2020 Polaris Ranger EPS Premium Test Ride and Review: The Leader in Value

 
  By Chris Yeloushan

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Overview of the 2020 Polaris Ranger 1000 EPS Premium

With so many great choices from Polaris for 2020, the all-new Ranger 1000 has replaced the XP 900 with impressive updates and enhancements. I chose to test the Ranger 1000 EPS Premium in sunset red metallic with an MSRP starting at $14,999.
 
The new Ranger 1000 is completely redesigned for the 2020 model year. This includes new headlights, hood, and even the grille is removable just like the more expensive XP1000. This allows you to easily access your radiator to keep debris from overheating your engine. Plus, the new front bumper is larger with the ability to add a winch or a plow including pre-wiring to help you operate directly from the passenger compartment.
 
Watch me take the all-new 2020 Polaris Ranger 1000 EPS Premium out for a test ride:

2020 Polaris Ranger Engine and Suspension

The 2020 Ranger 1000 is powered by a 999cc Pro-star liquid-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC twin-cylinder fuel-injected engine producing 61hp with a top speed as tested of 56mph, similar to my ride on the Kawasaki Teryx. The engine is designed to generate more torque at much lower RPM’s for more hauling and towing power for your everyday outdoor work or recreational use. In fact, this engine generates an impressive 55lb-ft of torque at 3,600 RPM’s.
 
The front and rear suspension is equipped with a dual A-Arm setup resulting in ten inches of travel. The overall ground clearance is twelve inches which has been increased by one inch from 2020. More travel in the suspension would help in more challenging off-road trail riding.
 

2020 Polaris Ranger Brakes, Wheels, and Transmission

Polaris has completely re-designed the tires with an exclusive Ranger only tread pattern that is capable for the majority of your off-road situations. The Ranger 1000 premium comes with 6-ply Carlisle 26 x 9-12 on the front and 26 x 11-12 on the rear and a nice matching set of black aluminum wheels.
 
The brakes are 4-wheel hydraulic discs with dual-bore front and rear brake calipers.  Polaris designed the large gear shifter conveniently to your right hand with a park-in transmission parking brake. The transmission is an automatic PVT with H/L/N/R/P.  At times, I found it difficult to quickly switch between high and low gear without having to check the indicator light on the LCD rider information center.
 

2020 Polaris Ranger Specs, Interior, and MPG

This Polaris is set up to work. But in a clever twist for a UTV, it was designed to both work hard and comfortably for up to three full-sized adults.
 
The Ranger weighs in at 1,429lbs, 120 inches long, 62.5 inches wide and 76 inches tall. It boasts a wheelbase of 81 inches and the tightest turning radius I have ever experienced in a UTV, even compared to my previous favorite, the Honda Pioneer. The tilt bed dimensions are very impressive at 36.75 inches long, 54.25 inches wide, and 12.5 inches deep. I had no problem carrying gear around my property with a total box capacity of 1,000lbs and a hitch tow rating of 2,500lbs with Polaris signature Lock & Ride cargo system. The new bed also includes a rear tailgate lip to prevent dust from entering the cab on washed-out sand trails.
 
The interior of the Ranger has six well-placed cup holders and the most amount of storage available compared to other similar UTV’s in its class.This includes storage under the driver and passenger seat as well as storage throughout the dash and glove box area. The Ranger is equipped with a 11.35 gallon fuel capacity which is an additional gallon compared to the 2019 Ranger XP900. With the increase in torque at lower RPM’s, this will allow you much more time for work and play without having to refuel.
 

2020 Polaris Ranger 1000 EPS Price

The new 2020 Polaris Ranger 1000 EPS Premium has a starting MSRP at $14,999. The 2020 Ranger 1000 EPS starts at $13,999, but vehicles in the Ranger 1000 line can climb up to over $16K for a 4-seater Crew version of the vehicle. The 2020 Ranger XP 1000 EPS starts at $16,899.
 
For a heavyweight UTV with all the bells and whistles usually reserved for a more luxury-priced UTV, the 2020 Ranger 1000 is a serious bargain.
 
To find the best pricing available on ATVs (and more) be sure to take a look at our manufacturer-offered incentives. A list of all manufacturer deals and rebates updated monthly so you are positive you get the best price possible on that new ATV.
 

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What is the Top Speed of the 2020 Polaris Ranger?

I put the pedal to the metal to see what the 2020 Ranger could handle and the top speed I was able to hit was 56 miles per hour.
 
Watch me hit the top speed at the 7 minute mark in the video below:

2020 Polaris Ranger Technology

The Polaris LCD rider information center features the user selectable blue/red backlighting and brightness with programmable service intervals, speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip-meter, clock, hour meter, gear indicator, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, voltmeter, service indicator, seat belt reminder and two DC outlet to charge more than one device for your three passengers. The headlights and taillights are all LED. The Ranger 1000 comes standard with Polaris signature 3-position pulse electrical system where the XP 1000 has a 6-position. This allows you to plug and play your optional accessories such as a winch, plow, or light bars.
 

2020 Polaris Ranger Accessories

Polaris has set up the Ranger to be personalized based on your riding and working preferences. Some of the most popular accessories include full doors, windshields, roof, rear panels, winches, plows, cab heaters, and cargo/bed storage. The optional doors are worth it for convenience and reliability. You can see a full list of the accessories at polaris.com.
 

Final Thoughts on the 2020 Polaris Ranger 1000 EPS Premium

If you are searching for a competitively priced 1000cc UTV that is designed and engineered for work and recreation, the Ranger 1000 EPS Premium is a great choice. While not designed for aggressive trail use, I found this UTV to be very capable and pretty fun ripping through the Ocala National Forest or any of our other Top 10 Best Places to Off-Road. 
 
 Pros:

• Class-leading tight turning radius
• Storage and cupholders galore
• Best bang for your buck for 2020 within the 1000cc class

 
Cons:

• Net doors are clunky and take too much time to get in and out
• The ten inches of travel in the front/rear suspension limits aggressive trail riding
• Challenge finding the right gear quickly without looking at the indicator light

 
If the 2020 Polaris Ranger review got you excited about the possibility of purchasing your very ownUTV, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Buying the best UTVs to help you get started today!
 

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More on Chris:

Chris is a Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Rollick. Born and raised in his family’s outdoor recreational dealerships, he has been involved in everything outdoors since he could walk. His first dirt bike was a 1980 Honda Z50. Since then, he has ridden and owned everything including dirt bikes, ATV’s, SXS, and PWC’s. You will probably spot him on any given Sunday tearing up the trails of the Ocala National Forest. His passion over the last twenty years has been focused on helping dealers increase sales and build customer loyalty through America’s top consumer brands. Some of the top brands include Sam’s Club, AAA, Allstate, USAA, GEICO, Progressive, and Walmart. Members of these organizations are loyal and looking for a more efficient and straightforward buying and ownership experience. Chris has been dedicated to connecting members of these organizations with the nation’s top dealerships.