POLARIS RZR PRO XP PREMIUM
Evolution continues to hone performance
POLARIS RZR PRO XP PREMIUM
Polaris introduced the RZR Pro XP Turbo for 2020 with numerous upgrades compared to the RZR XP Turbo: a completely new one-piece frame, 6-inch-longer wheelbase, a quick-steering rack with telescoping steering wheel, a roomier cockpit with a racier seating position, plus an updated dash and upgraded 181-horsepower turbo engine with double the CVT belt life. For 2021, Pro XPs got lighter wheels, rear shock springs and guards, improved clutch alignment, blow-molded engine intakes, better door latches, an audio-system, and Ride Command upgrades. For 2022, Polaris continues the evolution of Pro XPs, and we got a chance to test the 2022 Polaris RZR Pro XP Premium at ERX Park.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2022?
For 2022, RZR Pro XP Turbos still come in Sport, Premium and Ultimate trim packages, with Premiums and Ultimates getting door inserts to close off the cabin better. All have a new charging port in the dash to maintain batteries between rides. The Sport is pre-wired for the Premium’s and Ultimate’s Rockford Fosgate Stage 5 audio system with controls on the steering wheel.
All XP Turbos get a new high-output, 900-watt charging system with twin regulators, and Pro XPs get a pop-out grill. We were suspicious of the strength of our 2021 Pro XP’s C-channel trailing arms, and Polaris beefed up the 2022 arms with thicker plates. The turbocharge tube is also thicker to reduce flex. The blow-off valve piston is metal, and the wiring harness is more heavy duty. Pro XPs also get a new throttle map.
HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
The Pro XP Sport is $21,999. The Polaris RZR Pro XP Premium is $27,299, and the Pro XP Ultimate with Dynamix Live Valve shocks is $29,499. Can-Am’s Maverick X3 DS Turbo is $19,999. The X3 ds Turbo RR starts at $21,999, and the X3 X DS is $25,899. Can-Am’s 72-inch X3 RS Turbo RR starts at $23,799. The X3 X RS Turbo RR starts at $28,599 and goes to $30,299 with Smart-Shox. The Robbie Gordon Speed El Diablo RG Edition 225-horsepower UTV is $37,999. The Can-Am Maverick X3 X ds Turbo RR is the most direct comparison to the Pro XP Premium, and it’s $1400 less but doesn’t have an audio system or Ride Command. However, it does have Fox 2.5 Podium RC2 shocks with high-/low-compression and rebound adjustments.
HOW FAST IS THE PROSTAR 925 TURBO?
Power is awesome! The Pro XP rips out of corners and is tuned for ultimate acceleration from 20 to 50 mph. It’s an awesome woods machine. We didn’t get to top the 2022 out at ERX, but we got 86 mph out of our long-term 2021 with rev limiter (the Turbo S goes 92 mph). There is plenty of power on tap to turn 32-inch tires, which we put on our 2021 for more ground clearance and less rear-end drag. The exhaust note is throaty, too.
WHAT ABOUT THE CVT/AWD DELIVERY?
It’s also top-shelf. CVT clutch tuning is aggressive for great launches and turn-to-turn acceleration. Polaris’ Isolated Xtreme Performance On-Demand AWD lets you set up drifts into corners in 2WD and power out hard in 4WD. Although there is no EBS helix in the clutch, compression braking slides the rear end out for drifts into turns and aids handling. The range selector is pretty slick, but there is no gate plate to prevent mis-shifts.
HOW DOES THE PRO XP HANDLE?
Like a long-travel rally car. Turn-in is great with the quick-steering rack, and the 64-inch width makes it a woods weapon. It slides very predictably, so you can really charge into turns with confidence. The 96-inch wheelbase adds stability over rough ground at speed, but it’s also very agile in turns. Maxxis Carnivores follow deep ruts well, are great in sand and rocks, and deliver predictable slides.
HOW ABOUT THE SUSPENSION?
It’s good but could be better. Sports and Premiums come with 2.0 front and 2.5 rear Walker Evans Racing needle shocks with 16-click compression adjusters, while Ultimates have Polaris’ Dynamix on-the-fly-adjustable suspension with Fox Podium Live Valve electronic adjusters. Front travel is listed as 17 inches, but it’s more like 20 inches when jumping and rear travel is 20 inches. The piggyback WER needle shocks have a 16-click, high-speed compression-damping adjuster, while the Fox Live Valve shocks have a wider adjustment range. Ride quality in the woods is really good; however, the Walker shocks could use longer top springs and adjustable cross-over rings to deliver better ride quality and bottom-out control, especially in back.
HOW STRONG ARE THE BRAKES?
They’re strong. Triple-piston front and dual-piston rear hydraulic calipers squeeze 248mm (9.7-inch) rotors, and the Carnivore tires provide plenty of braking traction; however, we compared the 2021 Pro XP to the Turbo S, and the S stops shorter by 10 feet from 70 mph.
WHERE IS THE PRO XP HAPPIEST?
With wind in its grill, we had a blast with the 2022 Premium in Minnesota’s woods, and we’ve taken our 2021 Ultimate rock crawling and to deserts, mountains and dunes. It is a great machine for all, but we have bottomed out and drug the rear in big desert and dune whoops.
WHAT ABOUT TRAIL COMFORT?
It’s epic. Pro XP cabins are roomier than the Turbo S, with more leg room and more adjustable seats on rollers. It offers 4 inches more elbow room, and the Pro XP dash and console have plenty of storage. The dash has center and right-side storage with latching lids, and the console has a rubber-lined front cubby and underside storage with rubber nets. We really like the telescoping and tilting steering column and nicely molded steering wheel with audio controls (and Dynamix on Ultimates), and the analog instrument panel tilts with the wheel. Seats are comfortable and secure, and the Click-6 harnesses are also comfy and secure while allowing movement. They lock up during hard braking. The adjustable passenger grab bar is also a huge upgrade, featuring four hand positions with textured rubber over-molding. The 7-inch Ride Command screen has several pages, plus a back-up camera, and there is an optional front camera for rock crawling and such. Our test unit also had the $379.99 poly sport roof.
WHAT’S OUR FINAL ANSWER?
We are really impressed with the 2022 RZR Pro XP Premium for tight eastern woods, and it’s a capable and comfortable trail machine. It’s crazy fast and agile, yet it cruises with great ride quality. It has great suspension, handling, brakes and especially creature comforts. It’s also great for desert, dunes, mountains and more wide-open western forests. The 2022 Pro XP also has upgrades inspired by adventurers and desert and short-course racers alike.
SPECS:
2022 POLARIS RZR PRO XP PREMIUM
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, DOHC
turbocharged 4-stroke twin
Displacement 925cc
Bore x stroke 93mm x 68mm (x2)
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Lubrication system Wet sump
Additional cooling Auto fan
Induction 48mm EFI (x2)
Starting/back-up Electric/none
Starting procedure Turn ignition switch
Air filter:
Type Paper pleat
Access Tool-less, undo four clasps
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/reverse
Reverse procedure Move range selector to “R”
Drive system Selectable 2WD/4WD w/auto diff-lock
Final drives Shafts
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity 12.0 gal
Wheelbase 96.0”
Overall length/width/height 126”/64”/71.7”
Ground clearance 14.5”
Claimed dry weight 1,760 lb.
Bed weight limit 300 lb.
Hitch No
Towing limit N/A
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame Steel 2.0” round tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front Dual A-arm w/ prel./comp.-adj. 2.0 WER
needle shocks/17”
Rear IRS Trailing-arms w/prel./comp.-adj. 2.5 WER
needle shocks/20”
Brakes/actuation:
Front Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
Rear Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
Parking Lever on console
Tires:
Front 30×10-14 Maxxis Carnivore
Rear 30×10-14 Maxxis Carnivore
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet Console
Lighting:
Front 2 LED hi/lo headlights
Rear 2 LED brake/tail lights
DETAILS
Instrumentation Analog speed/odo/trip/hour/rpm/
fuel/gear/clock/2WD-4WD
Colors Sport White Lightning or Cruiser Black,
Premium Matte Orange Rust, Ultimate Super
Graphite or Army Green
Minimum recommended operator age 16
Suggested retail price $21,999; Premium, $27,299;
Ultimate, $29,499
Contact Polaris, (800) POLARIS
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