Nearly 10 years ago, Polaris launched the General, creating the crossover category. This means that the vehicle offers a high level of comfort thanks to a spacious cabin and generous suspension travel. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a dump body that allows you to carry out work or transport a lot of luggage. This, in addition to its great versatility, makes it an ideal vehicle for traveling for a few days on long expeditions.
The General is available in two model lines: the regulars with the slightly stripped-down Sport and the Premium, and the more elaborate XP 1000s, which come in three trim levels: Sport, Premium and Ultimate. All versions are available in two- or four-passenger versions. The model tested here is the 2024 Polaris General XP1000 Sport.
Bodywork and finish
The General XP 1000 Sport is factory-fitted with a hardtop, front bumper and 4500 lb winch. Already on the market for nine years, the vehicle’s appearance is still current due to the balanced design of the bodywork. The long hood overlooks the LED headlights and accentuates their determined look. These frame a grille that houses the high-positioned radiator. There is also a bumper at the front that holds a 4500-pound winch. On closer inspection of the bodywork and mechanical components, it can be seen that the plastics are simply tinted, even though they have a nice glossy finish. At a retail price of over $30,000, we would have liked to see a painted bodywork. At the rear, the standard-size dump bed is made of plastic with a good-quality lining and the rear lights are LED. Finally, the width of the vehicle is 62.5 inches for the regular General and 64 inches for the General XP 1000.
When you lift the front hood, you will see only two air intakes for the engine and transmission, the radiator filler cap and the connection bar for any electrical accessories you may add. The large battery and fuse panel are located under the driver’s seat and the air filter behind the cab partition, easily accessible by lifting the bed.
Getting behind the wheel is easy thanks to the doors that open wide. Note that these doors have interior and exterior handles, which will make it easier to use if you install side windows to close off the cab. The raised, upright seat leaves plenty of legroom, especially with the adjustable front-to-back driver’s seat. Similarly, the steering column is equipped with a lever that allows its height to be adjusted over a wide range. Interestingly, the indicator dials are fixed to the steering column and follow the angle of adjustment of the steering column. The bucket seats, which are rather firm in the center, prove to be comfortable even after several hours of riding.
Once on board, the driver finds himself behind a well-designed and fully functional dashboard. To the left of the steering wheel are two switches: the first one controls the headlights (Off, Low beam, Hi beam) and the second one controls the vehicle’s traction system (2WD, 4WD, rear differential unlocking (turf mode)). These switches are located a little low on the dashboard and the driver has to tilt his head to see their position. Also, tall drivers can activate them unintentionally with their knee when getting on board. This is how the headlights are turned off during the day or how you end up in two-wheel drive in deep snow. Behind the steering wheel, a digital display is flanked on the right by an engine rev counter and a speedometer. The digital display provides the driver with all relevant information: seat belt reminder light, speed (reminder), fuel level, odometer with two trip meters, traction mode and gear engaged, headlight high beam. In a submenu accessible with a selector button, you will have access to information concerning the voltage level, the temperature of the engine coolant, the engine clock and the trip chronometer. It is even possible to change the color and intensity of the digital indicator.
The two seats are separated by a wide console that houses the ever-so-stiff gear selector lever and also contains two bottle holders. The center console space is generous and the armrest, which is padded in the more luxurious versions, is just the right height. Finally, a waterproof glove compartment in front of the passenger completes the front storage. Instead of putting a grab handle in front of the passenger, Polaris has decided to put one on the center console and the other in the passenger door. The latter is intrusive in the passenger space, who has often rested it on their thigh. But that’s the price to pay for a completely uncluttered dashboard to make room for the optional equipment provided by the manufacturer.
Engine, transmission and suspension.
The General is powered by a 1000 cm³ Prostar engine with two parallel cylinders and electronic injection that develops 100 hp. This engine has a very good reputation for reliability and is coupled to a CVT-type transmission that works in harmony.
The transmission has a high and low range that is selected using the gear lever. In addition, the driver can choose to drive in two or four-wheel drive mode or with the rear differential unlocked electrically. The Polaris General’s traction system is an all-wheel drive system designed to provide optimum traction depending on the terrain conditions. It does not work in constant gear like other vehicles. When you are driving in AWD mode, only the rear wheels are permanently driven. The front wheels will engage automatically when the system detects a loss of traction in the rear wheels. Once traction is regained, the system disengages the front wheels to revert to two-wheel drive. This principle will be repeated throughout your trip. Loved by some and criticized by others, it has the main advantage of offering smooth operation and having the front differential locked at all times when four-wheel drive is required. On the other hand, there will always be a slight lag that will cause the rear wheels to spin more than other UTVs. This will not cause you to get bogged down in the snow, but will cause additional stress on hard-packed trails, especially with a vehicle that has a net weight of around 750 kg. As for Turf mode, it will be very gentle on your lawn if you use the vehicle to work on your property. The manufacturer has not provided a driving mode, but honestly, we don’t feel the need for one. The mechanics are flexible enough to respond to any situation.
The technical solutions implemented for the suspensions are one of the big differences between the regular General and the XP 1000. At the front and rear of the XP 1000, we find a double wishbone suspension with an anti-roll bar and Walker Evan Velocity Series gas shock absorbers that allow compression and rebound to be adjusted according to the desired type of driving. The suspension travel is 14 inches at the front and rear. The vehicle’s ground clearance is 13 inches. Finally, the tires on all four wheels are size 30 x 10 R15 on 15-inch aluminum rims. They are 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler XGs, which have good traction in sand and mud, but are average in snow.
Trail handling and response
Getting into the Polaris General is very easy thanks to the wide-opening doors. Once you have buckled up, you turn the key to start the engine and you notice that it runs very smoothly. The mechanics work very smoothly, without excessive vibrations or jerks. When engaging the transmission gear, you also appreciate the lack of response delay, which contributes to the overall precision of the vehicle’s operation. During sustained acceleration, you immediately feel the thrust of the engine, which offers excellent responsiveness and maintains strong traction up to its maximum speed, electronically limited to approximately 115 km/h. Whether on flat ground or uphill, power is delivered optimally thanks to the very good coordination between the transmission and the engine. Although it is not a purely performance-oriented vehicle, its 1000 cc engine provides dynamic acceleration that is sure to put a smile on your face.
The suspension, thanks to the Walker Evan shock absorbers, is a strong point of the vehicle and does a very good job of controlling body movements. Indeed, it absorbs the bumps and crevices of the trail well at cruising speed. Even when pushing the pace, it never loses its composure by returning exaggerated shocks to the passengers. At no time did the suspension hit the limit.
In sharp bends, the roll is perfectly controlled, thus offering a feeling of safety to the driver who takes one bend after another with confidence. The power steering, which is both precise and responsive, gives a good feel for the terrain and allows the vehicle to be positioned precisely on the trail. Finally, even with a relaxed driving style, long distances can be covered in a short time thanks to the perfect harmony between the various mechanical components. The vehicle is safe and forgiving, allowing the driver a significant margin of error.
The General offers occupants a relaxed touring experience and demonstrates great ease of operation. It is a shame that the rattling noises heard in the cabin while driving detract from Polaris’ efforts to reduce the vehicle’s NHV (noise, harshness, vibrations). Finally, although it is not critical, the design of the exposed fuel cap lacks protection against the mud that will stick to it while driving. You will need to take care to remove the mud and other debris before removing the cap to avoid getting debris in the tank.
We really like:
- The overall balance of the vehicle, which makes it a competent machine in all situations.
- The comfort for the occupants in the cabin.
- The smooth operation of the mechanics and the very good performance of the suspensions with Walker Evans shock absorbers.
We like less
- The rattling noises that can be heard in the cabin while driving. Too bad.
- Why such a stiff gear lever?
- The grab handle in the right door, which intrudes on the passenger space.
- The fuel cap, which is poorly protected against mud.
In conclusion:
The Polaris General is the pioneer of the Crossover segment, brilliantly combining work capabilities, dynamic performance and passenger comfort. Thanks to its meticulous design and precise understanding of user needs, it remains a benchmark even after nine years on the market. Offering an optimal balance between more than adequate power when called upon, high comfort and reassuring stability, it meets the expectations of the vast majority of UTV enthusiasts. Its spacious and well-appointed interior adds to its appeal. With the General, Polaris offers a versatile vehicle, as efficient as a Swiss army knife, in an environment designed to combine performance and serenity.
