Polaris RZR Top Speed

As one of the speediest side-by-sides on the market today, the Polaris RZR has made quite a name for itself.

Of course, if you’re riding in the high desert in California, where I often like to ride, high winds can hold you back. However, even if you find some wide-open stretches of land where you can really try to top out your side-by-side, judging the top speed of a vehicle like the Polaris RZR can be a challenge.

The information your speedometer might give you might not be the same thing your digital speed sensor tells you, let alone your GPS if you ride with one. 

So, the question becomes, “What is the top speed of the Polaris RZR, and can I get it to go any faster? While the whopping 80 mph you get out of this thing might be a decent top speed, the answer truly depends on what model or edition you have and what year it is. 

Plus, you can make small adjustments here and there to make your Polaris RZR faster than it is when purchasing stock. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top speed of each Polaris RZR model and see what kinds of mods you can make to give your Polaris RZR a boost.

 

Overview and Top Speed of the Polaris RZR Series

The Polaris RZR lineup includes several models, and it’s important to look at them individually when trying to determine their approximate top speeds.

2024 Polaris RZR Turbo Top Speed

With its naturally aspirated design, you can get quite a bit out of a RZR in general.

However, when you add a turbo, things start to get really interesting in the speed department.

The Polaris RZR Turbo and its Turbo S cousin were strictly made for speed. Plus, even if you find yourself on wild terrain, the added stability and 72” wheelbase help you maintain that speed without ever feeling like you’re out of control.

It’s important to note that there are factory-imposed limitations of the RZR Turbo in the form of an ECU, meaning at stock, you’ll only be able to get up to 85 MPH. On downslope trails or with tailwinds pushing behind you, you may be able to get a few more miles per hour with a stock Polaris RZR Turbo.

The newer RZRs were governed a bit lower than the older models, so depending on the year you have, you might have a 90 mph top speed. In a 2024 model, however, you’re not going to get this out of a Polaris RZR Turbo.

2024 Polaris RZR XP 1000 Top Speed

Because the Polaris RZR XP 1000 comes with a rev limiter, without any modifications, you won’t be able to get past 78 mph. Some people say that with mods, they’re able to get up to around 85 mph.

Check out our Polaris RZR XP 1000 accessories to see how you can mod your vehicle today!

2024 Polaris RZR Trails And Rocks Edition

While the Polaris RZR Trails and Rocks Edition can get up to about 72 mph at top speed in high gear, the low gear (which it is mostly meat to be ridden in) tops it out at 20-25 mph. The lowest gear has a 55% gear reduction for crawling or climbing.

If you ever push this RZR into the 6,000-7,000 RPM range in the lowest gear, you’ll get this gnarly burnt rubber smell from the heated belt.

Those who want speed with everything stock, including the 30” tires, will enjoy a ride that almost matches the Turbo version. Plus, with the right tires and a tuner, you can easily push it to 85 mph.

 

Factors That Affect Top Speed

Worn-Out Belts

While many people see factory ECU governors as the limiters for top speed, worn-out belts are another often unthought-of factor that can adversely affect top speed. Worn belts are more likely to slip during operation, meaning less power from the engine reaches the wheels.

Tires

The right tires can make all the difference in the world. If you like off-roading and have a set of tires that were made to grip uneven surfaces, you’ll naturally limit your top speed.

We highly recommend going with lighter tires that have a lower rolling resistance. ITP UltraCross R Spec tires are some of the best and most durable performance tires on the market.

Terrain

Just as your tires play a big role, so do the tires underneath them. If you’re riding in sand, mud, and snow, you’ll get a natural drag that’ll cut back on your top speed. The softer the surface, the more power you’ll need from your side-by-side just to keep moving.

If you really want to get the most out of your RZR, take it out on asphalt or packed dirt.

Load Weight

Speed and weight have an inverse relationship. You might be thinking, “duh,” though many riders seem to forget to consider this almost obvious factor.

Are you riding around with any passengers, tools, or extra supplies that are adding weight to your ride? Maybe you’ve purchased some high-quality but heavy Polaris RZR accessories like winches or bumpers?

All of these things can negatively impact speed.

 

Modifications and Upgrades for Enhanced Speed

Flash the ECU

One of the best ways to increase the top speed on your RZR is by flashing your ECU tuner. Just make sure to get in touch with a good flashing company that knows what they’re doing. We’ve seen some people get their Polaris RZR Turbos up to around 93 mph by doing so.

Clutch Kits

Upgraded clutches are a great way to improve power delivery and allow your engine to maintain optimal RPMs at higher speeds. Some kits include stronger springs and weights for even better performance.

Exhaust Systems

Some RZRs that have gone through more extensive modifications can get up to 100 MPH. A high-flow exhaust reduces back pressure, allowing your engine to breathe easier. Combine this with an upgraded intake, an EVO tune, and a charge pipe, and there’s no reason you can’t get up to at least 96 MPH!

 

Conclusion

Polaris has long made some of the fastest and most exciting side-by-sides on the market, and it seems that with each passing year, they’re getting better in terms of speed and performance. With that said, we hope we made it clear that whether you’re rocking an older stock model or the new 2024 turbo, there’s always room for improvement.

 

FAQs

Q1: What’s the top speed of a stock Polaris RZR Turbo R?

A1: While you won’t be able to top out the RZR Turbo R beyond 85 mph, due to its factory limitations, we’ve seen people get up around 94 mph with decent tunings, new clutch kits, and other mods.

Q2: Will increasing my Polaris RZR’s speed void the warranty?

A2: While there are certain modifications that you can do without affecting your warranty, such as tire upgrades or bolt-on accessories, tuning the ECU or altering the clutch may void it, so make sure to check with your dealer first.

Q3: Is it safe to hit top speeds in an RZR?

A3: While it’s easy to get carried away with dreams of breaking the speed barrier, it’s always important to consider safety. Make sure that you never go out riding without the right safety gear, such as a helmet, goggles, and gloves.