Bottom-line
- If you want more punch and factory kit, the Ranger XP 1000 wins. It makes 82 hp, sits at 14 in clearance, rolls on 29 in tires, and includes a roof and a 4,500 lb winch from the factory. Width is 62.5 in. Tow rating is 2,500 lb.
- If you want the lower buy-in and easier gate fit, the Ranger 1000 is my move. It makes 61 hp, is 62.5 in wide, has 12 in ground clearance, and also tows 2,500 lb with a 1,000 lb bed. Tires are 26 in on Premium.
- Both are strong workers. Power and standard gear tilt to XP. Value and tight spaces tilt to Ranger 1000
Comparison table — Ranger 1000 vs Ranger XP 1000
| Model | Engine / HP | Torque | Transmission | Width | Ground clearance | Suspension travel F/R | Seats | Bed L×W×H | Bed rating | Payload | Towing | Dry weight | Tires | Service interval | Warranty | MSRP context | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger 1000 (EPS/Premium) | 999 cc SOHC twin / 61 hp | 55 lb-ft | Gen 2 Automatic PVT H/L/N/R/P | 62.5 in | 12–12.5 in (trim) | 10/10 in | 3 | 36.75×54×11.5 in | 1,000 lb | 1,500 lb | 2,500 lb | 1,485–1,544 lb | 25 in (EPS) or 26 in (Premium) | 200 hr or 2,000 mi after break-in | 2-year limited | From $13,999 | Best value, tighter gates, basic work |
| Ranger XP 1000 (Premium) | 999 cc DOHC twin / 82 hp | 62 lb-ft | Gen 2 Automatic PVT H/L/N/R/P | 62.5 in | 14 in | 10/10 in | 3 | 36.75×54.25×12.5 in | 1,000 lb | 1,500 lb | 2,500 lb | 1,684 lb | 29 in Pro Armor X-Terrain (8-ply) | 200 hr or 2,000 mi after break-in | 2-year limited | From $20,999 | More power, clearance, and factory gear |
Quick differences that matter
- Power: Ranger 1000 is 61 hp. Ranger XP 1000 is 82 hp. If you pull hills often, XP feels stronger.
- Ground clearance and tires: Ranger 1000 sits 12–12.5 in on 26 in tires. XP sits 14 in on 29 in tires. XP bridges ruts better. Ranger fits tighter spots.
- Standard gear: XP adds an upgraded EPS with assisted return-to-center. It also ships with a factory poly roof and a Polaris HD 4,500 lb synthetic-rope winch. Ranger 1000 Premium also includes roof and winch. Check the exact trim.
- Capacities: Both tow 2,500 lb and rate the bed at 1,000 lb. Bed boxes are near the same size.
- Service cadence: Oil and filter after break-in, then every 200 hours or 2,000 miles. Cut that in half for severe use.
Engine feel and drivability
I feel the gap most with a trailer on a grade. The XP’s 82 hp holds speed with less throttle. The Ranger 1000’s 61 hp is fine on flat ground and chores. For daily hills or heavy implements, XP keeps you relaxed. Both use True AWD with Turf Mode for yard work.
Transmission and shifting
Both run a Gen 2 Automatic PVT. The XP’s 2025 updates made the shifter much lighter. I can slide it with two fingers. That helps when you’re jockeying a trailer. Engagement feel is smooth once the belt is warm on either rig.
Size, seating, storage, and cab
Width is 62.5 in on both. The XP stands taller with 14 in of clearance. Seats three on a bench in either model. Bed size is about 36.75 × 54 in long and wide on both, with the XP’s box a touch taller. If you want heat and A/C, look at NorthStar trims on the XP side.
Towing, plowing, and farm chores
Tow rating is 2,500 lb on both. Box is 1,000 lb. Either will pull a small hay wagon, sprayer, or splitter. The XP’s extra clearance and 29s help in ruts and snow berms. Both support plow setups and come winch-ready. Many trims now ship with the HD 4,500 lb winch and roof installed.
Ride comfort and steering
Steering is light on both. The XP’s upgraded EPS adds assisted return to center, which makes it settle straight after a turn. The 2025 XP also got sealing tweaks and cabin refinements called out in tests. If you run long ranch days, these touches reduce fatigue.
Maintenance and uptime
After break-in, Polaris calls for oil and filter every 200 hours, 2,000 miles, or 6 months. Severe use? Cut it roughly in half. That applies across the Ranger family, including Ranger 1000 and XP 1000. I follow the manual table and log hours, not just miles.
Pricing and trims (MSRP snapshot)
- Ranger 1000 starts at $13,999 US MSRP. Dealer fees, setup, and tax are extra.
- Ranger XP 1000 starts at $20,999 US MSRP. NorthStar and special trims cost more.
Which to choose
- Narrow gates and lowest buy-in: Ranger 1000. It is the cheaper entry and still tows 2,500 lb with a 1,000 lb bed.
- More punch and taller stance: Ranger XP 1000. 82 hp, 14 in clearance, 29 in tires. Better in ruts and snow.
- Factory kit out of the box: XP adds poly roof and a 4,500 lb synthetic-rope winch on 2025 trims. Less to buy on day one.
- Cab comfort: Need heat and A/C with glass and wiper? Go XP 1000 NorthStar.
- Same work numbers: Both rate 2,500 lb tow and 1,000 lb box. Pick by terrain and budget.
Ownership notes
On Ranger 1000 I check: belt condition, air box seal, radiator fins, and the brake pressure switch. Easy wins that keep it reliable. On XP 1000, 2025 brought a lighter shifter and return-to-center EPS, which fixes old complaints. That change is worth it if you jockey trailers a lot.
FAQs
Q: Do both tow 2,500 lb?
A: Yes. Both Ranger 1000 and XP 1000 are rated for 2,500 lb towing and 1,000 lb in the bed.
Q: What changed for XP in 2025?
A: New front end, 29 in tires, 14 in clearance, factory roof, 4,500 lb winch, lighter shifter, and return-to-center power steering.
Q: Will XP 1000 fit a 63 in gate?
A: Yes. Width is 62.5 in, same as Ranger 1000. Height and clearance are higher on XP.
Q: Do both have Turf Mode?
A: Yes. You get 2WD/AWD with Turf Mode on both platforms. See the drive-mode section on each model page.
Q: How often is service after break-in?
A: Every 200 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Severe duty: go sooner.
Sources
- Polaris — 2025 Ranger 1000 model page: 61 hp, 2,500 lb tow, 1,000 lb bed, ground clearance, base tire callouts. Polaris
- Polaris — 2025 Ranger 1000 EPS spec sheet: dimensions including 62.5 in width, ground clearance, capacities, tires. Polaris
- Polaris — 2025 Ranger 1000 Premium spec sheet: spec details for 26 in tires, box dimensions, payload. Polaris
- Polaris — 2025 Ranger XP 1000 model page: 82 hp, 29 in tires, 14 in ground clearance, factory equipment highlights. Polaris
- Polaris — 2025 Ranger XP 1000 Premium spec sheet: dimensions, bed/tow ratings, person capacity, tire spec. Polaris
- Polaris — 2025 Ranger XP 1000 Texas Edition page: factory roof, Polaris HD 4,500 lb winch, 29 in 8-ply tires references used across XP trims. Polaris
- Polaris Help Center — When to change your oil: 200 hours / 2,000 miles / 6 months interval after break-in. Polaris
Calvin Anderson, founder of Off-Road Lord, is a seasoned off-roading enthusiast from Tucson, Arizona. With over a decade of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of off-roading vehicles and trails, Calvin’s insights provide a trusted guide for fellow adventurers.