We put the 2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar to the test in a variety of conditions, from snowy backcountry trails to sweltering summer landscapes. Designed as an adventure-focused side-by-side, it promised all-weather capability and comfort—but did it deliver? Over the course of our trips, we evaluated its performance, comfort, and practicality to see if it truly meets the demands of serious explorers or to warrant that $38,999 price tag. Here’s our 2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar Review.
2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar Review
Impressive Features
Lets start with The 2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar’s impressive list of standard features; including a 114 HP ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine, FOX Podium QS3 shocks with Position Sensitive Spiral Technology, and a high-clearance dual A-arm suspension with a stabilizer bar. It offers 14 inches of ground clearance and rides on 30″ Pro Armor Crawler XP tires. The drivetrain includes On-Demand True AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode. Additional features include a Polaris HD 4500 lb winch, front bull bumper, full-coverage skid plate, ProFit sport roof with an interior liner, Lock & Ride MAX Cargo System, and a dumping rear cargo box.
The NorthStar trim includes heat and air conditioning with temperature and zone control, lockable full doors with power windows, and a tip-out laminated glass windshield with a wash and wiper system. It features a 7″ display powered by RIDE COMMAND, along with RIDE COMMAND+ technology and a rear camera for added convenience. The cabin is equipped with a JBL® Trail Pro 4100 audio system, tilt steering, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel for adjustable comfort. Additional features include a winch with Autostop and Plow Mode, as well as a 140A alternator charging system to support onboard electronics and accessories.
2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar Review
Amazing Comfort
If asked what our favorite part of the Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar is, we’ll usually reply with one word: comfort. It’s easily one of the most comfortable UTVs we’ve tested. The fully enclosed cab, equipped with heat and air conditioning, made a huge difference in both freezing temperatures and scorching summer rides. Ventilation was also well-managed, with the climate control system effectively keeping the cab comfortable without feeling stuffy, even during long days on the trail.
Sure, we’re going to catch a bunch of slack for wanting an enclosed UTV, but after spending hours on the trails without getting blasted by dust, wind, or rain, it’s hard to complain. The enclosed cab made long rides far more enjoyable, especially in dry, dusty conditions where we usually end up covered in dirt. It was a nice change to be able to focus on the ride without constantly wiping dust off our goggles and helmet shields or bundling up against the cold. Plus, the XPEDITION’s windshield wiper system kept visibility clear and did a great job of removing mud and snow off the windshield.
The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, even on longer rides, and the tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel made it easy to find a good driving position. Whether we were tackling rocky trails or cruising down fire roads, the ride quality felt surprisingly smooth for a machine built for rugged terrain. The suspension, featuring FOX Podium QS3 shocks, absorbed bumps well and kept the ride from feeling overly harsh, even on rough sections. Additionally, the enclosed cab helped reduce outside noise compared to open UTVs, making conversations easier and reducing fatigue on all-day rides.
2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar Review
Performance
The Polaris XPEDITION XP Northstar’s 114 HP ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine is a proven and reliable power plant, making it an excellent choice from Polaris for this adventure-friendly UTV. While it’s not designed to dominate high-speed whoops or challenge your buddy in a drag race, it offers a smooth power band with impressive bottom-end torque. This engine setup prioritizes usability over raw speed, making it an ideal choice for long-lasting, dependable performance in the great outdoors. It provided plenty of power to get us through 6 inches of fresh snow in the mountains and we had no issues exploring nearly every corner of Johnson Valley during the King of the Hammers event. No, we didn’t take it on the race course, but we had an amazing time cruising out to all of the spectating locations.
The Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar is equipped with an automatic transmission that includes On-Demand AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode. This system allows for easy switching between different drive modes to optimize traction and handling based on varying terrain conditions. We rarely had to take it out of high gear, but we found ourselves popping into low gear to creepy crawl up or down steeper trails or mainly to conserve the CVT’s belt. We had zero belt issues through the course of our testing, but we always carried a spare belt with us for peace of mind.
One thing we would like to see on all Polaris models is a separate parking brake. Shifting into park is easy, but you have to be careful where you park. Sometimes it takes a good wiggle to get the vehicle back into go mode.
2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar Review
Interior & Exterior
The overall look and quality of the Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar is top notch and offers everything you’ll need for an adventure machine. It is equipped with a range of interior and exterior features designed for durability and functionality. On the exterior, it features LED headlights and taillights for improved visibility in low-light conditions. A front bull bumper and full-coverage skid plate provide added protection, while the Polaris HD 4500 lb winch with Autostop and Plow Mode enhances utility for recovery and work applications. The ProFit sport roof and interior liner offer coverage from the elements, and the tip-out laminated glass windshield with wash and wiper system helps maintain visibility in various weather conditions.
Inside, the NorthStar edition includes lockable full doors with power windows to help keep out dust and debris. The 7″ digital display powered by RIDE COMMAND provides access to vehicle controls, navigation, and entertainment, with RIDE COMMAND+ technology adding connectivity and tracking features. A JBL Trail Pro 4100 audio system is integrated into the cabin, and the tilt and telescoping steering wheel allows for adjustable positioning. The seats are designed with cushioning and support for extended rides.
2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar Review
Storage and Utility
Cargo capacity is another standout feature of the Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar, offering plenty of space for gear, tools, and supplies. The dumping rear cargo box provides 36.2 inches in length, 54.4 inches in width, and 12.9 inches in height, making it spacious enough to carry everything from camping equipment to large ice chest or work materials. With a payload capacity of 1,290 pounds, it’s built to handle heavy loads without compromising performance. Additionally, the Lock & Ride MAX Cargo System allows for easy customization and secure storage options, ensuring that cargo stays in place even on rough terrain.
Beyond the bed, the XPEDITION XP NorthStar also boasts an impressive 2,500-pound towing capacity, making it more than capable of hauling trailers, additional gear, or even small utility equipment. Whether loading up for a backcountry adventure or tackling a tough job, the combination of a large cargo bed, high payload rating, and strong towing capabilities makes this UTV a versatile and practical choice for both work and recreation.
2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar Review
Conclusion
The 2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar stands out as a versatile and reliable companion for both winter and summer adventures. Its robust performance, all-weather comfort, and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice for explorers seeking a vehicle that excels in diverse conditions. The comfort of the XPEDITION XP NorthStar truly set it apart from other UTVs we’ve tested. After long days on a variety of terrains, we never once felt like we had to tough it out through discomfort. The combination of the enclosed, climate-controlled cabin, adjustable seats, and smooth suspension made a big difference in how enjoyable each ride was. Whether we were navigating rough trails or cruising on long stretches of open road, the vehicle’s thoughtful design allowed us to focus on the adventure instead of the elements. We came away impressed with the NorthStar UTV and we’re looking forward to using it over 2025. We’ll be updating this review as we spend more time in the vehicle, get through maintenance tutorials and start adding more and more accessories to improve our adventure experience. Stay tuned.
2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar Review
XP STANDARD FEATURES:
- 114 HP ProStar 1000 Gen 2 Engine
- FOX® Podium QS3 with Position Sensitive Spiral Technology
- High Clearance Dual A-Arm with Stabilizer Bar
- 14″ of Ground Clearance
- 30″ Pro Armor Crawler XP Tires
- On-Demand True AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode
- Polaris HD 4500 LB Winch
- Front Bull Bumper & Full Coverage Skid Plate
- ProFit Sport Roof & Interior Liner
- Lock & Ride MAX Cargo System
- Dumping Rear Cargo Box
NORTHSTAR TRIM INCLUDES:
- Heat & Air Conditioning w/ Temperature & Zone Control
- Lockable Full Doors & Power Windows
- Tip-Out Laminated Glass w/ Wash & Wiper
- 7″ Display, Powered by RIDE COMMAND
- RIDE COMMAND+ Technology
- Rear Camera
- Tilt Steering
- JBL® Trail Pro 4100 Audio
- Tilt & Telescoping Steering
- Winch Includes: Autostop & Plow Mode
- 140a Alternator Charging System
2025 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar Review
Specifications
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Cooling: Liquid
Cylinders Displacement: 999cc
Drive System Type: On-Demand True AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode
Engine Braking System (EBS): N/A
Engine Type: ProStar 1000 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder
Fuel System/Battery: Electronic Fuel Injection
Horsepower: 114 HP
Transmission/Final Drive: Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H
DIMENSIONS
Bed Box Dimensions (L x W x H): 30.3 x 47.25 x 13.38 in (77 x 120 x 34 cm)
Box Capacity: 600 lb (272 kg) Rear Dumping Box
Curb Weight: 2452 lbs. (1112 kg); California 2463 lbs. (1117 kg)
Dry Weight: 2331 lbs. (1057 kg); California 2342 lbs. (1062 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 12.5 gal (47.3 L)
Ground Clearance: 14 in (35.6 cm)
Hitch Towing Rating: 2,000 lb (907 kg)
Hitch Type: Standard / 2 in (5.08 cm) Receiver
Overall Vehicle Size (L x W x H): 122.5 x 64 x 74.9 in (311.1 x 162.5 x 190.2 cm)
Payload Capacity: 1030 lbs. (467 kg)
Person Capacity: 2
Stance: 64 in (162.56 cm)
Wheelbase: 87.5 in (222.2 cm)
BRAKES
Front/Rear Brakes: 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Dual-Bore Front and Rear Calipers
Parking Brake: Park In-Transmission
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
Audio System: JBL Trail Pro 4100. 400W 10″ Subwoofer, (2) 45W 6″ Stadium Speakers, 200W Amp
Cargo System: Lock & Ride MAX
Electronic Power Steering: High Output EPS
Ingress / Egress: Full Power Window Doors Standard
Instrumentation: Driver Forward Information Center w/ 4″ Color Display + Rotary Speedometer & Tachometers and Center Dash 7″ Touchscreen w/ Ride Command+ Telematic Unit
Lighting: LED Headlight w/ Accent & LED Taillights
Other Standard Features: POLARIS HD 4500 LB Winch w/ Rope, Rubber stopper & Aluminum Fairlead, AutoStop & Plow Mode, Front Bull Bumper, ProFit Sport Roof, Convex Rear View Mirror, JBL Trail Pro 4100 Audio, Tilt Dump Bed, Rear View Camera
Seat Type: Bolstered Bucket Seats with Driver Seat Slider
Steering: Tilt & Telescoping
TIRES / WHEELS
Front Tires: 30 x 10-15; Pro Armor Crawler XP
Rear Tires: 30 x 11-15; Pro Armor Crawler XP
Wheels: 14″ Cast Aluminum
SUSPENSION
Front Shocks: FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 with Position Sensitive Spiral technology
Front Suspension: Long Travel, High Clearance Dual A-Arm with Stabilizer Bar, 14 in (35.6 cm) Travel
Rear Shocks: FOX 2.5 Podium QS3 with Position Sensitive Spiral technology
Rear Suspension: Long Travel, High Clearance Dual Arm IRS with Stabilizer Bar, 15 in (38.1 cm) Travel
