The 2024 Polaris Xpedition Side-By-Side Takes Overlanding to a New Level

While they may seem commonplace today, it’s easy for us to forget that the entirety of the sport side-by-side market is only about ten years old. The transition from repurposed utility vehicles began with the 2014 Polaris RZR XP and the market has exploded from there. Now, soon after launching an all-new 2024 RZR XP, Polaris is at it again by introducing not only an all-new vehicle but redefining a segment as well with the 2024 Polaris Xpedition.

Aimed squarely at overland adventure enthusiasts, the 2024 Polaris Xpedition combines the best attributes of a sport side-by-side with those from the utility market to create a vehicle that is truly unique. When it comes to sport and performance side-by-sides, the driving experience itself has been the predominant focus. Conversely, development of the Xpedition was focused on creating a vehicle that would not only be fun to drive but also facilitate getting deeper off-the-grid, further into the backcountry, and bringing enough people and supplies along for journey.

The Polaris Xpedition allows riders to take on the most rugged of terrain with adaptability, customization, and a wide range of accessory options at the forefront. The Xpedition is packed with the latest technology; loads of comfort and convenience features; and has the ability to be easily accessorized to fit the needs of whatever adventure lies ahead. Sound familiar? That almost perfectly describes the overland crowd.

At the heart of the 2024 Polaris Xpedition is the company’s new 999 cc parallel-twin ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine. Producing 114 horsepower, this is the same engine that debuted in the new 2024 Polaris RZR XP. The Xpedition also touts the industry’s largest fuel capacity at 12.5 gallons, which provides more than 200 miles of range (under the proper conditions, of course). Power is routed through a CVT transmission, with high and low-range gears, and to an on-demand all-wheel-drive system.

The Xpedition rides on Fox Podium QS3 dampers with Position Sensitive Spiral technology, 2.0-inch diameter in the front and 2.5-inch in the rear. The vehicle sports 30-inch ProArmor Crawler XP tires and has a segment-leading 14 inches of ground clearance. Wheel travel checks in at 14 inches in front and 15 in the rear. With tires that are situated as far to the corners as possible, the vehicle boasts better approach and departure angles than any other overland vehicle on the market. High-mounted air intakes and sealed electronics ensure that riders can tackle all trail conditions with confidence that the electrical system will stay dry and that the engine, clutches, and belt will still receive the necessary airflow.

The 2024 Polaris Xpedition is slated to come in two models: XP and ADV. While the underlying mechanicals are the same between the two models, each has a few differences that will appeal to different users. Xpedition ADV models feature a fully covered pass-through rear cargo box, which offers 36 and 63 inches (on the 2 and 5 seat models, respectively) of flat storage length. XP models feature an open, dumping, cargo box that measures 30 inches. Inside, ADV 5-seat models have fold-flat functionality while the XP models have 60/40 flip-up rear seats, which quickly turn into additional storage space. Both models feature a 48-inch-wide bed with 16-inch-tall sides.

In addition to the pair of models, the 2024 Polaris Xpedition will be available in a trio of trims: Premium, Ultimate, and NorthStar. Building on the vehicle’s base set of features, the Premium trim arrives fit with a 4.3-inch color display and TrailPro 2000 audio system by JBL along with a 660-watt stator charging system. Ultimate models add Polaris’ 7-inch color touch screen, which is powered by Ride Command. The charging system is upgraded to a 900-watt system and the JBL TrailPro 4100 surround sound audio system comes with a 400-watt amplifier and 10-inch subwoofer. Front and rear cameras; tilt and telescopic steering; plus, a padded center console and auto-stop winch round out the trim. Finishing out the lineup is the top-tier NorthStar trim, which includes everything from the Ultimate models along with a fully enclosed cab; HVAC with temperature and zone controls; lockable full doors with power windows; a tip-out front glass windshield; and Ride Command+.

One of the biggest drawbacks to side-by-side riding is exposure to the elements. The 2024 Polaris Xpedition offers an optional Pro Shield Cab System, which is the company’s most integrated and tightest sealing cab enclosure to date (don’t get us started on cabs that leak). NorthStar models feature a heating and air conditioning system with adjustable control modes that allow riders to set and direct the airflow to ensure that the cab stays comfortable in either hot or cold conditions. In fact, the Xpedition NorthStar is the only sport side-by-side to offer an HVAC system standard. When paired with power windows and a tip-out front windshield, riders can still enjoy the great outdoors while remaining in the comfort of the enclosed cab.

The 2024 Polaris Xpedition features a flat roof, which enables the addition of more than 100 all-new adventure focused accessories. These include a Rhino-Rack roof rack, Polaris rooftop tent, kayak holder, fishing rod holders, Maxtrax traction boards, LED light bars, bed racks, spare tire mounts, and more. In addition, the Xpedition features flat interior floors and a large rear storage area. Five-seat models offer modular rear seats, which provide even more storage options. And the Xpedition will be the first Polaris vehicle to debut the company’s new Lock & Ride MAX cargo system.

To help owners outfit their new Xpedition vehicles, Polaris is offering five rider-inspired accessory collections. Built for a variety of outdoor activities, these include Overland, Kayak, Trail, Hunt, and Utility. Keeping gear safe has never been easier with the vehicles available locking doors, center console, and rear cargo box. And, should the need arise, the Xpedition is outfitted with a 4,500-pound Polaris HD recovery winch.

The 2024 Polaris Xpedition XP and ADV models each come in either two or five-passenger configurations and in three trims: Premium, Ultimate, and NorthStar. Base Premium XP trimmed vehicles will start at just $28,999. The midrange Ultimate XP adds $3,000 and brings the base price to $31,999. At the top-tier is the fully kitted NorthStar XP, which starts at $38,999. Bumping up to the ADV model adds just $1,000 to the XP price.

It’s worth noting that these prices are for the two-seat models, pricing for the larger five-seat models hasn’t been made available at this time. Also, at launch Polaris says it will be focusing on Ultimate and NorthStar trims, with the base Premium launching later in 2024.

We know what you’re thinking… and believe us, we’re right there with you. With a fully outfit five-passenger Polaris Xpedition ADV NorthStar likely to be priced nearer to $50,000 than not, and a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited starting at about $47,000 (alternately, a 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands lands at about $48,000), why bother. The best answer we have is that they are different tools for different jobs.

The Xpedition will allow riders to get further down the trail in a shorter amount of time. They are smaller, lighter, and in a way, more rugged. And side-by-sides generally also cost less to own and maintain. On the other hand, these vehicles typically aren’t street legal, most states require helmets to operate (and it’s just smart, anyway), and you’ll also need a truck and trailer to get it to the trailhead. So, while the choice between side-by-side and street-legal vehicle has always been a tough one, the Xpedition just complicated it even further.