Here Comes Polaris’ Brand New RZR XP
And It’s a Move in the Right Direction
Words: Staff Writer
Photos: Mike Emery
Imagine yourself in the driver’s seat, gripping the steering wheel of the all-new 2024 Polaris RZR XP. As you ignite the engine, a surge of excitement courses through your veins, knowing that this off-road beast is about to unleash its full potential. The wind whips through your hair as you navigate through uncharted trails and conquer untamed terrains. With each twist and turn, the XP’s sharp handling and precise steering respond effortlessly to your every command, igniting a sense of freedom and exhilaration.
It’s not just a machine; it’s your trusted companion, ready to take you on unforgettable adventures where the thrill of the unknown awaits. Get ready to immerse yourself in the gripping tale of the 2024 RZR XP, a personal journey filled with adrenaline, breathtaking landscapes, and the sheer joy of exploration. The new 2024 RZR XP shows a drastic shift in the design of the vehicle compared to prior model years. It promises more capability and sharper looks at a similar price to the outgoing model, making the 2024 XP sound like quite the upgrade.
The XP’s greatest departure from the outgoing model is the exterior appearance. It has a far more automotive look, as well as nice fender flares that are incorporated into the body itself. The whole fit and finish of the XP feels significantly tighter than prior models, with some nice ergonomic improvements on the interior. The seats sit lower than the previous model, and new metal latches reduce the amount of flexing and shifting you might feel in previous OEM seats, adding to this solid feeling in the cabin.
Some more of the new model’s ergonomic features include speakers that now fit at an angle to the cabin, which does a good job at pushing audio into the passenger compartment. Paint from the exterior overlaps into the interior nicely, adding a bit more to the feeling that this is more automotive-inspired than the RZR XP of the past. The windshield itself no longer rides on top of the dash, instead having its own specialized slot, providing extra security.
The new doors feel extremely sturdy and do a great job at keeping mud out of the vehicle, especially on the upper half of your body. The new adjustable grab bar also is lovely, with a quick on-the-fly adjustment to let passengers change the position as they see fit.
The footwell has slots for your heels in front of the pedals, providing some extra positive engagement when driving and keeping your feet in their proper positions near the go and stop pedals. The overall driving experience feels tight and agile, but still preserves the stability that past RZR XP models have been known for.There is a lot of off-road capability in this package.
Retaining the same overall width as the last model, the 2024 RZR XP has sharper handling and steering feel. Much of the agility in the new XP can be chalked up to the transition to a one-piece welded frame, which gives the whole chassis added rigidity. In addition to the new frame, the new steering ratio feels extremely accurate and tight, which gives you phenomenal confidence when driving.
With 115 horsepower, one wouldn’t expect the XP to feel as fast as it does. The ride is still as smooth as one would expect, but the addition of the new front differential, which is isolated from the chassis in rubber mounts, means no more chucking. Combined with smooth acceleration, the XP is an extremely comfortable drive for climbing hills in the mud. All of this has been carefully done to avoid compromising the agility that existing RZR XP owners knew and loved, and represents a great overall improvement in the driving experience.
During a drive through some trails in Tennessee this RZR XP felt perfect. It had all the speed you could realistically want, as well as the crawling ability that meant you can comfortably go anywhere. The precise throttle and new gearing for the 2024 model made the hilly terrain and rocks far easier than they would have been even in the old model, which was far from bad. When the terrain was a bit more open, there was plenty of power to have fun, especially with the kind of sharp handling this new model has.
The new RZR XP does a great job of improving what the outgoing model was already good at, driving in rough terrain, forests, mud, and more. Doing all of this with meaningful upgrades in some important areas for this kind of driving, especially while retaining the ground clearance and fun-to-drive feeling of the old XP, means this is an enticing package. If you are planning on open desert rips, you will probably feel let down by the 115 horsepower, but that’s what other models in Polaris’ lineup are for. The XP is a great all-around adventure vehicle, with the ground clearance and comfort necessary to enjoy long journeys into the outdoors.
Being a naturally aspirated model, this XP is a great overall package for just about anyone driving outside of the open desert, right off the lot. The more premium fit and finish is even more impressive, and it’s all done at a price point that’s remarkably close to the outgoing model. With its captivating design, cutting-edge features, and thrilling performance, the 2024 Polaris RZR XP might just reign supreme in the world of performance off-road vehicles. Its precise steering, agile handling, and formidable engine blend seamlessly to deliver an unforgettable driving experience that lingers in your soul.
Whether you’re conquering rugged terrains, venturing into unexplored landscapes, or seeking solace amidst nature’s embrace, the 2024 RZR XP is your ultimate companion. It’s not just a mere machine; it becomes an accomplice to your wildest adventures and a catalyst for cherished memories. Get ready to unlock a world of endless possibilities as this latest from Polaris becomes your trusted ally in conquering the unknown and savoring the few moments of exhilaration in life.
