To be transparent, my
experience with high-performance UTVs is limited. The most powerful one I’ve driven was the 2021 Can-Am Commander Max XT, boasting
100 horsepower, which was undeniably thrilling. Anything beyond that realm astounds me, which is what intrigued me about the 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R. It generates
225 hp from
a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from a Slingshot,
making it the most potent
production side-by-side vehicle to date.
If you’re only familiar with automobiles, 225 hp may not sound significant, but context is key. Polaris indicates that the RZR Pro R weighs 2,086 pounds, making it approximately
1,
000 pounds lighter than a two-door
Volkswagen GTI. Designed for off-road trails and sandy terrains, the power delivery is immediate and exhilarating.
The power is channeled through a continuously variable transmission, a common feature in this segment, and the RZR Pro R boasts selectable four-wheel drive. Equipped with 32-inch Maxxis Rampage Fury tires on all corners, it undoubtedly pursues traction aggressively. The track width is 74 inches, coincidentally matching that of a 2021
Ford F-150 Raptor. These figures are not only impressive individually but become even more striking when compared to traditional automotive metrics we are accustomed to.
Seasoned off-road enthusiasts will attest that suspension plays a crucial role, an area where the RZR Pro R places significant emphasis. For the first time, a RZR is outfitted with a Dynamix DV system featuring independently adjustable rebound and compression settings. With four modes for different terrains and driving conditions, the system utilizes sensor data to adjust the shocks 200 times per second. The front suspension allows 27 inches of travel, while the rear offers an impressive 29 inches of travel.
Comparable to the size of an automobile, this Polaris model features a wheelbase of 104.5 inches for the standard two-door variant. Additionally, a four-seater Pro R 4 model is available with a wheelbase of 133.5 inches. The overall length measures 136.5 and 165.5 inches for the two configurations, respectively, with a height of 72.8 inches, slightly shorter than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
The starting price for the two-seater RZR Pro R begins at $31,999 plus destination fees—I’ve contacted Polaris for precise pricing details. Furthermore, the four-seater RZR Pro R 4 model offers great value at $35,999 plus destination fees, with availability expected at dealers in early 2022.
If you have any tips or inquiries for the author, feel free to reach out directly at caleb@thedrive.com
