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.
The machines draw on the maker’s experience gained as the world’s largest supplier of side-by-side utility vehicles.
Quads have dominated the NZ farming landscape for years, but many farmers are making a transition to side-by-side vehicles.
Seating configurations start with the unique single-seat ACE, rated to carry 261kg and tow 680kg, with a compact, narrow footprint for extraordinary access and manoeuvrability.
The ROPS protection frame and car-like controls, combined with the compact dimensions of a large quad, are the starting point for the Polaris safety technologies that underpin the entire Polaris side-by-side range.
The Polaris Ranger comes in a vast selection of models -- two to six seats; a choice of petrol, diesel or electric powerplants, 2WD and AWD plus unlocking rear diffs on all models for turf friendly performance.
In the innovation of all-wheel descent control (ADC), Polaris brooks none of the criticisms voiced by owners running some other-brand side-by-side units in hill country, the company says.
All Polaris ROPS-equipped models have seatbelts that combine with an interlock device to limit speed when the seat belt is unsecured.
The Polaris Ranger 500 has features often only found on full size models, e.g. Versa-Trac turf mode, selectable AWD and a gas-assisted dump box at the rear.
Said to be the most powerful utility side-by-side in today’s market, the new Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Hunter Edition in camo livery has 80hp powering its workhorse chassis.
Power delivery can be tweaked to suit the job in hand with a flick of switch.
You can select work mode for moderate and easily managed power, for slow work following stock or backing up to a trailer; alternatively, select normal mode for everyday use getting from A to B; and the third option, sport mode, delivers maximum output.
To keep over-enthusiastic staff in check, the XP 1000 is also speed key ready: when fitted this allows the owner to limit speed.
For the ‘one-farm, one-fuel’ versatility of diesel, the Ranger Diesel 1000 HD EPS is a logical choice.
It has a massive 37.6L fuel tank, class-leading 907kg towing capacity, 680kg payload and a rear dump box with gas-assisted dumping that can carry up to 454kg and a full-sized pallet.
Power is from a new 1028cc Kohler 3-cylinder diesel with overhead cam and liquid-cooling.
A class-leading alternator puts out 110A that turns night into day.
Standard specification includes electronic power steering for easy control everywhere.
www.polaris.co.nz
