Trying to navigate the world of used UTVs can feel like a maze. You see a great-looking Polaris General for sale, but it’s a 2017. Is that a good year? How is it different from a 2020 or a brand new one? It’s a common headache that can turn an exciting purchase into a stressful research project.
We get it. At FatBoysOffroad, we’ve spent countless hours in the garage and on the trail with these machines. We’re here to promise you that by the end of this article, that confusion will be gone. We’re going to pull back the curtain and give you the straight scoop on these rigs.
This is your complete polaris general models by year breakdown. We’ll walk through the major generation changes, highlight specific upgrades, point out common problems to watch for, and give you the ultimate guide to choosing, inspecting, and maintaining the perfect General for your adventures.
Why Understanding Polaris General Models by Year Matters
You might think a few model years don’t make a huge difference, but in the UTV world, evolution happens fast. Knowing the nuances between years is crucial for a few key reasons.
First, it’s about your wallet. Understanding the jump in features from, say, a 2019 to a 2020 XP model helps you justify the price difference—or decide if an older model is a smarter buy for your budget. The benefits of polaris general models by year knowledge directly translate to getting the most machine for your money.
Second, it’s about performance and parts. Did you know the 2020 XP models introduced a wider stance and more suspension travel? That’s a game-changer on the trail. Knowing this helps you buy the right machine for your riding style and ensures you order the correct replacement A-arms or axles down the line.
Finally, it’s about reliability. Manufacturers often make small running changes and improvements year-over-year to fix weak points. Our guide will help you spot these, making you a much more informed buyer.
The Evolution of the General: Key Generations and Milestones
The Polaris General hit the scene in 2016, perfectly bridging the gap between the work-focused Ranger and the pure-sport RZR. It was an instant hit. Let’s break down its journey so you know exactly what you’re looking at.
The Launch Years (2016-2017): The Original Game-Changer
The first Generals set the standard for the “sport-utility” crossover class. These models are the foundation of everything that came after.
- Engine: All models came with the reliable 100-horsepower ProStar 1000 engine, which was a ton of power at the time.
- Key Features: They boasted class-leading suspension travel, comfortable bucket seats, and a functional dumping cargo bed. The EPS (Electronic Power Steering) models were the most common and are highly recommended.
- What to Know: These early models are fantastic machines, but they had some teething issues. Things like the carrier bearing for the propshaft were known weak points, and some owners reported significant heat in the cab.
The Refinement Era (2018-2019): More Options & Tech Integration
Polaris listened to customer feedback and began to refine the platform and expand the lineup. This is where the General really started to come into its own.
The biggest news was the full integration of Ride Command. This industry-first, 7-inch glove-touch display combined GPS, vehicle diagnostics, and audio controls into one slick package. It was a massive upgrade over fumbling with a phone for navigation.
During this period, you also saw more special editions, like the Premium and Deluxe trims, which added features like a poly roof, a winch, and upgraded wheels and tires right from the factory.
The Modern Powerhouse (2020-Present): The XP 1000 Revolution
2020 was the most significant year in the General’s history. This is where the lineup split, creating a clear distinction for buyers. Understanding this split is the most important of our polaris general models by year tips.
The standard General 1000 continued, but Polaris introduced the General XP 1000. The “XP” stands for Xtreme Performance, and it’s not just a sticker package.
Here’s what the XP brought to the table:
- Wider Stance: The XP models are 64 inches wide, compared to the 60-inch width of the standard models. This provides a massive boost in stability in corners and off-camber situations.
- More Suspension & Clearance: The XP gets high-clearance A-arms and more suspension travel, pushing ground clearance to an impressive 13.5 inches.
- Bigger Tires: They come stock with 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler tires, giving you more grip and obstacle-clearing ability right out of the box.
- Upgraded Features: Most XP models come standard with features like Ride Command, high-quality Rockford Fosgate audio systems, and a winch.
If you’re a serious trail rider who values stability and capability, the jump to a 2020 or newer XP model is significant and well worth the investment.
Common Problems with Polaris General Models by Year
No machine is perfect. Being aware of potential issues is key to a smart purchase and preventative maintenance. This section covers the most common problems with polaris general models by year, giving you a checklist for your inspection.
Early Model (2016-2017) Watch-Outs
These are great rigs, but they have the most known quirks. Look for evidence of these issues being addressed.
- Carrier Bearing: The factory propshaft carrier bearing is a well-known weak spot. Ask if it has been replaced with a heavy-duty aftermarket unit, like one from Sandcraft RCR or SuperATV. A worn bearing will cause a noticeable vibration through the floorboards.
- Voltage Regulator: Its original placement wasn’t ideal for cooling. Check the wiring for any signs of melting or scorching. Many owners relocate it for better airflow.
- Clutch Wear: The original clutches work fine, but they can wear faster, especially with oversized tires. During a test drive, feel for any shuddering or slipping on takeoff.
Mid-Generation (2018-2019) Considerations
Polaris fixed some of the early issues, but new tech brought new things to check.
The main thing to inspect on these models is the Ride Command screen. Look for any signs of delamination (air bubbles under the screen) or “ghost touching,” where the unit acts on its own. Test all the functions thoroughly.
Later Model (2020+) Checks
These are the most robust Generals, but their increased capability means you need to check for signs of hard use. Look closely at the suspension bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings for any play. Check the high-clearance A-arms and skid plates for signs of major rock impacts.
Best Practices: A Polaris General Models by Year Care Guide
Proper maintenance is the secret to a long and happy life for any UTV. Following this polaris general models by year care guide will keep your machine ready for the trail.
The Universal Maintenance Checklist
These apply to every General, regardless of year. Your owner’s manual is your best friend, but here are the basics.
- Engine Oil: Change the oil and filter regularly using a quality synthetic oil like Polaris PS-4. For heavy, dusty riding, do it more often than the manual suggests.
- Air Filter: This is your engine’s lungs. Check it before every ride and clean or replace it as needed. A clogged filter will kill performance and, eventually, your engine.
- Drivetrain Fluids: Don’t forget the transmission, front differential, and rear differential. These fluids work hard and need to be changed per the service schedule.
- CVT System: Every 25-50 hours, pop the clutch cover off. Use compressed air to blow out all the belt dust. Inspect the belt for any glazing, cracks, or missing cogs.
Year-Specific Maintenance Tips
A few extra checks based on the model year can save you a headache. For pre-2018 models, make checking the carrier bearing for play a part of your regular service. If you have a Ride Command-equipped model, periodically check the Polaris website for software updates to keep it running smoothly.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Riding Practices
Being a part of the off-road community means being a steward of the land. A well-maintained machine is an eco-friendly machine. A properly tuned engine with a clean air filter burns fuel more efficiently, reducing emissions.
Using the right fluids and disposing of them properly is another critical step. But the biggest factor in sustainable polaris general models by year ownership is how you ride. Always follow Tread Lightly! principles: stay on designated trails, avoid sensitive areas, and pack out everything you pack in. This ensures the trails we love stay open for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris General Models by Year
What is the most reliable Polaris General year?
Generally, the newer the model, the more refinements it has. Models from 2020 and onward, especially the XP line, benefit from all the previous years’ lessons. They feature stronger components and have most of the early quirks worked out from the factory.
How can I tell if a General is an XP model?
The easiest way is to look at the suspension. XP models have distinctly arched, high-clearance front and rear A-arms. They also have a noticeably wider, more aggressive stance (64″ vs 60″) and come with 30-inch tires from the factory.
Are older Polaris Generals (2016-2017) still a good buy?
Absolutely! They can be a fantastic value. The key is to find one that has been well-maintained. If the common issues like the carrier bearing have already been upgraded with quality aftermarket parts, you can get a very capable machine for a fraction of the price of a new one.
What’s the biggest difference between a 2019 and 2020 General?
The biggest difference is the introduction of the XP 1000 platform in 2020. A 2019 Deluxe is a 60-inch wide machine, while a 2020 XP 1000 Deluxe is a 64-inch wide machine with more suspension travel, bigger tires, and higher ground clearance. This was a major leap in performance.
Your Trail to the Perfect General Starts Now
You’re now armed with the knowledge to decode any Polaris General you come across. You know the key milestones, what upgrades to look for, and which potential problems to spot from a mile away.
Remember, the “best” model year is the one that fits your budget and your riding style. Whether it’s a value-packed 2017 with the right upgrades or a top-of-the-line new XP 1000, your perfect adventure rig is out there.
Do your homework, perform a thorough inspection, and don’t be afraid to ask the seller tough questions. Now get out there, find your machine, and hit the dirt. Stay safe and we’ll see you on the trails!
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