We Tested the 2025 Polaris Ranger Lineup and The NorthStar is Worth Every Penny
Updated: Jun. 16, 2024
The revamped Polaris RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar has all the bells and whistles for a comfortable day of outdoor work. Our editor tested the updated utility vehicle to see how it performs.
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When it comes to property maintenance, having the right tools and machinery can turn a multi-weekend project into an afternoon task. So, having a single tool that can plow, tow, haul, dump and even help take the garbage bins out is a major deal. The newest Polaris Ranger—the 2025 XP 1000 NorthStar—is just that tool.
Those who are familiar with utility-task vehicles (UTV) know that Polaris is a trusted name in the industry. The company, which began making snowmobiles in the 1950s, designs and manufactures everything from motorcycles and pontoon boats to ATVs and side-by-side utility-task vehicles.
Their 2025 Ranger lineup includes customer-driven improvements like increased durability, better transmission and more included features like a 7-inch display console and built-in sound system from JBL (which is one of our favorite home speaker companies).
I got to try out the premium and ultimate versions of the 2025 Polaris NorthStar myself to get a feel for the performance and functionality of these home improvement powerhouses.
What is the Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar?
Ranger is a brand of side-by-side off-road vehicles that look like a pick-up truck, but are closer to the size of a golf cart. They have power steering, gas and brake pedals, gear shift, and bench seating in the cab, a reinforced front bumper and grille, and a large truck bed that can be tilted up with a simple latch system.
The Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar is equipped with a closed cab that’s decked out with heating and air conditioning, a plethora of cup holders and storage, a console with GPS and trail maps, and built-in speakers that can connect to your phone. Paired with the 82-horsepower engine, 2,500 pound towing capacity and 1,000 pound carrying capacity, the Polaris NorthStar can be used to assist with lawn maintenance on large residential properties, daily chores on farms and ranches, and even getting docks and boats in and out of the water.
The powerful and thoughtful design of this revamped Ranger is something to behold. I found it to not only have the versatility and strength to tackle just about any outdoor chore, but it’ll also keep you comfortable while you do it.
VIA MERCHANT
WE TRIED IT
Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar
Striking the perfect balance between comfort and performance, the 2025 Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar from Polaris is the ultimate maintenance tool for your property.
Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Product Features
Closed Cab
One of the best aspects of this UTV is the completely enclosed cab. Riding around in the NorthStar on a Texas ranch meant a lot, and I mean a lot, of kicked-up dirt, dust, mud and water, which would have been pretty miserable without the closed cab and filtered air system.
In addition to clean air, you can also adjust the Polaris NorthStar’s temperature with heating and air conditioning. The former was a lifesaver in the Texas heat and the latter will make early morning snow removal a much more enjoyable experience. If you want to appreciate some good weather or coordinate with someone outside the vehicle, you can always roll down the windows. The ultimate NorthStar has power windows while the premium has crank windows. For even more flexibility, the ultimate NorthStar has a tip-out windshield that’ll make you feel like you’re in an open cab.
I also really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the cab’s design. The bench seats and rear-hinged doors allow for easy in and out, which is really handy when working on a project. Plus, the LED headlights switch is conveniently located to the left of the steering wheel so you can quickly illuminate what you’re working on, even when you’re out of the UTV.
Included Tech
The ultimate edition of the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar comes standard with some pretty cool electronics, the first being a 7-inch touchscreen display with Ride Command. This free program is an integrated GPS system where you can load existing trails, map new trails, view and communicate with other Polaris vehicles or snowmobiles, utilize a backup camera and, of course, see drive information like the speed, gas level and direction. To take things to the next level, you can add a Ride Command+ subscription that provides vehicle maintenance and diagnostic information so your ride stays in tip-top shape.
Also included with the ultimate edition is an all-new sound system backed up by JBL speakers. I can attest that these speakers sound great and are loud. You’ll have no trouble hearing the radio or streaming music while riding or working outside the UTV. You can connect your phone via Bluetooth to sync with Ride Command to listen to music and get texts and calls, or plug in your phone with the USB port when you’re low on battery.
Power and Durability
A big selling point for the 2025 Polaris Ranger line is the upgraded front end. The redesigned front bumper and grille are larger and more durable than previous iterations, for improved performance and appearance. Attached to the front end is a heavy-duty winch with a synthetic rope and auto-stop feature that will make light work of downed trees, loading items onto a trailer or pulling yourself or another vehicle out of a stuck spot.
With an 82-horsepower engine and new Gen 2 transmission, the Polaris Ranger XP 1000s shift easily between gears and can reach up to 60 miles per hour. When paired with the unit’s three throttle control modes (performance, standard, work) you can expect to power over rough terrain and steep slopes, and have more acceleration control.
The NorthStar ultimate and premium are now equipped with 29-inch wheels and four-wheel, two-wheel and one-wheel drive, the latter of which can be used to preserve wet grass or other fragile ground from being torn up while you work. The larger wheels and 14-inch ground clearance mean you can stay dry when driving through flooded fields or low waterways.
Versatility and Add-Ons
There are almost endless uses for the Polaris Ranger NorthStar. The large cargo box can hold up to a thousand pounds and has a simple lever latch that allows you to tip the box up. This is incredibly helpful when moving heavy rocks, transporting and laying mulch, or planting trees and other large plants around your property.
The cargo box also has corrugated sides and bed to securely hold storage containers and tool boxes or partition the bed into separate sections. Additionally, hitch a trailer to the back and use the 2,500 pound towing capacity to move heavy equipment, lawn tools, decking or even a light boat.
Like there are many ways to upgrade a utility trailer, there are a ton of add-ons and accessories available for the Ranger NorthStar line. From storage racks and bed extenders to hydraulic lifts, generators and covers, Polaris has all the gear you can imagine on their website and Amazon. Two of my favorite add-ons are the snow plow and trash can hauler which turn cumbersome chores into a fun (and productive!) ride. If you’re not quite sure which accessories would work best for you, Polaris offers six packages that filter down common tools and add-ons for large properties, farm work, hunting, trail riding and winter prep.
How We Tested It
I got the chance to test out the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar premium and ultimate vehicles at a ranch in Texas. I drove the premium NorthStar (the unit without a dash display and speakers) for about five hours and the ultimate (with those features) for about an hour and a half, mostly off-road. This included rocky ground, dusty trails, low waterways and up and down steep slopes. Here’s what I thought.
Ride Performance
Starting to ride this side-by-side couldn’t have been easier. After hopping into the UTV, I just turned the key, pushed the gear shift and started driving. I started off on a dusty dirt road, and can this thing move. Though the top speed is 60 miles per hour, even going half that made me feel like I was flying. This would be incredibly convenient for those with especially large properties to move around in a flash.
Once I switched over to off-trail riding, the strength of the Ranger NorthStar really shined. Despite being met with rocky earth that verged on boulders, the vehicle in four-wheel drive powered through without missing a beat. I was actually pretty impressed with how smooth the ride was, given the uneven terrain. Don’t get me wrong, there were certainly bumps, but I never felt jolted or overly jostled, likely because of the larger tires and dual a-arm suspension.
When I was met with steep up or downward slopes, I tried out the performance and work throttles. When engaged, these modes definitely gave the UTV more power and control when moving up and down steep hills. Rather than sliding down or back a big decline/incline, the Ranger gripped the road and moved evenly, even when moving slowly.
Speaking of grip, I also drove the side-by-side through a few flooded spots on the trail as well as a flooded road. Though the water was about a foot deep, the vehicle had no problem driving through the water. It should be noted that even with the large tires, high clearance and sealed suspension, if you drive through water higher than the clearance, you will get a bit of moisture in the floor of the cab. That’s fairly high, though, and I didn’t experience any water issues during my drive.
Something that I particularly enjoyed about riding these Rangers was the improved powered steering. The vehicle was incredibly easy to navigate, and even surprisingly nimble with a 160-inch turning radius. I could definitely see these side-by-sides being incredibly useful in cleaning up and maintaining a large home property.
Comfort
When it comes to creature comforts, it doesn’t get much better than the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar. When I first saw the bench seats and small, glass-mounted headrests, I was a bit nervous about how my body would feel after a few hours of driving. My fears were unfounded though, and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I was. If you’re planning on riding around all day, every day, I could see you wanting to add more lumbar support or an extra seat cushion (our favorite seat cushion is in this list of the best car accessories), but more casual users will be perfectly content with the bench alone. The steering wheel can be tilted front and back, so it can be adjusted for drivers of different heights and sizes.
One of the best parts of this vehicle is the closed cab and climate control. As I mentioned, I drove the side-by-side off-road in Texas, which meant very hot and dusty rides. The HVAC system kept about 99% of the debris out (I had just a touch of dirt around my sunglass line and in my nostrils after several hours of driving). The air conditioning was an actual lifesaver. Even though it was only mid-April, it was extremely hot and sunny out and the air conditioning in the cab worked quickly and consistently to keep me cool. I can only imagine how great the heating element would be in the winter months, especially if you have to do some early morning plowing.
For the time I was able to drive the ultimate model, I made full use of the JBL speaker system and display screen. Using Bluetooth, my iPhone connected with little effort and I cranked the tunes. My music could be easily heard over the rumble of the engine and clearly heard outside the cab when the doors were open. When it comes to the touchscreen display, my favorite part was seeing the other Rangers in my group driving the trail through Ride Command. If you have multiple Polaris vehicles on a farm or together for an off-roading trip, making sure everyone is accounted for is a huge safety plus.
For those who are only interested in owning one Ranger NorthStar, I understand going with the paired-down premium version, without the display and sound system. This was the model I drove the most and it was great. It’s certainly more utilitarian and cheaper (the premium Ranger NorthStar is five grand less than the ultimate) but I will say I did miss the additional tech of the ultimate after switching back to the premium. There’s just something about riding around with the music blasting!
Usability
The 2025 line has all the functionality and versatility of the Ranger’s previous iterations, plus a few bells and whistles. On the front of the side-by-side is a new front bumper and grille that will protect the front of the cab (and, well, you) from bumps and hits while driving as well as when pulling something on the winch. The winch itself is built into the UTV with a synthetic rope to resist fraying and a handy auto-stop that’ll keep the end of the rope from being rolled into the winch. Plus, the winch is remote-controlled, so you can pull or release items from a safe distance.
At the back of the Ranger, the bed can be titled up with a lever near the middle of the vehicle. I was surprised how easily the bed lifted once unlatched, thanks to the added hydraulics. This means moving and dumping rocks, dirt, feed or sand are much more manageable tasks than if you had a wheelbarrow alone. Also, if you add a winch to the top of the cab, you can pull large logs or game hands-free into the bed, which will totally save your back. Once tiled up, you can get a good look at the upgraded ProStar engine and can perform routine maintenance as needed.
As I mentioned before, the bed of the truck has grooves along the bottom and up the sides to more securely hold storage bins, tool boxes and coolers. You can also partition the bed with a couple of boards as dividers. Additionally, there are round and rectangular holes all along the top of the walls where you can install storage or tool racks, mounts, a bed extender or flag pole, the options are extensive. An example of how thoughtful the design of this side-by-side is the inclusion of four cupholder spots on the tailgate so you can keep your beverage close as you work outside the vehicle.
Pros
- Closed cab with effective air filtration and climate control
- Powerful engine with lots of control
- Smoother ride
- JBL sound system standard on ultimate
- Very versatile
- Display includes GPS, trails and tracking other Polaris products
Cons
- Expensive
- Might be overkill if you have a smaller property, or only casually hunt or trail ride
- Add-ons can be pricey, especially when purchasing multiple
FAQ
What’s the difference between a Polaris Ranger 1000 and a Polaris Ranger 1000 XP?
According to the Polaris website, the Ranger 1000 and Ranger 1000 XP are very similar, but the 1000 XP has a newer engine with more horsepower (82 hp vs. 61 hp) as well as better seats, suspension and ground clearance.
How fast does a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 go?
The Polaris Ranger XP 1000 has a top speed of 60 mph, so you can zip around a farm or large property (or between multiple properties) in a snap.
How much does a Polaris Ranger Northstar weigh?
The Polaris NorthStar is an estimated 1913 pounds with a payload capacity of 1275 pounds.
Are Polaris Rangers reliable?
Yes, Rangers are reliable, Polaris is one of the top brands in the UTV industry. In addition to the durability upgrades for the 2025 line, Polaris also offers 1-year limited and 1-year factory warranty for these vehicles. You can also purchase additional or extended coverage with the Polaris Protection Plan which covers mechanical and electric parts, repairs, trip protection and vehicle pickup.
Can-Am vs Polaris
The most similar product on the market to the Polaris NorthStar ultimate is the Defender Limited from Cam-Am. These UTVs are closed cabs that seat 3 with same horsepower, ground clearance, box capacity, towing capacity and wheel drive options, and both have a dump bed, rear camera, tilt windshield with wipers, LED headlights and lots of add-on options. The Defender and Ranger are also similar in overall size. The base Cam-Am Defender costs $29,899 and the base Polaris NorthStar ultimate is $32,999 (the premium version comes in at $27,999).
While both UTVs have a display screen, the Polaris NorthStar’s is much more sophisticated. For one, it’s a large touchscreen that can display GPS coordinates and directions, driving information and control the music. The Defender’s display, on the other hand, is a rectangle above the steering wheel that only displays driving information. Similarly, the Defender’s HVAC control is a single knob for the temperature and fan levels, whereas the NorthStar has separate knobs and a defrost switch.
The Defender does not come with a sound system standard, like the Ranger NorthStar ultimate does, but one can be added when building your vehicle for an additional $930-1,120.
If the upgraded tech isn’t enough to sway you to the Polaris NorthStar, I’d recommend testing each of these vehicles out for yourself at a local dealership. They are so close in specs and price, your personal ride experience and needs are even more important.
Final Verdict
If you have a large property or farm, multiple properties, trail ride, hunt or just work on a ton of outdoor chores, the Polaris 100 XP NorthStar ultimate or premium are definitely worth the high price tag. The vehicles are so versatile, especially with add-ons, and the closed cab and HVAC allow you to work all year round. Paired with the stellar tech and sound system of the ultimate edition, this is a top-tier tool.
Where to Buy the Polaris Ranger NorthStar
You can purchase the 2025 Polaris Ranger NorthStar ultimate and premium at a local dealership. You can also customize your UTV on the Polaris website and then be connected to dealer close to you to fulfill your order. RANGER add-ons, replacements, accessories and merch can be purchased on the Polaris store or Amazon storefront.
VIA MERCHANT
WE TRIED IT
Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar
Striking the perfect balance between comfort and performance, the 2025 Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar from Polaris is the ultimate maintenance tool for your property.
