Polaris General vs. Polaris Ranger: Which is Better?

There are many reasons you might consider purchasing a high-quality UTV. Whether you are an avid hunter, have lots of land with rough terrain, or just enjoy driving off-road, getting a UTV is a great decision!

Our favorite UTV models at Kemimoto are the Polaris General and the Polaris Ranger.

Of course, because both of these UTVs have such incredible features, it can be difficult to choose between the two. In this comparison guide, we are going to take a closer look at the major differences between the Polaris General and Polaris Ranger so you can make a more confident buying decision.

• Side-By-Side Comparison
• Pros and Cons
• When to Use
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Side-By-Side Comparison

 

Pros and Cons

Polaris Ranger Pros

The Polaris Ranger is the better choice if you are looking for a UTV to use primarily for work. Polaris offers a two-seater model for those who want a compact ride and a six-seater model for those who need to haul around larger work crews.

You get up to 82HP with the top model, offering enough power to go over rough terrain while carrying heavy loads. Some of the top features of the Polaris Ranger include power steering, true AWD, 10 inches of suspension travel, and 12" ground clearance for easy driving over unfriendly terrain.

Depending on the exact model you get, you'll be able to tow anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds. You can even add the cargo box to your chosen model to get up to another 1,000 pounds of hauling capabilities.

You can't go without talking about the ergonomic characteristics of this UTV. With a low-step entrance and a wide door area, getting in and out of the Ranger is a breeze. It also comes with tilt steering and recently improved plush seats for the smoothest ride around.

Polaris Ranger Cons

One of the biggest downsides of the Polaris Ranger is that it doesn't perform as well in uneven terrain compared to the Polaris General. Not only does it have lower ground clearance, but it also uses Pro-Lock All-Wheel DriveThat does not deliver power to the front wheels very well when you begin slowing the vehicle down.

If you end up driving in wet or icy conditions, it becomes easier to slide off the road.You also don't get as many add-ons as the Polaris Ranger, with fewer trim options, limiting the customization options.

Polaris General Pros

The Polaris General is definitely a better choice if you're a recreational driver. The model comes with your choice of either two or four seats, and the overall design focuses more on maneuverability and speed. It comes with Walker Evan shocks, and the engine is a bit sportier with 100HP. What's even more impressive is that the General comes with 14" of suspension travel, beating the 10 inches on the Ranger. Essentially, this vehicle is much better for rough and steep trails.

If you go with the XP model, you get a vehicle-to-vehicle antenna and a convex rear mirror, while the deluxe models come with a Low-profile Bumper, a Poly Sport Roof, and a Rockford Fosgate sound system. With the Polaris General, you get just about everything you need for a fun day on the trails.

We highly recommend adding the 600-pound cargo box if you're planning on using this for farming or other work.

Polaris General Cons

One of the biggest downsides of the Polaris General is the cost. At a quick overview, you can see that the Polaris General has a very impressive spec sheet. However, most of the best elements of the Polaris General can only be found in the highest trims.

It's also worth noting that the lack of space inside the Polaris General makes it less of a capable Workhorse than the Polaris Ranger.

When to Use

Location

The first thing you'll want to consider when choosing between these two UTVs is the location you'll be using them.

If you're planning on driving on really steep or uneven terrain, we recommend going with the Polaris General, thanks to its higher ground clearance. On the other hand, if you're doing more work around your property or the farm, the Polaris Ranger offers more flexibility.

Comfort

Both of these UTVs offer different levels of comfort in their own ways.

When it comes to smooth rides on bumpy trails, the Polaris General is a much better daily driver. On the other hand, the interior can be a bit small for some. If cargo space is what you're looking for, we recommend going with one of the Polaris Ranger models, as they offer wider entrances and large plush seating.

Reliability

There isn't a clear winner when it comes to reliability, as Polaris provides the same level of reliability with all of its UTVs.

It's important to note that each of these models comes with an unlimited six-month limited warranty for factory issues.

Fuel Economy

While fuel economy will depend on how you use your UTV, it can be an important consideration to make if budget is a priority. Both of these UTVs come with 9.5-gallon tanks. In terms of fuel economy, most people note that their Rangers get around 17.7MPG, while others note that their Generals get around 26MPG.

Customizability

One of the things Polaris might be known best for is the level of customizability the company offers. Whether you want to add a large cargo box for transport or a snow plow to clear your driveway, both of these vehicles offer an excellent level of customization.

With that said, there are more trim options to choose from with the Polaris General.

FAQ

IS THE POLARIS GENERAL BETTER THAN THE POLARIS RANGER?

The Polaris General is the better choice if you're looking for a general outdoor recreational vehicle. However, if your main focus is farm work or general outdoor work, we recommend going with the Polaris Ranger.

HOW LONG DO POLARIS UTVS LAST?

When properly cared for and maintained, a Polaris UTV can last for over 5,000 miles. These vehicles are made to be used in tough outdoor areas, meaning they can take abuse drive after drive. Still, regular oil changes, tire changes, and routine maintenance are crucial for longevity.

Conclusion

Polaris has been an industry leader in the UTV realm for many years, which is why choosing between these two top-notch vehicles can be difficult.

When trying to determine which of these vehicles will work best for your needs, you need to first decide what your primary use will be. If you're planning on using your UTV more than half the time for work, we recommend going with the Polaris Ranger. On the other hand, if you're more focused on recreation, the Polaris General is a solid choice.

With that said, both of these are excellent rides and provide comfortable, long-lasting functionality for your adventurous side.