Tracker 800sx Vs. Polaris Ranger: Which is better?

The Polaris Ranger and the Tracker 800sx are two of the most sought-after UTVs in the industy today, so choosing between the two can be a challenge. To help you make a more confident buying decision, we're going to take a closer look at these two popular UTVs and answer any questions you may have.

Let’s dive in!

Side-By-Side Comparison

 

2022 Tracker 800sx

2022 Polaris Ranger 1000

Starting MSRP

$14,399

$14,999

Weight

1,585 pounds

1,437 pounds

Horsepower

50 HP

61 HP

Engine

812cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, three-cylinder engine

99cc four-stroke twin cylinder SOHC

Towing Capacity

2,000 pounds

2,500 pounds

Tire & Brake

26 x 11.00-14 rear tires & 26 x 9.00-14 front tires; Front Wheel Dual Piston Calipers Rear WheelSingle Piston Calipers

Carlisle tires; 210mm dual-hydraulic disc brakes

Suspension

Front and Rear Dual A-Arm Suspension

Dual A-Arm Suspension

 

Pros and Cons

Polaris Ranger in the Snow

Tracker 800sx Pros

The Tracker 800sx comes with tons of features that make it an excellent choice for any offroad enthusiast, including major storage components, spacious three-person seating, LED tail lights, a strong 812cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine, and tons of modern safety features.

The engine is whisper quiet, giving you plenty of power without unnecessary noise. You get excellent stopping power, which excels on uneven terrain, and the vehicle delivers even pressure from the brake pads to the rotator. The high-braking force on the Tracker 800sx is one of the big selling points.

Tracker 800sx Cons

One of the biggest complaints that we hear about the Tracker 800sx is that it doesn't maneuver tight trails very well. It's slightly heavier than the Polaris Ranger, too, making it a bit less maneuverable.

This particular model has also been known to have utility problems. One of the most prominent issues we see is faulty regulators, which can lead to charging problems. Some of the other issues we've heard from writers include problems with the transmission, failure of the starter to engage, and charging irregularities.

Polaris Ranger Pros

Polaris has been manufacturing some of the highest-quality UTVs on the market for many years, which is why the company has such a large fan base. The Polaris Ranger is an ultra-rugged UTV with unparalleled workhorse features, incredible traction, and 2,500 pounds of towing power, making it great for working on the farm.

One of the most significant selling points we see from the Polaris Ranger is the top-notch electronic power steering system, which pairs with the integrated variable assist, giving you an incredibly smooth and responsive ride, no matter the speed.

If you go for the full cab model, you'll get plenty of cargo space for equipment and friends.

Polaris Ranger Cons

While the Tracker 800sx is great for trail running, we see the Polaris Ranger as more of a workhorse vehicle. The suspension on the Polaris Ranger doesn't feel as good as the suspension on the Tracker 800sx, especially when on uneven trails at high speeds.

It also has a lower ground clearance than the Tracker 800sx, making it more susceptible to damage in muddy areas.

When to Use

Polaris Ranger Parked on Grassy Knoll

 

Location

The Polaris Ranger is a much better choice for those who need a UTV that can help them get work done around their property. It has a 2,500-pound towing capacity, which is 500 pounds more than the Tracker 800sx and has 61 horsepower, which is 11 horsepower more than the Tracker. The bed on the Polaris Ranger can also handle 500 pounds more than the Tracker 800sx with a 1,500-pound capacity.

On the other hand, the Tracker 800sx is a much better choice for offroad trails with its higher ground clearance and vibration-reducing frame. You get a super smooth ride and more peace of mind when traversing rough trails.

Reliability

Both of these UTVs come neck and neck in terms of reliability, as they offer power and performance in their own way.

One of the most prominent issues that riders have with the Tracker 800sx is the battery not charging. We've seen many reviews from Tracker 800sx owners noting their rides were slow to crank, stalling out, or failing to start up altogether.

However, one of the most prominent issues with the Polaris Ranger is the poor belt design. We take replacing a belt over a battery any day, so when it comes to reliability, we have to give this one to Polaris.

Comfort

With a vibration-reducing design, the Tracker 800sx delivers plenty of comfort on rough terrain, though when it comes to spaciousness, the Polaris Ranger is the definite winner.

They are pretty evenly matched in terms of interior comfort, offering decent seating and smooth rides.

Fuel Economy

Both of these vehicles deliver a pretty decent fuel economy, ranging from around 25-29 mpg, depending on the conditions and how you're driving the vehicle.

However, it's worth noting that the Tracker 800sx has a smaller gas tank with a fuel capacity of 10 gallons, while the Polaris Ranger has a fuel capacity of 11.4 gallons. For longer rides or 40-hour work weeks, the Polaris Ranger takes the cake.

Customizability

The Polaris Ranger comes out on top with a high customizability rating, offering unique accessories like snow shovels, extra-long cargo beds, and much more. In a similar manner, you can get several custom features for your Tracker 800sx, including half doors, roll-formed ROPS, and a customizable speed controller.

Here at Kemimoto, we offer plenty of custom accessories for both these UTVs, so you can deck them out with all your favorite elements!

FAQ

Tracker 800sx in Green with Roof Rack

Is the Tracker 800sx Street Legal?

The Tracker 800sx was designed to be an off-road vehicle, meaning it is illegal to use on the street. However, you can make it a street-legal vehicle if you follow the rules and guidelines pertaining to your state.

Is a Polaris Ranger worth the Money?

If you're looking for a comfortable and agile UTV that can provide you with plenty of towing capacity for work around your property, then the Polaris Ranger is certainly worth the money and one of the best UTVS on the market.

Which is Better, the Polaris Ranger or the Tracker 800sx?

When it comes to overall performance, the Polaris Ranger outdoes the Tracker 800sx in many ways, including better fuel capacity, better horsepower, and a stronger engine. However, if you're looking for a vehicle strictly for trail riding, the Tracker 800sx will certainly do the job at a slightly lower price.

Conclusion

Tracker 800sx UTV Over Bed of Rocks

 

Both the Polaris Ranger and the Tracker 800sx are unique UTVs that pair off well against each other. We hope that this guide was helpful in narrowing down your buying decision.

Your choice will really come down to your preferences and what you want to use your UTV for.

If we had to pick our favorite overall, it would be the Polaris Ranger, as it has better fuel capacity, better horsepower, a larger bed with greater towing capacity, and a better engine.

Good luck and happy riding!


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