2017 Polaris Sportsman 6×6 Big Boss 570 EPS Preview

As the name implies, the old 760cc engine has been replaced with the 44-horsepower ProStar 570 single-cylinder engine. However, the most notable change in our opinion is the addition of a passenger seat – the first of its kind in a 6×6 ATV. It should be noted that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved what looks like a two-up 6×6 from Can-Am last year, but that vehicle has yet to be released.

The new Big Boss 570 is the first 6×6 ATV with room for two. (Accessory tracks shown)

According to Polaris, the passenger seat is raised higher than the operator’s seat to improve visibility. Hand grips and foot rests are also included for the passenger.

As you’d expect from a vehicle like this, it is designed to work. To help in that area, an 800-pound capacity gas-assist dump box is found behind the passenger. The bed comes equipped with steel bed rails (ready to accept Lock & Ride accessories), dual rear racks with integrated five-gallon bucket mounts and six high-mounted, tie-down points. As well, users can configure the dump box into two different sections with the integrated box dividers. To further enhance the carrying capabilities of the cargo box, stake pockets allow users to add height to the box to carry more gear.

If you need to carry more cargo, integrated stake pockets allow you to add height to the cargo bed.

More carrying capacity is found up front in the integrated front storage that holds a claimed 6.5 gallons. Add in the factory-installed rack extender and you can carry another 90 pounds up front.

Users can hold plenty of cargo in the integrated front storage compartment.

As for towing duties, the Big Boss 570 comes standard with a two-inch receiver and 1,500 pounds of towing capacity.

Polaris designed the Big Boss 570 to travel long distances. To help accomplish this, the ATV offers a massive 6.75-gallon fuel tank. Polaris boasts the ATV has a range of up to 130 miles. While you are unlikely to match that range will a big load in the back and uneven terrain, with nearly seven gallons of fuel on board you should be able to ride all day and then some on this machine.

One thing that hasn’t changed on the Big Boss is its all-wheel independent suspension. That suspension controls 8.2 inches of travel in the rear and 9.5 inches up front, along with 11.5 inches of ground clearance.

The Big Boss has six-wheel independent suspension and offers up 11.5 inches of ground clearance.

When the going gets tough, the Big Boss features 4WD and 6WD options at the flip of a switch. Polaris also boasts the industry’s fastest-engaging High Performance On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Connecting the Big Boss to the ground are 26-inch PXT tires.

Most off-road riding doesn’t happen on flat trails. To help you out on steep descents, Polaris outfitted the ATV with its engine braking system with Active Descent Control for controllable six-wheel braking.

This is a big ATV (1,075 pounds dry) and controlling it would likely be a handful if not for the standard electronic power steering. Polaris says this system “automatically adjusts to the riding conditions for effortless low-speed technical maneuvers, and excellent feel and control at high speeds.”

Electronic power steering makes like easier when doing heavy lifting.

Lighting the way when the sun goes down is steerable three-beam, 150W forward lighting.

Polaris has more than 30 accessories ready to attach to the Big Boss to enhance its versatility. Accessories include the new Yukon Adventure Rack add height, additional tie-down points and more security to the rear box and the convertible, dry storage accessory box. To make adding accessories easier, the Big Boss comes standard with integrated winch and plow mounts.

Integrated mounts make installing an accessory plow a snap.

The 2017 Polaris Sportsman 6×6 Big Boss 570 EPS will be available in Sage Green and retails for US$10,999 ($13,599 in Canada). It will arrive in Polaris dealerships in April.