2019 Polaris RZR XP 1000 Dynamix vs. Textron Wildcat XX: By the Numbers
For a long time running, the Polaris RZR XP 1000 ruled the roost with horsepower and handling unlike anything else on the market. As turbo-powered machine came in and suspension advanced right along with it, the naturally aspirated XP still proved strong on the sales front, but came up a little short when compared to some of the competition. When the 2019 Polaris RZR XP 1000 Dynamix edition was released, it came outfitted with the awesome Dynamix suspension system.
The Wildcat XX from Textron Off-Road came out early in 2018 and was really no shock to anyone in the industry. We all knew it was being worked on before the Textron merger, but then Textron shocked us some by delaying the release to perfect it. It was worth the wait. While some have scoffed at the lack of a turbo option, for now anyway, anyone who has driven one will shout from the rooftops about the superb handling and suspension. At a recent media event for a different brand, one editor said that if he were to be buying a high-performance UTV today, he’d buy the Textron without a moment of hesitation. It’s really that good.
Boingers
I know we normally start off these head-to-head pieces with a look at the motors and the horsepower, but in this case we’ll make an exception. The 2019 Polaris RZR XP 1000 Dynamix edition starts with a base of Fox Podium 2.5 shocks, a great option for suspension. But it goes further than just great shocks. Normally you set up your suspension for your driving and conditions and go with that one setting for the ride. The Dynamix system uses live valving that adapts the system to your driving style and conditions to give you the optimal suspension system for the terrain you’re in and the way you’re driving the RZR through that terrain. What’s more, it adjusts each individual shock, so you can really hammer through stuff and be confident about the ride. There is 21-inches of travel front and back, with the front shocks riding in dual A-arms and the rear shocks floating on a trailing arm setup.
The Wildcat XX is a sweet machine. Textron worked closely with Robbie Gordon for a long time to not only develop the suspension setup, but perfect it. The front A-arms are unequal in length, borrowing from off-road truck racing. Out back, there are beefy trailing arms that have the shocks mount through the bottom, giving the ride a better feel. The shocks are Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 with bottom-out control. These shocks were specifically designed and valved for the XX and can handle huge hits and rough terrain. There is 18 inches of travel front and back, sway bars and a whopping 14 inches of ground clearance. The XX design makes you feel invincible on rough terrain.
Motorin’
The Polaris RZR XP 1000 Dynamix edition motor is legendary for power. It is a 999cc twin-cylinder ProStar high output, DOHC four stroke that pumps out a fun 110 horsepower. The liquid-cooled engine is fed via electronic fuel injection and runs out through a CVT transmission that runs Polaris’ High Performance version of the On Demand all-wheel drive system. The RZR XP 1000 engine is just plain fun to drive. It has a solid mid-range hit, and a decent top end. For a long time, this has been the very model of how a high-performance UTV should be, power-wise, and it still holds true. If you’ve never driven a XP 1000, you need to.
The Textron Wildcat XX runs a 998cc inline triple four-stroke that comes from the Textron/Arctic Cat/Yamaha partnership for snowmobiles. This torquey ripper pumps out a screaming 125 horsepower and runs out through a CVT transmission with Team Rapid Response clutches. You do not want for power with this engine in most circumstances, and if you do, the turbo version is coming. Like the rest of the XX, the power feels balanced and adds to the overall amazing feel of the machine. This is another one you really need to drive to believe.
Extras
This is where it gets a little weird between these two machines. The Textron Wildcat XX is a study in simplicity. The controls are sparse and there is plenty of open space for you to add controls for extra lights, radios, etc. The machine was designed to have a great engine, amazing suspension and to be customizable by the owner. The Wildcat XX starts out at $20,499. Head to your local Textron dealer and see one for yourself.
The 2019 Polaris RZR XP 1000 Dynamix is a little more complex. Not only do you get the self-adjusting shocks, but also Polaris’ amazing Ride Command system, with a large touch-screen readout, camera controls, in-cab speaker and sound system and more. It also has lower doors, a painted grill that matches the body work and interior lighting with a newly redesigned cockpit. This adds quite a bit of coolness to the RZR and a lot of value for you. The Polaris RZR XP 1000 Dynamix with Ride Command starts out at $22,999. Your local Polaris dealer can set you up with one.
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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