphone by way of Bluetooth. These aren’t deal breakers, however had been a little bit of a ache.
These shortcomings didn’t overshadow the Ranger XD 1500’s strengths, however they’re price contemplating in the event you’re on the fence about making the funding. For some, these challenges could also be outweighed by the machine’s spectacular capabilities, however for others, they could possibly be deciding elements.
A Huge Hitch in Testing
(Picture/Rachelle Schrute)
Full disclosure: We had a mechanical problem that left us stranded in the course of nowhere. I’m pretty sure it was an remoted occasion particular to our particular person machine. A defective impartial change threw us into impartial randomly a number of occasions, as soon as practically inflicting an accident whereas ascending a steep hill. Ultimately, it went into impartial completely, after which we had been caught.
It was a fast and straightforward repair for our native dealership, and although I’m not sure it’s frequent, it’s one thing to regulate. I didn’t have any points with the transmission for the rest of the testing interval.
Who Is the Ranger XD 1500 Actually Suited For?
Hauling the whole lot I want, however sadly, not stopping the dreaded pack sweat within the 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500; (picture/Rachelle Schrute)
Me. Oh, and farmers, ranchers, hunters, and enterprise homeowners who want a heavy-duty, reliable machine for large-scale duties. It’s additionally a wonderful selection for off-road fanatics who worth consolation and expertise along with efficiency.
Nonetheless, in the event you’re in search of a smaller, extra agile side-by-side for path driving or light-duty work, this could be extra machine than you want. Save your self some fuel cash and upfront prices, and go together with one thing a bit slighter.
Closing Ideas
An inside that’s greater than snug, even when the work isn’t; (picture/Rachelle Schrute)
The 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is a top-tier side-by-side that mixes spectacular energy with fashionable conveniences and an inside that’s virtually too good. It’s a powerful contender for anybody who prioritizes utility and luxury, providing options and capabilities which can be greater than sufficient to get the job completed.
Whereas it’s a giant funding, this rig’s efficiency and flexibility actually imply you’ll get your cash’s price.