By Chris Officer associate editor
In the 1950s, Polaris made its name developing and manufacturing snowmobiles. The company was at the forefront of innovation, with the TX-L340 sled using the first Polaris liquid-cooled engine and the first independent suspension in 1976. But the ingenuity didn’t end with snowmobiles. In 1985, Polaris took its innovation off-road, creating the first American-engineered ATV, igniting a 40-year trend of advancing the powersports ORV segment.
Polaris’ first ATV was introduced in 1985, but the original Scrambler wasn’t the typical ATV you see on today’s trails. The three-wheeled ATV led to the four-wheel Trail Boss, which eventually paved the way for the 4x6 Big Boss in 1989, which featured an automatic transmission and a hinged cargo bed.
Polaris’ popularity grew following the release of the Trail Boss, and the company went from less than 50 year-round employees to nearly 200 people employed year-round.
Polaris’ early-model ATVs were primarily utility-focused, aimed at farmers, hunters, and landowners. The company established itself outside of the snowmobile segment with these early ATV models, but it wasn’t until 1996, when the Sportsman 500 was introduced, that the company started to switch gears from snow to off-road. After the Sportsman debuted, Polaris was producing more ATVs than snowmobiles.
The modern Sportsman was the first American-engineered ATV. It featured a four-stroke engine, hydraulic braking, an automatic transmission, and independent rear suspension — a significant upgrade from the traditional straight axle. The Sportsman 500 was a game-changer in the Polaris lineup, quickly becoming one of the bestselling ATVs of the ’90s, and laid the foundation for today’s bestselling 570 family.
Caleb Willi, ATV product manager and a 15-year veteran at Polaris, says it was the Sportsman that helped grow the company’s off-road brand and redefine the entire industry.
“A lot of the innovations happened in the mid-’90s, and it was through the growth of that machine that really kick-started a whole new business,” Willi says.
By 2001, just five years after the Sportsman was launched, Polaris celebrated one million ATVs produced with automatic transmissions, earning the Legacy Award by ATV magazine.
The innovation of the Sportsman 500, Willi adds, helped pave the way for Polaris side-by-side production in 1999, when the company introduced the Ranger and, in 2007, released the first sport side-by-side vehicle, the Ranger RZR.
The innovation sparked by the Sportsman wasn’t just exclusive to powersports enthusiasts. Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, the United States military’s rising demand for off-road vehicles led to Polaris being the first powersports OEM to produce militarized vehicles for the U.S. special forces and the U.S. Army. Eventually, this led to the founding of Polaris Defense in 2005.
To pay tribute to the innovation that the mid-’90s Sportsman started, Willi says Polaris is modeling its ATV 40th anniversary after the trendsetting edition, adding that the milestone is a testament to the company’s ingenuity.
“We were excited about this milestone. It adds credibility to what we are doing at Polaris every day, and it’s a testament to the products we make,” he says. “We wanted to celebrate off-road. We’ve seen a lot of growth in the segment, and Polaris has been instrumental in that.”
The 40th anniversary special edition Sportsman 570 Premium is a limited release that Polaris says is based on the best-selling and fan favorite from the 1990s. This special edition features premium paint and badging, with exclusive ’90s-inspired graphics that pay homage to Polaris’ ATV heritage.
The special edition Sportsman 570 Premium carries all the same specs as the 2025 Premium: a 44-horsepower engine; all-wheel drive; 1,350-lb towing capacity; combined 270-lb front and rear rack capacity; Active Descent Control; and multi-select electronic power steering and engine braking system.
New features not included in last year’s Premium are the custom graphics and 40th anniversary badging, premium Treeline Green metallic paint, and a 3,5000-lb. winch with a steel cable.
But despite the new badging, color, and winch, the 40th anniversary Sportsman 570 comes with the same price tag as last year’s Premium, with an MSRP starting at $10,199.
“It should be a really compelling value to customers and something dealers can be excited about,” Willi says.
Willi adds that Polaris is celebrating this anniversary throughout 2026, and the special edition Sportsman is a trim that dealers will have access to all year.
“This is not a first-come, first-served kind of thing. We wanted to allow dealers and customers the opportunity to be a part of this celebration,” he says, adding that the vehicle should be available to dealers by late September.
Most of Polaris’ ATVs are still manufactured in its Roseville, Minnesota, plant, but the company also has two manufacturing facilities in Poland and Mexico. Willi says the future of Polaris Off-Road and its ATV segment is to offer vehicles more approachable in price, but with the same high level of quality manufacturing that Polaris has earned its reputation from through the decades.
“We want to meet people where they’re at. A lot of our customers are landowners, and we want them to find value in something that is going to last,” Willie explains. “We have provided the Sportsman lineup, and it’s meeting a lot of needs, but we want to continue to be better. Continue to meet our customers.”
Continuing to meet customers’ needs is something the company has prioritized over the last four decades of manufacturing ATVs. And despite new competition, Willie says Polaris is confident that the experience the company has gained over the years will continue to separate it from the pack.
“Forty years is a cool stamp to have. We’re starting to see a lot of new-entry OEMs coming into the market, but a lot of them don’t have the cycles of learning we have, like 40 years of Polaris giving customers a high-quality product.”
Featuring a factory-installed, 999cc in-line four-cylinder supercharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, the new H2 models are purpose-built for premium desert, dune, and open-terrain performance — right off the showroom floor.
Motorcycle DNA
Inspired by the Ninja H2 sportbike, Kawasaki’s 999cc four-cylinder supercharged engine is tuned specifically for off-road use.
A CVT transmission delivers immediate power with selectable engine braking and three rider-selectable power modes: Full, Middle, and Low. The rear-mounted dual-fan radiator, high-flow intake, and integrated airbox help maintain consistent performance in harsh conditions.
Suspension and Chassis
All H2 models ride on a 74-inch-wide chassis with long-travel dual A-arm suspension — 18.6 inches of front travel and 20.1 inches rear.
All H2 models ride on a 74-inch-wide chassis with long-travel dual A-arm suspension — 18.6 inches of front travel and 20.1 inches rear. The Deluxe trims come equipped with Kawasaki Electronic Controlled Suspension and FOX 3.0 Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks, which automatically adjust damping based on real-time inputs like speed, acceleration, and steering.
Selectable modes (Soft, Normal, Firm) enable riders to tailor the ride to their preferred terrain and comfort. The high-strength steel frame, low center of gravity, and optimized weight distribution deliver confident high-speed handling and control.
Premium components
Standard across all models are 33-inch Maxxis Carnivore Plus tires on 16-inch wheels; the Deluxe trims add beadlock wheels for added safety in rough terrain.
Standard across all models are 33-inch Maxxis Carnivore Plus tires on 16-inch wheels; the Deluxe trims add beadlock wheels for added safety in rough terrain. Four-wheel disc brakes with 258mm rotors and twin-piston calipers provide strong, consistent stopping power. Additional rider aids include Hill Start Assist, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and on-the-fly 4WD with a front differential lock.
Tech-heavy
Deluxe models come equipped with a 10” Garmin Tread GPS with trail mapping, Group Ride tracking, integrated Bluetooth audio, and door-mounted speakers.
Inside, the Teryx4 H2 features four sculpted bucket seats with contoured bolsters and 3-point belts. The Teryx5 H2 Deluxe adds a three-seat rear bench, making it one of the most powerful 5-seaters in the category. Key interior highlights include:
7” full-color TFT display with smartphone connectivity
Tilt steering wheel
Automotive-style half doors with internal handles
Prewired accessory switch panel
Multiple ride screen views and trip meters
Deluxe models come equipped with a 10” Garmin Tread GPS with trail mapping, Group Ride tracking, integrated Bluetooth audio, and door-mounted speakers. A factory-installed roof and beadlock wheels round out the high-end trim.
Aggressive styling
The Deluxe model features signature Lime Green suspension, LED lighting with LED accent eyebrows, painted bodywork, and integrated tie-downs, all of which elevate the rugged look.
Signature Lime Green suspension, LED lighting with LED accent eyebrows, painted bodywork, and integrated tie-downs elevate the rugged look. A 600-lb. capacity cargo bed and 2,000-lb. towing capability ensure both play and utility are built in.
Models & pricing:
Teryx4 H2: MSRP: $29,999
4 seats, 250 hp supercharged engine, 33” tires, TFT display
Teryx4 H2 Deluxe: MSRP: $33,499
Adds KECS with FOX Live Valve shocks, Garmin GPS, roof, audio, beadlock wheels
Teryx5 H2 Deluxe: MSRP: $34,499
All Deluxe features plus 5-passenger seating with contoured rear bench
Availability
All three 2026 Teryx H2 models are expected to begin arriving at Kawasaki dealerships across the U.S. in Fall 2025. Early interest is expected to be high, particularly in desert and dune markets. Dealers should prepare for strong demand and leverage Kawasaki’s pre-order programs to secure customer orders ahead of arrival.
All three 2026 Teryx H2 models are expected to begin arriving at Kawasaki dealerships across the U.S. in Fall 2025.
With this aggressive push into the high-horsepower, factory-equipped SxS segment, Kawasaki is poised to compete directly with the most elite offerings in the sport category — and now offers one of the most powerful factory sport SxS lineups on the market.
A stolen Can-Am UTV taken from Pitbull Powersports earlier this summer has been recovered, thanks to a swift investigation by the Greene County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office and the help of local law enforcement partners.
According to a report by KY3 News, the theft occurred in the early morning hours of June 12. Surveillance footage showed a man cutting through a fence at the Pitbull Powersports lot, located near Sunshine Street and West Bypass in Springfield, Missouri. Once inside, the suspect loaded a Can-Am Defender Max Lone Star edition off a trailer and drove it off the lot through the damaged fence.
Deputy Derek James told KY3 that the suspect appeared to have methodically targeted the vehicle. The all-black, full-cab UTV, which features roof-mounted speakers and carries an estimated value of ~$35,000, was considered a rare and distinctive model, potentially aiding in its identification.
Despite the video footage, investigators initially struggled to identify the suspect. “With things like side-by-sides not driving on the streets every day, it’s easy for them to stay hidden — either in someone’s garage or out on a remote property,” James noted.
But in a positive turn, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office announced that the suspect has now been apprehended and the UTV recovered.
Pitbull Powersports posted an enthusiastic update to social media, expressing gratitude to Detective Bayer and the Greene County Sheriff’s Department:
“Caught that sucka! MANY THANKS to Detective Bayer for apprehending the thief and recovering our side-by-side. And thank you to Henry’s Towing for transferring it back to us!”
Dealers are reminded to review their security systems and storage practices, particularly during overnight hours, to protect high-value assets such as utility vehicles.
Polaris’ off-road model lineup is expanding into the value segment with the 2026 Ranger 500, an all-new mid-size utility side-by-side that offers the quality and reliability of Polaris at a price point under $10,000.
The Ranger 500 is compact, easy-to-use, and practical for everyday use. It offers value and versatility to help get work done around your property faster. An array of accessory options allows owners to customize the vehicle to work best for how they’ll use it.
The company says what it’s trying to achieve with the Ranger 500 is to create an approachable and dependable solution for outdoor work that is backed by Polaris’ strong off-road reputation.
“With the continued shift from city living to rural residences, more and more people are finding themselves with ample space, yard projects, and time spent outdoors,” says Reid Wilson, president of off-road vehicles at Polaris. “While the Ranger brand has been the No. 1 selling utility side-by-side brand for 27 years, we see an opportunity to expand our lineup with a vehicle that offers the right features at the right price.”
Starting at an MSRP of $9,999, the Ranger 500 caters to those who need tools to help get their tasks done more efficiently. It is fitted with a factory-installed roof, winch, LED headlights, a front bumper, and a dump box that can haul up to 300 pounds,
Polaris says the Ranger 500 was engineered to be easy to operate, with simplified controls and minimal upkeep. Its compact size and nimble handling make it ideal for navigating tight spaces and accessing hard-to-reach areas.
“We focused on incorporating the features that a first-time side-by-side owner would find most valuable when working around their yard or property,” says Brandon Kraemer, vice president of product portfolio at Polaris.
The Ranger 500 includes:
Engine and drivetrain: All-wheel drive with auto-locking front drive and selectable VersaTrac Turf Mode, 28 HP, 567 cc, 4-stroke engine.
User-friendly controls: Simple and intuitive controls make it easy to use. Responsive on-demand all-wheel drive provides a smooth operation, even in challenging terrain.
Versatility: The gas-assist dump box can haul up to 300 pounds, enough for approximately 10 bags of mulch. It has a 1,500-pound towing capacity with a standard 2-inch hitch receiver that allows for easy transport of landscaping materials or brush. A chassis-integrated plow mount plate adds year-round utility for snow removal or dirt work.
Reliability and durability: A factory-installed 2,500-pound winch tackles fallen trees and stumps. Also factory-installed are the roof and LED headlights.
Compact size: Comfortable for two passengers, the Ranger 500 has a compact 58.5-inch width that allows for easy storage, navigation, and maneuverability in small spaces.
Powerful performance: A 28-horsepower engine provides ample power for tasks such as hauling tools, landscaping supplies, and other materials.
Interior Storage: Convenient interior storage keeps essentials readily accessible.
Accessory offerings: For extra customization, an assortment of accessories is available, such as a front windshield, rear panel, or additional lightbar.
Customer service: Easy access to oil, air filter, and other components. Polaris also provides comprehensive online owner resources and a nationwide dealer network for convenient service and support, backed by a one-year warranty.
Polaris says the Ranger 500 is expected to begin shipping to dealers by early August.
Fox 9 News out of Minnesota reported in July that lawmakers have exempted powersports vehicles from a law that bans “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in products sold to young consumers.
Back on Jan. 1, 2025, Minnesota enacted a law prohibiting PFAS in products for juveniles, which included youth model dirt bikes and ATVs. PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are used for heat resistance and waterproofing, and have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
As earlier reported by Fox 9, this initial ban hurt powersports dealers. General Manager Tom Stifter of Davis Motorsports told the news station that since the Jan. 1 ban, he was stuck with about $35,000 in unsalable inventory.
However, pushback from industry enthusiasts convinced Minnesota lawmakers to carve out an exemption for powersports dealerships. Under the new law, dealers can sell now-exempt vehicles if they’ve been sitting in showrooms for more than six months.
With the new 2026 model line now available, Fox 9 reported that it’s likely dealers will have to sell their older models — ones they were banned from selling since Jan. 1 — at a loss, in order to clear the way for the newer models.
Suzuki Motor USA is giving dealers a powerful sales tool just in time for the peak ATV selling season. The company has announced a limited-time “4x4x4” promotion that doubles the warranty coverage on all new, previously unsold KingQuad ATVs purchased through Oct. 31, 2025.
Under the program, Suzuki is adding a 24-month Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP) plan to its standard 24-month Limited Warranty — bringing total coverage to four years. The offer applies to all KingQuad models sold by participating Suzuki dealers.
“Doubling warranty coverage on Suzuki ATVs provides solid peace of mind to our customers who rely on their ATVs for everyday usage, as well as gives our dealers a valuable tool to be used in the selling process,” says Kerry Graeber, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Suzuki Motor USA.
Recognized for durability and utility, KingQuad ATVs are often used by ranchers, farmers, and outdoor professionals who count on their machines day in and day out. Suzuki says the extended warranty reflects its confidence in KingQuad’s long-term reliability.
In addition to the 4-year warranty, Suzuki is offering customers the choice of 0% APR financing for 36 months or up to $1,600 in Customer Cash on select models — allowing customers to stack multiple incentives during the prime ATV buying window.
“Between the 4x4x4 warranty, zero percent financing, or the aggressive customer cash option available to qualified buyers, now is the time to ride off on a new Suzuki ATV,” Graeber adds.
Dealers looking to boost ATV floor traffic this fall may find the 4x4x4 campaign offers compelling messaging — pairing a strong value proposition with trusted product performance.
More details are available at Suzuki’s website, suzukicycles.com.
In response to the recent flooding disaster in Texas, Polaris has donated four Ranger Crew XP 1000 NorthStar Edition UTVs to Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR), a disaster response organization. These vehicles will play a critical role in navigating tough terrain or hard-to-reach areas, enabling crews to better support those impacted.
In partnership with two dealers from Polaris’ dealer network, Family Powersports Austin and Hoffpauir Outdoors of Goldthwaite, the vehicles are being up-fitted with advanced rescue packages. This includes sideview mirrors, rescue skids and full-size front hood storage racks to more efficiently transport equipment, deliver supplies and execute clean-up tasks. These dealers and their teams helped ensure the vehicles were ready for deployment by TEXSAR.
“We are incredibly grateful to Polaris for its swift and generous donation,” says Justin McInnis, CEO and president of TEXSAR. “To date, we’ve been relying on older off-road assets and personal vehicles and with this donation, we will be much more nimble in our efforts while greatly enhancing our ability to reach devastated areas and assist in relief efforts.”
Polaris says it is in the process of donating Ranger vehicles to A Doggie 4 You to support search-and-rescue efforts and cadaver dogs. The Ranger vehicles will help the dogs and their handlers navigate the devastated terrain more easily. Polaris is also working with Grooms Polaris, its dealer in Rocksprings, Texas, to get these vehicles to the team as quickly as possible.
In addition to the vehicle donations, Polaris also donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to help accelerate critical response initiatives.
“The Red Cross helps people during some of life’s darkest moments, and we are proud to say that Polaris does too,” says Josett Valdez, vice president of fundraising for American Red Cross North Central Division. “This gift from Polaris helps enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters both large and small whenever and wherever they occur.”
Polaris joins other major OEMs such as Kubota and Honda, who also recently made significant donations to American Red Cross for Texas flood relief.
Polaris has a long history of supporting disaster response, including donating vehicles to the Salvation Army’s Rescue and Relief Fleet for more than a decade to aid in various recovery efforts. Earlier in July, the Salvation Army shared that its Polaris fleet is onsite in Texas and being used to support the communities devastated by the recent flooding.