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2024 Polaris Xpedition Review
The Polaris Xpedition side-by-side takes the formula for SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, shrinking it down to nearly the size of a two-door Mini Cooper S. Although it is illegal on the streets, it handles creeks effortlessly, and its climate-controlled cabin effectively mitigates the chill and dust of the outdoor experience.
HIGHS: Incredibly capable, practical, and fun to drive.
Polaris, known for its side-by-sides since 2007 with the Ranger RZR, has elevated the experience of riding in a vehicle with a plastic steering wheel. The Xpedition, available in two- and four-door styles, accommodates up to five passengers and features options such as a bed that dumps or an enclosed rear cargo space. Enhancing its versatility, Polaris offers a range of accessories, including a snow-conquering track system that provides further exploration opportunities.
We obtained a top-trim four-door Xpedition XP5 NorthStar for testing. Pricing starts at $37,294 for the base Ultimate five-seater but our NorthStar model’s price reached $45,794. Although the options on our test vehicle were minimal, the total price escalated to $50,274. This cost exceeds that of a two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. However, the Xpedition comes with notable extras, including a roof-top tent mounted atop the cabin, which requires careful removal to fit in a standard garage due to its approximate 7.5 feet height.
Its in-bed Lock & Ride Max locking system provides secure storage for a full-size spare tire and two Maxtrax recovery boards, though it limits cargo space. Additional features include power windows, a 4500-pound winch with synthetic rope, a JBL audio system, and integrated Ride Command GPS navigation.
Driving the Xpedition is powered by a mid-mounted 999-cc ProStar parallel-twin engine generating 114 horsepower. Each Polaris Xpedition also features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to maintain optimally high revs of up to 8500 rpm. While the cabin’s enclosure keeps out dust, it traps the high-revving engine’s noise, affecting comfort on prolonged journeys.
At full throttle, the Xpedition produces 121 decibels of sound—a level comparable to the 240-hp Can-Am Maverick R, and 15 decibels louder than the 493-hp Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Even at cruising speed of 50 mph, it generates 91 decibels. Therefore, earplugs are advisable for longer rides.
In terms of performance, the Xpedition reached 60 mph in 14.1 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 19.3 seconds at 63 mph on our dirt test track, achieving a maximum drag-limited speed of 68 mph. While this is slower than the 78-hp Mitsubishi Mirage G4, the Xpedition excels in traversing rugged terrains, making it far more capable off-road.
LOWS: Expensive with options, needs more power, and is very loud!
Fortunately, the Xpedition handles rough terrains with grace, featuring a front suspension with 14 inches of travel and an additional 1 inch for the rear suspension. Standard on every Xpedition are 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler XP tires, with customers opting for larger 33-inch BFGoodrich KM2 tires for enhanced performance.
The Fox Podium QS3 dampers adjust according to the suspension’s position across three zones, delivering excellent ride quality. These dampers can be manually adjusted, but for general use, adjustments may not be necessary unless tackling extreme conditions.
The native Ride Command software on the Xpedition’s 7.0-inch touchscreen enhances navigation and communication without reliance on an external device. It allows group communication, ensuring no one gets separated during adventures.
Our off-road camping journey took us along the Two Hearted River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where we indulged in local brews at a beautiful camping site. While the roof-top tent comfortably accommodates two people, its setup requires some effort, especially compared to the ease of some hardtop tents we have experienced.
The Xpedition features a 12.5-gallon fuel tank, with a claimed range of 200 miles; however, our experience yielded an average of just 9 mpg, limiting our effective range to roughly 113 miles. The larger fuel tank still offers fewer gas stops on extended trips. After traversing a few hundred miles of trails in Michigan, the utility of the Polaris Xpedition became evident, making every adventure enjoyable.
More horsepower would certainly enhance the experience, particularly at higher elevations. Still, the Xpedition proves delightful in any terrain. While considering options like a Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner might make sense for some, the Xpedition has unique capabilities that appeal to off-road enthusiasts.
Post-adventure, we utilized a garden hose to clean the Xpedition’s interior, which showed signs of its rugged use. Encountering minor mechanical hiccups only requires a short tow back to the trailer. This loud yet charming side-by-side encapsulates the fun of off-road adventures, making every ride in the Polaris Xpedition a blast.
VERDICT: Illegal on the streets but a freak through the creeks.
Specifications
2024 Polaris Xpedition XP5 NorthStar
Vehicle Type: mid-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door buggy
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $45,794/$50,274
Options: rooftop tent, $2000; spare pro armor wheel and tire, $1800; Rhino-Rack roof rack, $560; bed rail kit, $120
ENGINE
DOHC 8-valve inline-2, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 61 in3, 999 cm3
Power: 114 hp @ 8250 rpm
TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms
Brakes, F/R: 10.3-in disc/10.3-in disc
Tires: Pro Armor Crawler XP
F: 30 x 10-15
R: 30 x 11-15
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.0 in
Length: 152.5 in
Width: 64.0 in
Height: 74.9 in
Curb Weight: 3170 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 14.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 19.3 sec @ 63 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 14.7 sec
Top Speed (drag ltd): 68 mph
Braking, 50–0 mph: 133 ft
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 9 mpg
Reviewed byAustin Irwin
Technical Editor
Austin Irwin has worked for Car and Driver for over 10 years in various roles. He’s steadily climbed from data entry to driving vehicles for photography, and now tests cars. What will he tackle next? Who knows, but he better be swift.
