2024 Polaris Side By Side – The Ultimate Guide To Choosing, Modding

So, you’re looking at a brand new 2024 Polaris side by side, or maybe you just hauled one home. The smell of that new engine, the promise of muddy trails and wide-open spaces—it’s an awesome feeling. But you also know that a machine this capable needs the right care and attention to perform its best and keep you safe.

We get it. It can feel like a lot to take in, from choosing the right model to knowing what to check before you even turn the key. That’s why we’re here.

This is your complete 2024 polaris side by side guide. We promise to cut through the fluff and give you the real-world advice you need. We’ll walk you through picking the perfect model, performing essential pre-ride checks, tackling common issues, and making smart upgrades. Let’s get you ready to ride with confidence.

Decoding the 2024 Polaris Lineup: RZR, Ranger, or General?

First things first: not all side by sides are created equal. Polaris breaks its lineup into three main families, each built for a different purpose. Choosing the right one is the most important first step. This isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in your adventures.

The RZR: For the Trail Warrior and Speed Demon

If your idea of a good time is high-speed desert runs, rock crawling, and aggressive trail riding, the RZR is your machine. These are the sport models, built with long-travel suspension, powerful engines, and a low-slung, agile chassis.

Who it’s for: Adrenaline junkies, trail riders who prioritize performance, and anyone who wants the most capable sport UTV on the market.
Key Features: Look for models with DYNAMIX active suspension, turbocharged ProStar engines, and high-clearance A-arms.
Considerations: Less utility-focused. You get a small cargo box, but don’t plan on hauling firewood with it.

The Ranger: The Ultimate Workhorse

Got work to do? The Ranger is your rig. These are utility side by sides designed for hauling, towing, and tackling tough jobs on the farm, ranch, or job site. They’re built for torque, not top speed.

Who it’s for: Farmers, ranchers, hunters, and property owners who need a reliable tool that can also hit the trails on the weekend.
Key Features: Massive payload and towing capacities, durable dumping cargo beds, and comfortable, spacious cabs.
Considerations: Softer suspension and a more utilitarian feel. It’s not going to handle whoops like a RZR.

The General: The Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide between pure sport and pure utility? You don’t have to. The General is the “rec-utility” or crossover model. It combines the hard-working features of a Ranger with the sporty suspension and power of a RZR.

Who it’s for: The rider who wants to haul gear to a remote campsite on Saturday and then carve up the trails on Sunday. It’s the ultimate adventure vehicle.
Key Features: A versatile dumping cargo box, comfortable bucket seats, and class-leading suspension travel and ground clearance for a crossover model.
Considerations: It’s a compromise. It won’t out-haul a Ranger or out-run a RZR, but it does both jobs incredibly well.

Your Essential Pre-Ride Inspection: A 2024 Polaris Side by Side Care Guide

Never, ever just hop in and go. A two-minute inspection can save you from a four-hour walk back to the truck. We use a modified version of the motorcycle T-CLOCS checklist. It’s one of the most important 2024 polaris side by side best practices you can adopt.

Tires & Wheels: Check your tire pressure with a quality low-pressure gauge. Look for any cuts or punctures in the tread and sidewalls. Grab each wheel and check for wobbly wheel bearings or loose lug nuts.
Controls & Cables: Test your steering—it should be smooth with no binding. Check your throttle and brake pedals for smooth operation. Make sure your gear selector clicks positively into each gear.
Lights & Electrics: Turn the key on. Test your headlights (high and low beams), brake lights, and any accessories like light bars or a winch. A dead battery is the #1 fun-killer on the trail.
Oil & Fluids: This is critical. Check your engine oil level. Peek at your coolant reservoir—is it between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ lines? Look under the machine for any new drips or leaks.
Chassis & Suspension: Do a quick visual scan of the frame for any cracks, especially after a rough ride. Look at your A-arms, trailing arms, and radius rods for any bends or damage. Check your CV boots (the rubber accordion-looking boots on your axles) for tears. A torn boot lets dirt in and will quickly destroy a CV joint.

Making this a habit will dramatically reduce the chance of a breakdown and helps you spot common problems with 2024 polaris side by side models before they become expensive failures.

Common Problems with 2024 Polaris Side by Side Rigs (And How to Fix Them)

Even the best machines have their quirks. Knowing what to look for will keep you ahead of the game. Here are a few things we see regularly in the shop.

Drive Belt Issues

The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) belt is a wear item. Heat is its enemy. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, or improper clutch engagement can glaze or burn a belt, leaving you stranded.

Symptoms: A burning rubber smell, slipping sensation under acceleration, or a sudden loss of power.
The Fix: Learn how to change your 2024 polaris side by side belt in your garage before you need to do it on the trail. Carry a spare belt and the simple tools required (a belt removal tool and a few sockets). Also, always use low gear when driving slowly, rock crawling, or towing to keep the belt cool.

Air Filter Clogging

Off-roading is a dusty business. A clogged air filter chokes your engine, robbing it of power and hurting fuel economy. In severe cases, it can let fine dust into your engine, causing catastrophic damage.

Symptoms: Sluggish performance, black smoke from the exhaust, and poor fuel mileage.
The Fix: This is easy maintenance. Check your air filter after every dusty ride. Use compressed air to blow it out from the inside out. Replace it when it’s visibly dirty or damaged. Don’t cheap out on this—an OEM or quality aftermarket filter like a Donaldson or S&B is cheap insurance.

Weak Factory Battery

With all the electronics on modern machines, plus winches and light bars, the stock battery can be a weak point. They often fail without much warning.

Symptoms: Slow cranking, accessories not working correctly, or the machine just won’t start.
The Fix: Keep the terminals clean and tight. For a long-term solution, consider upgrading to a quality AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery or even a dual-battery setup if you run a lot of accessories. A battery tender is your best friend during storage.

First 5 Mods for Your New Rig: Performance, Protection, and Practicality

The stock 2024 polaris side by side is incredibly capable, but a few smart mods can make it safer, more durable, and better suited to your riding style. Here are our top five recommendations.

Skid Plates: The plastic protection from the factory is better than nothing, but it won’t stop a sharp rock. A full set of aluminum or UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight plastic) skid plates is the best protection you can buy for your frame, engine, and transmission.
A Good Winch: Don’t wait until you’re stuck to wish you had one. A 4500-5000 lb winch from a reputable brand like Warn or SuperATV is a must-have for recovery. Pro Tip: Choose a synthetic rope over steel cable—it’s lighter, stronger, and much safer if it breaks.
Harnesses: The stock seatbelts are fine, but 4-point or 5-point harnesses will keep you securely planted in your seat in rough terrain. This is a major safety upgrade that also reduces fatigue by letting you relax instead of bracing yourself all day.
Roof and Windshield: These seem like creature comforts, but they are huge for safety and enjoyment. A roof protects you from the sun and rain, and a half or full windshield keeps dust, bugs, and branches out of your face.
Better Tires: The stock tires are a compromise. Upgrading to a tire designed for your specific terrain (mud, rocks, all-terrain) is the single biggest performance improvement you can make. It will transform how your machine hooks up, brakes, and steers.

Sustainable Off-Roading: Eco-Friendly Best Practices

Part of being a responsible rider is protecting the trails we love for future generations. The benefits of 2024 polaris side by side ownership include exploring beautiful places, and it’s our job to keep them that way. This isn’t about politics; it’s about common sense and respect.

Adopting a sustainable 2024 polaris side by side mindset is easy. It starts with following Tread Lightly! principles.

Travel Responsibly: Stay on designated trails. Don’t create new bypasses around obstacles. Avoid sensitive areas like meadows, shorelines, and wetlands.
Respect the Rights of Others: Yield to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Keep your speed and noise down around campsites and residential areas.
Avoid Spreading Invasive Species: Wash your machine thoroughly between rides, especially if you’re traveling to a new trail system. This prevents transporting seeds from invasive plants. An eco-friendly 2024 polaris side by side is a clean one.
Do Your Part: Pack out everything you pack in. Even better, pick up any trail trash you see left by others. Leave the area better than you found it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your 2024 Polaris Side by Side

What is the break-in period for a 2024 Polaris?

Most Polaris models have a break-in period of around 25 hours or 500 miles. During this time, it’s crucial to vary your speed and avoid prolonged full-throttle operation or constant low-speed driving. This allows the piston rings to seat properly. After the break-in period, perform your first service, which includes changing the engine oil and filter, as well as other key fluids.

How often should I service my Polaris SxS?

Follow the service intervals in your owner’s manual. A typical schedule is an oil change every 50-100 hours or every 6 months, whichever comes first. However, if you ride in extremely dusty, wet, or muddy conditions, you should check and service your fluids and filters much more frequently.

Can I make my 2024 Polaris side by side street legal?

This depends entirely on your state and local laws. Many states have provisions for making a UTV street legal, but it typically requires adding specific equipment like a horn, turn signals, mirrors, a lighted license plate bracket, and a windshield. Always check with your local DMV for the specific requirements in your area before buying any parts.

Getting to know your 2024 polaris side by side is part of the adventure. By understanding the machine, performing regular checks, and respecting the trail, you’re setting yourself up for years of incredible off-road experiences. Take care of your rig, and it will take care of you.

Now, get your tools out, check your fluids, and go get some mud on those tires. Stay safe and have fun out there!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.