NEW 2021 POLARIS SPORTSMAN ATVs

FIRST RIDE AND REVIEW OF TWO HUNTING EDITION MODELS FROM POLARIS

Written By:

John Arens

The Polaris Sportsman is a legend in the field. It’s been a mainstay for those who want a reliable, smooth riding ATV at hunting camp, for casual trail riding, and for work around the yard. They’ve logged more trail miles, and hauled more game and gear than any other ATV. The Sportsman 570 is one of our all-time favorites, and for 2021 Polaris gave it major upgrades, making it even more capable. True to their name, two new Polaris Sportsman Hunting Editions are ready to hit the woods and fields of fall.

570 UPGRADES – IMPROVING ON EXCELLENCE

The existing Sportsman 570 platform is extremely comfortable, easy to ride, capable, and reliable. It’s certainly one of our all-time favorite trail machines, and Polaris could have continued building it as-is for the next five years and still been at the top of the class. The Polaris engineering team is constantly looking for creative ways to improve the fleet however, and their changes to the 2021 Sportsman 570 make a great machine even better. Improvements include:

SMOOTHER POWER DELIVERY. The 44hp ProStar engine has been tuned for strong, steady power delivery, with revised clutching on the EBS equipped models. It delivers smoother, more controlled descents and low speed operation, with smoother clutch engagement.
IMPROVED SUSPENSION AND GROUND CLEARANCE. The 2021 Sportsman gets increased ground clearance, and more suspension travel, making trail obstacles easier to clear.
NEW SUSPENSION BUSHINGS. A new sealed suspension bushing keeps out water and grit, reduces maintenance, delivers smoother travel, and quiets suspension squeaks.
INCREASED TOWING CAPACITY. Both the Sportsman 450 H.O. and 570 are now rated to tow 1,350 pounds (previously 1,225 pounds).
NEW BATTERY LOCATION, MORE AMPS and A CHARGING PORT. The new, larger capacity battery is located in the front storage bin, with 78% more cold-cranking amps. Even better is a center pod mounted charging port for long term storage trickle charging.
LARGER, HEAVIER DUTY TIRES. Upgraded 6-ply, 25-inch tires come standard and provide increased ground clearance and puncture resistance.
STRONGER CARGO RACKS. Redesigned cargo racks with rack extenders come standard and offer increased strength and more tie-down and accessory mounting options. Better hinges insure they’ll hold up to hard work.
EASIER ACCESSORY INTEGRATION. A pre-wired, plug & play harness makes powered accessory integration easy for winches, plows, hand warmers, etc.

HUNTING EDITION 570

If there was ever an ATV meant for cool, crisp fall mornings in the deer or duck blind, it is the Polaris Sportsman Hunt Edition. Just like your faithful hunting dog begs to get out in the field, the Sportsman Hunt Edition models practically do the same.

The 2021 Sportsman 570 Hunt Edition is based on the base model 570, but with options and upgrades hunters will find handy. We especially like the new front racks, the new battery location, and the charging port that makes hooking up a trickle charger easy. From the riders seat everything feels very natural with the Sportsman 570, or practically every Polaris Sportsman ATV for that matter, since they share much of the chassis. The controls are within easy reach, the seat is comfy for all day rides, and the fenders keep you well protected from flying mud or splashing water. When describing how they feel, the word that always comes to mind is “natural”.

We like the power delivery of the 570 engine. It delivers a noticeable snap off the bottom, and it picks up speed quickly thanks to the CVT transmission. Transmission back shifting is very smooth. The only change we would make to the Sportsman 570 is nothing more than including the rear storage box. It was deleted this year, and one look under the seat shows a gaping hole where it formerly resided. Storage is everything on an ATV meant for a multitude of tasks and we want the old storage box back.

Polaris gave the base model 570 MacPherson struts on the front end and they do a good job of soaking up bumps. They feel ultra-stable, but also slightly under-damped and a little too soft in the corners, making the steering feel slightly imprecise. The 570 Hunt Edition gets a very significant upgrade with a dual A-Arm front and rear suspension. Long front and rear A-arms position the spindles deep into the 14” wheels, allowing for precise handling and effectively reducing wheel scrub. Oil damped shocks are preload adjustable and can be dialed in for your riding preference, trail conditions, and load. It makes the Sportsman 570 Hunt Edition outstanding in tighter, rougher situations, and everywhere else on the trail. Extras that come with the HUNT EDITION Sportsman include:

SPORTSMAN 570 HUNT EDITION POLARIS PURSUIT CAMO
TRUE ON-DEMAND AWD
DUAL A-ARM FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION
FRONT & REAR BUMPER
FRONT & REAR RACK EXTENDERS
26" DURO TIRES WITH 14" ALUMINUM WHEELS
2,500 LB POLARIS HD WINCH
KOLPIN GUN BOOT & MOUNT
KOLPIN RHINO GRIPS
FACTORY-INSTALLED WINCH AND PLOW MOUNT PLATES
$10,299 US MSRP.

There is a lot to love about every Sportsman 570. They’re very well equipped, and very capable machines. Special edition packages like the Hunt Edition model make them even better.

BIG GAME – THE SPORTSMAN XP 1000 HUNT EDITION

When you want an ATV for hunting, but also love high-speed trail time the Sportsman XP 1000 Hunt Edition is ready to fill your tag for big game, and big fun!

Based on the outstanding Sportsman XP 1000 platform, the new XP 1000 Hunting Edition is a performance machine wrapped in utility quad bodywork. The first thing we noticed is how narrow and sporty it feels. It’s comfortable! Your knees and legs aren’t spread like you’re perched atop a buffalo, the seat is slim and comfortable for easy body positioning, and full floorboards are at the perfect height and drain water away quickly. The handlebar bend is very good and reaches back for the rider, with all controls right where they should be. It’s an ATV you could ride all day, but you had better hold on tight. This ATV comes with a 90hp engine.

The twin cylinder, 952cc ProStar engine definitely provides instant throttle response, and long sections of trail suddenly get a lot shorter. Thankfully, Polaris also gave the Sportsman XP 1000 a good set of brakes, and you’ll need them. Even with its enormous top speed and instant acceleration, the XP1000 is remarkably easy to control. It pulls and accelerates steadily, and the dual A-arm front suspension at both ends does an excellent job of controlling the ride. It had better on this machine. There is little body roll in the corners, and we like the 26” tires. They’ll claw through a muddy bean field, or up a steep hill with little trouble. For the ultimate in ease of control, the brushless Polaris Electronic Power Steering system varies input with travel speed. It’s effortless and all but eliminates any jolt from hitting objects along the trail. At the rear is a 1.25” receiver hitch ready to tow 1500 lbs. of load. Highlights of the Sportsman XP 1000 Hunt Edition are:

SPORTSMAN 570 HUNT EDITION POLARIS PURSUIT CAMO
POLARIS PURSUIT® CAMO & GRAPHICS PACKAGE
CUT & SEW POLARIS PURSUIT CAMO SEAT
FRONT & REAR BRUSHGUARD
3,500 LB POLARIS HD WINCH
GUN SCABBARD
FRONT & REAR RACK EXTENDERS
AGGRESSIVE 26" PXT TIRES
REAR LED CENTER WORK LIGHT and LED LIGHTING
HAND/THUMB WARMERS
ON-DEMAND AWD
NEW IN-POD CHARGING PORT
$13,299 US MSRP

INTO THE WOODS

There is a reason the Sportsman lineup of Polaris ATVs is the best-selling ATV lineup of all-time, and a favorite of hunters everywhere. They’re as reliable and tenacious as your favorite hunting dog, they ride excellent and are easy to control, and they’re always, always, ready to go. What more could you ask for in your best hunting buddy?

POLARIS SPORTSMAN 570 – Base Model Specifications

Engine Type: 567cc Liquid Cooled, Fuel Injected, DOHC 4-Stroke, 44 hp.

Drive System: Automatic PVT, P/R/N/L/H; Shaft drive, 2WD / AWD

Suspension, Fnt/Rear MacPherson Struts / 8.2” travel Front, - Dual A-Arm / 9.5” travel

Front Brakes: Single-lever hydraulic disc

Rear Brakes: Hydraulic Disc with Foot Brake

Tires: 25x8-12, 6 Ply – Front, 25x10-12, 6 Ply - Rear , Steel Wheels

Dry Weight: 705 lb.

Length /width / height 83” / 48” / 47”

Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal.

Hitch Towing Capacity: 1350 lb.

Ground Clearance: 11.5”

Hitch: 1.25” Rear Receiver

Instrumentation: All Digital Gauge, Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Two Tripmeters, Hour Meter, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, AWD Indicator, Volt Meter, Coolant Temperature, Hi-Temp Light

Lights: Halogen Pod & Bumper Lights, Triple 50w High Beams, Dual 50w Low Beams, Single LED Brake Light/Taillight

Standard Features: Front Rack Extender, 12 Volt Power Plug, Pre-Wired for Hand & Thumb Warmers, Winch & Plow Mounts Included, In Pod Battery Charger

MSRP: $6,999 U.S.

POLARIS SPORTSMAN XP 1000 – Base Model Specifications

Engine Type: 952cc Twin Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, Injected, DOHC 4-Stroke, 90 h.p.

Drive System: Automatic PVT, P/R/N/L/H; Shaft drive, 2WD / AWD

Suspension, Fnt/Rear Dual A-Arm / 9” travel Front, - Dual A-Arm / 10.25” travel Rear

Front Brakes: Single-lever hydraulic disc

Rear Brakes: Hydraulic Disc with Foot Brake

Tires: 26x8-14, CST– Front, 26x10-14, CST - Rear , Cast Al. Wheels

Dry Weight: 801 lbs.

Length /width / height 83.25” / 47.6” / 50.75”

Fuel Capacity: 5.25 gal.

Hitch Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs.

Ground Clearance: 12”

Hitch: 1.25” Rear Receiver

Instrumentation: All Digital Gauge, Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Two Tripmeters, Hour Meter, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, AWD Indicator, Volt Meter, Coolant Temperature, Hi-Temp Light, Clock, DC Outlet

Lights: 50w High Beam, Dual 50w Low Beam Headlights

Standard Features: 6 Rack Extenders, In Pod Battery Charge Port, Painted Plastics

MSRP: $10,299 U.S.