The Polaris RZR XP is the best-selling sport side-by-side around. But that doesn’t mean the off-pavement company is just going to let it sit and go stale. For 2024 the original sport side-by-side gets a stronger chassis, better agility, more power, and loads of other upgrades meant to make it easier for you to spend more time on the trail and less time worrying.
Polaris told us that the evolution of the RZR XP started by trying to really nail down its customer. Who is buying the RZR XP? Polaris says it is its most social customer. Riders in this multi-terrain segment are looking for an off-trail community, not just the next thrill.
All-Day Riding is Polaris RZR XP Job One
For many riders in this segment, this is their prime hobby. Taking the whole family to ride parks for full-day and multi-day rides.
Polaris says they want all-day comfort and solid performance, but all-out speed isn’t essential. Reliability, though, is high on the list.
To meet the demands of those riders, Polaris completely redesigned the RZR XP. It starts with the frame, which is 25 percent stronger than before. That helps boost agility to give riders more performance. It also helps increase comfort by cutting down on buzzes, rattles, and squeaks.
There’s new bodywork attached to that frame. It gives the RZR XP a fresher and more aggressive look, but the body also helps increase comfort and serviceability.
Best-Sealed RZR Cab Yet
The new contoured A-Pillar gives a flatter surface to mount the windshield. There’s also a pocket for that front screen along the top of the dash to help seal out water, dust, and mud.
Polaris said this is the best sealing RZR cab yet, and that’s boosted if you add the new upper doors. Keeping elements out keeps you more comfortable inside on those all-day drives. It also lets the accessory heater work better to keep you warm. You might not mind the muck, but your passengers might not love it as much as you do. As Polaris put it, “if your family is not comfortable, your day can end up short. And we don’t want to do that.”
RZR XP Gets More Interior Adjustability
Polaris has also worked to make the cabin itself better. That includes seats around an inch lower and a front seat with two more inches of adjustability for a total of six. The rear seats still sit higher than the fronts, so rear-seat passengers can still get a view of more than the back of your helmet.
The team says it has worked on the fit and finish, too. With upgrades to seat adjustment controls, steering tilt, and efforts to reduce rattles and noises.
More Powerful New 999cc Twin
The engine is a new 999cc 114 horsepower Gen2 ProStar twin. Polaris says the new engine is more responsive thanks to the extra power. It can also go twice as long between oil changes thanks to the new design and more oil capacity.
Along with the extra power comes a new CVT. The updated gearbox gets lower ratios for improved low-speed torque and control. It has better airflow to help keep it cooler and extend belt life, and there is a geared reverse for strength when you have to back up.
The RZR XP keeps Polaris’ selectable AWD system. It lets you run in 2WD for maneuverability and quickly switch to AWD for sticky situations. Polaris has upgraded the driveline with stronger prop and half-shafts, beefier bearings, and other components to boost reliability.
RZR XP’s suspension features 16-position adjustable Walker Evans Needle Shocks front and rear. They’re re-tuned this year to offer a more comfortable ride. The shocks offer 20.5 inches of usable travel, and the XP has 14.5 inches of ground clearance.
Polaris said the choice was made to go with Walker Evans because of the segment’s buyers. The company said that customers value dynamics but are price-conscious and aren’t looking for fancier or big-buck electronic dampers.
Industry First Tonneau Cover
The 2024 Polaris RZR XP is loaded with little touches meant to improve your everyday trail ride. That means features like an industry-first tonneau cover that turns the open bed into enclosed storage. Ahead of the enclosed bed is a spot to hold a 30-quart cooler and keep you refreshed and hydrated.
It also includes a pivoting spare tire holder from the Polaris Pro platform. The holder’s gas struts can carry up to 75 pounds, so it’s easy to move out of the way to get into your storage space.
Polaris has added a new integrated front bumper that moves the optional 4,500-pound winch to a better location. The bumper also has built-in tie-down points for strapping the RZR to your trailer.
For serviceability, the RZR XP has features like a grab handle that doubles as the lug wrench with toolless access and an easily removable rear bin to let you get at the oily bits.
2024 Polaris RZR XP Arrives in April
The 2024 Polaris RZR XP will be offered in three trims and two and four-seat configurations. The line starts with the XP 1000 Sport, at $20,999, which comes with molded color bodywork, 29-inch Trailmaster X/T tires, LED lights, and a new digital display.
The RZR XP 1000 Premium is $22,999. It gets 30-inch Trailmaster X/T 2.0 tires, a painted body, and color-matched dash, seats, and springs. The Premium also gets a poly roof, four-point belts, and Rockford Fosgate Stage 1 audio.
At the top of the line is the 2024 RZR XP 1000 Ultimate. This one gets a premium painted body as well as the Polaris Ride Command 7-inch touchscreen. It will also feature Rockford Fosgate Stage 2 audio, a 900W electrical system, and front and rear LED accent lighting.
The 2024 RZR XP line will start shipping to dealers in April.
