On The Trail

Polaris continues to double down on real-world usability with the introduction of two new enclosed RANGER models aimed squarely at riders who don’t park their machines when the weather turns. The new 2026 RANGER 1000 CAB and 2027 RANGER XP 1000 CAB expand Polaris’ already industry-leading cabbed lineup, giving more riders access to factory-installed comfort without forcing them into top-tier pricing.

Whether you’re plowing snow, checking fence lines in the cold, or trying to stay cool while working long summer days, these new cabbed RANGER options are built to keep you comfortable while still delivering the capability the RANGER name is known for.

Key Highlights

• Two new factory-cabbed models: 2026 RANGER 1000 CAB and 2027 RANGER XP 1000 CAB
• Expands the industry’s largest cabbed side-by-side lineup
• Factory-installed enclosed cabs designed for all-season work and riding
• Competitive pricing aimed at value-focused buyers
• Built on proven RANGER platforms with class-leading capability

Polaris clearly listened to riders who wanted an enclosed machine that didn’t feel like an upgrade reserved only for premium trims. These models bring factory cab protection, heating, and even air conditioning into more attainable price points—something that matters for riders who actually put hours on their machines year-round.

2026 RANGER 1000 CAB

Highlights

• Factory-installed enclosed cab with fixed glass windshield
• Factory-installed heating system for cold-weather comfort
• 61-horsepower ProStar engine
• 4,500-lb factory-ins

I am excitied to see the latest new side-by-side from Polaris. No it is not a 400 horsepower side-by-side, but an entry-level Ranger side-by-side that is starting at $9999. Now I get it, that is still a bunch of money, but considering that many UTVs currently cost more than a small SUV this is good news! There is plenty of value alongside capability in this mid-size RZR with enough power for adventure but more importantly to get small jobs around the property done. The Ranger 500 has a tilting bed that is rated to haul 300LBs and tow 1500LBs. You also get LED lights and of course the Polaris AWD system that can put power to all four wheels when the trail needs it. We are thrilled to see Polaris step up with a very capable side-by-side at a very resonable price. 

What You Want To Know

Horsepower- 28

Engine- 4-stroke single cylinder DOHC 567cc

Suspension Travel- MacPherson strut 9" front travel Dual A-arm, IRS 10" rear travel

Ground Clearance- 10-inches

Price- $9999

• Overview of the RANGER 500:
  • New mid-size utility side-by-side aimed at value-conscious buyers.
  • Designed for everyday use on small acreage and rural properties.
  • Compact, practical, and customizable with accessories.
• Market Segment
  • Geared toward users shifting to rural living with outdoor and yard projects.
  • First-time side-by-side owners seeking affordability and reliability.
• Price

Ranger XP Kinetic Premium

$24,999

Icy White Pearl

RANGER XP Kinetic provides the power to do more with uncompromised capability, unrivaled durability, and the refined performance of an all-electric powertrain.

What You Want To Know

• 110 Horsepower Internal Permanent Magnet AC Motor
• 140 LB Torque
• 45 Mile Range
• 14" Ground Clearance
• 2500LB Towing
• 10" Front & Rear Travel

Package Includes

• 14.9 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery with up to 45 Miles Estimate Range
• Factory-Installed 3 kW On-Board Charger
• 29" Pro Armor X-Terrain Tires and 14" Wheels
• 14” Ground Clearance
• LED Headlights and charge indicating center accent light
• Full-Coverage Front Bumper with integrated winch and plow mounts
• Full-Body Skid Plate
• 12v Cargo Box Power Port with integrated dash switch

Features

Join me in a dreaming moment here and envision this – you’re cruising down backroads caked in red dirt (does Brooks & Dunns “Red Dirt Road” song come to mind here?). You’ve got the tunes on low, your road trip buddy is next to you, some delicious chips and snacks are scattered between you, and wild horses are cruising right next to your vehicle. There is literally NO ONE around for miles, it’s just you, your significant other, your truck and wild horses…. Come out of your dream state now, my friends. Now that is what Utah backroad cruising is all about.

The backroads of central and southern Utah provide a great place to get that “lost” feeling as the long stretches of asphalt wind through small towns, past unnamed trails, and through seemingly endless farms. 

This past spring, we ditched our desks and computers for adventure. The itch was back, and we were ready to scratch it. We packed as much gear as we could into our Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO and made our way through those Utah backroads. We started in the “main” city of Moab then ventured onto some not-so-main highways, such as Highway 24, Highway 12, the ever-popular Highway 89, and, finally, Highway 9 through Zion National Park area. Each road has its twists and turns that make it special, and the endless stretches of highway beg you to stop for a minute (or an hour) to enjoy the beautiful red-rock scenery around you.

A Utah road trip is one of those bucket list things you need to do at least once in your lifetime. For every place we stopped along this route, there are thousands more epic adventures to enjoy in this area. Take an open mind with you, and don’t hesitate to “take the long way home”... Also, plan on purchasing an $80 National Park Pass that will allow you to get into the Nationa

At the far North end of the Grand Canyon, at the place where an unassuming dirt runway and long winding dirt road collide, lies the gateway to an ATV and UTV riders’s dream of adventure and exploration, and views that burn in one’s mind for a lifetime. This place is the land of rugged terrain, vast canyons, raging rivers, and the place outlaws ran for solace from “the law”. This place embodies everything the American West stands for, and to this day appeals to those wishing to experience the adventure and excitement offered by the Old West. This is the Arizona strip and this gateway is named the Bar 10 Ranch.

About Bar 10 Ranch

Bar 10 Ranch was founded in the early 1970’s by retired electrician turned cowboy Tony Heaton. He and his wife Ruby, bought small ranches until they acquired just over 10,000 deeded acres with another 200,000 acres of grazing rights on BLM and Arizona State lands. The Bar 10 not only continues to thrive as a working cattle ranch but also as a place to experience the adventure of old west, whether it be on ATVs or other vehicles, white water rafting, or horseback riding, or just a place to get away from everything (and I mean everything) of the modern day! The Heaton family continues to own the ranch, with Gavin and Kelly Heaton and their families taking the “reins” of the day to day work of running the Bar 10 Ranch. One thing you can expect from each and every encounter had at the Bar 10 Ranch is warm friendly hospitality from the Heaton family that sticks with you long after you leave. 

Experiencing the Ranch

There are so many things the rustic and remote Bar 10 Ranch has to offer, with ATV & UTV riding just the tip of the enormous iceberg. Start with the ranch lodge offering comfortable accommodations, down home old west

Of all the side-by-sides that have come out recently none have captured our curiosity like the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic. We had the opportunity to see the Ranger XP Kinetic in action a year ago at a press event where Polaris "teased" the vehicles, but we couldn't get up close and personally with it or even photograph it. Since it's release we have studied the specs, ask questions, and get an overall feel for the vehicle, but we have had no opporunity to lay hands on it. We have requested one for testing, but it will be a little while before we get one. Our friends over at Dirt Trax TV had an opportunity to do a little test drive of this all-electric vehicle, including making a detailed "walk-through" video. We found it to be very informative of getting into the details of the vehicle. Give it a watch.

Here we are diving headfirst into the 2023 Ranger family lineup trying to find out exactly what is new along with what has been updated or changes that have been made. There are no new Ranger models for 2023, but there are a handful of updates/upgrades in features to the current models. Starting with the flagship Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Trail Boss & Crew, a rear LED work light and 12V power port are now installed in the cargo bed. In the cab there are now overhead switches for additional lighting and accessory options. These two items can be purchased as an accessory for all other Ranger XP 1000 and Ranger 1000 customers. Ranger Premium trim levels receive LED headlights, and an in-dash USB charging port. Lastly, the 2023 Ranger XP 1000 & Crew and Ranger XP Kinetic come complete with the new RIDE COMMAND+ technology adding features like Find My Vehicle and Bump to locate and monitor when your Ranger moves (more later on this). It is safe to say the biggest updates to the Ranger lineup is on the technology end with RIDE COMMAND+. Here is what you need to know.

What You Need To Know

• Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Trail Boss & Crew models receive a cargo bed light and 12V cargo bed power port. Both can be added to other Ranger XP 1000 models as an accessory.
• Ranger Models in Premium trim receive an in-dash USB charging port and LED headlights. This includes Ranger SP 570 Premium, Ranger XP 1000 Premium, Ranger 1000 Premium, Ranger NorthStar with corresponding Crew models. 
• RIDE COMMAND+ is available on the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar & Crew along with the Ranger XP Kinetic. This over-the-air service is an addon to 2023 RIDE COMMAND vehicles which allows you to locate your vehicle, with the Bump feature know when it moves, and generate reports on rides such as logged miles, waypoints, and elevation changes. It will be offered as a service for $99 a year.

Ranger Highlights

• 4 Engines-

Polaris introduced the Ranger XP Kinetic this year which is Polaris' first real forray into the modern electric UTV. The Ranger XP Kinetic is engineered to do everything any other fullsize Ranger can do with the same level of durability.  To show off the Ranger XP Kinetic, Polaris has created a web series called To The Test where well-known people put the Ranger XP Kinetic to the test in their field of work. Episode 2 of To The Test just dropped featuring the Diesel Brothers using the Ranger XP Kinetic on recovery missions. Give it a watch.

ATV & UTV Demo Rides Across The U.S.

2025

Find opportunities to get behind the wheel or the handlebars of ATVs and side-by-sides before you buy. 

Can-Am

No events currently

Kawasaki

No events currently

Polaris

Oct. 31 - November 1Camp RZR - Glamis Flats, CA

Yamaha

August 15-17- Famous Reading Outdoors-  Pottsville, Pennsylvania- https://readingoutdoors.com/event/2025-yamaha-proven-off-road-demo 

September 6-7 Hay Days - North Branch, MN

Saturday, September 6th - 7am - 5pm

Sunday, September 7th - 7am - 5pm 

2025 ATV & UTV Events

UTV Invasion Waynoka, OK- October 2-5

America's Oasis, OK

Website- https://utvinvasionusa.com/pages/waynoka-oklahoma

UTV Takeover Hurricane, UT - October 14-19

Glamis Sand Dunes, CA

Website- https://www.utvtakeover.com/hurricane-ut/

Polaris Camp RZR , CA- October 31-Nov 1

Glamis Sand Dunes, CA

Website- https://www.camprzr.com/