The Polaris Ranger has been one of the most popular and recognizable utility vehicles in the industry for a number of years.
It consists of multiple different models, all with varying levels of power and speed.
This guide will compare the Polaris Ranger top speed for the following models and answer some of the most common questions around how fast they can go:
- Polaris Ranger 1000 Top Speed
- Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Top Speed
- Polaris Ranger 900 Top Speed
- Polaris Ranger 800 Top Speed
- Polaris Ranger 570 Top Speed
- Polaris Ranger 500 Top Speed
- Polaris Ranger EV Top Speed
- Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Top Speed
- Polaris Ranger 150 Top Speed
- Which of these models have a speed limiter in place?
- Can the speed limiter be bypassed to make it faster?
- What other modifications will increase the top speed?
- How much faster can modified Rangers go?
It will also outline some necessary modifications you’ll need to make to your Ranger if looking to increase the top speed to avoid some of the most common Polaris error codes.
Polaris Ranger 1000 Top Speed
The Polaris Ranger 1000 line features a number of different models, all with varying top speeds.
The Polaris Ranger 1000 base model comes in three different trims that all feature the same engine performance.
Powered by a 999cc V-Twin engine with a max output of 61 horsepower, the Polaris Ranger 1000 top speed is around 58 mph for all models/trims in fully stock condition.
This includes the:
- Ranger 1000
- Ranger 1000 EPS
- Ranger 1000 Premium
Each of these models is restricted by an electronic speed limiter.
Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Top Speed
The Polaris Ranger XP 1000, with the XP standing for Xtreme Performance, is going to be faster than the base 1000 models.
While this model is equipped with the same 999cc V-Twin engine, it features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design compared to the single overhead camshaft design used in the standard Ranger 1000 models.
This DOHC translates to more power and torque, making the engine output of the XP 1000 82 horsepower. This added power results in the Ranger XP 1000 top speed being 65 mph.
While it’s the fastest of the Ranger models, it won’t quite keep up with the fastest of the Polaris utility vehicles.
An electronic speed limiter prevents it from going any faster than that in stock form.
Polaris Ranger 900 Top Speed
Though often referred to as the Polaris Ranger 900, this model is technically the Polaris Ranger XP 900 as it is another Xtreme Performance model.
Powered by an 875cc V-Twin engine with an output of 68 horsepower, the Polaris Ranger 900 top speed is around 60 to 62 mph in fully stock condition.
This model is also restricted by an electronic speed limiter.
Polaris Ranger 800 Top Speed
As one of the first 4×4 Ranger models ever released in 2009, the Ranger 800 is credited with transforming Polaris into the leader of the UTV industry.
Featuring a 760cc V-Twin engine with a power output of around 50 horsepower, the Polaris Ranger 800 top speed is around 60 mph.
Even back in 2009, Polaris was up to their electronic speed limiter tricks as this model is installed with one as well.
Polaris Ranger 570 Top Speed
A review of the Polaris Ranger 570 shows why it’s the most popular mid-size UTV in the line.
Even so, the Ranger 570 takes a step down in overall performance from some of the bigger models.
Powered by a 567cc single-cylinder engine with a max output of around 44 horsepower, the Polaris Ranger 570 top speed is 52 mph in models still in stock condition.
Not too shabby for a smaller, single-cylinder engine. And like its bigger siblings, this model is also restricted by an electronic speed limiter.
Polaris Ranger 500 Top Speed
Just a slight step down from the 570 is the Ranger 500.
This model features a 500cc single-cylinder engine, which produces a maximum output of around 32 horsepower. The Polaris Ranger 500 top speed is 44 mph.
This model is unique in that older models were provided with two different keys. The regular key, and a spare yellow key that serves as a speed limiter and restricts the top speed to 25 mph when in the ignition.
Polaris Ranger EV Top Speed
As one of the pioneers of the electric UTV industry, the Polaris Ranger EV has been around since 2010.
It is powered by a single 4-volt motor fueled by eight traditional lead-acid batteries, with a power output equivalent to around 30 horsepower.
Electric vehicles are not known for their speed, and the Ranger EV with its top speed of 27 mph is no exception.
It was a good run, but this model has been discontinued for 2023 to make room for the next great electric vehicle in the Polaris lineup.
Polaris Ranger Kinetic Top Speed
The Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic is the next big thing in the electric UTV industry, and is said to be able to compete with the performance of many gas-powered UTVs.
While the first wave of these new models are supposed to be delivered to customers in mid-2023, their abilities have been thoroughly pre-tested.
The Polaris Ranger Kinetic top speed is said to be 60 mph, on the back of a motor that supplies the equivalent of a whopping 110 horsepower. This goes for both trims – Premium and Ultimate.
Polaris Ranger 150 Top Speed
Last and yes, least, is the Ranger 150 youth UTV which is powered by a 150cc engine.
With the Ranger 150 being a youth model, it comes installed with an adjustable electronic speed limiter that parents can control.
Younger riders may be a bit disappointed to find that their Ranger 150 will only top out at 16 mph out of the box since this speed limiter is set at that speed initially.
But parents can increase the Ranger 150 top speed to 29 mph by using either the digital display on the vehicle’s dash or by using the Ride Command app offered by Polaris.
The top speed can also be manually decreased this way as well.
Bypassing The Speed Limiter
All stock Ranger models (save for the two electric models and the youth model) have an electronic speed limiter programmed into their ECU that restricts them initially.
For those who want to see any real noticeable gain in stop speed in their Ranger, the only way to achieve this will involve bypassing this speed limiter.
And the only way to bypass the speed limiter is to have your Electronic Control Unit (ECU) tuned or replaced.
Tuning The ECU
By tuning (also called flashing) the ECU, you’ll remove the electronic speed limiter and raise the rev limiter so that you get the full depth of power and speed at the highest RPM levels.
While that’s a big plus, a tune will also benefit you in a few other ways.
A tune will also recalculate your vehicle’s air to fuel ratios and reprogram the ECU to reflect these.
This is especially important if you’ve made modifications to your intake or exhaust system to ensure the optimal proportions of air and fuel are provided so your engine operates correctly.
This will increase the overall horsepower, throttle response, and achievable speed of your Ranger.
Another benefit of an ECU tune is that most of them will also reprogram your Ranger’s radiator fan to engage at a lower engine temperature.
This will help prevent the overheating problem that many Rangers tend to suffer from.
Gilomen Innovations provides a highly recommended tune for most Polaris Ranger models, which along with an upgrade to the clutch system, is said to result in an increase in 10-20 horsepower.
More Ways To Increase Top Speed of Polaris Ranger
Clutch System Upgrade
If having your engine tuned, especially when looking to increase the horsepower and speed by a noticeable amount, you’ll need to upgrade the clutch to account for this as well.
Polaris Rangers, and especially Ranger 1000’s, notoriously suffer from clutching issues which can cause a jerky ride and result in a lack of throttle response, power, and speed.
By upgrading the clutch system, you’ll alleviate these issues and also ensure that your clutching is redesigned to run at the new RPM levels your Ranger will achieve after a tune.
It’s also essential to upgrade your clutch system if you’ve added bigger tires.
Gilomen Innovations provides clutch system upgrades along with most of their tunes.
Both Airdam Clutches and EPI Performance also make highly recommended clutch replacements and/or upgrades for most Ranger models as well.
Upgrade The Air Intake
The engines in Polaris Rangers run the best when they can breathe the best.
The air intake, including the airbox and air filter, are responsible for providing the engine with the clean air it needs to function.
The more air sent into and then out of the engine, the more power it can generate.
So to provide it with more air, upgrading the air intake components is a good start and will focus on giving your Ranger more power throughout the highest RPM levels.
K&N Filters, Airaid, and Gilomen Innovations all provide highly recommended air intake system upgrades for most Ranger models.
Upgrade The Exhaust
To account for the added airflow into the engine from an upgrade intake, you’ll also need to ensure this airflow can exit just as efficiently.
An upgraded exhaust system will help your Ranger to achieve this, while also enhancing the tone it emits while driving.
Gilomen Innovations, Empire Industries, GGB Exhaust, and HMF Exhaust all offer highly recommended exhaust upgrades for the various Ranger models.
While each of them will result in around the same increase performance-wise, they all offer different styles and sounds.
Top Speed of Modified Polaris Rangers
For owners who tune their Ranger’s ECU and make any of the various other modifications to increase their vehicle’s top speed, you’re looking at a new top speed in the range of the following:
| Model | Stock Top Speed | Modified Top Speed |
| Ranger 1000 | 58 mph | 70-80 mph |
| Ranger XP 1000 | 65 mph | 70-80 mph |
| Ranger XP 900 | 62 mph | 70-80 mph |
| Ranger 800 | 60 mph | 70-75 mph |
| Ranger 570 | 52 mph | 60 – 65 mph |
| Ranger 500 | 44 mph | 52 – 55 mph |
Conclusion
The Polaris Ranger top speed varies for each of the many different models
While each does have an electronic speed limiter programmed into its ECU initially, it can be removed by tuning or replacing the ECU.
By tuning the ECU, and potentially making other various modifications, the Polaris Ranger top speed can be increased by around 10 – 20 mph depending upon the model.
For more on how the Ranger stacks up with similar UTVs in the industry, check out the following before you hit the road:
