We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Photo by Lance Schwartz
2014 Polaris Ranger 570 EFI
MSRP: $9,499 – Ranger 570 EFI in Sage Green/Solar Red; $9,999 – Polaris Pursuit in Camo; $11,199 – Ranger 570 EPS in Gold Mist LE
When it comes to building high quality SxS utility vehicles that are both comfortable and capable, Polaris has pretty much reinvented every single category of this broad market over the last few years. Polaris answered the call of budget-minded folks this year by redesigning their midsize SxS.
Originally launched in the sportier RZR chassis last year, the liquid-cooled, Electronically Fuel Injected (EFI) Pro-Star 570 engine found in the 2014 Polaris Ranger 570 EFI packs 40 horsepower more than the 500cc model it replaces. This means the 570 is 25 percent more powerful, and it’s smoother, quieter, and more efficient.
Putting the Pro-Star engine’s power to the ground is a Continuously Variable Transmission and Polaris’ On-Demand True All Wheel Drive. With AWD selected, the front wheels are automatically engaged when rear wheel slippage is detected. As traction is regained, power then reverts back to just the rear wheels to keep steering effort to a minimum. Turf mode is also available, which unlocks the rear differential to allow a tighter turning radius and to help minimize damage to sensitive areas like lawns during tight turning maneuvers.
Four-wheel independent suspension is exceptionally comfortable on the Ranger 570, offering 8 inches of travel in the front through MacPherson struts and nine in the rear via Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Despite the Ranger 570’s suspension being engineered to provide a smooth ride, it doesn’t suffer any work-related inadequacies. With a 500-pound box payload capacity and the ability to tow 1,250 pounds, there is no question the Ranger 570 can get tough jobs done on the farm or in the field.
Also new for 2014 is the Electric Power Steering (EPS) option on Limited Edition (LE) models. EPS is the single greatest safety enhancement to hit the ATV/SxS market since its inception. Not only does EPS diminish steering effort to help prevent fatigue, it also prevents the steering wheel from being ripped out of the driver’s hands by rogue trail obstacles like rocks, roots and ruts. For a $1,700 premium, LE models not only score EPS, they also get cast aluminum wheels, premium seats, and painted Gold Mist plastic bodywork.
Final Thoughts:
Similar to the midsize ATV market, capable midsize SxSs are the heart and soul of the UTV industry. The smaller size and footprint of the Ranger 570 EFI give it the ability to negotiate trails that larger displacement machines simply cannot do. Midsize SxSs also fit on smaller trailers and even into the beds of many full-size trucks.
Better yet, machines in this size range are more affordable for most folks. The Ranger 570 costs significantly less than its bigger Ranger 900XP brother. Base model starts at $9,499; also available in Limited Edition guise with Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a few premium appearance options for $11,199. However, for most owners who will likely use their SxS to plow snow, do work around the house, drag a trophy kill out of the woods, or take an adventurous ride down their local trail with a friend or family member, the all-new 2014 Polaris Ranger 570 (especially the EPS model) will make a great choice.
HITS
– Excellent new powerplant is smoother, quieter, more powerful, and more efficient
– EPS option brings premium safety features to the budget conscious midsize market
– 500-pound box capacity and 1,250 pound towing capacity
– Smooth ride
– Can fit in the bed of a full-size truck
MISSES
– $1,700 EPS option becomes expensive because it’s packaged with other options.