Polaris Xpedition: Continuing a Slow Creep Towards Trucks & SUVs

Where’s the line between off-road side-by-sides and on-road pickup trucks or SUVs? That’s a boundary explored by the nation’s powersports companies, one which is being pushed even further with the spellcheck-vexing Polaris Xpedition.

Available as a 2- or 5-seat machine, the Xpedition seeks to combine all-terrain capabilities of traditional side-by-sides with comfort and storage capabilities typically associated with the ridiculously popular pastime of overlanding. To that end, this rig will be available as one either with an open dump box or enclosed cargo area – and if you think the latter makes it look like a mini-Hummer from certain angles, we’re sure Polaris won’t argue.

Power comes from the Gen2 variant of Polaris’ own Prostar engine, a 999cc mill making 114 horsepower and shared with other rigs like the sporty RZR XP. We’d bet cheddar that hi-po turbocharged editions will be released in due time. Towing checks in at 2,000 pounds and the payload maximum is in the 1,100-pound ballpark (its dry weight maxes out around 2,400 pounds if you’re wondering). Trick shocks from Fox under their QS3 banner will get drivers into and out of sticky spots while permitting 14 inches of wheel travel up front and 15 inches in the rear.

Solid doors and a roof are key components of the cab, with a windshield and wiper available. The cargo area can be expanded into the cab via pass-thrus and folding seats. But bringing the Xpedition even closer to an on-road vehicle persona are its available RideCommand touchscreen and climate-controlled fully enclosed cab, not to mention a booming JBL sound system. Blurred lines between trucks and side-by-sides? You betcha.

And if you’re wondering who will buy these things, we will confidently point you toward the myriad of Americans who spend scads of money on recreation. If a person is apt to drop tens of thousands on a boat or RV, surely there’s a market for an adventure-focused side-by-side with a comfortable cabin and the terrain abilities of yer average mountain goat. At 64 inches wide, these things can squeeze into spaces which would leave an on-road adventure vehicle totally stymied. This writer can absolutely think of at least three people in his iPhone contact list who’d jump at the chance to outfit an Xpedition with accessories like a rooftop tent and take to the woods or desert for a spot of overlanding. After all, if that activity is defined as getting far as possible into the sticks in search of self-reliant camping, this Polaris is just the ticket.

Price? Precisely $28,999 to start, which aligns with similar work-focused rigs such as fully enclosed variants of Polaris’ own Ranger, all the way up to $39,999 for a loaded five-seat NorthStar trim with climate controls and power windows. Dealers will only be too glad to pad those prices with selections from the Polaris accessory catalog.

[Images: Polaris]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.