The horsepower war in the side-by-side world just got a lot more interesting.
Polaris has pulled the cover off its 2027 off-road lineup, and sitting at the top is the all-new RZR Pro R Boost, a turbocharged machine delivering a massive 275 horsepower from a 2.0-liter ProStar Fury engine.
Yes, 275 horsepower. In a production side-by-side.
It is the headline-grabber in a 2027 Polaris lineup that also introduces major changes to the Polaris XPEDITION and a new entry-level Sportsman 500 ATV.
RZR Pro R Boost Brings 275 HP to the Dirt
Polaris helped reshape the performance side-by-side market when the original RZR arrived in 2007. Nearly two decades later, the company is pushing the performance envelope again with the RZR Pro R Boost.
At the center of the new machine is the ProStar Fury 2.0L Turbo, producing 275 horsepower along with increased torque and an optimized power-to-weight ratio designed to deliver harder acceleration, immediate throttle response and consistent power throughout the RPM range.
The turbo system is also designed to maintain peak power at elevations up to 10,000 feet, something that should get the attention of anyone running dunes, mountains or high-elevation desert terrain.
Of course, adding horsepower is only part of the equation. Polaris upgraded the rest of the vehicle to handle it.
A new high-capacity clutching system features increased airflow, additional cooling fins and a larger clutch design to help manage heat and improve belt life. Polaris also developed a dual-radiator cooling system to manage temperatures across the engine, turbo and transmission.
The front drive system and transmission have been strengthened, while reinforced driveline components, including upgraded half shafts, are designed specifically to survive the abuse that comes with putting 275 horsepower to the ground.
Updated calibration, CVT tuning and new engine isolators round out the powertrain changes.
Ultimate or Ultra?
The 2027 RZR Pro R Boost will be available in both two- and four-seat configurations with Ultimate and Ultra trim levels.
Ultimate models receive desert-tuned DYNAMIX suspension with new G-out protection and rear bump control.
The Ultra takes things even further with race-proven DYNAMIX DVS suspension and active sway bar links capable of making adjustments up to 200 times per second.
Ultra models also receive a carbon fiber hood and seat bezels, MPI GT steering wheel, 32-inch BFGoodrich tires and exclusive graphics.
Apple CarPlay compatibility is also coming to the Pro R Boost through a future software update.
All of that performance comes with a serious price tag. The 2027 RZR Pro R Boost starts at $49,999 MSRP, with units expected to begin arriving at dealerships in November 2026.
For the enthusiast who has watched side-by-sides evolve from relatively simple trail machines into legitimate high-performance desert weapons, the 275-horsepower Pro R Boost represents another major step forward.
Polaris XPEDITION Gets an Entirely New Kind of CVT
Horsepower may grab the headlines, but one of the more interesting pieces of technology in Polaris’ 2027 lineup can be found inside the XPEDITION.
Polaris is introducing NUMATIX Controlled CVT, which the company calls the industry’s first pneumatic continuously variable transmission.
Instead of relying solely on a conventional mechanical setup, NUMATIX uses air pressure to regulate the drive clutch. The system intelligently manages engine RPM based on vehicle demands, allowing Polaris to reduce perceived noise by as much as 40 percent at 35 mph compared with previous models.
For anyone who has spent an entire day inside a side-by-side, that could be a bigger deal than the spec sheet initially suggests.
The system continuously reacts to rider input and terrain, making adjustments up to 200 times per second.
Polaris says the result is improved belt grip and clutch engagement while maintaining the torque needed for everything from rock crawling and steep climbs to towing, hauling and snow plowing.
Drivers can choose between three modes.
Comfort Mode prioritizes smooth and quiet cruising. Standard Mode balances comfort and responsiveness, while Sport Mode delivers more aggressive throttle response when it is time to have some fun.
There is another clever benefit to the pneumatic system: onboard air.
The XPEDITION includes an integrated compressed-air system with an auxiliary port, giving owners access to air for adjusting tire pressures, cleaning equipment or operating compatible accessories on the trail.
Polaris is even offering a 25-foot air hose kit and a four-gallon pressurized water tank that mounts in the bed.
The 2027 Polaris XPEDITION XP and ADV will be available as two- and five-passenger NorthStar models, with pricing starting at $40,499 MSRP.
Unlike the Pro R Boost, riders will not have to wait until late fall. Polaris says the updated XPEDITION will begin shipping to dealers in August 2026.
Sportsman 500 Brings the Price Back Down to Earth
Not everything in the 2027 lineup costs as much as a new car.
At the other end of the spectrum, Polaris has introduced the new Sportsman 500, an ATV aimed at riders looking for a capable machine without stepping into premium-level pricing.
Starting at $6,999 MSRP, the Sportsman 500 combines work capability with trail-focused features.
It receives 9.5 inches of independent rear suspension travel and up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance, along with a new all-wheel-drive system featuring an auto-locking front drive that engages when wheel slip is detected.
Polaris also includes a 2,500-pound winch, 26-inch tires wrapped around 14-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights and a 270-pound rack capacity.
There are five gallons of onboard storage for tools, equipment or gear, and the Sportsman 500 shares its accessory lineup with the Sportsman 600, giving owners more options for customization.
The Sportsman 500 is expected to begin arriving at Polaris dealerships in September 2026.
Polaris Is Attacking Both Ends of the Off-Road Market
The 2027 lineup shows just how broad the modern powersports market has become.
On one side, Polaris is delivering a 275-horsepower turbocharged RZR with active suspension technology and a nearly $50,000 starting price.
On the other, it is introducing a sub-$7,000 Sportsman designed to make ATV ownership more accessible.
Then there is the XPEDITION sitting somewhere in between, focusing less on outright horsepower and more on technology that could make long days exploring the backcountry considerably more comfortable.
For performance enthusiasts, though, it is difficult to look past the RZR Pro R Boost.
Side-by-sides have been getting faster, more capable and more sophisticated for years. With 275 horsepower now available from a production RZR, Polaris just gave the horsepower war another serious shot of boost.
