Utility vehicles don’t often offer a ton of comfort. That’s sort of implied when a rig is labeled a “utility” vehicle. They are meant for work and a bit of play but often miss the mark of being cozy. Typically, you have to choose between a luxurious ride and a capable workhorse.
The 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 bridges the gap between a rugged utility vehicle and serious comfort. With incredible towing and payload capacities, this side-by-side is built for serious work while offering an upscale riding experience and rare technology for the category.
I tested this rig through late-season snowfalls and early-season hunts for about 3 months in total. After losing the keys and a few tech quirks, I certainly made up my mind about this beast of a UTV.
In short: The 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is about as luxurious of a UTV ride as it gets, with more than enough power to get nearly any job done if you can stomach the price. Aside from a few tech quirks that aren’t uncommon to the brand, this was one of my favorite UTVs of 2024.
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High towing and payload capacities -
Comfortable ride -
Rugged and durable -
Advanced technology in cams/dash
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Price -
Gas economy -
Slightly clumsy tech/Bluetooth connection
2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 Review
Features
The standout feature is the 1,500cc engine, delivering 110 horsepower to handle heavy-duty tasks. This sucker pulls and hauls.
The hydraulic-assist cargo box simplifies unloading, and the 14 inches of ground clearance allows it to navigate uneven terrain with ease.
Inside, the cab is suited up with automotive-grade seating (far nicer than my truck), climate control, and a technology-filled dash. The 7-inch touchscreen with Ride Command+ has everything you could really need. The system provides GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and front/rear cameras, making it easy to plan routes or monitor loads — if you can get the sucker to work. More on that later.
Testing the Ranger XD 1500
When hunting season rolls around, everything else gets put on hold. This year, the Polaris Ranger XD 1500 became an asset. Its power and utility weren’t just helpful; they became relied on. I loaded it with gear, set up camp miles from the nearest paved road, and used its 1,500cc engine to climb steep inclines that would leave most vehicles spinning their wheels.
In the early season, we used the Ranger to run our dogs out into areas in the chase for upland birds. Even prior to the season, we loaded up a pile of tree stands to get ready for the upcoming deer adventures.
But the Ranger XD 1500 wasn’t just a seasonal machine. Back home, I put it through its paces, hauling wood, transporting feed, and even moving random supplies that were a pain to haul by hand.
The hydraulic-assisted cargo box was a lifesaver, especially when unloading heavy logs and gravel. The large bed handled every load without a hint of strain, and the ground clearance meant I didn’t have to worry about getting hung up on uneven trails or rutted pastures.
What This Machine Does Best
The Ranger XD 1500 excelled at handling seriously demanding workloads. Its towing and payload capacities are relatively unmatched in its class, which made it an ideal choice for hauling equipment, wood, camping gear, materials, or even trailers. The robust build and high ground clearance meant it performed reliably on rough terrain, while the comfortable interior was just a cherry on top.
This thing got the work done, but it was cozy and comfortable. That’s something that you don’t get often in a UTV.
The Drawbacks
While the Polaris Ranger XD 1500 excelled in many areas, it wasn’t without its drawbacks. Here are a few areas where it could see improvement:
- Purchase price: At a starting price of $29,999, the Ranger XD 1500 is a significant investment. For many buyers, especially those using it for smaller properties or lighter workloads, the price may feel hard to justify. Comparable side-by-sides can often be found at a lower cost, albeit with reduced capabilities.
- Fuel efficiency: With great power comes great gas consumption. The 1,500cc engine is a beast, but it’s a thirsty one. For owners covering long distances or running it extensively, the fuel costs can add up quickly. A slightly more fuel-efficient engine option or hybrid technology would make this machine more economical for daily use.
- Ride command learning curve: While the Ride Command+ system is a standout feature, it isn’t the most intuitive for everyone. Navigating the menus and learning how to fully utilize GPS, cameras, and other features felt overwhelming at first. It also had some quirks when it comes to staying connected to a phone via Bluetooth. These aren’t deal breakers, but were a bit of a pain.
These shortcomings didn’t overshadow the Ranger XD 1500’s strengths, but they are worth considering if you’re on the fence about making the investment. For some, these challenges may be outweighed by the machine’s impressive capabilities, but for others, they could be deciding factors.
A Big Hitch in Testing
Full disclosure: We had a mechanical issue that left us stranded in the middle of nowhere. I’m fairly certain it was an isolated event specific to our individual machine. A faulty neutral switch threw us into neutral randomly a few times, once nearly causing an accident while ascending a steep hill. Eventually, it went into neutral permanently, and then we were stuck.
It was a quick and easy fix for our local dealership, and though I’m not certain it’s common, it’s something to keep an eye on. I didn’t have any issues with the transmission for the remainder of the testing period.
Who Is the Ranger XD 1500 Really Suited For?
Me. Oh, and farmers, ranchers, hunters, and business owners who need a heavy-duty, dependable machine for large-scale tasks. It’s also an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts who value comfort and technology in addition to performance.
However, if you’re looking for a smaller, more agile side-by-side for trail riding or light-duty work, this might be more machine than you need. Save yourself some gas money and upfront costs, and go with something a bit slighter.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is a top-tier side-by-side that combines impressive power with modern conveniences and an interior that is almost too nice. It’s a strong contender for anyone who prioritizes utility and comfort, offering features and capabilities that are more than enough to get the job done.
While it’s a big investment, this rig’s performance and versatility certainly mean you’ll get your money’s worth.
