A few short years ago, I don’t think even the most seasoned off-road enthusiasts could have guessed how far the UTV industry could progress in such a short amount of time. Sure, there are still conservative offerings in the new UTV space, but like Bob Dylan sang, “the times, they are a changin’”! The perfect example of this evolution is the Polaris RZR XP 1000 Trails and Rocks edition. It has great power, incredible comfort, and yeah, it has 30” tires on factory beadlocks. But...like the Transformers I had when I was a kid, this machine has more than meets the eye! To figure out just how capable it is, we put it to task on some of the best rock crawling and trails the east coast has to offer, at Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) in Coal Twp, Pennsylvania.
Highlights:
55% lower low gearing
30” Pro Armor Crawler tires
Fox QS3 suspension with 14.75” of travel
14” Ground Clearance
Factory Beadlock Wheels
4,500lb winch
1000cc ProStar 1000 Engine
Engine:
Powering the Polaris RZR XP 1000 Trails & Rocks Edition is a naturally aspirated 999cc twin cylinder ProStar 1000 engine. The engine features dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, and a wet sump design. In this particular tune, the ProStar churns out 110HP, which is more than enough power for this machine. The engine has an abundance of torque, and while the exhaust note lets you know there’s plenty of fury to be unleashed, it isn’t obtrusive or obnoxious. Fuel injection is pretty much standard these days, and this engine is no different.
Transmission/Drivetrain:
If you’re into rock crawling and big tires, on a stock machine you know those two things don’t necessarily always go together without the possibility of smoking a CVT drive belt. That is, unless you buy a purpose built rock crawler. Low gear in the Polaris RZR XP 1000 Trails & Rocks Edition is 55% lower than on a typical RZR. This ensures when you’re crawling over large obstacles, the belt is less likely to become damaged due to slippage. The Rocks & Trails edition features Polaris’ True On-Demand All Wheel Drive system, and this integrates seamlessly to transfer power to the ground. Larger axle half-shafts are also standard on this machine.
Suspension:
Over the last few years, off-road suspension technology has come a long way! The magic that happens on this RZR is a byproduct of the Walker Evans shocks. They feature 16 clicks of compression adjustment that can be felt when tuning. The high-clearance arched dual a-arm front suspension uses 2” Walker Evans bodies and delivers 16" of suspension travel. The suspension out back utilizes trailing arms paired with high-clearance radius arms. The 2.5” Walker Evans rear bodies deliver 18” of travel. The long-travel arms not only provide excellent suspension dampening capabilities, but they also allow for 14.5" of ground clearance. The standard Electric Power Steering (EPS) is an integral part of the smooth operating suspension, and the assist makes wheeling in tight, gnarly terrain nearly effortless.
Tires/Wheels/Brakes:
One of the most obvious features that sets the RZR XP 1000 Trails & Rocks Edition apart from the crowd is the 30” Pro Armor Crawler XG tires wrapped around 14” cast aluminum beadlock wheels. You won’t find these wheels on any other Polaris and they’re honestly one of the best looking wheels I’ve ever seen on a RZR. Front are rear brakes are hydraulically actuated twin piston discs located at all four corners.
Interior & Exterior:
Inside the cabin, the Trails & Rocks Edition comes standard with Click-6 harnesses. Unlike other harnesses, this harness has dual retractable shoulder belts that make it easier to move around in than rigid mounted multi-point harnesses. This model also features steel rock sliders to help protect the vulnerable area under the doors. A sleek looking standard front bumper with a 4500lb winch is mounted up front, and in conjunction with the LED running lights, provides a great aesthetic.
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Type: 1000cc: 110 hp, 4-Stroke ProStar DOHC Twin Cylinder
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel Delivery System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Drive System Type: Automatic PVT P-R/N/L/H (Gated Shifter) with Reduced L Gear
Drivetrain: Xtreme Performance True On-Demand Close Ratio AWD/2WD with Enhanced Low Gear Throttle Driveability
Power Steering: Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
SUSPENSION
Front Suspension: High Clearance Lower Control Arms, 16 in (40.6 cm) of Wheel Travel
Front Shocks: 2 in Walker Evans Needle - 16-Pos Adjustable
Rear Suspension: High Clearance Radius Rods, Trailing Arm with Stabilizer Bar 18 in (45.7 cm) of Wheel Travel
Rear Shocks: 2.5 in Walker Evans Needle - 16-Pos Adjustable
BRAKES
Front Brakes: Hydraulic Disc with Dual-Bore Calipers
Rear Brakes: Hydraulic Disc with Dual-Bore Calipers
TIRES / WHEELS
Front Tires: 30 X 10 -14; Pro Armor Crawler XG
Rear Tires: 30 X 10 -14; Pro Armor Crawler XG
Wheels: Cast Aluminum Beadlock