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The Polaris Xpedition May Be the Perfect Base Camp Exploration Vehicle

Polaris Off-Road has unveiled an entirely new platform for side-by-side vehicles, and boy, do we wish it was street-legal. The 2024 Polaris Xpedition includes the Xpedition XP and ADV models and has, according to the press release, “introduced a unique category of ‘adventure side-by-sides,’ thereby amalgamating traditional off-road capabilities with the comfort and cargo features generally seen in top-tier overlanding.”

Polaris Xpedition
The Xpedition is designed to accommodate the broadest range of outdoor activities. If the Xpedition was street-legal, we could quite easily imagine driving this little beast all the way to China, taking the most challenging route possible. But it is not street-legal, and will likely have to be towed or trailered by a vehicle which is.

Polaris Xpedition

Vice President of Polaris Off-Road Recreation Reid Wilson underscored the company’s vision for the Xpedition line.

“In response to the overwhelming growth of the adventure segment, we aimed to redefine the game with a vehicle that pioneers a completely new side-by-side experience. Our objective was to synthesize the worlds of traditional side-by-sides and overlanding into a single vehicle that empowers passionate adventurers to venture further and deeper into the wilderness, thereby discovering fresh destinations and experiences.”

Polaris Xpedition

The Xpedition series (whose rear is giving us Range Rover Classic vibes) with its ample seating, storage, heating, cooling, and Polaris-brand rooftop tent seems ideal for long- or short-distance off-road exploration, leaving the tow vehicle to act as a base camp. The financial upside to this arrangement is that the primary (tow) vehicle does not have to be 4WD capable or upgraded for off-road travel, as the Polaris is ready to rumble and take all the hard knocks on the trail.

President of Polaris Off-Road Steve Menneto highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation.

“We recognized a definitive opportunity in the market around outdoor adventure and a growing number of consumers seeking outdoor experiences, from traditional activities like camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing, to more athletic pursuits such as mountain biking or kayaking. We are propelling our industry forward once again with innovation in the side-by-side adventure market to cater to the needs of passionate adventurers.”

The Xpedition models are designed for ultimate performance, even in the most challenging terrains. Standard features and a wide range of accessories and customization options are part of the package, allowing riders to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs. The 2024 Xpedition also includes integrated fold-flat rear seats, a pass-through cab, and easy roof-rack solutions to accommodate virtually any load. It is apparently the first-ever sport side-by-side to offer a fully enclosed cab, complete with roof coverage, windows, and optional heating and air conditioning, providing riders with protection from the elements.

Polaris Xpedition

The Xpedition ADV model comes with a fully covered pass-through rear cargo box offering 36 and 63 inches of flat storage length on the two-seat and five-seat models, respectively. The Xpedition XP model features a 30-inch-long dumping cargo box, perfect for a spare tire and additional gear. The XP 5-seat model includes a 60/40 split flip-up rear seat that can convert into storage space in seconds. Both models feature a segment-leading 48-inch-width box with 16-inch-high side walls for easy equipment transportation.

Polaris Xpedition

The 2024 Xpedition also introduces over 100 adventure-focused accessories, including a Rhino-Rack roof rack, kayak holder, fishing rod holder, Polaris rooftop tent, MaxTrax traction boards, and more. With a 2,000-pound towing capacity, riders can hitch and pull additional gear.

Polaris Xpedition

To ensure an optimal off-road experience, the Polaris Xpedition is decked out with high-end Fox Podium QS3 shocks armed with Position Sensitive Spiral technology, delivering a smooth and enjoyable ride throughout the day, even on rugged terrains. As an additional feature, the optional Pro Shield Cab System offers the most well-integrated, weather-tight seal, promising a premium experience every season. In particular, the NorthStar trim is equipped with an exclusive HVAC system with adjustable control modes, which gives riders the flexibility to manage and direct airflow, ensuring cabin comfort in hot or cold conditions. The temperature-regulated NorthStar vehicle is the only sport side-by-side in the industry to standardly offer HVAC. Alongside power windows and a tip-out front windshield, riders can fully enjoy the great outdoors within the secure comfort of the cabin.

Polaris Xpedition

Centering on the rider’s comfort, the cab of the Polaris Xpedition boasts a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 6 inches of seat adjustability, and front bucket seats for a customized fit. To safeguard the rider’s equipment, the vehicle is equipped with optional locking doors, a center console, and a rear cargo box. The ease of navigating the unknown has been elevated by Polaris’ unrivaled 7-inch touchscreen display powered by Ride Command, granting riders access to advanced GPS and trail network information. The Group Ride feature facilitates communication, navigation, and group connectivity while on the trail, complimented by a JBL Trail Pro audio system.

Polaris Xpedition

The 2024 Polaris Xpedition boasts the industry’s highest fuel capacity of any factory side-by-side in the market, with a range of over 200 miles. Powered by a 114-horsepower ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine, it promises quick responsiveness and acceleration in conjunction with on-demand all-wheel drive, Pro Armor 30-inch Crawler XP tires, and 14 inches of ground clearance. With high-mounted air intakes, weatherproof electrical components, and extreme approach and departure angles, riders can confidently tackle trail conditions, knowing that the electrical system will remain dry and the engine, while the clutches and belt will maintain peak performance airflow.

Polaris Xpedition

Purposefully designed, the Polaris Xpedition comes standard with a Polaris HD 4,500-pound winch for conquering the unknown and facilitates the effortless addition of a Glacier Pro HD plow system. The Polaris Pulse electrical system also allows easy installation of electrical accessories such as light bars, a heater kit, and more, enabling you to journey year-round, day or night.

Polaris Xpedition

The 2024 Polaris XpeditionXP and ADV are available in two- and five-seat configurations in three trims: Premium, Ultimate, and NorthStar. The Ultimate and NorthStar trims will begin shipping to dealers in the summer of 2023, while the Premium trim will be available in 2024.

2024 Polaris XpeditionXP Premium: Starting at US $28,999

2024 Polaris XpeditionADV Premium: Starting at US $29,999

polaris.com

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Graeme Bell is an author and explorer who has dedicated his life to traveling the planet by land, seeking adventure and unique experiences. Together with his wife and two children, Graeme has spent the last decade living permanently on the road in a self-built Land Rover based camper. They have explored 27 African countries (including West Africa), circumnavigated South America, and driven from Argentina to Alaska, which was followed by an exploration of Europe and Western Asia before returning to explore the Americas. Graeme is the Senior Editor 4WD for Expedition Portal, a member of the Explorers Club, the author of six books, and an Overland Journal contributor since 2015. You can follow Graeme's adventures across the globe on Instagram at graeme.r.bell