Polaris Ranger Etx
From time to time at ATV UTV Action, we remind ourselves that power and speed are not the top priorities of all UTVers. For many drivers, a machine's price is a key factor, and things like carrying capacity and comfort are high on the list. The Polaris ETX aims to please people who want a basic machine, so we gave this new UTV a full test to see what it can do.
HOW DOES THE PRICE COMPARE?
The Polaris Ranger ETX costs $8799. Honda's Pioneer 500 is $8499. Kymco's UXV 450 starts at $7999.
WHAT POWERS IT?
A fuel-injected, 325cc, doubleoverhead-cam, four-valve, singlecylinder engine. The engine may sound small for a UTV, but it puts out 31 horsepower. As we discovered, that's more than enough for fun on the trail and getting chores done.
WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION DOES IT HAVE?
A belt-type, fully automatic, continuously variable transmission with high and low range, neutral and reverse. It's the same type used in most larger UTVs, but there is no automatic engine braking feature to help slow the machine on downhills.
WHAT KIND OF 4WD SYSTEM DOES IT USE?
Selectable 2WD/4WD with an automatic-locking front differential. In 4WD, the system remains in 2WD until the rear wheels turn faster than the fronts. Then, the front differential locks automatically, and power is applied to the front wheels. It sounds strange, but it works well, and there's less to think about than on some systems where you select one setting to engage 4WD in limited-slip front differential mode and another to lock the front differential.
HOW FAST IS IT?
It's surprisingly quick. We didn't expect to be thrown back into the seats by the ETX's acceleration, but we were truly surprised by how well it moves. The Ranger ETX quickly motors to a top speed over 40 mph. The engine pulls hard enough to handle normal hauling and towing chores.
HOW IS THE POWER ON THE TRAIL?
There's enough power to tackle tough trails. We climbed some tall, steep hills with the Ranger, and it didn't fly over the top, but it climbs confidently. There's also plenty of lowspeed grunt for slow, tight, challenging terrain where it's hard to use momentum. It's impressive how relaxed and smooth the engine is at a normal trail-cruising pace, and there's some reserve power on tap when you need it. This thing is a fun, capable machine for cruising trails, exploring or hunting.
WHAT KIND OF SUSPENSION DOES IT HAVE?
MacPherson struts up front with 9 inches of travel and double A-arms with 10 inches of travel in the rear. A rear sway bar limits body roll.
HOW DOES THE SUSPENSION WORK?
It's comfortable on the trail and can handle heavy hauling. The Ranger ETX is a sport utility machine, so its suspension lets the machine handle speeds and bumpy terrain that are too much for pure utility UTVs. It's bouncy compared to a pure sport machine, but it's fine for trail riding. When there's work to be done, the spring preload on the rear shocks can be adjusted to deal with the extra weight. The tilting bed can carry 500 pounds, and a gas strut assists dumping. The front struts aren't adjustable, but they worked well for everything we did with the Ranger.
HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
It's nimble and predictable. The Ranger ETX weighs only 1045 pounds dry, which is very light for a UTV, so it has a sporty, willing feel. There's no power steering, but the steering is light, and the Ranger corners securely without too much body roll. In slippery turns, the ETX even drifts predictably if you like. This machine's compact size and tight turning radius make it perfect for tight trails and confined work areas. It's 58 inches wide, so it's not trail-legal at all locations.
HOW IS IT FOR HILLS?
It's a good climber. The ETX isn't a machine you go hunting for hill-climbs with, like some high-powered UTVs, but it has enough muscle to handle what comes your way on typical trails, and the 4WD system provides plenty of grip on slippery or soft climbs. With no engine braking, downhills call for some more care from the driver than on some vehicles, but the Ranger's brakes are more than up to the task of slowing the machine in any condition.
HOW ABOUT MUD AND WATER?
The ETX is ready for it. This machine has 10 inches of ground clearance, and the air intakes are ducted to handle deep crossings. You're still safe when water is near the seat! The Ranger has enough power to slog through mud, and the 4WD system keeps the machine moving even when traction seems nonexistent.
HOW ARE THE DETAILS?
Very impressive for an inexpensive UTV. The engine is smooth and the cab is spacious, with cup holders and a large glove box. The bench seat has plenty of room for two, and a rev limiter cuts in if you don't have the seat belt buckled. Access to the oil dipstick and the battery are simple. The side nets are okay for nets, but the Ranger ETX accepts many of the nice Polaris Pro Fit accessories, like doors and even a full cab. The Ranger's size lets you haul it in most full-size pickups, so there's no need for a trailer.
WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
If you have chores to do and are more interested in simply getting out on the trail than how fast you can cover it, the Ranger ETX will do more than you expect for much less than many larger machines.
SPECS
POLARIS RANGER ETX
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type ….Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, 4-stroke
single-cylinder
Displacement ………………………………………..325cc
Bore x stroke …………………………….76mm x 68mm
Compression ratio ………………………………… 11.5:1
Lubrication system …………………………… Wet sump
Fuel metering ………………………………….. 40mm EFI
Starting/back-up …………………………….Electric/none
Starting procedure …………..In neutral or any gear w/
brake engaged
Choke ……………………………………………………..N/A
Air filter access ……………..Undo 2 clips on airbox lid
Transmission ………Dual-range fully automatic CVT w/
reverse
Reverse procedure………. Move range selector to "R"
Drive system … Selectable 2WD/4WD w/ auto-locking
front diff
Final drives: f/r …………………………………Shaft/shaft
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity ………………………………………….9 gal.
Wheelbase ………………………………………………. 73"
Overall length/width/height ……………….110"/58"/73"
Ground clearance ………………………………………. 10"
Dry weight …………………………………………1045 lb.
Hitch ………………………………………………………Yes
Towing limit………………………………………..1500 lb.
Bed capacity ………………………………………..500 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame …………………………………..Square steel tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ……………………………… MacPherson strut/9"
Rear ……..Double A-arms w/ sway bar and prel. adj.
shocks/10"
Brakes:
Front ………………………………………. Hydraulic disc
Rear ……………………………………….. Hydraulic disc
Parking brake ………………………………….. Hand lever
Tires:
Front ………………………………………………25×8-12
Rear ……………………………………………..25×11-12
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet ………….. Waterproof automotive-style plug
Lighting
Front …………Two 55/60W grill-mounted headlights
Rear ………………………………..Dual tail/brake lights
DETAILS
Instruments Speedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge,
……………………… neutral, reverse, hi-temp indicator
Colors ……………………………………….. White, green
Suggested retail price ……………………………. $8799
Contact ………………………… Polaris, (800) POLARIS
Source: https://utvactionmag.com/machine-test-polaris-ranger-etx-4x4/
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