2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 Review: Is It a Good UTV?

Source: Polaris

The UTV landscape is ever-evolving, and the 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 stands as a testament to this exciting progression. 

With Ranger XD 1500’s rugged design, powerful performance, and innovative features, the Ranger XD 1500 has become a much-anticipated model for enthusiasts and professionals alike. This model is part of the Extreme Duty class;  it's engineered to tackle the toughest jobs and terrain with ease. 

In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the Ranger XD 1500’s price, specs, highlight features, interior comforts, capabilities, and more of this beastly machine, answering the question on every off-road aficionado’s mind: Is the Polaris Ranger a good UTV?

 Let's find out!

• The Highlights of the 2024 Ranger XD 1500
• What We Dislike?
• How Much is the Ranger XD 1500？
• So, Is Polaris Ranger a Good UTV?
• FAQs

The Highlights of the 2024 Ranger XD 1500

Source: Uncrate

Engine and Horse Power 

The Ranger XD 1500 is equipped with a massive ProStar engine, which is the largest available in any UTV. With 110 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque, the Ranger XD 1500 can easily handle heavy loads and challenging trails.

Drive System

When it comes to driving, this Ranger has no low gear, but there are a few drive modes. You can typically use the standard mode for good throttle response and sufficient engine braking on descents, and you don’t have to ride the brakes frequently. Comfort mode, however, reduces the throttle more, while Sport mode allows higher revs without engine braking. 

Despite having 110 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque, this UTV is not designed for racing. On a dirt road, it can reach a speed of 60 mph but don’t expect lightning-fast acceleration.

Transmission

The transmission of Ranger XD 1500 is STEELDRIVE transmission. It’s an industry-exclusive automotive transmission that features a 100% steel belt that delivers smooth, precise operation and a fully sealed, liquid cooled design for lifetime use. 

You'll no longer have to worry about throwing a belt when you're tearing up the trail. You'll need to change the fluid and filter every 6,000 miles—a significant interval for a UTV and far superior to frequently replacing a rubber belt. Polaris is saying you can expect around 50,000 miles out of the XD 1500. 

The Ranger XD 1500’s STEELDRIVE transmission offers electronic control for smooth throttle engagement and low-speed control, pretty smooth and effortless shifting between drive, park, and reverse gears, and reduced operating noise for a quieter ride. 

Combining Hill Assist and Descent Control features, this vehicle helps you maintain control when driving uphill or downhill. Flip on Tow/Haul mode when hitting the base of a steep hill, the engine torque for climbing is enhanced—kind of like a low gear. It gives you a handy hill start assist.

As you can see, this automatic transmission control makes the Ranger XD 1500 super powerful for recreational use but also a reliable workhorse for you!

Towing Capacity

Source: Hookandbarrel   

The Ranger XD 1500 has a towing capacity of 3,500 lb (1,588 kg), which is more than enough to handle round bales, horse trailers, boats, or any other equipment you need to move. It also has a standard two-inch receiver hitch for easy attachment of trailers or accessories. Whether you're on the farm or the construction site, the Ranger XD 1500 is up to the task. 

If you will be towing and hauling most of the time, the rear suspension is adjustable. You can move the rear shocks outboard just a bit and tighten the spring up for a stiffer ride in the back.

Ground Clearance

The Ranger XD 1500 has a ground clearance of 15 inches. The NorthStar Edition rocks 30-inch tires, while the premium version rolls on 29-inch tires. And according to Polaris, you can fit 32-inch tires without modifying anything. That’s cool!

Radiators 

There are three different heat exchangers upfront—radiators. You've got one for coolant, one for CVT transmission oil, and another for the air conditioning system. And it’s said that these radiators are as big as what you’d find on an F-150. Well, it means this thing will stay properly cool even when you're pushing it to the max. 

Winch

Speaking of working its tail off, this machine is heavy, close to 2,800 pounds. And to make sure you're equipped with the right recovery gear, Polaris threw in a 6,000-pound winch on Ranger XD 1500. It's a higher-capacity winch than on any other UTV we've seen. Having this powerful winch is crucial to get you unstuck without having to wait for help. 

Ride Command System

The Ranger XD 1500’s 7-inch touchscreen tells your speed, battery level, and engine temperature, but the real MVP is the navigation feature. It links up everyone in your crew, making sure you always know where your buddies are.

Tailgate

The Ranger XD 1500’s tailgate can seat two people. And it's even thrown in cup holders right there in the bed. Besides the usual five-gallon bucket storage, it's added a ruler and a bunch more cup holders. 

The bed comes with extruded aluminum rails for the lock and ride system, which is just a kind of dummy latch. You can bolt on lots of accessories you can bolt on, like a nifty big bed rack and all sorts of other cool stuff.

Bonus– Polaris did fluid dynamic testing on this beast to ensure that when you're power washing the rig, you won't get hit in the face by a blast of water. Believe it, anyone who's had a face full of muddy grime will appreciate that. Plus, being a Ranger, you can power wash the inside too – all that fancy material inside won't bat an eye at the water. Nice, right?

Ranger XD 1500 Interior

The Ranger XD 1500 has a spacious and comfortable interior for both the driver and passengers. It can accommodate up to six individuals. The middle seats are most suitable for those who are under approximately 5-foot-10. The cab features 

• a tilted steering

• adjustable seats. They slide back and forth, giving you that classic buckboard feel. The seats are way nicer, featuring a faux leather vibe.

• multiple storage compartments and cup holders. There is understated storage,  two gloveboxes, and a designated cell phone cubby for the driver. And there’s a handy one – you can access the under-seat storage without kicking your passenger out. Four cup holders! Some others boast up to six! 

• ample legroom and headroom

• center console 

• intuitive control as we have just said. 

Its cab also has a full windshield, roof, doors, and rear panel to protect you from dust and debris, so your clothes and face remain dust-free. Plus, with noise-dampening features, your ride can be as quiet as it is comfortable. You won’t hear any squeaks or rattles while driving. 

If you choose the NorthStar Edition, you'll also enjoy a climate-controlled cab with heating and air conditioning, a backup camera, available heated seats, a JBL audio system, and a RIDE COMMAND infotainment system with GPS and trail maps.

Cab

Source: Polaris

Now we need to talk about the Ranger XD1500’s cab. 

The Ranger XD 1500’s cab is the best-sealed one Polaris has ever rolled out; it’s a dust-free zone. Well, credit goes to a way sturdier chassis – they say it's like 50% stronger than the old model. No chassis flex means no gaps opening up in body panels, keeping that annoying dust from sneaking in. 

Taking the Ranger XD 1500 for a spin on some seriously dusty trails, you won’t be covered in dust except getting a bit from opening and closing doors and rolling down windows. What’s more, the HVAC system includes a legit in-cabin air filter – you usually see that stuff in full-size trucks or cars— which makes a big difference, especially when you're out there hustling in the dust all day! 

The Northstar editions also come with a legit glass windshield – not some flimsy material. It has a wiper and washer too. Might sound small, but on a dusty, this wiper and washer keeps that windshield clean all day. 

By the way, narrow trails pose no problem for this 64-inch-wide UTV.

Brakes

The brake of Ranger XD 1500 works like a vacuum booster—just like an automotive-style braking system that you find in regular car brakes—giving you confident braking. That's a big deal because this machine is, as Polaris puts it, extreme Duty: you can tow a whopping 3,500 pounds, and load up 1,500 pounds in the bed. To handle the huge pounds, you need reliable brakes. The boosted brakes on the Ranger XD 1500 are amazing to stop the loads! 

In addition, with the steel-belted transmission, the machine provides super precise throttle control when you’re backing up with huge loads. This is way much better than a rubber-belt CVT.

Ranger XD 1500 Top Speed

Speed thrills and the Ranger XD 1500 doesn't disappoint.

The Ranger XD 1500 can reach a top speed of about 60 mph (97 km/h). This is thanks to its powerful ProStar engine that pumps out an industry-leading 110 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. The ProStar engine also features dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, and electronic fuel injection for optimal performance and efficiency.

Accessories for the Ranger XD

Polaris says there are over 70 accessories up for grabs for the Ranger XD, and they've got curated packages tailored for ranching, farming, and hunting. One standout is the Lock and Ride cargo system – super handy for easily hooking up stuff like shovels or recovery boards. And if you need it, they've got front and rear winches, a snow plow, and those sun visors we talked about earlier all available. 

What We Dislike?

Rear locker weird: Instead of a typical differential lock, the Ranger XD features a differential unlock button. This means it defaults with the rear locker engaged, and if you want Turf mode, you must push the button while stopped or at speeds below 5 mph.

Horn Absence: A horn is a useful feature of the UTV because you will want to grab attention or signal to others in some cases. 

Some switches feel cheap: While many features and finishes impress, some switches feel cheap and they feel like they could break off. It's a notable contrast to the overall quality of the machine.

Windshield wiper quirk. When hitting the windshield washer, it cleans up, but here's the kicker – let go of the switch, and your wiper doesn't get the memo—it keeps on trucking. 

Gauge readability: The black-faced gauges, especially the indicator for four-wheel drive, can be hard to read due to their placement. For example, your indicator for four-wheel drive is over here, it sort of interferes with the steering wheel depending on where you've got that located.

Uncomfortable seats. The seats are hard and short, leaving legs to flop around and making you uncomfortable during extended periods of riding.

How Much is the Ranger XD 1500？

Source: Gear Junkie

The 2024 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 has a starting price point of $29,999 for the most basic Premium trimmed three-seat model. The top-tier Northstar Ultimate crew-cab Ranger XD kicks off at $49,499. 

For example, the Ranger XD NorthStar Edition costs $32,999 for the three-seat model and $34,999 for the six-seat model. This edition comes with a fully enclosed cab, heat, air conditioning, RIDE COMMAND technology, etc. 

The Ranger XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate trim cost starting at about $4500.  It’s fully enclosed and equipped with a powerful HVAC system, heated seats for winter comfort, a 7-inch touchscreen, a JBL sound system, and 30-inch tires, with the option to upgrade to 32 inches.

So, Is Polaris Ranger a Good UTV?

Considering its feature set, the Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is more than just “good.” 

It's a versatile, powerful, capable, and dependable machine that excels in various scenarios, from leisure riding to serious towing and hauling tasks. It has industry-leading power, performance, and durability, as well as a spacious and well-equipped cab that offers comfort and convenience. Whether you need a UTV for work or play, the Ranger XD 1500 can do it all.

The Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is a high-performance utility vehicle unmatched by standard pickups. Designed for tough off-road tasks and hauling up to 1,500 pounds, it's the ideal choice for traversing difficult terrain quickly and comfortably. This isn't just for any driver; it's for those who value premium quality and efficiency in their workhorse vehicle—it's the King Ranch of UTVs. Offering both rugged capability and luxury, the XD 1500 proves to be a worthwhile investment for the discerning outdoorsman or industry leader. 

FAQs

1. How Much Is a Ranger 500?

As for the Polaris Ranger 500, being a smaller and less powerful model than the XD 1500, it comes with a lower price tag. You can find these units starting in the lower $10,000 range.

2. What is the difference between Ranger 1000 and XP 1000?

While this article focuses on the Polaris Ranger, we recognize some may be interested in Ranger 1000 and XP 1000. The main differences between these two models lie in power outputs, feature sets, and intended use. The XP1000 usually boasts more horsepower, ground clearance, suspension travel wheelbase, and advanced features, targeting a more performance-oriented user.

3. How Much Is a Ranger Truck?

A Ranger truck is a midsize truck made by Ford.  A new Ranger truck, depending on the trim and options you choose, can range anywhere from the low $34,845 to $68,465. However, the price can vary depending on the trim level, engine, transmission, drivetrain, features, and options you choose.