logo
Tested: 2024 Polaris Xpedition Is as Fun as It Is Loud

Tested: 2024 Polaris Xpedition Is as Fun as It Is Loud

Yahoo11-10-2024

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
The Polaris Xpedition side-by-side takes the formula for SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco and shrinks it down to nearly the size of a two-door Mini Cooper S. It's illegal on the streets, but an absolute freak through the creeks, and its climate-controlled cabin takes the chill and dust out of the outdoors experience.
Polaris, which introduced its first side-by-side—the Ranger RZR—in 2007, has created arguably the most luxurious experience possible for a vehicle sold with a plastic steering wheel. Available in two- and four-door body styles, the Xpedition can carry up to five passengers, and it can be equipped with either a bed that dumps or an enclosed rear cargo space. The Polaris accessory list only makes the side-by-side more extreme, opening up possibilities like swapping its wheels and tires for a snow-conquering track system.
We tested a top-trim four-door Xpedition XP5 NorthStar. Pricing starts at $37,294 for the cheaper Ultimate five-seater, but our NorthStar commanded $45,794. Thankfully, the options on our test vehicle were few, but even so the total price ended up an eye-watering $50,274. Yes, that's more than a two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, but the side-by-side has meaningful extras. Ours was packed with Polaris's roof-top tent, mounted on an aluminum Rhino-Rack platform atop the cabin. At approximately 7.5 feet tall, parking the whole shebang in our garage required removing the 146-pound tent, but it's an easy process that requires loosening four nuts—extra hardware might be required should you drop it on your leg.
There's also a handy in-bed Lock & Ride Max locking system that secures a full-size spare and two Maxtrax recovery boards, though it does eat up a significant amount of the 2.5-by-3.9-foot bed. The power windows, a 4500-pound winch with synthetic rope, a JBL audio system, and Ride Command GPS navigation were included.
Keeping the wheels spinning is a mid-mounted 999-cc ProStar parallel-twin engine with 114 horsepower. Every Polaris Xpedition uses a continuously variable transmission that keeps the engine, which can rev as high as 8500 rpm, comfortably in the powerband. Though great for keeping the bugs and dust out, the enclosed cabin traps the high-revving powertrain's migraine-inducing moan. After a few minutes of buzzing at full blast on trails, we found ourselves slowing down just to drop the revs and lessen the assault on our eardrums.
At wide-open throttle, the Xpedition shook our sound meter with 121 decibels of clamor. That's as loud as the 240-hp Can-Am Maverick R we recently tested and 15 decibels louder than the 493-hp Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Manthey that screams to 9000 rpm. Even at 50 mph, the Xpedition buzzes along at 91 decibels. Bring some earplugs.
On dirt, the Xpedition howled to 60 mph in 14.1 seconds, crossed the quarter-mile mark in 19.3 seconds at 63 mph, and reached a drag-limited 68-mph top speed on our dirt test track. Now, before you go pointing out that this gnarly off-roader is 1.3 seconds slower to 60 mph than the 78-hp Mitsubishi Mirage G4 we tested on pavement, know this: The speeds at which you can comfortably traverse dips in the Polaris would send the rubber duckies in your average Jeep Gladiator to the freaking moon.
Thankfully, the Xpedition approaches bumps and deep ditches like dentistry; despite the wicked sound of its drill, you won't feel a thing. The front suspension has 14.0 inches of travel, while the rear will extend an inch farther. Every Xpedition comes with 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler XP tires, but Polaris customers have already experimented with bigger 33-inch BFGoodrich KM2 truck tires (and, with aftermarket control arms, larger 35-inch rubber) to expand the Xpedition's 14.0 inches of ground clearance.
Instead of playing keep-up with how quickly the Polaris's shocks are traveling, the Fox Podium QS3 dampers adjust based on the position of the shock across three zones of travel—beginning, middle, and end. Each damper can be manually adjusted, but unless you're sending the Xpedition over jumps or approaching its 1160-pound payload capacity, there's no need to touch those dials.
The native Ride Command software on the Xpedition's 7.0-inch touchscreen saves you from having to rely on a dying phone battery for GPS, trail data, and other communication. If you're driving in a group, you can see each rider on the screen and send each other messages. All that goodness is baked into the software, and it works great to keep someone from losing the group should they fall behind.
Our off-road camping adventure took us along the Two Hearted River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where we couldn't help but enjoy a few local brews at a rustic camping spot we promised a friend we wouldn't mention in specifics. While the roof-top tent fits two people comfortably, it does require extra effort to uncover, unfold, and set up its poles. We're splitting hairs here, but the "just open it" approach of hardtop tents—like the ones we've sampled from Roofnest—has ruined any other type of tent for us.
The Xpedition has a 12.5-gallon fuel tank with a claimed range of 200 miles, but during our time with it across the U.P., we averaged just 9 mpg, which limits total range to about 113 miles. Still, the bigger tank—most Polaris RZRs use a smaller 9.5-gallon unit—means fewer gas station stops on big trips. And once you start driving an Xpedition side-by-side, the muddy toys, big trailers, and tents start to make a lot of sense. We crisscrossed a few hundred miles of ORV trail and county roads between Grand Marais and Pine Stump Junction and would happily do it again.
A little more horsepower would be great, especially if your HQ is at a higher elevation, but the Xpedition is a delight to toss through the woods at any altitude. Depending on personal needs, sure, it might make more sense to snag a Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner at this price point, but that likely isn't the best solution for everyone.
After our adventures, we used a garden hose to clean the Xpedition's plastic interior. We scratched racing stripes down the sides thanks to a row of blue spruce trees. And best of all, had we encountered any mechanical issues, it's a 40-mile tow back to the trailer, instead of 400 miles home. It's a loud little rascal, but even that drawback is charming to some. Side-by-sides can make us feel like our favorite cars, trucks, and SUVS do—it's all about having fun. And in the Polaris Xpedition, having a blast is as easy as going for a ride.
Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades
How to Buy or Lease a New Car
Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The Ford Bronco Raptor Just Got a Huge Price Cut
The Ford Bronco Raptor Just Got a Huge Price Cut

Motor 1

time4 hours ago

  • Motor 1

The Ford Bronco Raptor Just Got a Huge Price Cut

Last year, when Ford announced pricing for the 2025 Bronco , it listed the Raptor as starting at $91,930, with destination. But if you check Ford's consumer site right now, you'll see the off-road SUV has a significantly lower MSRP. The 2025 Bronco Raptor now starts at $81,990, nearly $10,000 cheaper than before. The reason for the price cut is related to a shakeup with the base Bronco lineup. A Ford spokesperson told Motor1 that it's "adjusting the price of the Bronco Raptor to provide customers who prefer a four-door with another high-performance vehicle option" because it replaced the two- and four-door Wildtrack trim with the two-door-only Stroppe "as the top off-road package in the base Bronco lineup." Ford Bronco Stroppe Edition Photo by: Ford Under the hood of the Raptor is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine making 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. It's Ford's high-performance competitor to the Jeep Wrangler 392 , which is more powerful, producing 470 hp, but, as of now, way more expensive than the Bronco. The Jeep starts at over $100,000. The rest of the Bronco lineup isn't as lucky as the Raptor. The entry-level Bronco Base, reintroduced for 2025, is $1,010 more expensive than before, and the Bronco Big Bend is now an additional $940. All other Bronco trims are $100 more expensive, but the added cost comes from a higher destination fee. Ford is now charging $1,995 to ship the 2025 Bronco, up from $1,895—a minor adjustment when many in the industry are raising prices by the thousands. 2025 Ford Bronco Trim New Price (w/ $1,995 destination fee) Old Price (w/ $1,895 destination fee) Price Difference Base $40,990 $39,980 +$1,010 Big Bend $43,215 $42,265 +$950 Outer Banks $49,935 $49,835 +$100 Heritage Edition $51,470 $51,370 +$100 Badlands $52,380 $51,990 +$100 Stroppe Edition $77,630 $77,530 +$100 Raptor $81,990 $91,930 -$9,940 Here's More Ford Pricing News: The Cheapest Ford Maverick Now Costs $30,000 Thanks to Tariffs Ford Extends Employee Pricing for All After Huge Success Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Ford via The Truth About Cars Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

What is the cheapest fully loaded new car for 2025? Why this Nissan model stands out
What is the cheapest fully loaded new car for 2025? Why this Nissan model stands out

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

What is the cheapest fully loaded new car for 2025? Why this Nissan model stands out

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Buying a new car can be incredibly expensive, especially a final trim model. The average new car price in June 2025 is around $48,699, according to automotive research site Luckily for American drivers, you can score a fully-loaded new car for less than half of that price. That's right, some new cars have starting prices under $25,000, even as fully loaded models. Drivers can add available packages and accessories and still get a new final configuration vehicle for under $30K. There are several new affordable cars on the market for 2025, but the Versa stands out among the pack. It starts at just $17,190 for the base model. The 2025 Nissan Versa SR trim starts at $22,330 and comes standard with the best Versa features that the Japanese brand has to offer. Heated front seats Leather-wrapped steering wheel Wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Wi-Fi hotspot Blind-spot warning The SR trim is loaded with plenty of standard driver-assistance and safety features that make upgrading to the final configuration worth the money. Furthermore, it takes an affordable subcompact car that is inherently barebones due to its affordability and modernizes it with additional tech and creature comforts. The 2025 Nissan Versa SR comes in Super Black, Gun Metallic, or Brilliant Silver Metallic. Drivers can pay an additional $450 for premium color options such as Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Artic Ice Blue Metallic, Gray Sky Pearl, or Aspen White Tricoat. Let the music flow with the Nissan Versa on the road 🎶♥️​#Nissan #NissanVersa — Nissan (@Nissan) March 11, 2025 The Versa SR uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. It achieves 32 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Nissan offers the option to add exterior ground lighting with logo for $424, for drivers proud to rep the brand. There are also interior add-on options such as accent lighting ($262) and door pocket lighting ($113). Adding interior, lighting and technology, and cargo accessories can still amount to a final price of under $25,000 depending on your specific build preferences. The 2025 Nissan Versa SR is worth the money for drivers in search of an affordable and efficient subcompact car loaded with tech. Its small cabin and lack of power may deter drivers who prefer larger and more powerful cars. It has "lots of features for the money, generous cargo capacity, and a user-friendly infotainment system" according to a vehicle review by Edmunds. So, the Versa SR makes a fine daily driver for folks who don't need extra cabin space and don't mind sluggish acceleration. Nissan offers several budget-friendly options across its portfolio of vehicles. If the Versa SR isn't to your liking, the larger and more powerful 2025 Nissan Sentra SR is worth looking into. 2025 Nissan Sentra SR Midnight Edition ($25,285) 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo ($28,090) 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE ($28,190) 2025 Hyundai Elantra N-Line ($28,975) 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL ($29,000) There are several 2025 final trim cars with starting prices under $30,000. The Nissan Versa SR is the only 2025 final trim car model with a starting price under $23,000. It may be underpowered and small compared to other final trim cars, but its value proposition is hard to ignore in such an expensive new car market. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Nissan model is the cheapest fully loaded new car for 2025

Denny Hamlin Eager to See RAM Trucks in NASCAR's Cup Series
Denny Hamlin Eager to See RAM Trucks in NASCAR's Cup Series

Newsweek

time8 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Denny Hamlin Eager to See RAM Trucks in NASCAR's Cup Series

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Stellantis' RAM Trucks announced its 2026 NASCAR Truck Series entry last weekend at Michigan. Veteran driver Denny Hamlin opened up on how that would benefit the sport's business model, and hoped to witness RAM scale up to the Cup Series in the future. RAM's entry into NASCAR makes it the first OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) after Toyota, which introduced the Tundra in 2004. RAM unveiled its 1500 concept race truck, which will debut next year. While plans for how it would go racing are yet to be decided, RAM's arrival in NASCAR sends a message to potential automakers contemplating entering the racing series. RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis revealed confidently that the team will be ready to race in Daytona. He said: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan."We'll be on track in Daytona in eight months, and the way we're going to do it is unlike anyone else." Hinting that racing in the Cup Series remains RAM's ultimate goal, Kuniskis added: "We're looking for a date to the prom right now. So how am I going to get to Cup? That's going to depend on how I get to Truck. So however we get to Truck is going to obviously weigh heavily on 'do I have a path to Cup?' Our intention is not to do a one-hit wonder and go to Truck and not to Cup. That's not our plan." Hamlin, who won the Cup Series race last weekend at Michigan, admitted that the arrival of RAM as the fourth automaker in NASCAR improves the sport's business prospects. He told NASCAR on FOX: "The burden really falls on the few manufacturers that you have. When you got 36 Cup teams and you got only three manufacturers, it's really hard for them to spread 100 percent of their resources to 10, 12 teams. They have to pick and choose where they spend those resources. The more manufacturers you have, the more money that flows down to the teams that would make the business model somewhat more viable." Hoping for RAM's success so it can rise to racing the Cup Series, Hamlin added: "I think it's the right thing for Dodge to do is to dip their toe back into NASCAR. Certainly, the Truck Series is the place to do that. You don't have to build your own engines. I think to oversimplify it, they got to build a body. They've all got common engines over there in the Truck Series. I don't know that they've got to spend a whole lot on setup technology and engineering. It's a lower price point probably for them to get their feet back into NASCAR and then see how this thing goes and hopefully build it up into the Cup Series."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store