Ranger XD 1500 vs Xpedition

[AZadv]

Undeniable that the new ranger is pretty neat. Looks like 33s will be no problem and the bigger bed is great. That 3 cylinder sure sounds sweet. I think a set of elkas or fox QS3s could really turn it into a weapon. Of course none of us know how the steel belt will hold up but the specs are impressive enough that I had to put a deposit down on one as well.

I haven't taken delivery of my Xpedition but the very noisy cab is unfortunate. The gearing and clutching that revs to the moon is also a downside. I'll throw a clutch kit and 32s on the xpedition and hope it brings the noise down. My general xp4 with a quiet muffler is all the noise I can tolerate. Im thinking Xpedition when im scouting early season and need to cover groung and ramger XD when the early hunts come around or its firewood season. Either way, both are great machines with their own pros and cons but curious to hear other opinions.

 

[Dragoon]

The new Ranger XD 1500 is a beast! Here's the full press release for those wanting to know more about the specs of the new Ranger so they can compare.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (July 30, 2023) – Polaris Off Road, the global leader in powersports and off-road innovation, is once again breaking new ground with the industry’s first extreme duty utility side-by-side: the all-new RANGER XD 1500. With its unprecedented capability, brute strength and unmatched comfort, the new extreme duty class of RANGER side-by-sides are engineered with the first-ever ProStar 1500cc 3-cylinder engine that offers an industry-leading 110 horsepower, the industry-exclusive STEELDRIVE automatic transmission for greater durability and precise control, and over 70 new accessories for enhanced customization, highlighted by Polaris’ exclusive Lock & Ride MAX system. The RANGER XD 1500 establishes a new benchmark for utility side-by-sides.

“We spent over five years meeting with farmers, ranchers, large acreage property owners and big game hunters to develop an extreme duty vehicle that was missing from the market. From its ProStar 1500cc engine to the industry’s only STEELDRIVE transmission, RANGER XD 1500 is unlike anything else offered today and is yet another example of our relentless commitment to advancing the industry with fresh thinking and innovative solutions that meet the real-world needs of our utility customers,” said Steve Menneto, President of Polaris Off Road.

“Polaris RANGER has been the No. 1 selling utility side-by-side brand for more than 15 years and with the introduction of RANGER Extreme Duty, we’ve taken the industry’s hardest-working lineup and expanded it,” said Chris Judson, Vice President of Off Road Utility. “A segment of our utility customers said they are facing exceptionally large tasks and they simply need a machine with more power, more torque, more hauling and towing capacity, and more durability. And our team set out to deliver just that, incorporating dozens of new features and the latest engineering to make the RANGER XD 1500 more capable, stronger, and more comfortable than any other utility side-by-side out there.”

Unprecedented Capability

Farmers, ranchers, and large landowners routinely haul and tow heavy loads around the property, and they’ve been asking for a solution when it comes to their heaviest tasks. The RANGER XD 1500 delivers unprecedented capability for hard-working customers to haul more, tow more, and get more done in less time. With the industry’s only 1500cc utility engine, the RANGER XD 1500 provides over 30% more power and over 50% more torque than the next closest competitor.

• ProStar 1500cc 3-Cylinder Engine – Effortless towing, hauling, and confidence in tough terrain with an industry-leading 110HP and 105 lb-ft torque.
• 1,500 lb Cargo Box Capacity – Three-quarter ton box capacity providing nearly 50% more box volume than existing models for maximum productivity with fewer trips and bigger loads.
• 3,500 lb Towing Capacity – For those routinely towing heavy loads on the property, drive better productivity with nearly 40% more towing than existing models.
• Industry-leading Ground Clearance – All RANGER XD 1500 models get 15” of ground clearance with high-clearance arched A-arms to overcome large obstacles.

Brute Strength

Utility customers asked for a more durable, longer lasting offering to maximize their uptime and drive efficiency. Designed to last longer than any model before it, RANGER XD 1500 is the industry’s most durable utility side-by-side and has been engineered from the ground up to be stronger and stand up to the demands of the longest days.

• Industry-exclusive STEELDRIVE transmission – Offers a 100 percent steel constructed belt that delivers smooth, precise operation and a fully sealed, liquid-cooled design for unmatched durability.
• • Maximum Strength and Durability – Fully sealed and liquid-cooled design allows for maximum durability and longevity with less maintenance than a rubber belt.
  • Smooth, Precise Control – Smooth, predictable throttle engagement and precise low speed control when backing up to trailers, navigating rough terrain, or spraying a fence line.
  • Effortless Shifting, Quiet Operation – Effortless shifting between drive, park, and reverse. The fully sealed design reduces operating noise for enhanced comfort.
  • Hill Assist – Hill Assist prevents the vehicles from rolling backwards when letting off the accelerator and brakes when heading uphill, and engages the transmission to maintain better control while descending slopes.*

• High-Strength Steel Heavy Duty Frame – RANGER XD 1500 has a high-strength steel one-piece chassis featuring 160 percent more torsional stiffness for a smoother ride and better cab sealing.
• Industry-leading Service Intervals – RANGER XD 1500 offers the industry’s longest service intervals so customers can maximize their uptime.

Unmatched Comfort

From the farm to remote backcountry, utility customers work from before the sun rises to after it sets, and need something that delivers all-day comfort. Beyond industry-leading capability and durability, the RANGER XD 1500 prioritizes comfort across the entire lineup to keep customers going strong on the longest days.

• Most Spacious Interior – Equipped with the most spacious and premium cab available in utility side-by-sides, the XD 1500 offers increased leg and shoulder room, making it easy to enter and exit the vehicle. Adjustable seating and a telescopic steering wheel lets drivers find the perfect fit for height and riding preferences.
• Premium Seating – Contoured seating with added bolstering provides more rider comfort along with a center seat that flips down into an armrest with additional cup holders.
• Available Heated Seats – For comfort on the coldest days, RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate is the first utility side-by-side that comes from the factory with heated seats.
• Drive Modes – RANGER XD 1500 comes with an intuitive and easy-to-use rotary drive mode selector that lets customers choose from four different drive modes, including:
• • Comfort mode limits throttle response and engine braking, reducing operating noise for quieter ride experience.
  • Standard mode delivers optimal throttle response and moderate engine braking for everyday driving scenarios.
  • Sport mode maximizes throttle response and eliminates engine braking for an exhilarating ride after the workday is done.
  • Tow/Haul mode maximizes engine torque and limits speed for heavy payloads.

• Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) – Riders can stay comfortable in harsh weather conditions in the RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Edition, featuring an all-new HVAC system and a fully-enclosed, next generation ProShield cab that’s been redesigned with improved sealing to prevent dust and water intrusion, while locking in the temperature from the climate-controlled cab.
• Sun Visors – All-new integrated sun visors provide improved visibility throughout the day for added confidence while driving.
• RIDE COMMAND – Available 7” waterproof touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND technology featuring a back-up camera, GPS navigation regardless of cell service, and AM/FM radio with Bluetooth® streaming capability.
• RIDE COMMAND+ – Customers can keep tabs on their vehicle directly from the Polaris App and access critical vehicle information like vehicle location, maintenance reminders, and issue diagnostics right from the palm of their hand with the industry’s only connected-vehicle technology. Available from the factory on NorthStar Ultimate.

 

[Dragoon]

Customization

Customers have been asking for increased versatility, durability, and ease of use for the different work applications they face throughout the day. With over 70 new Polaris Engineered Accessory options designed specifically for the RANGER XD 1500, plus options from partners brands including JBL®, Rhino Rack®, Pro Armor, Kolpin, and HD Parts, customers have more opportunity than ever before to make their vehicle fit their specific needs.

• Lock & Ride MAX – Polaris' easiest to use, most versatile, and confident accessory attachment platform ever. With customizable configurations and the ability to reconfigure on the fly with no tools required, this new accessory platform allows users to prepare for their day, their way. Customers can simply choose and place their accessory, lock it in place, and ride confidently knowing their gear is secure.
• New JBL® Audio – Polaris partnered with JBL® to create the highest performing audio system ever included in a RANGER from the factory. For customers wanting to turn it up a notch, the JBL® Trail Pro 4200 audio upgrade adds rear speakers and two subwoofers for an immersive audio experience.
• Glacier Pro HD Plow – New 84” plow designed for faster, more efficient plowing during the winter months. A hydraulic plow lift and angle kit can be paired with an all-new plow controller to manage the largest plow Polaris has ever offered, all without ever leaving the comfort of the cab.

2024 RANGER XD 1500 Premium: Starting at US $29,999 / CAN $36,199

The RANGER XD 1500 Premium commands a large presence thanks to heavy-duty components and the industry’s largest bumper, providing complete front-end protection. The vehicle comes equipped with one of the most comprehensive standard packages in a side-by-side to date including 29” tires, tilt steering and seat slider for customizable comfort, four drive modes, high output LED headlights for enhanced visibility, and USB ports with multiple charging capabilities. The vehicle also comes equipped with boosted brakes and heavy-duty suspension to ensure performance across a variety of off-road environments.

2024 RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Premium: Starting at US $39,999 / CAN $48,799

The next step up is the RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Premium. This machine features a fully enclosed cab with HVAC temperature and five different mode controls, lockable full doors with power windows and a fixed front glass windshield. Additional features include an electronically controlled power tilt bed to dump heavy loads with ease, an overhead switch panel for easy accessorization, and an overhead rear work light to illuminate the cargo box in low-light conditions. NorthStar Premium comes stock with 30” Kenda® CrossTrail tires and available 32” tires to overcome large obstacles and tough terrain.

2024 RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate: Starting at US $44,999 / CAN $54,499

Rounding out the lineup is the RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar Ultimate, which features everything from the NorthStar Premium trim, plus the 7” infotainment display powered by RIDE COMMAND and heated seats. The NorthStar Ultimate trim also delivers an immersive sound experience, featuring full AM/FM radio with Bluetooth® streaming capability and industry-exclusive JBL® speakers for precise audio and premium sound. Finally, the vehicle comes standard with RIDE COMMAND+, allowing for vehicle health monitoring and more.

The 2024 RANGER XD 1500 lineup is expected to begin shipping to dealers in late summer. To learn more about the 2024 RANGER family, please visit Polaris RANGER: UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles)

 

[johndeerefarmer]

Cab and a/c should be the same between the two. Shock Therapy has a video on the two machines. The new Ranger engine with steel belt can't handle power upgrades and can't handle jumping, whoops etc.

 

[johndeerefarmer]

12" of travel on Ranger vs 14" and 15" on Xpedition. That will make a difference on how rough it feels going over rocks. Also shocks on the Xpedition are light years ahead. Front windshield on Ranger doesn't open either, which is stupid..

 

[AZadv]

12" of travel on Ranger vs 14" and 15" on Xpedition. That will make a difference on how rough it feels going over rocks. Also shocks on the Xpedition are light years ahead. Front windshield on Ranger doesn't open either, which is stupid..

Windshield does open on the upper trims.
As to the steel belt, I saw shock therapy's video as well and that was all self professed speculation. No one know how the steel belt will either shock load or slip during whoops but thats not a concern of 99 perfect of ranger owners I would imagine.
I also am interested in seeing how the steel belt stands up to ECU flashes, heavier tires, etc. My suspicion is the opposite of yours. The ability to tow 3500 pounds means this transmission is much better at handling high stress. Only time will tell.

 

[johndeerefarmer]

Windshield does open on the upper trims.
As to the steel belt, I saw shock therapy's video as well and that was all self professed speculation. No one know how the steel belt will either shock load or slip during whoops but thats not a concern of 99 perfect of ranger owners I would imagine.
I also am interested in seeing how the steel belt stands up to ECU flashes, heavier tires, etc. My suspicion is the opposite of yours. The ability to tow 3500 pounds means this transmission is much better at handling high stress. Only time will tell.

Shock Therapy is basing their opinion on other transmissions with steel belts not "professed speculation"

 

[AZadv]

Shock Therapy is basing their opinion on other transmissions with steel belts not "professed speculation"

Which assumes that polaris would build an identical transmission as is found in a commuter Nissan. There are rubber CVT belts that cant handle abuse from 100hp machines and other that can tolerate 1,000 hp drag sleds.
The clutch packs, electronic tuning, clutch tension, and a host of other factors are able to be engineered to accommodate for different environments. Show me a steel belt transmission designed for heavy sxs usage or something similar; and Subaru does not meet that criteria. Bottom line is that this is a matter of first impression and no one really has a clue how it's going to play out.

 

[Dragoon]

Here's the video for those who haven't seen it.

 

[Wincollector]

Been watching forum for a couple of months. Appreciate all input of everyone!
I texted my dealer Monday am. He was at the show and said: “The thing is amazing! I think I like it better than the expedition.” He also mentioned this steel belt tech is nothing new. Subaru, and others, have been using in race setups for years. Bottom line, I switched my order from ADV5 Northstar to XD 1500 Northstar ultimate. I am first on his order list and should have it by end of month. I realize this is a xpedition forum, but the machines are so similar in function and clientele they will definitely cannabilze each other. There will certainly be pros and cons of each and as with all things, there will be a Ford vs Chevy mentality and pride issue for those that choose one over the other. Mine is best is way t is for us testosterone laden men. That said, My reasoning was several fold. Among them are, If I’m going to spend the money I could use to buy another truck, I want as bullet proof of a rig as I can and the steel belt larger motor (less stress due to lower rpm)made my mind up on that. Hopefully maintenance and longevity will be years longer. I just replaced second belt in a year on my general after about 200 miles. I’m 57 and not hard on things. They just burn up. I’ve owned two RZR’s, same deal. Just a part of it. Belt system is finicky and a little sand or mud and it happens. Other reason is I want QUIET. Not interested in yelling to talk to wife and others. There are others too, but post is already a book. I Am exited to check it out. Will report back and incite a riot when I show enthusiasm for it. Haha.

 

[johndeerefarmer]

My Ranger has 3500 miles on it and on the stock belt. I tow a 4x8' trailer with a Miller Bobcat welder, air compressor and plasma cutter with it. Also other trailers around the farm.. Belts don't just burn up. Either you drive in high gear too much or your pulleys aren't aligned or you use cheap aftermarket belts. As far as Subaru goes, they have had lots of problems with the steel belts. Good luck!!

 

[Wincollector]

John Deere…I also own a couple of Deere’s. We certainly agree on that. Now for the hard part. I am a Ford guy. Hoping that doesn’t really throw you off on me now that I have chosen differently from you on our $50k toys/utility rigs.

 

[Dragoon]

We decided that the new Ranger XD 1500 had enough unique new features that it deserved its own specific forum: Polaris Ranger XD Forum

Come chat it up with us if you are also interested in the all-new Ranger XD 1500!