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Polaris · Utility

Polaris Ranger 500 specifications

Polaris · Utility

The Ranger 500 is a simple work machine at an entry price. AllOutdoor lists aluminum wheels, disc brakes on all four wheels and a solid suspension, calls it ready for a day of work or play, and notes that Polaris engineered it to be easy to operate, with simplified controls and minimal upkeep. It also observes that an enclosed cab would likely kill the affordable $9,999 starting price.

Polaris side-by-side directory

Polaris Ranger 500

Polaris Ranger 500
SpecificationValue
Model year2026
Engine4-stroke single cylinder DOHC, 28 hp
Displacement567cc
Bore x stroke3.9 in x 2.9 in (99 mm x 73.6 mm)
TransmissionAutomatic PVT H/L/N/R/P; shaft
Drive systemAll-wheel drive with auto-locking front drive and selectable VersaTrac Turf Mode
Front suspensionMacPherson strut 9 in travel
Front brake4-wheel hydraulic disc
Front tire25x8-12; Carlstar
Rear tire25x10-12; Carlstar
Wheels12 in aluminum
Seating capacity2
Estimated dry weight1,155 lb
Wheelbase73 in
Ground clearance10 in
Fuel capacity9.5 gal
Bed/cargo box capacity500 lb
Towing capacity1,500 lb
ClassUtility
Fuel systemElectronic Fuel Injection
Door typeCab nets
Compression ratio10:1
Rear suspensionDual A-arm, IRS 10 in travel
Payload capacity1,000 lb
Winch2,500 LB winch with wired remote
Cargo systemGas-assist dump box with Lock & Ride accessory integration
Turning radius13.5 ft (4.2 m)
Speed limitingSpeed limiting controlled in gauge
HitchStandard 2 in receiver
Vehicle protectionSteel front bumper with integrated winch mount
CabRoof
Polaris Ranger 500 — specification reference

What you get for the Ranger 500 price

The machine has a 4-inch LCD information center with programmable service intervals and hour meter.

Open cab, winch and warranty on the Ranger 500

Check the Ranger 500’s listed edition and standard equipment separately from the SP 570 and XP 1000. An older listing’s base price is not a current quote for another Ranger trim.

AllOutdoor says its cargo-net doors keep the price low while a 2,500 lb winch is still included at the $9,999 MSRP, and that the standard 2-inch receiver hitch and 9.5 gal tank let it handle small towing and travel. Its main criticism is that it is an open-cab model, which the reviewer says can be brutal in Minnesota. AllOutdoor

The machine carries a 1-year warranty and comes in Sage Green or Stealth Gray.

Ranger 500 against the Pioneer 520, Mule SX and Prowler 500

A Dirt Wheels comparison found the Ranger 500 better equipped than Honda's Pioneer 520 and about $1,000 cheaper, with the Honda's advantage being its 50-inch width against the Ranger's 58.5 in. Kawasaki's Mule SX 4x4 XC is $9,499 and Arctic Cat's new Prowler 500 is $10,799, and both are two-seat single-cylinder machines like the Polaris.

Polaris Ranger 500 trims compared: Polaris Ranger 600

The Ranger 600 is the same machine as the Ranger 500 under a new name: Polaris renamed it for the 2027 model year and kept the 567cc ProStar single, the 500 lb dump box and the 1,500 lb tow rating. The 2027 Ranger 600 lists at $11,999 plus $1,145 destination, against the $9,999 that AllOutdoor gives for the open-cab 2026 Ranger 500, so the rename came with a price increase of about $2,000.

Polaris · Utility

The 2026 Polaris Ranger 500, renamed the Ranger 600 for 2027, is a two-seat utility side-by-side with a 567cc, 28 hp single, auto-locking front drive, a Turf Mode, a 500 lb dump box and a 1,000 lb payload rating. Its tow rating is 1,500 lb and the destination charge is $1,095. Polaris's price is $9,999 with the open cab, according to a review.

It is a simple, affordable machine, engineered for easy operation and minimal upkeep. It suits a small farm, a property or a camp, and its cab is open.

2026 Polaris Ranger 500 specifications and price

20735
April 16, 2020; 2019; The seat belts on the vehicles can fail, posing an injury hazard to the user if they were to be in a collision or tip-ov.
18765
September 5, 2018; 2018; The front lower control arms can separate, posing a crash hazard.

2026 Polaris Ranger 500 questions

How much does a Polaris Ranger 500 cost?

AllOutdoor gives a $9,999 starting price for the open-cab 2026 Ranger 500, and Polaris lists a $1,095 destination charge. An enclosed cab would raise it.

How much can a Ranger 500 carry and tow?

Polaris lists a 500 lb dump box, a 1,000 lb payload rating and a 1,500 lb tow rating. It has a 28 hp, 567cc single.

A work-first Ranger with a smaller power rating

The Ranger 500's 567cc displacement should not be confused with its 28 hp listed output. A similarly sized engine in another Ranger can have a different power rating and equipment package. When comparing a 500 with the SP 570 or renamed 600, identify the actual model and year rather than relying on displacement or the number on the badge.

Its 73-inch wheelbase and 9.5-gallon tank are useful for checking the intended transport and working arrangement. Fuel capacity is not a guaranteed shift length; use actual consumption for the work and reserve needed. Inspect the box, hitch and suspension for wear consistent with the seller's account of how it was used.

Keep the 1,500 lb tow rating with the relevant tongue-load and combined-load instructions. The ability to move a trailer on level ground is not proof that the same load is suitable on a slope or while carrying passengers and cargo. Establish the actual loaded combination before choosing between Ranger configurations.

Other models in this reference: Polaris Ranger SP 570, Polaris Ranger 150 EFI, Polaris Ranger XD 1500 NorthStar.