20 • July 2026 • Powersports Business

The United States Marine Corps has awarded Polaris and its government and defense division a five-year, $ 98 million contract to continue production and delivery of the MRZR Alpha ultra-light tactical vehicle, Polaris’ most advanced light tactical UTV.

Designed for enhanced payload capacity, tactical air transport, and off-road performance, the MRZR enables rapid unit deployment and maneuverability across difficult terrain while reducing logistical demand.

The new contract also includes the MRZR Alpha 5kW exportable-power variant, along with funding for continued support from Polaris engineering and logistics teams. The availability of 5kW of exportable power at 24 volts does not compromise the vehicle’ s original purpose, maintaining the capability to haul two liters and other mission-critical supplies.

Used for providing critical off-road mobility for infantry, reconnaissance, and logistics units, the Marines currently have a fleet of more than 500 MRZR Alpha ULTVs.( Photo: Polaris)

Used for providing critical off-road mobility for infantry, reconnaissance, and logistics units, the Marines currently have a fleet of more than 500 MRZR Alpha ULTVs.

“ The ULTV is a highly capable and configurable platform that enhances Marine Corps readiness across the board … And we’ ve worked closely with the engineering team at Polaris to expand on its capabilities even further.”— Jennifer Moore, program manager and program acquisition executive, Marines Corps.

Engineered for rapid deployment, the MRZR Alpha ULTV is an internally transportable vehicle, capable of being carried inside MV−22 and CH−53 helicopters. This versatile allows Marine units to maintain high mobility in contested or anti-access environments.

Throughout the 1980s and’ 90s, the United States military’ s rising demand for

With fewer than 100 1776 Ranger Crew XD 1500 NorthStars produced, Polaris says the vehicle pays homage to the hardworking Americans whose contributions continue to shape this country.( Photo: Polaris)

off-road vehicles made Polaris the first powersports manufacturer to produce militarized vehicles for the U. S. special forces

In celebration of America’ s 250th Anniversary, Polaris announced the release of an exclusive, limited-edition 1776 custom Ranger Crew XD 1500 NorthStar, and is inviting consumers to nominate an American hero for a chance to win one of the 1776 custom Rangers and an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville with one guest to accept the prize.

To enter for a chance to win, powersports enthusiasts can nominate anyone who exemplifies the resilience and determination of the American spirit, with submissions accepted through July 6. With fewer than 100 1776 Ranger Crew XD 1500 NorthStar produced, Polaris says the vehicle pays homage to the hardworking Americans whose contributions continue to shape our country.

The 1776 model features a custom graphics package paired with factory-engineered accessories including 4200 JBL audio, 50-inch light bar, rear winch and more. The graphics design features exclusive badging, a stealth American theme incorporating subtle stars and stripes, along with refined details such as a rear panel eagle with a“ 250th Anniversary” callout and a front hood eagle graphic.

For additional details on the giveaway, visit polaris. com.

and the U. S. Army. Eventually, this led to the founding of Polaris Government and Defense in 2005.