What Is The Difference Between Polaris General Xp And General

Standing in a showroom or scrolling online, you see two incredible machines: the Polaris General and the Polaris General XP. They look similar, they both promise adventure, but that “XP” badge comes with a bigger price tag. You know the devil is in the details, and choosing the wrong one could mean the difference between a good day on the trail and a truly great one.

You’ve come to the right place. Here at FatBoysOffroad, we cut through the marketing fluff to give you the straight-up, greasy-hands truth. We’re here to solve this exact problem for you.

This comprehensive guide will break down precisely what is the difference between polaris general xp and general. We’ll dive deep into the key upgrades—from stance and suspension to the factory-installed goodies—and give you a clear, side-by-side comparison so you can confidently pick the rig that’s perfect for your kind of riding.

The Standard Polaris General: The Versatile All-Rounder
Think of the standard Polaris General as the highly capable foundation of the lineup. It’s designed to be a jack-of-all-trades, blending sporty performance with rugged utility. It’s a fantastic machine that can haul firewood on Saturday and hit the trails on Sunday.

Who is the Standard General For?

The standard General is perfect for the owner who needs a do-it-all machine. It’s for the rancher, the property owner, and the weekend warrior who enjoys moderate trails but also needs a reliable workhorse.

Its slightly narrower profile makes it a bit more nimble in tight, wooded areas and easier to load onto certain trailers. If your riding doesn’t involve extreme rock crawling or deep mud bogs, the standard General is often more than enough machine to get the job done and have a blast doing it.

Key Specifications to Know

While specs vary by year, the standard General typically features:

Width: Around 60 inches wide. This is a key number for trail access, as some trail systems have 60″ or even 50″ width restrictions.
Suspension: Standard dual A-arm suspension with solid travel, usually around 12 inches in the front and 13 inches in the rear. It’s equipped with basic, reliable shocks.
Tires: Capable all-terrain tires, often around 27 inches tall, designed for a mix of surfaces but not specialized for extreme conditions.

Enter the General XP: The “Xtreme Performance” Upgrade
The “XP” stands for Xtreme Performance, and Polaris isn’t kidding. The General XP is essentially a standard General that has been given a serious set of factory upgrades, making it far more capable on aggressive terrain right out of the box.

The XP Philosophy: Built for Bigger Challenges

The XP is for the rider who knows they’re going to push their machine. It’s aimed at the dedicated trail enthusiast who wants higher ground clearance, better stability at speed, and premium features without having to install them aftermarket.

This is the machine you choose when your trails are littered with rocks, ruts, and challenging obstacles. The upgrades are all designed to work together to provide a more confident and comfortable ride in the toughest conditions.

Wider Stance & Arched A-Arms: The Ground Clearance Advantage

The most noticeable difference is the XP’s stance. It’s 64 inches wide, a full four inches wider than the standard model. This wider track provides significantly more stability in off-camber situations and high-speed corners.

It also features high-clearance arched A-arms. Unlike the straight arms on the standard model, these are bent upwards to provide several extra inches of ground clearance right where you need it most—in the middle of the machine. This helps you glide over rocks and logs that would hang up a standard General.

Upgraded Suspension and Bigger Tires

The XP doesn’t just sit higher; it rides better. It comes equipped with premium shocks, often Walker Evans Velocity Series or FOX Podium piggyback shocks. In simple terms, these shocks are more advanced, offering better heat dissipation and more consistent performance when you’re hitting bumps repeatedly. This translates to a smoother ride and less suspension “fade” on long, rough trails.

To complete the package, the XP rolls on larger, more aggressive 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler tires. These tires have a tougher construction and a more aggressive tread pattern, providing superior grip and puncture resistance compared to the 27-inch tires on the standard model.

What is the Difference Between Polaris General XP and General: A Head-to-Head Breakdown
Let’s put the specs side-by-side. This section of our what is the difference between polaris general xp and general guide will give you a clear picture of what you’re paying for with the XP trim.

Suspension, Stance, and Clearance

Standard General: 60″ width, straight A-arms, ~12″ of ground clearance, standard shocks.
General XP: 64″ width, high-clearance arched A-arms, ~13.5″ of ground clearance, premium Walker Evans or FOX shocks.
The Takeaway: The XP is wider, sits higher, and has a more advanced suspension system designed for aggressive driving.

Wheels and Tires

Standard General: 27-inch all-terrain tires.
General XP: 30-inch, 8-ply Pro Armor Crawler tires.
The Takeaway: The XP’s tires are larger, tougher, and offer significantly more grip and durability out of the box.

Factory-Installed Premium Gear

This is where the value proposition of the XP really shines. Many of the things you’d want to add to a standard General come included on the XP.

Winch: The XP almost always includes a Polaris HD 4,500 lb. winch. This is a must-have for any serious off-roader and a costly aftermarket addition.
Roof: A durable poly sport roof comes standard on the XP.
Audio and Tech: Higher-end XP models (like the Ultimate trim) come with a full Rockford Fosgate audio system and the Ride Command infotainment screen with GPS, a feature you can’t overlook.

The Price Tag: Is the XP Worth It?

The General XP costs several thousand dollars more than its standard counterpart. The key question is whether the upgrades are worth the premium.

If you were to buy a standard General and add a winch, a roof, a lift kit, arched A-arms, new shocks, and a set of 30-inch tires and wheels, you would almost certainly spend more than the price difference of the XP. The XP gives you a professionally engineered, factory-installed package with a full warranty.

The Benefits of Choosing the Right General For Your Needs
Understanding the benefits of what is the difference between polaris general xp and general helps you align your money with your mission. It’s not about which is “better,” but which is better for you.

Benefits of the Standard General

Budget-Friendly: The lower entry price leaves more cash in your pocket for other gear, fuel, or future mods you want to choose yourself.
Trail-Friendly Width: The 60-inch width allows access to some restricted trail systems where the wider XP can’t go.
Customization Canvas: It’s a blank slate. You get to build it exactly how you want over time, choosing your own lift, tires, and accessories.

Benefits of the General XP

Trail-Ready Confidence: It’s built to tackle tough terrain right from the dealership. No immediate need for expensive upgrades.
Superior Ride Quality: The premium shocks and larger tires soak up bumps better, leading to a more comfortable and controlled ride.
Bundled Value: The included winch, roof, and other features offer significant savings compared to buying and installing them separately.

A DIYer’s Guide: Common Problems and Maintenance Considerations
No machine is perfect. Being a smart owner means knowing what to watch for. Here are some common problems with what is the difference between polaris general xp and general and maintenance tips from our shop to yours.

Standard General Watch-Outs

The most common “problem” is upgrade-itis. Owners often find themselves quickly wanting bigger tires and more ground clearance. The stock suspension is adequate, but heavy use can wear out bushings and ball joints, so keep an eye on them during your pre-ride checks.

General XP Considerations

The advanced Walker Evans or FOX shocks are fantastic, but they are more complex to rebuild if they ever need service. While the Ride Command system is a game-changer, like any complex electronic device, it can occasionally have software glitches that may require a dealer update.

Universal Polaris General Care Guide Best Practices

Whether you have a standard or an XP, a good what is the difference between polaris general xp and general care guide starts with the basics. A key part of a sustainable ownership experience is regular maintenance.

Check Your Fluids: Before every ride, check your engine oil and coolant levels.
Clean Your Air Filter: A dusty trail will clog your air filter fast. A clean filter is cheap insurance for your engine’s health. Tap it out after dusty rides and replace it regularly.
Inspect CV Boots: The rubber boots on your axles can get torn by sticks. A torn boot lets dirt in and grease out, quickly destroying the joint. Check them often.
Wash It Right: After a muddy ride, wash your machine thoroughly. Use an eco-friendly degreaser on the suspension components to prevent rust and make inspections easier.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Polaris General vs. General XP

Can I make a standard General into a General XP?

Yes, you can get close with aftermarket parts. Companies like SuperATV offer kits with arched A-arms, lift kits, and more. However, achieving the exact geometry, shock tuning, and integrated features of a factory XP can be very expensive and time-consuming.

Does the XP have a different engine than the standard General?

No. Both the standard General and the General XP share the same powerful and reliable 100-horsepower, 999cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine and drivetrain. The performance difference comes purely from the suspension, stance, and tire setup.

Is the ride quality noticeably different between the two?

Absolutely. The General XP’s premium shocks and larger tires provide a significantly plusher and more controlled ride over rough terrain. While the standard General is comfortable, the XP is on another level when the trail gets nasty.

What about towing and payload capacity? Are they the same?

Yes, typically the core frame and powertrain are identical, so the rated towing capacity (usually 1,500 lbs) and the payload capacity (including the 600 lb dump box) are the same for both models. Always check the specific specs for your model year.

The Final Verdict: Which General is Right for You?
So, after breaking it all down, the choice becomes much clearer. It’s not about which machine is superior overall, but which one is superior for your world.
The standard Polaris General is the perfect, versatile choice for property management, farm work, and light-to-moderate trail riding. It’s a capable and reliable machine that offers incredible value and serves as a blank canvas for future customization.
The Polaris General XP is the purpose-built trail weapon. If your primary goal is to conquer challenging terrain with confidence and comfort, the XP’s wider stance, superior suspension, bigger tires, and factory-installed accessories make it worth every extra penny. You’re buying a complete, trail-ready package from day one.
No matter which you choose, you’re getting a beast of a machine built for adventure. Do your homework, be honest about your riding style, and get the General that fits your life. Gear up, ride smart, and 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.