Difference Between Polaris General And General Xp

You’re standing there, looking at two incredible machines. Both have that aggressive Polaris look, the promise of trail-shredding fun, and the iconic General name. But one has that little “XP” badge on the side, and a bigger price tag to match. You’re left wondering, “Is it just a sticker, or am I missing something big?”

Let me tell you, that XP badge is far more than just decoration. It represents a fundamental shift in capability, comfort, and out-of-the-box readiness. Understanding the difference between polaris general and general xp is crucial to avoid buyer’s remorse and ensure you get the perfect rig for the adventures you’re dreaming of.

You want a machine that perfectly matches your riding style, the terrain you tackle, and your budget. You want to feel confident that you’ve made the right choice every time you turn the key.

In this guide, we’re going to break it all down, bolt by bolt. We’ll dive deep into the suspension, stance, factory upgrades, and real-world feel of both models. By the end, you’ll know exactly which General is built for you.

At a Glance: Key Spec Showdown

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s lay out the most critical differences in a simple chart. Think of this as your cheat sheet. Note that exact specs can vary slightly by model year, but these are the core distinctions.

Vehicle Width: The most significant difference. The standard General is typically 62.5 inches wide, while the XP models boast a much wider 64-inch stance.
Suspension Travel: The XP comes with premium, long-travel suspension, often featuring Walker Evans Velocity Series shocks, providing nearly 14 inches of travel front and rear.
Ground Clearance: Thanks to its suspension and larger tires, the XP offers more ground clearance (around 13.5 inches) compared to the standard model (around 12 inches).
Tires: XP models roll off the showroom floor with larger, more aggressive 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler tires. Standard models usually come with 27-inch tires.
Factory Accessories: The XP is a “Deluxe” package. It typically includes a Polaris HD 4,500 lb. winch, a sport poly roof, and a rugged front bumper as standard equipment.

The Core Difference Between Polaris General and General XP: Stance and Suspension

This is where the rubber truly meets the dirt. The fundamental handling characteristics of these two machines are defined by their width and suspension components. This isn’t just about numbers on a page; it’s about how the machine feels underneath you when things get rough.

The Wider Stance: What 64 Inches on the XP Really Means

The XP’s 64-inch width is its defining feature. That extra width, combined with high-clearance A-arms, makes it an entirely different animal on the trail.

Think of it like a football player’s stance. A wider base means more stability. On the trail, this translates to:

Superior Cornering: The XP feels planted and predictable when you’re carving through high-speed turns. There’s significantly less body roll, inspiring confidence to keep your momentum up.
Off-Camber Confidence: Tackling a trail that slopes sideways? That wider stance keeps the machine feeling level and secure, reducing that tippy sensation you can get with narrower rigs.
High-Speed Stability: When you’re blasting across open desert or bumpy fire roads, the XP tracks straight and true. It feels less skittish and more like a trophy truck than a standard UTV.

The standard General, at 62.5 inches, is still very capable but is designed for versatility. Its slightly narrower profile makes it more nimble on tight, wooded trails and can be a huge advantage if you ride in areas with 60-inch trail width restrictions.

Suspension Deep Dive: Soaking Up the Bumps

If the stance is the foundation, the suspension is the magic. The XP models come equipped with premium shocks, like the Walker Evans Velocity Series, that are a massive upgrade over the standard shocks.

This upgrade gives you more usable suspension travel. This means the wheels can move up and down farther to absorb impacts. For the driver, this feels like the machine is gliding over rocks and ruts that would jolt you in a lesser setup. You’ll finish a long day of riding with far less fatigue. This is one of the key benefits of difference between polaris general and general xp; it’s about ride quality and endurance.

Factory Upgrades: The “Ready to Rip” XP Package

A huge part of the XP’s value proposition is the bundle of high-quality accessories that come installed from the factory. If you were to buy a standard General and add all these parts yourself, you’d likely spend more money and a whole weekend in the garage. This is a critical part of our difference between polaris general and general xp guide.

Wheels and Tires: The Aggressive Advantage

The XP comes ready for serious terrain with 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler XG or similar aggressive tires. These tires offer tougher sidewalls and a much better tread pattern for grabbing onto rocks, clawing through mud, and finding traction where standard tires would spin.

The larger diameter also directly contributes to the XP’s increased ground clearance, letting you crawl over obstacles that might hang up a standard model.

Protection and Convenience: Winch, Bumper, and Roof

These are the big three. The XP typically includes:

Polaris HD 4,500 lb. Winch: A quality winch is a non-negotiable piece of recovery gear. Having a powerful one installed and wired from the factory is a massive plus for safety and convenience.
Front Bumper: The stout front bumper protects your plastic, radiator, and headlights from trail hazards like rocks and trees. It’s essential protection that you’d want to add anyway.
Poly Sport Roof: A roof provides crucial protection from the sun and rain, making your ride infinitely more comfortable.

When you price these items out individually and factor in installation time, the XP’s higher initial cost starts to make a lot of financial sense.

A Practical Guide: How to Choose the Right General for You

Alright, you understand the specs. Now, let’s apply this knowledge. Here are some key tips on how to difference between polaris general and general xp for your specific needs. Following these best practices will lead you to the right machine.

Assess Your Terrain and Riding Style

Be honest about where and how you ride 90% of the time.

Choose the Standard General if: You ride tight, wooded trails with 60-inch gates. You prioritize maneuverability over high-speed stability. Your riding is a mix of work around the property and casual trail cruising.
Choose the General XP if: You ride in open deserts, sand dunes, or fast-paced trail systems. You love rock crawling and need maximum ground clearance and stability. You value premium ride quality and want to be comfortable on all-day, high-mileage rides.

Budget and DIY Factor: Factory vs. Aftermarket

This is a big one. Pull out a calculator. If you buy a standard General, will you immediately want to add a winch, bumper, roof, and bigger tires?

Price out those high-quality aftermarket components. You’ll often find that the cost of the parts alone brings you very close to the price of an XP, and that’s before you spend a weekend turning wrenches. If you want a turn-key rig that’s ready for anything, the XP is almost always the better value.

Common Problems and Long-Term Care Guide

Both the General and General XP are built on the same reliable platform with the proven 100-horsepower ProStar 1000 engine. The common problems with polaris general and general xp are often shared, such as wear on bushings, carrier bearings, and belts—standard UTV maintenance items.

Your long-term difference between polaris general and general xp care guide will be similar for both. However, the XP’s advanced Walker Evans shocks are rebuildable, which is a huge benefit for serious riders. Instead of replacing them, you can have them serviced by a suspension expert to keep them performing like new. This is a more sustainable approach than throwing away worn-out standard shocks.

For an eco-friendly difference between polaris general and general xp maintenance routine, always use a drip pan to catch fluids and dispose of them properly. After a muddy ride, use biodegradable cleaners to wash your machine to protect the trails we all love to ride.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Difference Between Polaris General and General XP

Can I make a standard General into an XP?

You can get close, but it’s not cost-effective. You can add aftermarket long-travel suspension, a wider offset wheel, and all the bolt-on accessories. However, achieving the exact factory geometry and integration of the XP package would be extremely expensive and complex. It’s better to buy the model that fits your needs from the start.

Is the General XP worth the extra money?

For the right rider, absolutely. If you value high-performance suspension, superior stability at speed, and want a machine that’s fully equipped from day one, the XP is an excellent value. If your needs are more modest, the standard General is a fantastic and highly capable machine that saves you money upfront.

Do both models use the same engine and drivetrain?

Yes. Both the standard General and the General XP models share the same powerful and reliable 999cc ProStar 1000 twin-cylinder engine and the same Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT). The power output is identical; the difference is in how the chassis and suspension deliver that power to the ground.

The Final Verdict: Which General is Your General?

At the end of the day, there is no “bad” choice here. The Polaris General platform is one of the best sport-utility side-by-sides ever made. The decision comes down to a simple trade-off.

The standard Polaris General is your nimble, versatile, do-it-all workhorse. It’s a fantastic all-arounder that’s happy on tight trails, helping with chores, or going on a weekend adventure.

The Polaris General XP is the wide-stance, high-performance specialist. It’s a machine built for riders who push the limits, demand the best in ride quality, and want a rig that’s fully kitted out and ready for epic adventures right off the showroom floor.

Take a hard look at your trails, your budget, and your ambitions. Now you have the expert knowledge to walk into that dealership with confidence, point to the right machine, and know you’ve made the perfect choice. Happy trails!

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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.