Polaris Trail Boss Vs Ultimate: Key Differences & Which To Buy

You’re ready to pull the trigger on a new ATV. You’ve narrowed it down to the legendary Polaris Sportsman 570 platform, but now you’re stuck on the final, crucial decision. You see the “Trail” and the “Ultimate Trail” editions, and they look mighty similar. One has a bigger price tag, but is it actually worth it? You don’t want to overspend, but you also don’t want to regret skimping on features you’ll wish you had a year from now.

It’s a common dilemma for riders. The spec sheets can be confusing, and the real-world value of those upgrades isn’t always clear from a brochure. That feeling of uncertainty can take the fun out of buying a new rig.

We’re here to cut through the noise. This guide will give you a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of the Polaris Trail Boss vs Ultimate debate. We’ll dive deep into the specific differences, who each machine is truly built for, and give you the confidence to choose the perfect Sportsman 570 for your adventures. By the end, you’ll know exactly where your hard-earned money is best spent.

First Things First: Unpacking the “Trail Boss” vs. “Trail” Name

Before we dive in, let’s clear up some potential confusion. For years, the “Trail Boss” was a legendary model name in the Polaris lineup, often associated with the 330 or other specific engine sizes. It became synonymous with a capable, no-frills trail machine.

In the modern Polaris lineup, that spirit lives on, but the name has evolved. When people search for “Polaris Trail Boss” today in the 570 class, they are almost always referring to the Polaris Sportsman 570 Trail package. The “Ultimate” is the fully-loaded version, officially called the Sportsman 570 Ultimate Trail.

So for this guide, when we compare the Polaris Trail Boss vs Ultimate, we are directly comparing the standard Trail package against the Ultimate Trail package. It’s the classic base-model-versus-loaded-model showdown.

At a Glance: Trail vs. Ultimate Trail Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s get a bird’s-eye view of the core differences. Both machines share the same fantastic ProStar 567cc engine, On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD), and robust chassis. The real story is in the factory-installed upgrades that come with the Ultimate package.

Engine: 44 HP ProStar 567cc, 4-Stroke DOHC Single Cylinder (Identical on both)
Suspension: Sealed MacPherson Strut With 8.2″ Travel (Front), Sealed Dual A-Arm, IRS 9.5″ Travel (Rear) (Identical on both)
Ground Clearance: 11.5″ (Identical on both)
Tires: 26″ Duro Powergrip V2 on the Trail vs. 27″ Duro Powergrip V2 on the Ultimate Trail
Wheels: 12″ Steel on the Trail vs. 14″ Aluminum on the Ultimate Trail
Electronics: Standard Digital Gauge on the Trail vs. 7″ Glove-Touch Display with Ride Command+ on the Ultimate Trail
Winch: Not included on the Trail vs. Polaris 3,500 Lb. HD Winch with Synthetic Rope on the Ultimate Trail
Bumpers: Not included on the Trail vs. Front & Rear Trail Bumpers on the Ultimate Trail
Lighting: Halogen Pod & Bumper Lights on the Trail vs. LED Pod & Bumper Lights on the Ultimate Trail
Price: The Ultimate Trail package typically carries a significant premium over the standard Trail model.

Deep Dive: Key Upgrades on the Ultimate Trail Edition

The spec sheet gives you the “what,” but let’s talk about the “why.” Understanding the benefits of Polaris Trail Boss vs Ultimate features is crucial. These upgrades are what you’re paying for, so let’s see if they fit your riding style.

The Brains of the Operation: Ride Command+

The single biggest difference is the 7” Glove-Touch Display powered by Ride Command+. This isn’t just a fancy screen; it’s a fully integrated command center. It includes detailed GPS mapping (even without cell service), Group Ride functionality to track your buddies on the trail, and vehicle health monitoring.

If you’re an explorer who loves charting new territory or the leader of your riding group, Ride Command is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for a separate GPS unit and makes keeping your crew together incredibly easy. For the solo rider who sticks to familiar trails, it might be an expensive luxury.

Pulling Power: The Factory-Installed Winch

The Ultimate Trail comes ready to work with a Polaris 3,500 lb. HD winch. Having a winch installed from the factory means it’s perfectly integrated, wired correctly, and covered under your vehicle’s warranty. A winch isn’t just for getting yourself unstuck from a mud hole; it’s an invaluable tool for clearing downed trees from the trail or helping a friend out of a jam.

A DIYer can certainly add a quality aftermarket winch like a WARN Axon or a KFI Stealth to the standard Trail model, potentially for less money. However, you’ll have to do the installation yourself, which involves wiring and mounting.

Upgraded Armor, Lights, and Traction

The Ultimate Trail rounds out its premium feel with several other key upgrades:

Front & Rear Bumpers: These provide crucial protection for your plastics and radiator against rocks, trees, and other trail hazards. They are a must-have mod for any serious trail rider, and they come standard on the Ultimate.
LED Lighting: The upgrade from halogen to LED lights is a significant improvement for visibility on early morning or late-night rides. LEDs are brighter, whiter, and draw less power.
Tires & Wheels: The move from 12″ steel wheels with 26″ tires to 14″ aluminum wheels with 27″ tires gives the Ultimate a more aggressive stance, slightly more ground clearance, and better obstacle rollover capability. Aluminum wheels also offer a slight performance edge and a premium look.

Who is the Standard Trail Model For? The Budget-Conscious DIYer

The Sportsman 570 Trail is an absolutely brilliant machine. It’s the perfect canvas for the rider who loves to customize and build their rig over time. This is your machine if:

You’re on a tighter budget. The upfront cost savings are significant, leaving you more cash for fuel, gear, and accessories.
You are a DIY mechanic. You enjoy researching, selecting, and installing your own parts. You’d rather pick your own specific winch, tires, or lights than have them chosen for you.
You don’t need high-tech navigation. You ride familiar areas or prefer using a simple phone app for GPS.
You ride solo or with a small, close-knit group. The Group Ride feature of Ride Command isn’t a priority for you.

Think of the standard Trail as the perfect starting point. You get the same reliable engine and capable chassis, with the freedom to build it exactly how you want it, when you can afford it.

Who Should Spend More on the Ultimate Trail? The “Ready-to-Rip” Rider

The Sportsman 570 Ultimate Trail is for the rider who wants a complete, top-tier package straight from the showroom floor. There are no projects to plan or weekends spent installing parts. This is your machine if:

Convenience is your top priority. You want a turnkey solution that’s ready for any trail, any time. All the essential accessories are already installed and warrantied.
You ride with a group or explore new areas. The Ride Command system with its GPS and Group Ride is an invaluable tool that you will use on every single ride.
You value factory integration. You appreciate that every component was designed to work together seamlessly and is covered by a single factory warranty.
You want the best from the start. You’d rather pay more upfront to have all the premium features immediately, rather than adding them piecemeal over time.

The Ultimate Trail offers a fantastic value when you add up the cost of purchasing and installing all its extra features separately. It’s a truly “point-and-shoot” adventure machine.

Polaris Trail Boss vs Ultimate: A Practical Care Guide for Both Models

No matter which model you choose, proper maintenance is key to longevity and performance. This polaris trail boss vs ultimate care guide covers the essentials. Following these best practices will keep your Sportsman running strong for years.

Routine Maintenance Checks

The mechanical heart of these ATVs is identical, so the basic maintenance schedule is the same. Regularly check and service the following:

Engine Oil & Filter: Check your oil level before every ride. Follow the owner’s manual for change intervals using a quality oil like Polaris PS-4 Full Synthetic.
Air Filter: This is your engine’s lungs. In dusty off-road conditions, inspect and clean your air filter frequently. A clogged filter robs power and can damage the engine.
Coolant: Ensure the coolant level in the overflow bottle is between the min/max lines.
CVT Belt & Housing: Keep the CVT intake and exhaust clear of mud and debris. Periodically inspect the drive belt for glazing or cracks, especially after tough, low-speed rides.

Eco-Friendly Riding and Maintenance

Part of being a responsible rider is minimizing our impact. A sustainable polaris trail boss vs ultimate approach is easy to adopt.

When performing fluid changes, always use a drain pan to catch every drop. Dispose of used oil, coolant, and other fluids at an authorized auto parts store or recycling center. On the trail, practice “Tread Lightly!” principles by staying on designated routes and avoiding sensitive areas. A well-maintained machine is also a more eco-friendly machine, as it runs more efficiently and is less likely to leak fluids on the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris Trail Boss vs Ultimate

Can I add the Ultimate features to a standard Trail model later?

Absolutely. You can add a winch, bumpers, new wheels, tires, and LED lights to a standard Trail model. However, buying and installing these parts individually can often cost more than the price difference for the Ultimate package. Adding the Ride Command system is much more complex and expensive, making it impractical for most users.

Is the Ride Command system worth the extra money?

This is purely subjective. If you frequently get lost, lead group rides, or just love technology, it is 100% worth it. It’s a powerful, well-integrated tool. If you ride the same local trails every weekend and know them like the back of your hand, you may find it’s an expensive feature you rarely use.

Are there any common problems with the Sportsman 570 platform?

The Polaris Sportsman 570 platform is incredibly reliable and one of the best-selling ATVs of all time for a reason. Like any off-road vehicle, they have common wear items. Bushings in the A-arms will wear out over time, and drive belts are a consumable item. These are not “problems” so much as expected maintenance items for a machine that sees hard use. Addressing these in your regular polaris trail boss vs ultimate care guide checks will prevent bigger issues.

Choosing between the Trail and the Ultimate Trail comes down to a simple question: Do you want a blank canvas or a finished masterpiece? The standard Trail is a phenomenal, high-value ATV that gives you the freedom to build your dream rig. The Ultimate Trail is that dream rig, already built and backed by a factory warranty.

Neither choice is wrong. Assess your budget, your mechanical skills, and how you truly plan to use your machine. Whichever path you take, you’re getting a world-class ATV. Now, make your choice, get out there, and get muddy. We’ll see you on the trail!

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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.