POLARIS XPEDITION IS 2024’S UTV OF THE YEAR

On Nov 28, 2024

And the winner is…By the staff of Dirt Wheels

Since our first test ride to the Grand Canyon, we have been hooked on the new Xpedition platform. It drives like a General with more interior creature comforts. Best of all, the HVAC version has extended our sport riding activities to year-round enjoyment.

2024 has been a busy year for new UTVs. Polaris has come out with three new machines: the RZR XP, the Ranger 1500 and the Xpedition line. Kawasaki surprised us with the Ridge utility, the first HVAC-equipped machine from a Japanese brand. Finally, the machine to make the biggest splash on the market is Can-Am’s exotic Maverick R.

**The wider Talon 1000R-4 is your answer for a plush machine to tackle rough roads in the deserts of the Southwest. It would work anywhere from Barstow to Baja and get you back without issues.**

POLARIS

A giant in today’s UTV space, Polaris must have been busy during COVID times developing their new 2024 lineup in total secret, as neither of their three machines leaked prior to their respective launches.

The most notable was the Xpedition line. A total of 12 variations of the new adventure rig hit dealers late in 2023, and they quickly caught on despite a sizable price tag. Like many of you, we questioned if the price tag was worth it. After our first test drive, we stopped comparing it to Jeeps, modern Broncos and Tacomas. Any Xpedition is way more capable as an off-roader as those street-legal machines. It will get into tighter places, accelerate quicker and go over rough terrain faster. UTVs are easier to clean and service.

The Xpedition turned out to be a winner for those customers who wanted these capabilities, with a little more comfort, seating options and climate control. Even the non-HVAC models proved to be more comfortable and capable than models like the General or Ranger XP. Take the ADV 2, for example, even the cargo area is covered by a sun top, keeping things like coolers shaded and those canine passengers cooler. All of those features are what brought the Xpedition to the top of our list of favorite new machines. Finally, any vehicle that extends our riding season is a winner, which is why we chose the Xpedition as the “New UTV of the Year” for 2024.

**Since its introduction, we have taken the 2024 YXZ1000R SS through many rock trails, through the dunes with smiles on our faces, and on long-distance trips without fail.**

OTHER MENTIONS

Although not entirely new but worth talking about are Honda’s R version of the Talon 1000-4. We tested the R-4 for the last few months and loving its wider stance and plusher ride. Yamaha added a new six-speed transmission to its YXZ1000R SS. It crawls better than before, but is still a great all-around machine for riding in any terrain. Both machines are great improvements to the platform.

Here are 13 things you don’t know about the XPEDITION

Added protection from hot or cold weather and dust protection when you need it are the three best traits of the Polaris Xpedition. A sport-inspired suspension system, feature-filled cab and the ability to keep your cargo covered add to that list.

UTV OF THE YEAR