General Reviews
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Read more »Dirt Trax TV concludes that the Polaris General XP remains a strong contender in the sport-utility category it helped create. With plush suspension, functional utility, and excellent comfort for long days on the trail, it still makes sense for most non-desert riders compared to pure sport machines like the RZR. However, its age is showing, and Dirt Trax suggests an updated version borrowing styling and tech from the new RZR XP, along with more power and optional dynamic suspension, would help the General XP hold its ground against both competitors and Polaris’s own Expedition XP.
Highlights
- General XP pioneered the 70/30 sport-utility side-by-side concept.
- Mechanically unchanged for years; most updates have been shocks, wheels/tires, and infotainment.
- 600-lb dumping cargo box and 2" receiver with 1,500-lb tow rating add real utility.
- Double A-arms with 14" of travel; now rides on Walker Evans Velocity Series shocks.
- Powered by Polaris’s 999cc twin-cylinder engine producing 100 hp.
- 30" Pro Armor Crawler tires on 15" aluminum wheels for grip and rollover comfort.
- Trim levels: Sport (value), Premium (adds Stage 1 audio, mirror, padded console), Ultimate (Ride Command + Stage 4 Rockford Fosgate).
- Built for long days exploring and comfort rather than high-speed desert slaying.
- For many riders, especially non-desert, the General XP makes more sense than a RZR.
What Dirt Trax Liked
- Still fun and comfortable to drive for all-day exploring.
- Walker Evans Velocity shocks are highly adjustable for plush or firmer ride quality.
- High doors keep riders cleaner and more protected.
- 30" Pro Armor tires roll
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Read more »When the Polaris General XP 1000 first was announced we didn't get it, and then we drove it. That expereince changed our opinion of the General. In this video Luke with Dirt Trax TV reviews this new line of Polaris General with the new capabilities it brings to the table. For more information on the Polaris Ranger NorthStar Ultimate model, check out the Polaris General Website. Be sure to check out our first drive of the Polaris General XP 1000 below.
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Read more »I am a sucker for a good all-around side-by-side. I am all for some “sport” in a side-by-side, but a good rec/utility is where it is at for my real world lifestyle. In recent years the line between a sport, recreation, and utility side-by-side has begun to blur with off-roaders wanting the power of a sport SxS, the ride of a recreation SxS, and a little utility SxS sprinkled into the mix. Guess what? I am here for that.
2021 Polaris General
60-inches wide
12.25" Front Travel & 13.2" Rear Travel
12" Ground Clearance
No-one was more excited when Polaris introduced the General a handful of years back. It had the power of a 999cc 100hp engine, the ground-clearance and suspension travel of a RZR S, an appointed cab, tilting-bed, and actual doors! I thought I had found my personal ultimate side-by-side. Then I was able to get a General for several months. Yes, it had all those great features including real doors, but the ride was more on the Ranger side than the RZR side. Tackling trails, hauling, and open fire roads, the General absolutely shinned like a diamond, but throw rocky trails into the mix and the ride was on the rough side. Even after some suspension adjustment clicking, the ride was rough on real rocky trails. It was at that point I figured out the General was not my ultimate side-by-side after all. Enter the General XP.
