Polaris Ranger XD 1500- A New Ranger & New Category Of SxS

We must admit that 2024 is shaping up to be a model year with Polaris releasing more new models than we can keep up with. Not only that, but with the addition of the Ranger XD 1500 lineup that makes two completely new categories of side-by-sides under Polaris’ belt in a single model year. 

Welcome the new Ranger XD 1500 and with it a new segment of the side-by-side industry: the heavy duty/xtreme duty UTV. Yes, everything on the Ranger XD 1500 is can be explained in a single word: more. More power, more cargo capacity, more towing, more strength, more travel, more wheel lugs, more time between service intervals, just more of everything can be found on this Ranger XD 1500. In fact Polaris calls this Ranger XD 1500 a “three-quarter ton Ranger” and they are not wrong since it will haul… wait for it… 1500LBs in the cargo bed. Let’s start with what you will want to know.

What You Want To Know

• 1500cc 3-cylinder engine with 110 horsepower and 105 LBs torque
• STEELDRIVE transmission- Fully sealed liquid-cooled CVT transmission with all steel belt
• 1500LB capacity cargo box that is largest Ranger box yet
• 3500LB towing
• 15” Ground clearance
• 12” of front and rear travel
• Available factory heated seats
• 4 Drive modes
• 2000 mile oil change increment
• 5 lug 15-inch wheels
• Brake booster

Who Is It Really For?

We ask ourselves this question on all side-by-sides (and ATVs), but what is significant about the question this time is the answer as it has never been the answer before. The Ranger XD 1500 is specifically designed for farmers, ranchers, large property owners, and big game hunters, those with a need for more strength and power for serious jobs that are not currently being tackled with the utility side-by-sides currently available. In order to accomplish these bigger jobs everything on the Ranger had to be taken to an Xtreme Duty level in order to handle the wear and tear of such jobs. Strength matters and Polaris took the Ranger to the strength level necessary for this kind of duty in the XD 1500.

ProStar 1500cc 3-Cylinder Engine- 110 HP & 105 LBs Torque

What Makes It Xtreme Duty?

Another good question right? We think so! First of all it starts with a ProStar 1500cc 3-cylinder engine producing 110 horsepower and 105 LBs of torque. This engine is a product of taking the RZR Pro R 4-cylinder engine, chopping off a cylinder, and tuning the engine for maximum work-type chops rather than top end power. The engine allows the Ranger XD 1500 enables the significantly larger hauling and towing capability. 

STEELDRIVE Sealed & Liquid-Cooled Transmission

The most significant hardware upgrade on the Ranger XD 1500 facilitating the Xtreme Duty montra is the new STEELDRIVE transmission. It is fair to say the biggest point of failure in ATV & side-by-sides transmissions is the belt. Polaris knew a new direction was required to handle the demands of these loads in which the answer was an all-steel transmission without a replaceable belt. It is a fully sealed and liquid cooled CVT transmission with an all-steel belt that is serviced like the hydraulic transmission on your car or truck. Before you ask, the service is required every 6,000 miles. This is a much more bulletproof approach to handling the demands of “Extreme Duty”. Other noteworthy items include a simple drive-reverse-park shifter setup, quiet operation, and a Hill Assist mode that keeps the Ranger from rolling back on an incline between the your foot going from the brakes to the accelerator.

In addition to the items which do the heavy-lifting above, there is the high-strength steel one piece chassis and brake booster to make controlling loads easy. We are talking 1500 LBs, yes ¾ ton, cargo box load and 3500 LBs towing. Finally there is the 12-inches of front and rear travel along with 15-inches ground clearance. Combine all of this and the Ranger XD 1500 does create a new category of work side-by-side in the market.

Very well appointed interior like a truck.

Interior Comfort

Being out working in a vehicle all day is significantly better when comfort is involved. Polaris made comfort a priority all over the interior of the Ranger XD 1500. Think in terms of a modern day pickup rather than a side-by-side. Because of its size it is the most spacious of any available side-by-side. There is the premium contoured seating with heated…yes heated seats (on the NorthStar Ultimate trim), multiple drive modes to adjust throttle response and engine braking, well appointed interior, HVAC on NorthStar trims, sun visors, and of course RIDE COMMAND on the NorthStar Ultimate, and JBL audio options. Bottom line, if you want your side-by-side to be just like your truck then you can have it with the Ranger XD 1500. 

RIDE COMMAND+

Other Items

As with other Polaris models, there are plenty of accessories available to make the Ranger XD 1500 your own or simply to make it work harder for you. This includes the new Lock & Ride MAX which is Polaris’ easiest to use and versatile system ever. RIDE COMMAND continues to be a technology to pay attention to for those to want to top of the line Ranger XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate. We are fans of all that RIDE COMMAND brings to the table, with the new RIDE COMMAND+ service adding the ability to monitor your Ranger (and other Polaris vehicles) for service, vehicle condition, and even tracking for protection of your vehicle.

Landing The Plane

In the last 15 years the Ranger has become more and more capable as a work vehicle. It is a completely logical step that Polaris would step the capability up yet again in a completely new Ranger vehicle. Many of the capabilities of the Ranger XD 1500 is similar to that of a truck from years past. Being able to tackle this big of jobs in this level of comfort (HVAC) is just taking things to another level. Now… taking it to this level will cost you. Starting trim level is the Ranger XD 1500 Premium is $29,999. Moving to the Ranger XD 1500 NorthStar including an enclosed cab with HVAC gets you to $39,999. Then throw in heated seats and RIDE COMMAND lands you at $44,999. This kind of money is significant to say the least. Having said that, farmers and ranchers have been demanding a side-by-side with these kind of capabilities baked in, so we think these Ranger XD 1500 models will be a hit with those specifically looking to tackle the kind of hard work this Ranger will tackle. We hope to test one sometime in the Fall and report on what we think. The 2024 Ranger XD 1500 will be available in dealers late summer and early fall.

Ranger XD 1500 Model Breakdown

2024 RANGER XD 1500 Premium: Starting at US $29,999 
The RANGER XD 1500 Premium commands a large presence thanks to heavy-duty components and the industry’s largest bumper, providing complete front-end protection. The vehicle comes equipped with one of the most comprehensive standard packages in a side-by-side to date including 29” tires, tilt steering and seat slider for customizable comfort, four drive modes, high output LED headlights for enhanced visibility, and USB ports with multiple charging capabilities. The vehicle also comes equipped with boosted brakes and heavy-duty suspension to ensure performance across a variety of off-road environments.

2024 RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Premium: Starting at US $39,999
The next step up is the RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Premium. This machine features a fully enclosed cab with HVAC temperature and five different mode controls, lockable full doors with power windows and a fixed front glass windshield. Additional features include an electronically controlled power tilt bed to dump heavy loads with ease, an overhead switch panel for easy accessorization, and an overhead rear work light to illuminate the cargo box in low-light conditions. NorthStar Premium comes stock with 30” Kenda® CrossTrail tires and available 32” tires to overcome large obstacles and tough terrain.

2024 RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate: Starting at US $44,999
Rounding out the lineup is the RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate, which features everything from the NorthStar Premium trim, plus the 7” infotainment display powered by RIDE COMMAND and heated seats. The NorthStar Ultimate trim also delivers an immersive sound experience, featuring full AM/FM radio with Bluetooth® streaming capability and industry-exclusive JBL® speakers for precise audio and premium sound. Finally, the vehicle comes standard with RIDE COMMAND+, allowing for vehicle health monitoring and more. 

Polaris Ranger XD 1500 Website