ATV Adventures: Reviewing the Polaris RZR Pro XP Ultimate
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- Nick Faulkner riding shotgun as we began our ride.
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- Another look at the sleek lines of the Pro XlP.
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- The 2024 Polaris Pro XP.
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- Lynn R. Blamires tries to keep his hat on while riding the Musket Shot Trail.
I spent a day behind the wheel of a 2024 Polaris RZR Pro XP Ultimate in the Uinta Mountains above Whitney Reservoir — man, what a ride! The Pro XP is available in six models — Sport, Premium and Ultimate in two- and four-seat configurations. Nick Faulkner with Young Powersports provided a two-seat model for this review. He rode shotgun to answer questions about the machine.
We drove to Coalville and then took the Chalk Creek Road east about 20 miles to a stone monument marking the southwest corner of Wyoming, where it borders Utah. The monument has the year 1863 crudely carved into it. We parked on the side of the road and unloaded. This was my first look at this machine.
As I walked around the Pro XP, I noticed the 30-inch Maxxis Carnivore tires on 14-inch rims. It is a radial tire with an 8-ply rating, and it is a tire I could live with. Often, with a new machine, the tires don’t match the quality of the machine. The tires are the same size all around, making rotation easy. I also liked the fang-style LED running lights in front. This ’24 model doesn’t come with a roof, but the ’25 model does.
We climbed in and buckled up. The four-point harness takes a little getting used to.
The telescoping steering wheel has the instrument cluster attached to the column, so it is easy to read in any position. I turned the key and fired up the RZR. I love the throaty sound RZR engines have. I also like the RZRs’ AWD feature. I can activate AWD, but it only kicks in when needed.
This RZR has the seven-button Ride Command feature, the same as my XP 1000 Premium. The Ride Command is a GPS that also monitors engine performance, outside temperature, altitude, and more. It connects with other RZRs that also have Ride Command to see them on your screen. You can also send text messages to others with Ride Command when cell service is not available. I have found Ride Command to be a valuable tool in the backcountry.
As we pulled out from the staging area, I noticed that the throttle was a little sensitive and took some getting used to. The Pro XP has a 181 hp turbocharged engine. I felt like I was sitting on a rocket. My XP has a similarly sized engine, but the turbocharger makes a world of difference, and it was as smooth as butter.
Another outstanding feature of the Pro XP is the DYNAMIX active suspension system, along with 22 inches of usable travel. DYNAMIX adjusts shocks on the move by controlling compression damping. With DYNAMIX, riders can seamlessly toggle between three suspension modes to find the right balance of performance, comfort, and control for the terrain and their riding style. Nick put the setting on Comfort Mode, and we literally floated over the ground. Sport Mode prioritizes enhanced vehicle stability, agility, and handling for riding in the dunes. Firm Mode is designed to tackle the roughest terrain and obstacles, like rock gardens.
The Pro XP comes with full doors, but on the ’24 model, the door has a high slope, so it is uncomfortable to rest your arm while driving. The ’25 model has corrected that.
There is a feature that I have always enjoyed – starting in any gear by stepping on the brake. Polaris has changed that. You have to put the transmission in Park to activate the starter.
We stopped for lunch at the top of Moffitt Pass. There was a breeze that kept the mosquitoes away, and the views of Whitney Reservoir, Beaver Lake and the Weber Canyon were beautiful. After lunch, we completed a loop, finishing a ride of 53 miles, leaving me very impressed by the Polaris Pro XP.
It is rare to have the opportunity to take a machine out on the trail. You can’t tell much by driving around the parking lot. Young Powersports is opening this opportunity to the public. On Aug. 2, come to the Bountiful “B” and ride new Polaris machines. They will have Rangers, RZRs, Xpeditions, Generals and Sportsman ATVs for you to ride between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will be food and drinks, everyone gets a free T-shirt and a chance to win big — a raffle ticket to win a new Polaris RZR XP.
When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and I will see you Aug. 2.
Pricing: MSRP — 2024 $33,199; special offer — $4,000.
Lynn R. Blamires can be reached at quadmanone@gmail.com.
