So, you’ve got your heart set on a Polaris General. Great choice. It’s one of the most capable and versatile sport-utility side-by-sides on the market, a true workhorse that knows how to have fun on the weekend.
But now you’re staring at the spec sheets, stuck on a crucial decision. You agree it’s a tough call, right? The price gap between the trim levels seems significant, and you want to make sure you’re spending your hard-earned cash on the right machine for your adventures.
I promise this guide will cut through the marketing noise. We’re going to break down the exact, real-world differences in this polaris general premium vs deluxe showdown. No fluff, just the facts from a guy who’s turned wrenches on both.
We’ll dive deep into the suspension, the tech, the trail-ready gear, and most importantly, help you figure out which rig is the perfect fit for your budget and riding style. Let’s get you dialed in.
The Shared DNA: What Every Polaris General Brings to the Trail
Before we pick apart the differences, let’s appreciate what makes both the Premium and Deluxe models such beasts. At their core, they are built on the same rock-solid foundation.
Every Polaris General in this class shares the same potent 100-horsepower ProStar 1000 twin-cylinder engine. You get the same stout chassis, the same industry-leading 600-pound capacity dumping cargo box, and the same aggressive, purposeful stance.
Think of the Premium as the powerful, stripped-down muscle car, and the Deluxe as the fully-loaded grand tourer. The heart is the same; the amenities and handling characteristics are where they diverge.
Polaris General Premium vs Deluxe: The Key Upgrades at a Glance
The decision really boils down to a handful of high-value factory-installed upgrades that come standard on the Deluxe model. Here’s a quick-reference breakdown of the major differences. This is the core of our polaris general premium vs deluxe guide.
- Suspension: The Premium uses reliable ZF Sachs twin-tube shocks. The Deluxe gets a major upgrade to FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks.
- Technology: The Premium has a standard digital gauge cluster. The Deluxe features the 7-inch glove-touch Ride Command system with GPS and Group Ride.
- Audio: The Premium is silent. The Deluxe comes equipped with a Rockford Fosgate Stage 1 audio system, including PMX-2 head unit and two dash-mounted speakers.
- Winch: The Premium has a spot for a winch. The Deluxe comes with a Polaris HD 4500 lb. winch pre-installed.
- Bumper: The Premium has a basic front fascia. The Deluxe includes a rugged sport front bumper that integrates with the winch.
Suspension Showdown: ZF Sachs vs. FOX Podium QS3
This is arguably the most significant performance difference between the two models. The Premium’s ZF Sachs shocks are perfectly capable for casual trail riding, farm work, and general exploring. They provide a comfortable ride under normal conditions.
However, the Deluxe model’s FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks are a game-changer. The “QS3” stands for Quick Switch 3-Position. A simple dial on each shock allows you to choose between three distinct compression damping settings without any tools.
- Setting 1 (Soft): Perfect for slow-speed rock crawling or cruising on choppy, low-speed trails for maximum comfort.
- Setting 2 (Medium): Your all-around, do-it-all setting. It’s the ideal balance of comfort and performance for most trail riding.
- Setting 3 (Firm): Stiffens up the ride significantly. Use this when you’re carrying a heavy load in the bed, driving aggressively at high speeds, or need to prevent bottoming out on big G-outs and jumps.
This adjustability is one of the key benefits of polaris general premium vs deluxe for riders who want to fine-tune their machine’s handling to the specific terrain or task at hand.
Tech & Tunes: The Ride Command and Rockford Fosgate Advantage
If you’re a tech-savvy rider or someone who frequently rides in groups, the Deluxe package is incredibly compelling. The Ride Command system is more than just a fancy GPS.
It integrates vehicle diagnostics, allows you to track and follow your friends on the trail in real-time (Group Ride), and can even control a connected GoPro. It’s a powerful tool that eliminates the need for a separate GPS unit and phone mounts cluttering your dash.
Paired with the Rockford Fosgate audio system, the Deluxe transforms your cab into a command center. The system is weather-resistant and designed for the harsh off-road environment, delivering clear audio even with helmets on and the engine roaring.
Trail-Ready from the Factory: Winch and Bumper
A reliable winch is one of the first things serious off-roaders add to their machine. It’s not a matter of if you’ll get stuck, but when. The Deluxe model saves you the time and hassle of installation.
It comes with a powerful 4500 lb. winch neatly integrated into a protective sport front bumper. For many, the peace of mind this provides is worth a significant portion of the price difference. When you factor in the cost of a comparable aftermarket winch, synthetic rope, and bumper, the factory package on the Deluxe often presents a better value.
Who is the Premium Model For? The DIY Builder
The Polaris General Premium is the perfect choice for a specific type of rider: the customizer. If you’re the kind of person who loves turning wrenches and personalizing every aspect of your machine, the Premium is your blank canvas.
You get the incredible engine and chassis, but you’re not paying for factory-installed components that you plan to replace anyway. Maybe you have a specific brand of winch you swear by, or you want a four-speaker audio system, not two. The Premium lets you save money upfront and build your rig exactly how you want it, over time.
Following polaris general premium vs deluxe best practices, if you choose this route, budget for those future upgrades. A good winch and better shocks will dramatically improve your experience.
Who is the Deluxe Model For? The “Ready-to-Rip” Adventurer
The Polaris General Deluxe is for the rider who wants a turnkey, top-of-the-line experience right off the showroom floor. You value convenience and proven, integrated systems.
If you want to spend your weekends on the trail instead of in the garage installing accessories, the Deluxe is your rig. The value is undeniable; the cost of adding FOX shocks, Ride Command, a Rockford Fosgate system, and a quality winch/bumper package aftermarket would almost certainly exceed the price difference from the factory.
This is the answer to “how to polaris general premium vs deluxe” for the person who wants it all, warrantied and ready to go from day one.
Long-Term Ownership: A Care Guide and Common Problems with Polaris General Premium vs Deluxe Trims
From a core mechanical standpoint, maintenance is identical. You’ll be changing the engine oil, transmission fluid, and differential fluids on the same schedule for both. The engine and drivetrain are the same, so their reliability is equal.
The differences lie in the trim-specific components. The Ride Command system is a computer; while generally robust, it can be susceptible to software glitches or screen issues, which are uncommon but possible. This is one of the few potential common problems with polaris general premium vs deluxe electronic systems to be aware of.
The FOX shocks are a high-performance part and may require rebuilding after many hours of hard use, which is a service cost the ZF Sachs shocks on the Premium won’t have. However, their performance is a worthy trade-off for most aggressive riders. Your polaris general premium vs deluxe care guide for the Deluxe should include periodically cleaning the shock shafts and checking the winch cable for frays.
Thinking Green: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices
When we talk about a sustainable polaris general premium vs deluxe choice, it’s about making smart, long-term decisions that reduce waste.
One perspective is that buying the Deluxe model is more eco-friendly. All the components are installed at one factory, shipped as a single unit, and designed to work together. This can reduce the packaging waste and shipping emissions associated with buying five or six separate aftermarket components.
Conversely, an eco-friendly polaris general premium vs deluxe argument can be made for the Premium. If you genuinely don’t need a sound system or a high-end GPS, you’re not consuming the resources required to manufacture them. You’re buying only what you need. The most sustainable practice is always to respect the trails by staying on marked paths and practicing Tread Lightly! principles, regardless of your trim level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris General Premium vs Deluxe
Can I upgrade a Premium model to be a Deluxe later?
Absolutely. Polaris and many aftermarket companies sell every component you need. However, be prepared for the cost. Sourcing and installing FOX shocks, a Ride Command unit, a full audio system, and a winch/bumper separately will almost always be more expensive than buying the Deluxe package upfront.
Is the Ride Command system really worth the money?
It depends on how you ride. If you frequently explore new trail systems or ride with a large group, the GPS and Group Ride features are invaluable. For solo riders who stick to familiar areas or prefer a simpler experience, it might be an unnecessary expense.
How much better are the FOX shocks?
For an aggressive driver or someone who hauls heavy loads, the difference is night and day. The ability to firm up the suspension prevents bottoming out and reduces body roll in corners, providing a much more controlled and confidence-inspiring ride at speed. For a casual cruiser, the difference will be less noticeable.
What is the real-world price difference?
MSRPs change, but the Deluxe typically costs a few thousand dollars more than the Premium. When you add up the retail cost of its included upgrades (shocks, Ride Command, winch, audio, bumper), the Deluxe package consistently offers a significant savings over a DIY build.
The choice between the Polaris General Premium and Deluxe isn’t about which one is “better,” but which one is better for you. The Premium is a high-performance foundation, a blank slate begging for your personal touch and custom build-out.
The Deluxe is the fully-realized vision of a go-anywhere, do-anything adventure machine, loaded with the best features right from the factory. Analyze your budget, be honest about your mechanical ambition, and think about how you’ll use your General 90% of the time.
Now you’ve got the expert insights. Make your choice with confidence, gear up, and get out on the trail. Stay safe and have a blast out there!
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