Using a Polaris RANGER XP 1000 EPS Back Country got our hunting season within reach. What did you do to prepare?
We got to check out the 2019 RANGER XP® 1000 EPS Back Country Edition while maintaining our own Daryk Ganske's deer hunting property in the Texas Hill Country.
Daryk was familiar with the Polaris Ranger's older models, and I'd driven my share of the side by sides too. We were eager to see how the high-performance machine built for the back country handled the necessities of a typical hunting rig, as well as the sharp turns and tough terrain found around the property.
Using utility vehicles as tough as the Polaris RANGER XP is a serious advantage, and the Back Country Edition only pushed that farther.
Features of the 2019 RANGER XP 1000 EPS Back Country Limited Edition
It's got an 82 horsepower ProStar 1000 engine, a Polaris Pro winch, the industry's largest stock front bumper. The 13-inch ground clearance is the best in this class of side by sides, and we needed the full length if we were really gonna send it through these off-road trails and two-tracks.
There were rocks, big divots, small creeks, and steep hills to handle. The heavy duty tires and suspension gave a smooth ride with no problem.
The A-Arms are exceptionally high, angled more sharply than we've ever seen, and that made a big difference. Plus, it's got great hauling capacity. You name it, the RANGER XP Back Country can haul 1,500 pounds pounds of it, and tow 2,500.
And hunting-specific stuff? There's plenty to take advantage of.
We dug the Polaris Pursuit camo, and we could cover the ground easily to fill feeders, tend to stands, haul brush, and even do more heavy duty stuff if need be.
We also realized it'd work great as a waterfowl rig, ripping through marshland as easily as it took on the creeks and mud flats on our property.
There's little left to wonder about why the Polaris RANGER has taken on a popularity beyond its capability. The reputation is there, but the standard keeps getting set.
The RANGER XP 1000 EPS Back Country more than lives up to the expectations.
Specs
Drivetrain System: High Performance On-Demand True AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode
Engine Type: 999cc, 4-Stroke Twin Cylinder
Payload Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Towing Capacity: 2,500 lbs
Suspension Travel: 13 inches
Wheelbase: 81 inches
Box Dimensions: 36.75 x 54.25 x 12.5 in
Overall, the utility side by side made as big of an impact on our seasonal prep as we ever could have expected. As a deer and big game hunting rig, it's nearly unbeatable.
Be sure to check back for more info and coverage from our time spent behind the wheel of the 2019 Polaris RANGER XP 1000 Back Country Edition.
NEXT: WE TEST DROVE THE 2019 20TH ANNIVERSARY POLARIS RANGER
