POLARIS SPORTSMAN XP 1000 HIGH LIFTER EDITION

POLARIS SPORTSMAN XP 1000 HIGH LIFTER EDITION

Taking a deep dive with Polaris’ largest mud-loving ATV

Words and photos by Lance Schwartz

I’ve reached a verdict after embarking on a challenging journey through the muddy spring weather with our Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition—and we didn’t mess around when finding a good test site. Nestled near Shamokin, Pennsylvania, the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (www.aoaatrails.com) boasts some of the most formidable mud holes I’ve ever encountered, making it the ultimate testing ground for our High Lifter Sportsman mud machine.

POWERTRAIN

At the core of this beast lies Polaris’ fuel-injected, liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, which churns out a robust 85 horsepower. Its fuel injection ensures effortless starts and precise throttle control, while its intake draws in combustion air through front-mounted snorkels, safeguarding against water ingress during deep-water crossings.

To shield the radiator from debris and ensure its longevity, Polaris adopts a distinctive rack-mounted radiator setup with inverted dual fans nestled under a plastic cowl, replacing the conventional front rack. This design keeps the radiator cleaner and helps dissipate heat generated from powering through the muck.

TRANSMISSION

The Sportsman High Lifter Edition is outfitted with a specialized mud-specific transmission with lower gear ratios. This configuration helps the Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter handle the hefty 30-inch Outlaw II tires without compromising performance too severely. Shifting through park, high, low, neutral and reverse is managed via the same right-hand-mounted shifter as all Sportsman models.

The Polaris On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system proves its worth in challenging conditions. It can effortlessly be engaged or disengaged via a switch on the right handlebar.

SUSPENSION

The Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter Edition utilizes high-clearance arched dual A-arms for front and rear suspension. These arched arms help with ground clearance, which is essential when you don’t know what’s hidden beneath the murky terrain. Stiffer suspension springs manage the weight of the heavy tires.

At low speeds, the ride is a bit rough, primarily due in part to the aggressive tread pattern of the aggressive 30-inch Outlaw 2 tires. However, once the tires get rolling faster, the ride notably smooths out as long as the trail remains relatively smooth. Engineers imposed some steering-track limitations to accommodate the large tires without risking contact with the frame or A-arms. In the mud, the wide turning radius hardly matters as the tires tear through, clawing and spinning in any direction you command. Nevertheless, executing a U-turn on the trail might require a few extra maneuvers.

TIRES, WHEELS & BRAKES

For those afflicted with tire envy, this machine offers the perfect remedy. The 30-inch High Lifter Outlaw tires mounted on black 15-inch aluminum wheels exude a menacing aura, capable of flinging mud (and rocks) with astonishing force. 

Braking is managed by typical four-wheel hydraulic discs controlled from the single left handlebar-mounted brake handle Polaris loves to use. While a foot-mounted rear brake pedal slows down the rear tires, urgent stops demand a tug on the handbrake to stop this muddy mammoth.  

HIGH LIFTER TRIM FEATURES

Standard features on the Sportsman XP 1000 High Lifter include a 3500-pound winch. A factory steel front bumper with an integrated D-ring provides attachment points for extraction. Additionally, Polaris equips this Sportsman with a handlebar mud bar, offering a flexible grip point for maximizing traction during maneuvers.

RIDE EXPERIENCE

I spent some time on a Sportsman High Lifter Edition ATV a number of years ago.  Slinging a leg over this year’s model, I noticed the only thing that seems to have changed (for better or worse) is the color.  From the saddle with your eyes closed, the ergonomics feel like a typical Sportsman.  However, once you head down the trail, you’ll notice the High Lifter models ride and handle differently.  

With the engine lightly rumbling and the transmission in gear, a stab of the throttle gets it motivated quickly. These tires are designed for mud, and that’s about it; after all, conquering the slop is this machine’s specialty. The High Lifter will spin the tires relentlessly on hard ground where the mud lugs can’t grab traction. The Sportsman High Lifter rides like a tractor at low speeds due to the aggressive tires. It wasn’t overly comfortable on the trails, especially when rocks came into play, but it was still fun. The turning radius is also exceptionally wide. Although it’s fun to ride on the trails, I would stick to the mud for the ultimate experience.

Once I arrived at my favorite mud holes, the Sportsman High Lifter felt much more at home. There’s enough power to turn the big meats, but you won’t win any drag races. Splash protection is pretty decent. A look at the Sportsman High Lifter from the side profile will show how low-slung this model is. There’s no factory lift on it; to me, lifts aren’t always great for handling. So, although it doesn’t handle amazingly, it does handle pretty darn well for the size and type of tires on it. Because Polaris managed to squeeze 30-inch tires into factory Polaris Sportsman wheel openings, you’ll hear and feel the tires bite the plastic fenders and floorboards during aggressive trail riding or when impacting rocks and logs. I noticed the same behavior on the High Lifter model when it came out several years ago, and in 2024, it still exhibits the same symptoms.  

FINAL VERDICT

The 2024 Polaris Sportsman High Lifter Edition is a niche model that works perfectly in the terrain Polaris designed it for. If you’re into hardcore mud racing or love to dunk your machine into a bottomless swamp, you’ll need to add some modifications, which come with the territory. If you primarily trail ride, this is likely not your perfect model. However, if you spend your riding time on relatively smooth trails, riding mud hole to mud hole with your buddies, the Sportsman High Lifter model is a desirable choice.