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 Polaris RZR XP 1000 and 1000 Calavera have engines of 999cc, delivering a hefty 107hp, hitting 80km/h in a tad over five seconds, and maxing out at an eye-watering 123km/h.
To handle such power they have serious off-road equipment such as Walker-Evans anti-bottoming shocks that offer 40cm of suspension travel and, in the case of the XP 1000, run on Maxxis Bighorn 29 inch tyres.
The performance pedigree is confirmed by the brand now holding national champion status in the NZ Off-Road Champs, and in the side-by-side class in the Australian Rally Championship.
For riders looking to stand out from the crowd, there’s the option of the XP 1000 Calavera model, with an exclusive build of only 206 units numbered 1-206 and only available outside the US market.
The ‘206’ designation is said to represent the number of bones in the human body, and each will surely take some knocks and bumps when these machines are driven in anger.
The Calavera offers stunning graphics and enhanced rider comfort, and sports a stunning orange cab frame and suspension components, white aluminium doors and roof, and black forged HEXLR wheels with 30 inch Mongrel tyres.
As part of a September promotional package each purchase of an XP 1000 or Calavera will net the owner a free RZR170 side-by-side for riders aged over 12. It seats two, has a full safety frame, a 169cc 4-stroke engine coupled to a PVT transmission and disc brakes front and rear.
Other features: adjustable steering column and drivers’ seat, one-piece side nets for safety, a parent-controlled speed limiter, daytime running lights and two safety helmets.
