Polaris RZR XP Turbo S Rock Crawling Review

Posted on May 30, 2018

By Jon Crowley

The all-new 72-inch wide 2018 Polaris RZR XP Turbo S has been out just a few short months and so far we have focused our attention on desert and dune terrain (see Polaris RZR XP Turbo S First Ride Review).

Polaris RZR XP Turbo S First Impressions

Desert Terrain

Sand Dunes

Rock Crawling

Before we headed out to Moab Utah for Rally on the Rocks, we wanted to add a few things to make it better equipped for rock crawling. The factory skid plate is definitely not up for serious rock crawling, so first up on the list was to protect the underside of the Turbo S and the place for that is Factory UTV. Factory UTV has been using UHMW for skid plates and a-arm / trailing arm guards for years now and that is who I trust to protect my UTVs for serious rock crawling.

Next up we added a Polaris winch and bumpers and finished that off with a Factor 55 Flat Link, just in case we had to help out someone on the trail.

Then we added Assault Industries mirrors and fire extinguisher mount, Rugged Radios Intercom, Radio and Helmet Air, Cognito Motorsports Cage, Doors and Tire Carrier, PRP Seats and Harnesses and KC Flex LED Lights. Then we swapped in a new set of ITP Coyote Tires mounted on ITP Cyclone wheels.

Likes:

Visibility and seat position are excellent for rock crawling.
Storage in bed below spare tire carrier is adequate.
32-inch tires from the factory!
Dynamix active shock allows you to raise vehicle for additional ground clearance in Firm mode. Set to Comfort for minor rocks for smooth ride.
Long travel suspension (72-inches wide) is great for Moab terrain – more stability for stair steps
Reverse camera included in Ride Command package is nice to have. Might look into adding front as well.
Front differential works well with no bad noises when locking up

Dislikes:

Low gear is not low enough for technical rock crawling. Polaris should either offer a Rock & Trails Edition Turbo S or lower low range to at least 2016 Turbo levels.
Would like to have high clearance radius links for additional clearance while rock crawling.
Factory skid plate is not up to the task of rock crawling.

I had a great time in Moab for 2018 Rally on the Rocks and was very impressed with how well our Polaris RZR Turbo S performed. We plan to hit the Rubicon Trail up this summer as well as a trip to the Oregon Dunes for UTV Takeover and Idaho for UTV Invasion.