You’re standing in the showroom, or maybe scrolling through listings online, and the dilemma hits you. Two incredible machines, the Polaris General Premium and the General Ultimate, are staring back. They look similar, share the same powerful ProStar 1000 engine, but there’s a significant price gap. Is the Ultimate really worth the extra cash? Or is the Premium the smarter buy, leaving you room in the budget for your own custom mods? It’s a classic head-scratcher for any serious off-roader.
We get it. Here at FatBoysOffroad, we’ve wrenched on, ridden in, and picked apart both of these rigs. We promise to cut through the marketing jargon and give you the real-world, grease-under-the-fingernails breakdown you need. This is more than just a spec sheet comparison; it’s a deep dive into the practical differences that matter on the trail.
In this comprehensive polaris general premium vs ultimate guide, we’ll dissect the suspension, the tech, the creature comforts, and the long-term value of each trim. By the end, you’ll know exactly which General is the perfect partner for your adventures.
The Core Question: What Really Separates the Premium from the Ultimate?
At a glance, both the Premium and Ultimate trims of the Polaris General are built on the same rock-solid foundation. They share the same chassis, the same gutsy 100-horsepower engine, and the same class-leading utility with a 600-lb dumping cargo box.
The real difference isn’t in the core capability, but in the execution and features. Think of the Premium as the highly capable, no-frills workhorse. It gives you everything you need for a thrilling and productive day on the trail or around the property.
The Ultimate, on the other hand, is the fully-loaded, tech-forward flagship. It takes that same great platform and bolts on the best-of-the-best components right from the factory, focusing on three key areas: suspension, in-cab technology, and convenience.
Suspension Showdown: FOX Shocks vs. Walker Evans Velocity Series
One of the most significant upgrades on the Ultimate is its suspension. This is where your money really goes to work, and the choice here directly impacts ride quality, especially when you’re pushing the machine hard. This is one of the most important benefits of polaris general premium vs ultimate trims to consider.
The Premium’s Ride: FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 Shocks
The Premium trim comes equipped with FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 Shocks. Don’t let the “base” suspension fool you; these are excellent, high-quality shocks that are more than capable for 90% of riders.
The “QS3” stands for Quick Switch 3-Position. This means you have a simple, tool-free dial on each shock to choose between three compression damping settings: soft, medium, and firm. This allows for easy on-the-fly adjustments for different terrains or loads.
- Soft Setting: Great for rock crawling and slow, technical trails where you want maximum suspension articulation.
- Medium Setting: Your all-around, do-it-all setting for general trail riding.
- Firm Setting: Perfect for high-speed runs on smoother trails or when carrying a heavy load in the bed.
The Ultimate’s Advantage: Walker Evans Velocity Series Shocks
The Ultimate trim steps up to the legendary Walker Evans Velocity Series Shocks. These are a true performance upgrade, featuring piggyback reservoirs and more advanced internal valving. They are designed for riders who demand the absolute best performance in the most challenging conditions.
The key benefit here is superior heat dissipation and fade resistance. During long, aggressive rides, shock oil heats up, which can cause performance to degrade (a phenomenon called “shock fade”). The external reservoirs on the Walker Evans shocks hold more oil and offer more surface area for cooling, ensuring consistent performance lap after lap, or mile after mile.
They offer more refined control over big hits and G-outs, providing a plusher ride without sacrificing bottom-out resistance. If you love hitting desert whoops or flying over crests, you will feel the difference.
Tech and Tunes: A Deep Dive into the Polaris General Premium vs Ultimate Infotainment
The second major battleground in the polaris general premium vs ultimate debate happens inside the cab. The experience behind the wheel is drastically different thanks to the factory-installed technology in the Ultimate.
Premium’s Simplicity: The Standard Gauge Cluster
The Premium model features a straightforward, dual-sweep analog gauge with a small LCD information center. It gives you the essentials: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel level, and gear indicator. It’s simple, effective, and reliable. For the purist who doesn’t want distractions, this setup is perfect.
Ultimate’s Command Center: Ride Command & Rockford Fosgate Audio
This is arguably the biggest selling point for the Ultimate. It comes standard with Polaris’s industry-leading Ride Command system integrated into a 7-inch, glove-touch display. This isn’t just a GPS; it’s a complete command center for your ride.
Features of Ride Command include:
- GPS Navigation: Built-in maps with thousands of marked trails. You can track your ride, drop waypoints, and never get lost again.
- Group Ride: See other riders in your group on the map in real-time. This is a game-changer for safety and for keeping the group together.
- Vehicle Diagnostics: Monitor engine temperature, battery voltage, and other vital stats right on the screen.
- Front & Rear Cameras: The Ultimate includes factory-installed cameras, making it easier to navigate tight spots or hook up a trailer.
As if that weren’t enough, the Ultimate also includes a factory-installed Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 Audio system. This isn’t some cheap afterthought; it’s a powerful, trail-ready sound system with speakers in the dash and kick panels, all controlled through the Ride Command unit. It sounds fantastic and is built to withstand the elements.
Creature Comforts and Factory-Installed Gear
While you can add any accessory you want to a Premium model, the Ultimate saves you the time and effort by including some of the most popular upgrades right from the factory. Here are some polaris general premium vs ultimate tips for evaluating these add-ons.
Standard Features on Both Models
It’s important to remember that both models share fantastic core features like comfortable bucket seats, tilt steering, standard half-doors, and a versatile dumping cargo box. You’re starting from a great place with either choice.
Where the Ultimate Pulls Ahead
The Ultimate typically comes standard with a few key pieces of gear that are optional on the Premium:
- Poly Sport Roof: Essential for sun and rain protection. This is one of the very first things most owners buy.
- Convex Rear-View Mirror: A small but crucial safety and convenience feature.
- Polaris HD Plus 4,500 lb. Winch: A must-have for any serious trail rider. Having a quality winch factory-installed with proper wiring is a huge plus.
When you add up the cost of Ride Command, the Rockford Fosgate stereo, the roof, and the winch, the price difference between the Premium and the Ultimate suddenly starts to look a lot more reasonable.
The Bottom Line: Price, Value, and Who Each Model is For
So, after all that, how do you choose? It comes down to your budget, your riding style, and how much you enjoy turning wrenches yourself.
Making the Case for the Premium
The Premium model is the perfect choice for:
- The DIY Enthusiast: If you love customizing your rig and hand-picking every component—from the sound system to the GPS unit—the Premium is your blank canvas.
- The Budget-Conscious Rider: You get the same incredible engine and chassis performance for less money upfront. You can add accessories over time as your budget allows.
- The Tech Minimalist: If you prefer an analog experience and don’t want or need a complex infotainment screen, the Premium is the clear winner.
Why You Might Splurge for the Ultimate
The Ultimate model is the best fit for:
- The “Done-For-You” Rider: If you want the best of everything, fully integrated and covered by a factory warranty, the Ultimate is a no-brainer. Just hop in and go.
- The Tech-Savvy Adventurer: If Group Ride, built-in navigation, and a killer sound system are high on your list, the value of the Ultimate package is undeniable.
- The Aggressive Driver: If you plan to push your machine to its limits in rough terrain, the upgrade to the Walker Evans Velocity Series shocks is worth every single penny.
Long-Term Ownership: A Polaris General Premium vs Ultimate Care Guide
Regardless of the trim you choose, proper maintenance is key to a long and happy life for your General. While most maintenance is identical, there are a few trim-specific things to keep in mind. Following these polaris general premium vs ultimate best practices will keep your machine running strong.
Shared Maintenance Points
Both machines require regular attention to the basics. Create a routine for checking and changing the engine oil and filter, cleaning the air filter (especially in dusty conditions), inspecting the CVT belt for wear, and greasing all the zerk fittings on the suspension and driveline.
Trim-Specific Considerations
For the Ultimate, keep the Ride Command screen clean with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches. While generally reliable, electronics can be a point of failure, so be mindful of any glitches. The Walker Evans shocks are also more complex and may require professional servicing down the road to be rebuilt, which is one of the few potential common problems with polaris general premium vs ultimate high-end components.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Best Practices
Part of being a responsible owner is caring for the trails we ride. This is a core tenet of a sustainable polaris general premium vs ultimate ownership experience. Always pack out what you pack in. Use biodegradable, phosphate-free cleaners when washing your rig to protect local watersheds. When changing fluids, capture all used oil and coolant and take it to an auto parts store or local facility for proper recycling. An eco-friendly polaris general premium vs ultimate approach ensures our trails stay beautiful for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Polaris General Premium vs Ultimate
Can I add Ride Command to a Premium model later?
Yes, you can purchase a Ride Command kit from Polaris. However, it is a very expensive and labor-intensive installation. Buying it factory-installed on the Ultimate is significantly more cost-effective and ensures a clean, integrated setup.
Is the suspension upgrade on the Ultimate really worth the money?
It depends entirely on your riding style. For casual trail cruising, the FOX QS3 shocks on the Premium are fantastic. If you ride hard, fast, and in rough terrain like desert whoops or G-outs, the superior performance and fade resistance of the Walker Evans shocks on the Ultimate are absolutely worth it.
Does the factory audio system on the Ultimate sound good?
Yes. The Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 system is a premium audio solution designed specifically for the General. It’s loud, clear, and built to handle the mud, dust, and water of off-roading. It’s a huge step up from trying to hear a small Bluetooth speaker over the engine noise.
There is no “wrong” answer in the Polaris General Premium vs. Ultimate debate. Both are top-tier machines that deliver an incredible off-road experience. The Premium offers unbeatable core performance and a blank slate for customization. The Ultimate delivers a fully-loaded, turn-key adventure machine with the best factory components available.
Analyze your budget, be honest about your riding style, and consider how much you value integrated technology. Make your choice with confidence, knowing you’re getting one of the best sport-utility side-by-sides on the market.
Now, stop reading and start planning your next ride. We’ll see you on the trail!
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