Polaris Says Its New Side-by-Side Is 40% Quieter. We Tested It

Side-by-sides aren’t exactly known for being quiet, but the 2027 Polaris XPEDITION is out to change that. The latest version of Polaris’ enclosed adventure UTV promises up to 40 percent less ride noise thanks to a new pneumatic transmission system, addressing one of the biggest complaints about an otherwise remarkably capable off-road machine. With a starting price of $40,499, it’s a serious investment—but one that could make long days on the trail a whole lot more enjoyable.

To find out whether Polaris delivered, I headed to South Dakota’s Black Hills for more than 40 miles of rugged off-road testing. What started as a leisurely cruise through dusty forest roads turned into a full-blown thunderstorm, complete with lightning, hail, and mud. It was the perfect opportunity to see whether the new XPEDITION could deliver a quieter, more comfortable ride without sacrificing the go-anywhere capability that made the original such a compelling adventure vehicle.

2027 Polaris XPEDITION: Built for Adventure, Not Just Speed

The latest evolution of side-by-sides like the Polaris XPEDITION answers a similar call: pushing man and machine while keeping the elements at bay. I’d read plenty about the XPEDITION’s ability to reach new heights, thanks to its relatively compact footprint and nimble handling. Owners also praised its enclosed cab, all-season climate control, booming JBL sound system, and Ride Command navigation system, which it shares with Polaris’ performance-oriented machines.

Despite all those creature comforts, it came with one notable complaint: cabin noise. With a 114-horsepower engine and little sound-dampening insulation, the XPEDITION could be loud enough to make conversation difficult. All the details in the world don’t count for much if you can’t hear your passengers.

I got a chance to see how Polaris set out to address that issue in the 2027 XPEDITION, which introduces NUMATIX, an industry-first pneumatic CVT (continuously variable transmission). In simple terms, the system uses air pressure to regulate the drive clutch, helping keep engine RPMs lower during operation. The result is less engine drone and a more relaxed driving experience, with Polaris claiming up to a 40 percent reduction in ride noise.

Before I could judge the difference for myself, I had to get behind the wheel and put the XPEDITION through its paces at a press event in the Black Hills of South Dakota. But first, I took a closer look at what sets this machine apart from its beefier, whoop-eating stablemates.

The XPEDITION is a tall, stripped-down, go-almost-anywhere beast with room for four. Think vintage Suzuki Samurai meets grown-up Massimo Mini Truck. The interior isn’t overbuilt, either. Unlike the factory 4x4s many owners double as daily drivers, the XPEDITION practically invites you to get it dusty, muddy, and wet without worrying about a trip to the detailer. Just hose it out after a ride. The controls are intuitive, leaving the guesswork for the trail, while the easy-to-follow Ride Command system lets you track other drivers in your crew so nobody has to eat the leader’s dust.

How Polaris’ New NUMATIX Transmission Performs on the Trail

As our group set out to explore more than 40 miles of rugged Black Hills terrain, I immediately appreciated the XPEDITION’s relatively narrow footprint. After more than three decades of off-roading, I’ve learned that trails are almost always narrower than they look, and it’s easier to justify pinstriping a UTV than your precious commuter truck.

On one off-camber, loose, rocky section, the XPEDITION barely squeezed through before effortlessly crawling up the forest road. Thanks to the CVT’s smooth power delivery, four-wheel drive in low range and Comfort mode felt composed and predictable as softball-sized rocks ricocheted off the undercarriage.

Over the next few miles, the roads opened up, allowing me to toggle between the three drive modes and compare engine noise at different RPMs. On tight forest roads with potential oncoming traffic, you’re rarely traveling much faster than 35 mph, which I found corresponded to around 5,500 RPM in the XPEDITION. Polaris says the pneumatic system begins working around 3,000 RPM to help reduce cabin noise, but I found the engine surprisingly subdued until it climbed into the 5,000-RPM range.

The 2027 Polaris XPEDITION Puts Comfort to the Test

Summer weather in the Black Hills can be unpredictable, so I spent the first part of the dusty drive at a relaxed pace, imagining how a family might enjoy the XPEDITION. With a roof overhead, a windshield in front of me, and no goggles required, I was comfortably insulated from the elements. The sun was out, so I cranked the AC and some tunes for what felt like an afternoon cruise. Then everything changed. Lightning cracked over the horizon, and the clouds opened up, unleashing an intense thunderstorm with occasional hail. The dirt turned to chocolate cake, a welcome sight for any off-road rider, and the sudden downpour made traction more predictable.

I worked my way toward the head of the pack, pushing through the available drive modes and winding out the engine to get a better feel for the noise-reduction system. Unsurprisingly, the XPEDITION proved just as thrilling at speed as some of the Polaris RZRs I’ve tested, demonstrating its versatility across a variety of terrain. In Sport mode, the pneumatic system disengages to deliver a sharper, more immediate throttle response. Even then, the engine sounded quieter than I’m accustomed to in a side-by-side.

You can’t judge the XPEDITION by its looks alone since its boxy appearance betrays its handling. Polaris got the fundamentals right when it launched the platform a few years ago, and the suspension remains a strong point. The FOX Podium QS3 shocks deliver 14 inches of front travel and 15 inches in the rear, helping the XPEDITION stay composed over the rough Black Hills terrain.

Polaris hasn’t reworked the setup with more travel or electronically controlled suspension, but I did miss the suspension-stiffening MAX FIRM setting through a few of the bigger G-outs. Still, the XPEDITION bopped along over the rough stuff and felt planted through tacky corners, holding its own against some of the entry-level RZRs I’ve driven.

2027 Polaris XPEDITION Review: Is It Worth $40,499?

As I rolled into the staging area, one thing became clear: The XPEDITION is the Swiss Army knife of side-by-sides, ready for just about anything you can dream up. Its comfortable, quieter cab makes all-day drives more appealing for families, while the cargo capacity and accessory catalog give overlanders plenty of reasons to take notice. Hunters, meanwhile, can haul their gear and stay sheltered from the elements when the season rolls around.

NUMATIX doesn’t transform the XPEDITION into a different machine, but it makes an already versatile rig more pleasant to spend time in. And when you’re covering miles of rough terrain with a crew, that’s no small improvement.

2027 Polaris XPEDITION: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Noticeably quieter cabin: The new NUMATIX pneumatic CVT helps reduce engine drone at cruising speeds, with Polaris claiming up to 40 percent less ride noise.
• Excellent all-weather comfort: The enclosed cab and climate control make the XPEDITION a compelling option for year-round adventures, especially when the weather turns nasty.
• Impressive off-road capability: With 114 horsepower and the ability to tackle rugged trails, mud, and challenging terrain, the XPEDITION doesn’t sacrifice performance for comfort.
• Versatile adventure-ready design: Room for four and a practical enclosed layout make it well suited for longer outings and exploring remote terrain.
• Premium cabin amenities: Climate control and a powerful JBL audio system help make extended rides more enjoyable.

Cons

• More adventure tourer than sport UTV: Riders who prioritize aggressive, high-speed riding over cabin comfort may prefer a more performance-focused side-by-side.
• Steep starting price: At $40,499, the XPEDITION is a serious investment compared with more basic recreational side-by-sides.
• Engine noise hasn’t disappeared: The NUMATIX system makes a noticeable difference, but engine sound becomes more prominent as RPMs climb toward 5,000.
• Large, tall proportions: Its substantial dimensions are part of what makes it practical, but they may be less appealing to riders seeking a compact, nimble trail machine.

2027 Polaris XPEDITION Specs

• Engine: ProStar 1000 Gen 2, 999cc, four-stroke DOHC parallel twin
• Horsepower: 114 hp
• Transmission: NUMATIX pneumatic continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Seating capacity: Up to 4 passengers in the tested configuration
• Cabin: Enclosed, with all-season climate control
• Price: From $40,499