Driven: The 2027 Polaris RZR Pro R Boost Puts the Hurt on Dirt

Polaris has unleashed its newest high-performance side-by-side, the 2027 RZR Pro R Boost. Built to dominate challenging off-road terrain, the two-seat configuration starts at $51,994, while the four-seat variant starts at $55,994. Ultimate two-seat models are priced at $51,994, Ultimate four-seat models at $55,994, Ultra two-seat models at $54,994, and Ultra four-seat models at $58,994. Under the skin, this mid-engine, rear- or 4-wheel-drive, 2- or 4-passenger buggy features a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4 engine with an aluminum block and head and port fuel injection. The 2.0-liter (122 cubic inch / 1997 cm3) engine features different internals to handle pressure from a large 60-mm turbo, pumping out an incredible 275 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 223 lb-ft of torque at 6000 rpm. This makes it the most powerful buggy available, easily beating the Can-Am Maverick R’s 240 horsepower and the Kawasaki Teryx H2’s 250 ponies, while completely crushing the competition’s torque figures. Polaris states the Pro R Boost delivers this full power even in temperatures up to 115 degrees and at elevations of 10,000 feet. The radiator has been relocated behind the occupants and is fed by a roof scoop, removing the old problem of a hair-dryer blowing 100-plus-degree air into the cockpit. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) features a larger secondary clutch with more cooling fins, stronger drive belts and half-shafts, and a beefier front differential. Three air intakes keep the drive belt cool, and the system uses residual turbo pressure instead of blowing it off with hisses and whooshes to keep the big turbo spinning and reduce lag. Cushioned by adaptive Fox Live Valve dampers with electronic controls for compression and rebound adjusting up to 200 times per second, the Boost features four damper modes: Comfort, Rock, Baja, and Track. Ultra models also feature adaptive anti-roll-bar links for an additional $3000. It offers roughly two feet of front and rear wheel travel, and a button on the steering wheel can temporarily lock the dampers into their firmest mode. Testing estimates peg the 0-60 mph time at 4.0 to 4.4 seconds, the quarter-mile at 13.2 to 13.3 seconds, and top speed at 90 mph. Curb weight ranges from an estimated 2600 to 3000 pounds, with a wheelbase of 104.5 to 133.5 inches, length of 136.5 to 165.5 inches, width of 74.0 inches, and height of 76.4 to 80.1 inches. Amenities inside the cabin include ventilated seats, a 10.4-inch touchscreen featuring the Group Ride tracker, Apple CarPlay, and a Rockford Fosgate stereo.