Polaris introduced the RZR XP S in October 2025, generating considerable excitement among off-road enthusiasts. According to utvguide.net, the RZR XP S aims to improve upon previous models with enhancements geared towards rock crawling and high-speed performance.
The reviewer at UTV Guide had owned a 2024 Polaris RZR XP, which they considered a good trail machine. However, its taller low-range gearing and 64-inch width limited its rock crawling abilities. The new RZR XP S seeks to address these issues with a wider stance, more wheel travel, and a reinforced drivetrain, suspension, and chassis.
Key features of the 2026 Polaris RZR XP S 4 Ultimate include:
- 72-inch width and 117-inch wheelbase.
- 25 inches of usable travel with 16 inches of ground clearance.
- Low-range gearing optimized for rock crawling.
- 5-lug wheels.
- Strong axles with 8-ball CVs.
- Reinforced one-piece chassis.
- Ride Command with rear camera.
- 32-inch Pro Armor Trekker tires.
- 2.5-inch Walker Evans Velocity shocks with adjustable clickers and dual-rate springs.
- Selectable throttle modes (Standard / Sport / Rock).
- Fang lights.
- 900W charging system.
- Factory-installed 4,500-lb winch.
The MSRP is listed as $29,499.
UTV Guide received a 2026 Polaris RZR XP S 4 Ultimate demo unit in mid-January and conducted testing to assess its performance in stock configuration. The review focused on several key areas:
- Low-range gearing effectiveness for technical rock crawling.
- Maximum tire size compatibility.
- Drivetrain and suspension durability.
- Overall dimensions for technical rock crawling.
The reviewer mounted 35-inch System 3 Offroad RC500 S tires on beadlock wheels and found no clearance issues during testing at Double Sammy. Further testing was conducted on West Rim and The Maze at Sand Hollow with the help of Chad Hughes and Justin Kee.
Key takeaways from the testing included:
- The 72-inch width and 117-inch wheelbase provide stability and confidence on steep climbs and descents. The wheelbase is shorter than some competitors, such as the RZR Pro S 4 and KRX 4.
- Low range effectively pulls 35-inch tires in technical situations without belt slippage. High-speed performance in desert terrain is also good.
- The vehicle feels solid and robust, with noticeable improvements to the drivetrain, chassis, and suspension.
- The "Rock" throttle mode is well-suited for rock crawling, providing smooth and controlled power delivery.
- Transmission shifting is smoother than previous RZR models, even when parked on a hill.
- The shocks may feel stiff with only two occupants, but adjustments to the clickers can improve ride quality. The shocks are better at handling g-out situations than the 2-inch Walker Evans needle shocks found on the front of the RZR XP.
