2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500: First Look At The Seriously Burly UTV

The heavy-duty 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 drops today, with a variety of impressive upgrades, trims, and options.

Lurking in the shadows of development for years, an 800-pound gorilla — or more factually, a 1500cc Heavy Duty UTV, the Polaris XD 1500 — has finally shown itself during shooting hours. And Hook & Barrel is here to give you a first look at this beast.

We’ve put Polaris Off-Road vehicles to the test before, and this new UTV looks to level up the field. Though we haven’t yet tested out the 2024 Ranger XD 1500, we’re looking forward to it. And we break down all the details below.

In short: Polaris Off-Road once again demonstrates its commitment to innovation and customer needs by introducing the industry’s first-ever extreme duty utility side-by-side: the 2024 Ranger XD 1500. Boasting unparalleled capability, brute strength, and unmatched comfort, the Ranger XD 1500 sets a new benchmark for utility side-by-sides.

Check out our initial walk around.

First Look: 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 

Unprecedented Capability in the New Upgrade

The Ranger XD 1500 is a welcomed upgrade from an already impressive Polaris lineup. Farmers, ranchers, and hunters regularly face heavy hauling and towing tasks will approve. With its powerful ProStar 1500cc 3-cylinder engine, the vehicle offers an industry-leading 110HP and 105 lb-ft of torque.

This results in over 30% more power and over 50% more torque than its closest competitor.

Its 1,500 lb cargo box capacity provides nearly 50% more volume than existing models, allowing for maximum productivity with fewer trips and bigger loads. Additionally, the Ranger XD 1500 delivers nearly 40% more towing capacity than other models. This ensures better productivity for those routinely towing heavy loads on their property. The industry-leading ground clearance of 15″ with high-clearance arched A-arms enables the vehicle to overcome large obstacles with ease.

 2024 Ranger XD 1500 Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2024 Ranger XD 1500 lineup consists of three trim levels:

1. Ranger XD 1500 Premium: Starting at US $29,999 / CAN $36,199 – A robust option with heavy-duty components, an industry-leading bumper, and comprehensive standard features.

2. Ranger XD 1500 NorthStar Premium: Starting at US $39,999 / CAN $48,799 – Offers a fully enclosed cab with HVAC, additional mode controls, and a fixed front glass windshield for added comfort.

3. Ranger XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate: Starting at US $44,999 / CAN $54,499 – Includes all features of the NorthStar Premium, with the addition of a 7″ infotainment display, heated seats, and an immersive sound experience.

Brute Strength in the Exclusive Transmission

Utility customers have been longing for a more durable and longer-lasting option to enhance efficiency and uptime. The Ranger XD 1500 answers their call with its industry-exclusive STEELDRIVE transmission. This transmission features a 100% steel-constructed belt that aims to delivers smooth, precise operation. It’s also fully sealed and liquid-cooled for unmatched durability. The design allows for maximum strength and longevity with less maintenance compared to rubber belts.

The vehicle’s smooth, predictable throttle engagement and precise low-speed control make it ideal for various tasks. These include backing up to trailers, navigating rough terrain, or spraying a fence line. The fully sealed design also reduces operating noise, enhancing comfort during operation. Additionally, the Ranger XD 1500 incorporates a Hill Assist feature to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when ascending slopes. It also helps maintain better control while descending slopes.

The high-strength steel heavy-duty frame ensures a smoother ride and better cab sealing. This further solidifies the Ranger XD 1500 as the most potentially durable utility side-by-side in the industry.

Moreover, the vehicle offers the industry’s longest service intervals. Customers maximize their uptime with full fluid changes only every 6,000 miles!

The New Ranger XD 1500 Offers Added Comfort

Recognizing the long hours utility customers spend on their vehicles, the Ranger XD 1500 prioritizes comfort throughout its lineup. Equipped with the most spacious and premium cab available in utility side-by-sides, the XD 1500 offers increased leg and shoulder room for easy entry and exit. The adjustable seating and telescopic steering wheel allow drivers to find their perfect fit.

Contoured seating with added bolstering ensures rider comfort. Further, the center seat can be flipped down into an armrest with additional cup holders. For the coldest days, the Ranger XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate offers heated seats, providing added comfort in harsh weather conditions.

The Ranger XD 1500 comes with an intuitive rotary drive mode selector, offering four drive modes to cater to various driving scenarios. The available HVAC system and fully-enclosed ProShield cab in the NorthStar Edition maintain a comfortable temperature and prevent dust and water intrusion, making harsh weather conditions manageable.

RIDE COMMAND — the available 7″ waterproof touchscreen display — offers a back-up camera, GPS navigation, and AM/FM radio with Bluetooth streaming capability. This provides both convenience and entertainment during the ride.

Customization Options Galore

Polaris understands that customers need versatility and ease of use for their different work applications throughout the day. With over 70 new Polaris Engineered Accessory options, customers can tailor their Ranger XD 1500 to meet specific needs. The Lock & Ride MAX platform offers secure and versatile accessory attachment, allowing users to customize their vehicle quickly and efficiently.

In partnership with JBL, Polaris has introduced the highest-performing audio system ever included in a Ranger from the factory. The JBL Trail Pro 4200 audio upgrade, featuring rear speakers and two subwoofers, provides an immersive audio experience.

For winter work applications, the Glacier Pro HD Plow offers faster and more efficient plowing, while the hydraulic plow lift and angle kit can be controlled from the comfort of the cab.

Final Thoughts on the 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 

The Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is a revolutionary utility side-by-side, meeting the demands of hardworking customers with its unprecedented capability, durability, and comfort. With its powerful engine, STEELDRIVE transmission, and customizable accessories, the Ranger XD 1500 establishes itself as the go-to vehicle for heavy-duty tasks and extreme conditions.

Expected to begin shipping to dealers in late summer, the Ranger XD 1500 promises to redefine the utility side-by-side market and elevate the Polaris brand to new heights. For more information, visit the Polaris website or follow them on social media.