Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS specifications
Polaris · Utility
Back Road Reviews describes the 850's suspension as absorbing shocks and bumps effortlessly, even on the hardest trails, and pairs it with a quiet, smooth engine. The two reviewers agree on the ride and the steering; they differ on trail-riding purpose, since one tested for hunting and the other for general trail use.
Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | ProStar 4-stroke SOHC twin cylinder, 78 hp |
| Displacement | 850cc |
| Bore x stroke | 87x71.5 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT, P/R/N/L/H in-line shifting |
| Drive system | One-touch on-demand AWD/2WD, engine braking system (EBS) |
| Front suspension | Straight dual A-arm |
| Rear suspension | Straight dual A-arm, rolled IRS |
| Front brake | Single-lever 3-wheel hydraulic disc, hydraulic rear foot brake |
| Front tire | 26x8, CST |
| Rear tire | 26x10, CST |
| Wheels | 14 in aluminum |
| Seat height | 37 in |
| Wheelbase | 53 in |
| Ground clearance | 12 in |
| Fuel capacity | 5.25 gal |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lb |
| Starting MSRP | $11,799 |
| Destination charge | $700 |
| Class | Utility |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Front suspension travel | 9 in |
| Rear suspension travel | 10.25 in |
| Curb weight | 862 lb |
| Front rack capacity | 120 lb |
| Rear rack capacity | 240 lb |
What a hunting test found
The weight cuts both ways: the same publication calls it a heavy rig.
Which 850 to buy
The EPS at $11,799 is the base 850. The Mud Edition costs $700 more and the Touring 850 Premium is $13,799. The 850 costs $2,400 more than the listed 600 EPS. Compare the exact towing limits, transmission and equipment before choosing for trailer work.
Sportsman 850 EPS against the Brute Force 750 and Grizzly EPS
Kawasaki's Brute Force 750 and Yamaha's Grizzly EPS are the nearest rivals. Both are lighter and cheaper at around 700 lb and $10,099-$10,599. But the Polaris has the larger engine and the higher tow rating.
Outdoor Life tested the closely related 850 Ultimate Trail Edition on a moose hunt. Despite weighing roughly 900 pounds with fuel and fluids, it said the tires spread the weight well enough for muddy terrain and floating bog, and the hitch's 1,500-pound rating had no trouble positioning two bull moose for field-dressing with the winch.
The reviewer called the soft suspension, exceptional power steering and ground clearance hard to beat, and credited the high-clearance A-arms and 27-inch tires with incredible ground clearance for a factory ATV.
Polaris · Utility
The Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS is the big-twin utility Sportsman: an 850cc ProStar twin rated at 78 hp with electric power steering, a 1,500 lb tow rating, 862 lb weight and a 37 in seat. It starts at $11,799 plus $700 destination, with a Mud Edition at $12,499 and a Touring 850 Premium at $13,799. It is aimed at heavier work loads than the 600.
2027 Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS specifications and price
Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS trims compared: Polaris Sportsman 850 Mud Edition, Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 Premium.
Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS against Polaris Sportsman 850 Mud Edition and Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 Premium: the specs that differ.
- Specification
- Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS; Polaris Sportsman 850 Mud Edition; Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 Premium.
- Front suspension
- Straight dual A-arm, 9 in travel; High-clearance arched dual A-arm 7.4 in travel; Straight dual A-arm 9 in travel.
- Rear suspension
- Straight dual A-arm, rolled IRS, 10.25 in travel; High-clearance, arched dual A-arm, rolled IRS, 6.7 in travel; Straight Dual A-Arm, IRS 10.25 in Travel.
- Front brake
- Single-lever 3-wheel hydraulic disc, hydraulic rear foot brake; Single lever, 4-wheel hydraulic disc with hydraulic rear foot brake; Single lever, 3-wheel hydraulic disc with hydraulic rear foot brake.
- Front tire
- 26 x 8, CST; 30 x 9-14; Pro Armor MUD XT 2.0; 26 x 8 CST.
- Rear tire
- 26 x 10, CST; 30 x 9-14; Pro Armor MUD XT 2.0; 26 x 10-14; CST.
- 9 further specification rows differ between the trims
- The maker's page lists each of them.
2027 Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS questions
How much can the Polaris Sportsman 850 EPS tow?
Polaris rates it at 1,500 lb. Outdoor Life's tester used the 1,500 lb hitch to pull two bull moose into position. But towing near the limit on rough ground needs the winch and care.
How heavy is the Sportsman 850 EPS?
Polaris lists 862 lb. A test of the similar 850 Ultimate Trail Edition puts it at roughly 900 lb with fuel and fluids, heavy enough that tire choice matters in mud.
The EPS at $11,799 is the base 850. The Mud Edition costs $700 more and the Touring 850 Premium is $13,799. Buy the 850 over the 600 if you tow near 1,500 lb regularly or want the twin's smoother delivery; otherwise the 600 saves $2,400.
Other models in this reference: Polaris Sportsman X2 600, Polaris Sportsman 6x6 600, Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 Ultimate.