Trying to navigate the differences between a 2017 and a 2022 Polaris General can feel like deciphering a secret code. You know they’re not all the same, but pinpointing the exact changes, potential pitfalls, and must-have features for each model year is a real challenge for buyers and owners alike.
We’re here to cut through the noise. At FatBoysOffroad, we live and breathe these machines, and we’ve seen it all in our shop and on the trails. This is your definitive, no-fluff breakdown of the polaris general by years, packed with the info you need to buy the right rig or keep the one you’ve got running strong.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the major generations, highlight key model year changes, expose common problems to watch for, and give you a complete care guide. By the end, you’ll be an expert on the General’s evolution.
The First Generation: A New Breed is Born (2016-2018)
When the Polaris General 1000 hit the scene in 2016, it created a whole new category. It wasn’t just a workhorse UTV, and it wasn’t a pure-sport RZR. It was the perfect blend of both—a true “rec-utility” machine that could haul firewood on Saturday and hit the trails hard on Sunday.
Key Features of the Early Models
The first-generation Generals set the standard with a powerful and reliable platform. If you’re looking at one of these early models, you’re getting a solid foundation.
- ProStar 1000 Engine: The heart of the beast was the 100-horsepower, 999cc twin-cylinder engine. It provided a ton of torque for work and plenty of top-end speed for fun.
- Class-Leading Suspension: With over 12 inches of travel up front and 13 inches in the rear, the ride was plush and capable of soaking up serious bumps.
- Comfortable Cab: Polaris gave the General premium bucket seats, an automotive-style interior, and half-doors, making it a comfortable place to spend a long day.
- VersaTrac Turf Mode: This feature unlocks the rear differential, allowing for tighter turns without tearing up your lawn—a nod to its utility roots.
Common Problems with Polaris General by Years: The Early Quirks
No machine is perfect, especially in its first few years. Early Generals had a few well-documented issues that are crucial to check for if you’re buying used. Luckily, the aftermarket has provided robust solutions.
The most notorious issue is the driveshaft carrier bearing. The stock bearing was a weak point and prone to premature failure. A telltale sign is a significant vibration or a rumbling noise from the center console area. Pro Tip: The first upgrade any 2016-2018 owner should make is to an aftermarket greasable carrier bearing from a brand like Sandcraft RCR or All Balls Racing.
Another point to check is the voltage regulator. On early models, its placement wasn’t ideal for cooling, leading to failures. Check for consistent charging voltage (around 14.2V) at idle.
The Mid-Cycle Refresh: Getting Serious (2019-2020)
By 2019, Polaris had gathered a ton of feedback and was ready to make some big improvements. This era marks a significant step up in refinement, technology, and pure off-road capability, making it a sweet spot in the polaris general by years guide.
What Changed in 2019 and 2020?
The 2019 model year brought a major facelift and the introduction of a game-changing new model. This is when the General lineup truly started to diversify.
- New Styling: The front end got a more aggressive look with a new fascia, grille, and bumper design.
- Ride Command Integration: Polaris’s industry-leading infotainment and GPS system, Ride Command, became available, offering group ride tracking, GPS mapping, and vehicle diagnostics.
- The General XP 1000 Arrives: For 2020, Polaris dropped a bomb with the XP models. These machines were wider (64″ vs 60″), featured arched A-arms for more ground clearance, came with bigger 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler tires, and boasted Walker Evans Velocity Series shocks.
Benefits of Polaris General by Years: Why This Era Shines
The benefits of targeting a 2019-2020 model are clear. You get a more modern machine that has many of the early kinks worked out. The introduction of the XP model gave serious trail riders the higher-performance option they were asking for, bridging the gap even further between the General and the RZR.
If Ride Command is a must-have for you, this is the earliest generation where you’ll find it widely available as a factory option, offering a much cleaner integration than any aftermarket solution.
The Modern Era: Refinement and Domination (2021-Present)
From 2021 onward, Polaris has focused on refining the platform and offering more specialized trims to suit every type of rider. The core machine is dialed in, and the focus has shifted to premium features and packages.
The Rise of the XP and Specialized Trims
The XP platform became the star of the show. If you’re shopping for a new General, chances are you’re looking at an XP 1000 in one of its various flavors: Sport, Premium, or Ultimate.
The Ultimate trim is the top dog, typically including everything: Ride Command, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, a poly roof, and a Polaris HD winch. Polaris also introduced special editions like the Troy Lee Designs Edition with custom graphics and components, or the Trailhead Edition with adventure-focused accessories.
How to Polaris General by Years: Choosing a Modern Rig
Choosing a modern General comes down to two questions: how wide do you want to go, and what features do you need?
- Standard (60″) vs. XP (64″): If you ride on tight, wooded trails with width restrictions, the 60-inch standard General is your best bet. For open desert, dunes, or anywhere you can use the extra stability, the 64-inch XP is the superior choice.
- Trim Levels: The Sport is a great blank canvas. The Premium adds better wheels, tires, and often a roof or winch. The Ultimate is the fully-loaded, “buy it and ride it” option. Think about which accessories you’d add anyway; sometimes the Ultimate trim is the better value.
Your Essential Polaris General by Years Care Guide
No matter which year you own, proper maintenance is the key to longevity. A well-cared-for General will provide thousands of miles of adventure. This is where you apply the best practices to keep your machine in top shape.
Routine Maintenance Best Practices
Stick to your owner’s manual for service intervals, but these are the non-negotiables every owner should master. This is your core polaris general by years care guide.
- Engine Oil: Change the oil and filter religiously. Use a quality synthetic oil like Polaris PS-4. It’s the lifeblood of your ProStar engine.
- Other Fluids: Don’t forget the transmission, front differential (demand drive fluid), and coolant. Check them before every long ride.
- Air Filter: This is your engine’s only defense against dust. Check it after every single ride in dusty conditions. Tap it out, use compressed air from the inside out, or replace it when it’s dirty. A clogged filter kills performance and can wreck an engine.
- Clutch and Belt: Periodically pull the clutch cover and blow out the dust with compressed air. Inspect the drive belt for glazing, cracks, or “hour-glassing” (uneven wear). A blown belt on the trail is a day-ruiner.
Sustainable Polaris General by Years Practices
Being a responsible owner goes beyond the garage. Adopting some eco-friendly polaris general by years habits protects the trails we love.
First, always pack out what you pack in. Second, properly recycle all your used fluids and filters. Most auto parts stores accept used oil for free. Lastly, practice Tread Lightly! principles: stay on marked trails, cross water at designated points, and avoid sensitive areas. A sustainable approach ensures our riding areas stay open for generations.
Known Issues and Smart Upgrades Across All Years
While the platform has evolved, some components remain common wear items or prime candidates for upgrades. Here’s what to keep an eye on and where to spend your money first.
Common Wear Items to Monitor
These parts take a beating on any side-by-side. Inspect them regularly as part of your pre-ride check.
- Wheel Bearings: If you notice play in your wheels or a grinding noise, it’s time for new bearings.
- A-Arm Bushings: Worn bushings will cause sloppy steering and clunking noises over bumps. Greasable aftermarket bushings are a fantastic upgrade.
- Ball Joints & Tie Rod Ends: Check for any play in these critical steering and suspension components.
Top 5 “First Mods” for Any General
Want to make your General more capable and reliable? Here’s where we’d start.
- Skid Plates: The factory protection is minimal. A full set of aluminum or UHMW skid plates is cheap insurance against a punctured engine case.
- Winch: Don’t get stranded. A quality 4500 lb winch from a brand like Warn or Polaris is a must-have for any serious trail rider.
- Harnesses: The stock seatbelts are okay, but 4-point or 5-point harnesses will keep you much more secure and comfortable in rough terrain. Safety first!
- Better Tires: The stock tires are a compromise. Upgrading to a tire designed for your local terrain (mud, rocks, desert) is the single biggest performance boost you can make.
- Upgraded Carrier Bearing: If you have a pre-2019 model and it’s still on the stock bearing, make this your #1 priority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris General by Years
What is the best year for a Polaris General?
This depends heavily on your budget and needs. For maximum performance and features, a 2020 or newer General XP 1000 is the top choice. For a budget-friendly but still highly capable machine, a 2017-2018 model is fantastic, provided you check for or address the common issues like the carrier bearing.
How many miles will a Polaris General engine last?
The ProStar 1000 engine is a proven workhorse. With meticulous maintenance—regular oil changes, clean air filters, and not abusing it—it’s common to see these engines last well over 10,000 miles. Neglect is their number one enemy.
What is the difference between a General and a General XP?
The main differences are that the XP model is wider (64 inches vs. 60 inches), has more suspension travel, higher ground clearance due to arched A-arms, and comes standard with larger 30-inch tires. The XP is the more aggressive, higher-performance trail version.
Is Ride Command worth it on a Polaris General?
If you ride with groups, explore new areas, or love technology, Ride Command is absolutely worth it. The group ride “buddy tracking” feature is a game-changer for safety and keeping everyone together. If you prefer a more simple, analog experience, you can save money by opting for a trim without it.
Understanding the evolution of the polaris general by years is your best tool, whether you’re in the market for a new machine or just trying to be a smarter owner. From the solid foundation of the first generation to the high-tech, high-performance machines of today, there’s a General for every rider and every job.
Focus on diligent maintenance, perform regular pre-ride inspections, and invest in smart, practical upgrades. Do that, and your General will be your reliable partner for countless adventures.
Now get in the garage, get on the trail, and have a blast. Stay safe out there!
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