2018 Cub Cadet Challenger 750 EPS vs. Polaris Ranger XP 900: By the Numbers
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 EPS | 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 900 | |
| Price | $11,899 | $12,299 |
| Engine | 735cc five-valve single cylinder four stroke | 875cc ProStar Twin |
| Horsepower | 37.5 | 68 |
| Driveline/Differential | Front and rear locking dif | On-Demand True AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode |
| Transmission | CVT | Automatic PVT H/L/N/R/P; Shaft |
| Wheelbase | 76.5 in | 81 in |
| Weight | 1,580 lbs | 1,324 lbs |
| Front Tires | 26×9-14 | 25×10-12 |
| Rear Tires | 26×11-14 | 25×11-12 |
| Ground Clearance | 12 in | 12 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.6 gal | 10.0 gal |
| Front Suspension | Dual A-arm / 9 in | Dual A-arm / 10 in |
| Rear Suspension | Dual A-arm / 8.2 in | Dual A-arm / 10 in |
| Front /Rear Brakes | Hydraulic disc | 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Dual-Bore Front Calipers |
| Bed/Rack Capacity | 500 lbs | 1,000 lbs |
| Towing Capacity | 1,200 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
