2018 Cub Cadet Challenger 750 EPS vs. Polaris Ranger XP 900: By the Numbers

Derrek Sigler
by Derrek Sigler
Accessories and creature comforts vs. big power


You’ve saved up some money and have decided you have about $12,000 to spend on a new UTV. That’s awesome, as there are several good ones to choose from. When you break it down, it becomes a matter of what you really want for your money. On one end of the spectrum is the popular Polaris Ranger XP 900, a machine that set the standard for big-bore utility performance. At the other is the Cub Cadet Challenger 750. Let’s take a look at how they compare…by the numbers.

2018 Cub Cadet Challenger 750 EPS2018 Polaris Ranger XP 900
Price$11,899$12,299
Engine735cc five-valve single cylinder four stroke875cc ProStar Twin
Horsepower37.568
Driveline/DifferentialFront and rear locking difOn-Demand True AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode
TransmissionCVTAutomatic PVT H/L/N/R/P; Shaft
Wheelbase76.5 in81 in
Weight1,580 lbs1,324 lbs
Front Tires26×9-1425×10-12
Rear Tires26×11-1425×11-12
Ground Clearance12 in12 in
Fuel Capacity7.6 gal10.0 gal
Front SuspensionDual A-arm / 9 inDual A-arm / 10 in
Rear SuspensionDual A-arm / 8.2 inDual A-arm / 10 in
Front /Rear BrakesHydraulic disc4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Dual-Bore Front Calipers
Bed/Rack Capacity500 lbs1,000 lbs
Towing Capacity1,200 lbs1,500 lbs


If Horsepower is Your Game…


The horsepower king in this comparison is obviously the Ranger XP 900. These machines have sold so well for Polaris that it has kept it going, even dropping the price several thousand dollars. The machine continues to be one of the best sellers in the Polaris lineup. You can score a base-model XP 900 for $12,299, and there have been some sweet sales going on that can bring that down even more. For that money, you get a 68-horsepower machine, but not electronic power steering. If you want to add that, it’ll cost you another grand. You can get the Ranger up to 60 mph with little effort.

Polaris Ranger XP 900 Working

The $11,899 Cub Cadet Challenger 750 EPS has a 735cc single-cylinder engine that pumps out 37.5 horsepower. This will push the Cubby up to a claimed 45 mph, although most tests have said that is pushing it. However, the Challenger’s engine does have good power for what it does and is a capable machine. It also has power steering and a few other things going for it that don’t come on the bare-bones Ranger.


Pre-Accessorized


If you want to accessorize your ride, the Cub Cadet comes with a pile of things as standard equipment. It has a roof, windshield, side mirrors, full doors, 3,500-pound winch, full front bumper, aluminum wheels and aggressive tires. If you want the same to come on your Ranger XP 900, it’ll run the cost up over $16,000.

2017 Cub Cadet Challenger 750 Action Profile
Capabilities


The Cub Cadet can tow 1,200 pounds and haul 500 pounds in the cargo bed. It has a two-inch receiver hitch, too. Compared to other machines of similar horsepower, this is right around what you’d expect. Add in the stellar accessory package and the Challenger looks to be a serious contender.

Cub Cadet Challenger 750 EPS Studio

The Ranger can haul 1,000 pounds in the cargo bed. It also has a two-inch receiver and can tow 1,500 pounds. With its bench seating, it can hold three people, compared to the Cub Cadet’s two. If you want a bare-bones, horsepower king, take a look at the XP 900. It has proven that it won’t let you down.

Polaris Ranger XP 900 Studio

Learn more about the Cub Cadet at your local dealer, or by going to the website.

To learn about the Polaris Ranger, go to the Ranger website or visit your local dealer for more info.

Derrek Sigler
Derrek Sigler

Derrek's love for all things ATV started when he was a mere 11 years old, growing up on his family farm. His mom gave him and his sister a choice - get a horse, or a three-wheeler. The sister wanted the horse, and Derrek wanted the ATV. Luckily he won out, and was soon burning up the trails on a Yamaha Tri-Moto 200. By the time he was 14, he had saved enough of his own money by working on the farm and in his folks restaurant to buy a new 4-wheeler. That happened the day he and his mom were driving past the dealership and saw 1987 Banshee. His mom had no idea what he was buying, and he never looked back. He's been riding ever since, and been writing professionally for many years. He has ridden all over North America and been behind the controls of just about every machine out there. And yes, he still has his 1987 Yamaha Banshee.

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