Polaris Ranger 1000 Premium vs. XP 1000 Premium: Which Off-Road Beast is Right for You?

If you're in the market for a new UTV, then you’re probably no stranger to the Polaris Ranger series. Given the ever-expanding lineup of Ranger products, which now offers more alternatives than ever before, you have undoubtedly wondered, "What is the best Polaris Ranger?"

Both models are bona fide workhorses, with their main differences mostly centered around what extra features you may or may not get for the money. You can’t really go wrong with either, but depending on your needs, there are a few key differences that you’ll want to consider.

So trap in because we are going to cover the main difference between these two titans of industry in detail!

Ranger VS Ranger: Breaking Down the Differences

Performance

The XP takes the cake in the performance department; no questions asked. It's packing a 999cc ProStar engine that churns out an impressive 82 horsepower. The Premium, while no slouch, comes with a SOHC (single overhead cam) engine that delivers a respectable 61 horsepower.

We’ll go ahead and call out the obvious here and say that more power isn’t always better. Since the Premium's engine is more than capable of handling most jobs while using less fuel, it is likely a better choice for you if you are searching for a UTV that will help you lower operating expenses on a jobsite.

Traction and Off-Road Capability

Both models come with Polaris’s excellent 4WD system, including their proprietary ‘Turf Mode” that unlocks the rear differential. So there is no difference in how they put that power down on the dirt. The XP, however, ups the off-road ante with its larger 27-inch tires mounted on 17-inch wheels.

The Premium isn't far behind, though. It offers 12-inch wheels with 26-inch tires that are more than capable of handling most off-road situations. We’ll note that the XP does offer more suspension travel for those riders who plan on tackling the roughest terrain. But unless you're planning on conquering Mount Everest, you'll probably find the Premium's capabilities more than sufficient.

Work Utility

Let's talk about getting stuff done. Both models feature a cargo box with a 1,500-pound payload capacity, which is pretty impressive. Whether you're hauling firewood or equipment, both the 1000 Premium and XP 1000 Premium have you covered. What’s equally impressive is that both models offer the same 2,500 lbs. towing capacity regardless of trim level. The XP just offered a few more fancy tidbits to keep you comfortable while working out on the job site.

Both machines offer the same bed size and height as well as Polaris’s “lock and ride” system for attaching accessories on the back. Additionally, they both offer front bumper guards, winch quick mount systems, and plow integration as standard, which means both of them are perfectly equipped to handle just about any configuration you might need on a given job.

Cabin Comfort and Ergonomics

The interior ergonomics are where we begin to see even bigger differences between the two. For starters, the 1000 Premium isn't exactly slumming it. It still offers many of the basic creature comforts one would expect from a UTV with the word “premium” in it’s name: a tilting steering wheel, a multi-use LCD display, a comfortable ride with decent seats, and good visibility. If you're not too fussy about the finer details, you might find the Premium's cabin perfectly adequate.

The XP 1000 typically offers a bit more refinement in the cabin with items such as it’s dual analog sweeping gauges mated to a larger, more detailed LCD screen. You'll also find an added USB charging port, premium materials, a throttle response switch, and additional storage compartments. The XP’s seats are also going to be more comfortable than the premium, as they offer increased side bolstering and generally better build quality. It's like the difference between flying economy and business class—both will get you there, but one's just a bit more comfortable.

Pricing

Alright, let's talk money. The Premium, as you might guess, comes in at a lower price point than the XP with a starting MSRP of about $17,999. As expected, the XP will cost a bit more with it’s starting MSRP coming in around $21,199. We're talking a difference of several thousand dollars in most cases. Keep in mind that these prices are shown without the added delivery, prep or market adjustments that we typically see on these models. So always check with your local dealer for the most accurate price comparison. Is the XP worth the extra cash? Well, ultimately, that depends on your needs and budget.

Conclusion

Still on the fence? Then maybe our final thoughts will help close the gap. Whether the XP is worth the added costs over the Premium really comes down to the value that a prospective buyer sees in the added features.

If you’re looking for the best of what Polaris’s Ranger line-up has to offer and don't mind spending extra for premium features, the XP 1000 Premium is probably the model that’s going to meet your needs best. The added power and ergonomics will prove useful when pushing the vehicle to it’s limits, whether on the trails or the farm. It's the go-to choice for those who demand the absolute best and have the deep pockets to match.

On the other hand, if you want an equally capable, reliable UTV that will do the job at a cheaper price point, then the 1000 Premium is a fantastic choice. It'll handle just about the same workload as the XP, just without as many fancy bells and whistles. If the Premium leaves you wanting more out of your riding experience, you can always dress it up with some aftermarket accessories.

Adding aftermarket accessories to your UTV can dramatically improve your riding experience by filling in potential gaps that might not have been addressed within the factor setup. Headlights not letting you see the trail ahead while riding at night? Light up the path ahead with some new LED bulbs, for example! From light bars to winches, you can find almost every aftermarket part imaginable for your Polaris Ranger at Start Knight MT.

Regardless if you end up going for the Premium or the XP, you're in for some serious off-road fun. Remember, the best UTV is the one that fits your needs and budget. And whatever you choose, don't forget to gear up with some awesome accessories. Happy trails!

FAQs

Q: Is it worth spending the extra cash on the XP over the Premium?

A: If what you’re looking for is a no-compromise UTV loaded with features and money, then we recommend the XP. However, if you are a more value-conscious buyer, then the Premium might be the better option for you.

Q: Can I upgrade my Premium to match the performance of an XP?

A: It’s technically possible to upgrade a Premium so that it matches the performance of an XP; however, this might not be the most economic route. Matching factory specs can not only be challenging but also sometimes more expensive than buying the model you wanted from the factor.

Q: Are Polaris Rangers reliable?

A: The biggest determining factor in any UTV’s reliability is going to be the level of maintenance and car that it has received over the years. That being said, Polaris’s Ranger is one of it’s legacy brands and has seen many improvements over it’s lifetime that have made it one of the most reliable UTVs in the segment.

Q: Which model is better for farm work?

A: While both the XP and the Premium are capable UTVs offering similar payload and towing capacity, the XP might be slightly better suited for farm work as the extra ergonomic features can lend a boost to overall productivity.