This monster of a machine is sort of extra SUV than UTV. I’m not exaggerating right here. The XPEDITION is large. In the event you’re searching for a weekend play rig to romp across the trails with a pile of pals, this factor is definitely designed with all the potential and loads of room.
Polaris is well-known for placing some excessive motorized toys into the fingers of adventurers. The XPEDITION, in simply seems to be alone, definitely would possibly take the cake for one of the crucial distinctive utility autos on the market. When decked out with the rooftop tent bundle, this journey wagon seems to be imposing, rugged, and, most of all … enjoyable.
I wasn’t positive how I might really feel about this rig and the way sensible it is perhaps, notably for the value tag hanging from the rearview mirror. We by no means fairly know what the climate will hand us in Montana, so adventures must be catered to Mom Nature. Luckily, she threw us a doozy of a spring to check this rig in. Did it meet expectations?
Briefly: Not solely was the Polaris XPEDITION ADV 5 NorthStar a enjoyable UTV, nevertheless it was additionally thrown into some gnarly, sudden, hard-work situations. It might not be my first selection for a working rig, nevertheless it hits a candy spot between work and play that may’t be denied.
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Engine Sort
ProStar 1000 Gen 2 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder -
Horsepower
114 HP -
Transmission/Remaining Drive
Computerized PVT P/R/N/L/H -
Total Automobile Dimension
152.5 x 64 x 74.9 in -
Payload Capability
1160 lbs. -
Individual Capability
5 -
Curb Weight
2916 lbs. -
Gas Capability
12.5 gal
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Enjoyable and comfy for weekends within the mountains -
Able to hauling and doing critical work -
Critical pep to rise up and transfer in sport mode -
Loads of area to take individuals and kit on prolonged journeys -
Tons of bundle customization, together with rooftop tent choice
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Extremely loud within the cab -
Fixed mirror changes wanted
First Impressions and Really feel
First issues first: let’s tackle the elephant within the room. The XPEDITION is the elephant. This factor is ginormous. It has way more cargo room, cab area, and headroom than a standard Jeep. It felt huge.
That stated, it didn’t really feel hefty in a destructive connotation. The minimalist inside, with a lot airspace, made it really feel gentle and nimble on its ft. So far as weight goes, it’s 2,900+ kilos (curb weight), making it lighter than most Jeeps.
Apart from measurement, the XPEDITION simply seemed cool. It was imposing, and the mixture of the Rust/Black coloration with the topo sample made for a clean-looking machine. The headlights had that imply look that simply gave the entrance finish an aggressive appearance.
The rooftop tent is a fairly rad addition, which we didn’t get to check practically as a lot as we’d hoped (you’ll learn why a bit later). The choice added a lot versatility to the place I’d find yourself for the evening.
Testing the Polaris XPEDITION ADV 5 NorthStar UTV
The preliminary plan was to get my canine out to run fields and do some scouting for spring bears. With the gentle winter, the thought was we might make the most of the XPEDITION as a weekend journey cellular whereas having the potential to hunt, haul, and even run errands within the factor.
My canine took to it effectively, desirous to hop within the again, although my Gunner Kennels wouldn’t fairly squeeze in. Luckily for me and fewer lucky for the detailer who finally needed to clear this factor out after I was executed, my canine had been lots snug driving within the cab.
When it got here to hunts, we did lots of chasing, scouting, and following canine round. Ultimately, although, the XPEDITION ended up being much less of a toy and extra of a device.
Surprising, Critical Testing
Like many others, we discovered ourselves with sudden late-season snow adopted by nonstop rain, which left far an excessive amount of water. Whereas we labored to divert water away from buildings, the XPEDITION made an instantaneous shift to workhorse. For a stretch, it was the one car we had able to getting off the property, making it a sudden and irreplaceable asset.
By means of flooded and rutted-out roads, it held tight, by no means faltered, and acquired us the place we wanted to be. The FOX Podium suspension, AWD, and 14 inches of floor clearance made for easy crusing when the roads had been something however, and I’ve a sense we utilized most of that fuel-injected 114hp at one level or one other.
When ice and wind knocked down some huge cottonwood branches, making a roadblock, the winch shortly cleared a path the place my arms would have completely failed.
Rugged and Succesful
When the chilly hit snapped, and we noticed mornings effectively into the -20s and beneath, the XPEDITION at all times began, although it did so with some muffled disdain and some groans. No disgrace, although; so did I. Regardless, it by no means failed and at all times turned over.
The heated cab and windshield wipers had been an absolute deal with on mornings when property chores had been a drag. From loading and shifting canine within the insufferable chilly to hauling feed, it did greater than we initially deliberate.
Although the late winter climate lower our play season quick, the work season by no means ended. Luckily, the Polaris XPEDITION saved up and was an asset once we wanted it most.
What May Enhance
THE XPEDITION IS LOUD
And this time, I don’t imply it in a great way. Sure, UTVs are virtually at all times loud, however as a result of the cab is so cavernous, that sound appeared amplified. Even with the unbelievable JBL audio system, I couldn’t actually hear the music or myself suppose. In the event you’re anticipating a leisurely journey, this isn’t it. It’s an disagreeable auditory expertise from begin to end until you’re the sort that likes loud exhaust notes.
Fixed Mirror Changes
That is one other a type of quirks that many utility autos appear to have. After I slammed the doorways shut, the mirrors simply didn’t maintain tight. No tightening appeared to maintain them from ending up folding in on themselves. Every time I acquired in, I needed to roll the window down and readjust the mirrors.
Again Door Opening Angle
That is an odd one that you just’d by no means consider till it’s in use. The again doorways don’t open all the best way. They stopped at what felt like an oddly-not-quite-open-enough angle, which led to inevitable slamming into the door’s edge or smacking my dang head on the door speeding in. It’s an odd quirk that I’m positive you’d finally get used to, however I simply by no means did.
Who Ought to Think about Shopping for a Polaris XPEDITION ADV 5 NorthStar?
With a price ticket that begins at $44,999, the Polaris XPEDITION ADV 5 NorthStar definitely isn’t on the low finish, and choices that may put that worth effectively above a fairly good new truck, this isn’t a light-weight buy. That being stated, for those who’re somebody searching for a weekend journey UTV that you may rip down the grime roads in, camp on high of, and get work executed once you get residence, this is perhaps a strong choice for you.
It’s additionally a strong choice for individuals who wish to match extra individuals inside. It might make an amazing household journey car. I might additionally see it being nice for ranching operations, notably for these ranches that host visitors.
Now, for these searching for a more-work-less-play machine, you would possibly think about one thing like a Polaris Ranger. Nobody desires to be hauling the smelliest hundreds on the ranch contained in the cab. An exterior mattress is perhaps a should for you.
Apart from that, the Polaris XPEDITION ADV 5 NorthStare did every part you’d anticipate and did it fairly dang effectively. It’s snug, it’s succesful, and oh, it was so enjoyable.