THE ALL-NEW POLARIS RANGER XD 1500 STEELDRIVE TRANSMISSION DEEP DIVE - SHOP TALK EP. 28 | POLARIS

This week on Shop Talk Episode 28, Pat is back with special guest Chris Hendricks, product manager for RANGER to walk through the all-new RANGER XD 1500. In this episode, Pat & Chris will be focusing on the industry-exclusive STEELDRIVE Transmission as well as the durability of the machine.
VIDEO SHORTCUTS
0:00 - Intro
1:11 - STEELDRIVE TRANSMISSION Overview
6:13 - Driveline Overview
7:10 - STEELDRIVE TRANSMISSION Deep Dive
18:15 - Cooling Overview
For more information visit: polaris.com/offroad
Polaris Off Road Vehicles
Whether it's for utility or recreation, Polaris has a complete lineup of the hardest working, smoothest riding ORVs that let our riders go anywhere and do anything.
WARNING: Vehicle rollaway can cause serious injury or death. Even when stationary, the vehicle may move whenever the gear selector is not in the PARK (P) position or when the brakes are not applied. Always shift to PARK (P) when turning off the engine or leaving the vehicle. Use extra care, when leaving the vehicle on an incline is unavoidable. If leaving the vehicle unattended on a hill, block the rear wheels on the downhill side and keep children, pets and others away from the gear selector. NOTICE: Vehicle payload and trailer weight affects the angle of hill on which vehicle may hold.
Connect with us on:
Facebook - / polarisorv
Twitter - / polarisorv
Instagram - / polarisorv
KZbin - / polarisorv

[@BigWheelFab]

Polaris has been smoking crack with these prices.

[@lennyross2813]

Inflation is the truly killer of your buying power

[@447Film]

This makes sense. However the expedition is overpriced. Same thing as a general

[@BigWheelFab]

@@lennyross2813 I’m not trying to argue your statement. You are correct

[@wraith511802003]

@@447Film Not even close to general.

[@447Film]

@@wraith511802003 the expedition has the same chassis and power train as the general, and it's the same price as this new ranger. Major rip off

[@koryanderson2973]

Just picked one up. Worth every penny so far. Very impressed!

[@michaelmartin2486]

We all know how well cvt automatic transmissions have worked in the automotive world. Not to mention they want Jeep Rubicon pricing

[@BigWheelFab]

I have a 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor on order for 56k with 10x the comfort and features. Plus I can drive it cross country.

[@michaelmartin2486]

@@BigWheelFab the crappy thing is people will buy them. Never coming down on price.

[@wraith511802003]

Jeep vs sxs, sxs are superior off road machine. Where Jeep an other full sizes are 30% off road machines.

[@BigWheelFab]

@@wraith511802003 that is true some of the time I’ve personally seen Jeeps go up trails that sxs’s have to we winched up. A Jeep or Bronco is way more versatile than any sxs that’s ever been built. This has never been a issue until Polaris started asking 40, 50 and even 60k for their products. Not one of them are street legal and you can bring up the bs about suspension. My ford Ranger Raptor is 56k and has 360 cameras, adaptive cruise, fox live valve, front and rear lockers and I could keep going.

[@wildbill23c]

CVT's have been used in the ATV/UTV industry for a few decades...They've also been used in heavy duty machinery for decades as well. People don't take car of their cars, that is the biggest problem with the CVT in the automotive industry.

[@rogerl8488]

Love the invitations!!!! Some smart people to build this!!

[@justchillin6599]

100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@brandonkuske4185]

Wait until the recalls start coming out 👀

[@chrishill1286]

Wow great detailed presentation! Time to blow my belt box out I just remembered.

[@BloodPshyco73]

Man at this point just put a 5 speed stick on it…

[@GIGABACHI]

Polaris has gone FULL JATCO. 🤣 Edit: If you ever thought SxS were already VERY expensive . . .you just wait until your fancy oil bathed metal belt CVT shits the bed, then you'll have a taste of what Nissan owners have gone thru all these past years.😬👎 Have any of you seen the price for one quart of NISSAN NS-3 CVT fluid ? I can't imagine the Polaris snake oil being any cheaper.🤣 P.S: Those clutch packs for forward and reverse remind me of the Honda DCT. SOME OF THESE THINGS COME WITH A/C TOO ? ! No wonder they cost an arm and a leg ! OH, BABY ! You better be loaded or be a mechanic because when these things start to break down you gonna hemorrhage money ! Specially if the A/C system comes filled with the new Unicorn Fart freon a.k.a R1234YF.

[@lunie1356]

This cae extremely informative

[@nortonashburn5677]

i ll stay with my Yamaha cvt!

[@wildbill23c]

The only thing I've always hated with Yamaha is they don't have a turf mode to unlock the rear differential for doing chores around the yard/property where you don't even need 4WD let alone a locked differential. You'd think after 20+ years they could fix that mess....their CVT is good, just the lack of a turf mode is pretty pathetic with what they want for a machine.

[@nortonashburn5677]

yes it does damage the lawn but rather have a simple locked rear end. i have owned yamaha since 2002 with no issues.imo@@wildbill23c

[@bigjay6743]

There's a reason you see old 4 wheelers from the 80s and 90s still working because they're simple. Good luck seeing this going down the road in 30 years But then they don't want it to lost that long either.

[@dkdanis1340]

If simplicity was always an answer then planes would crash daily.

[@williamcrist1887]

I am ready to see mine and see how well this works in real life

[@jabroni6199]

It’s like you guys sat in a room and brainstormed about how to complicate putting a car in neutral.

[@dundonrl]

I had an 04 Nissan Murano with the same type of CVT as this one (using a steel push belt). The transmission ran HOT, so hot it had 3 radiators for it alone. Bought it new, and traded it in for a Saturn Sky Redline with about 60K miles and zero issues with it.

[@armedfarm3429]

I think Polaris is full of it!

[@boydco6587]

Why not a typical torque converter instead of the belt?

[@RocksNRuts4]

or shaft drv

[@boydco6587]

@@RocksNRuts4 huh?

[@RocksNRuts4]

@@boydco6587 ? there is zero need for a belt, either dct or shaft drv (kind of the same) maint free nvr fails

[@boydco6587]

@@RocksNRuts4 Im not following what your saying at all. How are you going to couple the engine and transmission with a shaft drive?

[@vanessaziobro1118]

Belt replacement for gears not torque converter

[@bigjay6743]

The funny thing is some guy will buy this on a 10 year payment plan And have it at the bottom of a pond within the first week.

[@CapeCodCNC]

Worlds worst transmission design! Ask any Honda, Subaru or any other car owner with a CVT and over 60,000 miles. Been a mechanic since the 70's and I have never seen such high failure rate across the board by all manufacturers, especially in stop and go conditions. They only exist because they are dirt cheap to make and last long enough for the warranty to expire! Then you're stuck with a very expensive repair!

[@dkdanis1340]

Why in the world you judge just because it looks somewhat similar. It's like saying one plane is the same as other plane just because they both have wings. Polaris and every other utv used rubber belts for decades and they are fine there's no reason why wouldn't metal belt last. Cvt exists because it literally provides infinite gear ratios.

[@CapeCodCNC]

It's not just similar in design it is identical. Anyone that has anything with a CVT takes a spare belt with them because the design is unreliable! The only reason manufacturers use them is they are dirt cheap to make and require very little engineering. Metal CVT's are worse than rubber as they push the belt, not pull it, and that requires very high hydraulic pressures. They suck in very light duty commuter cars, what makes you think it will last off road? @@dkdanis1340

[@Mostviews111]

Way more complicated than it has to be. These shops paying these grease monkeys 15 an hour are never going to be able to fix them. The prices are getting out of hand for a vehicle that needs everything rebuilt at 7k miles. At this point you might as well build a trophy truck.

[@ericlessard5021]

I see a lot of burn transmission in the future without low gear

[@Captndarty]

Because you’re smarter than a team of mechanical engineers, right🤣

[@paulgarcia6257]

@@Captndarty even my brand new Honda accord with a cvt transmission that only cost me around 30k has a low gear… it even has neutral…🤷🏽‍♂️

[@ericlessard5021]

@@Captndarty did you have ever own a polaris? I owed 3 and i can tell you it would nt surprise me at all if it happen

[@toyota4x4legend]

Teams of mechanical engineers < tons of recalls and burnt up machines @@Captndarty

[@jabroni6199]

@@Captndarty the same mechanical engineers that came up with a clutch design that forced Polaris to issue a stop ride?

[@PeteyPablo2770]

wait until something brakes... it takes months to get parts from polaris

[@acmenditto]

The neutral lever will see a lot of use towing this Chinese cvt home. Just leave that access cover off

[@newpylong]

Transmission is built in Alabama, nice try though.

[@FthePNW]

$40,000 starting price. I'll buy a 2 year old Tacoma instead.

[@layton9950]

30k not 40

[@adamackels73]

Great. Now the transmission is from Nissan - or JATCO. Just what we needed.

[@MikeF421]

Roxor is looking better by the day

[@cybermavrik]

Butter smooth shifting...Translate to - needs a gate shifter, But we are going to require you to buy that from us

[@RocksNRuts4]

typical polaris

[@tonylee7126]

Cvt transmissions in cars are not good at all , I replace then constantly at my shop ,and as much as Polaris cost to fix that’s probably a 5 to 8 k transmission

[@wildbill23c]

$5k-8k transmission in a $2k UTV.

[@dkdanis1340]

Utv have been using rubber belts for decades and they are fine in terms of durability. This one is steel.

[@scribbleOG]

Did they give you more leg room cause im tall and dont like sitting sideways so my knees arent in the dash

[@scottsostar8381]

I'm amazied I realy like the transmition looks heavy but extremely durable. Only concern is how would you keep the rads clean in wet dusty or especially a silty muddy conditions?

[@Chris_at_Home]

We ride to our remote cabin that has many long puddles filled with water and silt. I call it liquid pumice as it grids down the wheel bearing seals.

[@jonathancole6124]

Ill keep my intimidator!!

[@valleyviewacres9120]

This new clutch on this 1500 is the only thing that has me paying attention. everything else is a waste of money and not needed but that drive system has some advantages....., Now I also will say Id rather have others be the test subjects.cause there's bound to be kinks to be worked out.

[@EOTG_AK]

My dream of ghost riding a Ranger can finally be a reality. 😉

[@stephbarbershop2518]

Does this have enough low range to go where the xpedition can go?

[@rc4x437]

does that mean a clutch tune is no longer springs and weights. but a tune that is flashed to the computer. similar to an engine tune. ( ex.. going to fuel injection from a carb. }

[@pfdetail]

When is the Steel Belt going to be in All the Ranger and RZR

[@louisianahighball4705]

They acted like pulse with modulation is something revolutionary.

[@FreedomIsntFree2023]

Hmmm...the analogy Pat used for the steel belt and a piston sure has me confused!! The oil bath lubrication for the piston is supposed to reduce friction between two surfaces, this I get. Why exactly are we trying to reduce friction on the steel belt/sheaves? Seems counter to the goal to me. In any case, not a chance in the world I would buy one of these........

[@EZNowTrucker]

Its a great machine but if 1500lbs box capacity and 3500lbs towing is needed around the farm with the potential of some weekend fun maybe an older Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S10 or a Dodge Dakota would be more practical. Just a thought. But with that being said, if i won the lottery tomorrow id probably order one.

[@MrSteve8511]

I like the idea of this transmission... but man o man it has been hot garbage in cars. I'm sure you guys got this correct! And I want one 😂

[@armedfarm3429]

I think we are looking at a road/highway legal SXS.

[@fozzybear9114]

Why do ALL polarises burn up?

[@JonPowersDrives]

Are these guys brothers?? lol they look so similar :)

[@welderteach]

I understand a lot has changed but I don’t see any value for that price.

[@findingxeno3285]

Go see an eye doctor

[@mccradyfarms6410]

If the transmission holds the vehicle on a hill that could be very dangerous. Letting it be able to neutral backwards while hill Climbing usually will allow you to keep from flipping over.

[@smitty0655able]

Not the same Hillard front diff??

[@Preston_RNGT]

6:28. "Longitudinally mounted"

[@njmxjunkie3128]

I’m loving all these positive comments… lmfao you’d think Polaris would see the public absolutely hating and disgusted with this and change things or scrap this new transmission design. lol nope

[@brianhill4995]

Is Polaris offering at least a three year bumper to bumper warranty from the factory on that machine? Reason I’m asking that clutch looks challenging to service worn clutch packs.

[@RocksNRuts4]

ha u nailed it, n no way they will, their cs sux n they dont value their customers

[@findingxeno3285]

1 year bumper to bumper, 3 year powertrain warranty on this machine

[@0xXAllForNothingXx0]

Betting its non serviceable, if it fails you replace it. Out of warranty that'll be a big expense. I like the idea but I'd rather replace a 200$ belt.

[@brianhill4995]

@@0xXAllForNothingXx0 Yea you might be right as to non serviceable to the dealer it might be factory rebuild replacements only. My concern is I use my ranger for plowing and things break ever winter. So it will be interesting to see how the clutches hold up since they said they are used in low speed applications first then the steel belt takes over.

[@0xXAllForNothingXx0]

@brianhill4995 yea, I wish it the best, after its proven itself id definitely consider having one, but ill not be a guinea pig at my expense.

[@Captndarty]

What I can’t seem to wrap my head around is a metal belt on a metal sheave with an oil film wouldn’t it slip? I mean to transfer power from a belt to a clutch you need pressure and friction. Instant wear. Add oil, no wear just slipping. I’m obviously missing something here.

[@RocksNRuts4]

right....

[@kirbywinters1291]

Have you ever driven a Nissan with a CVT if you have they are very similar and aren’t that great.

[@carbpumper]

It works, old technology

[@RocksNRuts4]

@@carbpumper does the talon or new canam r hav this?

[@AZBADBOYz]

This is why you have to run their crazy expensive magic fluid.

[@jamesbeemer2477]

So you took a cvt from a car and installed it in a polaris!😩 service for the trans I wouldn’t wait the miles they selling it for to service it Maby half that. Definitely no consideration for some one who wants to service it them selves. They have so much room to install a spin on filter setup out side of the transmission. I cannot imagine what the coast of a replacement is or how short the warranty will be. Good thing I never buy one or pay the price for it. Unless I land a cheep one from copart auction web site.

[@wildbill23c]

Standard warranty of 1 year and they refuse to fix anything.

[@dirtymoney05]

They will do anything except make a dct Transmission

[@208flatbedOO]

And they continue to Make recreation a rich man's game. Why don't they just make a Polaris jeep? Those style transmissions have been around in passenger cars forever. Just keep adding those $$$ to these things!

[@MrFerrill]

I believe one of the beauty's of a sxs is the simplicity and affordability. polaris quality is not known to be very good, these transmission sound like a potential nightmare, it strikes me as an attempt to make a very cheap 4wd car with a Cadillac price tag

[@brianscarpone5296]

Awesome idea.. but wait until they go bad. Cvt transmissions are 3k plus used for a car. I bet this will be close to 5k to buy. Also they are non rebuildable.

[@1gr8oil]

So what is the PRICE for all this Technology in this 1500 Polaris?

[@sas7561]

Looks like a jatco transmission.

[@fordmud]

Hopefully you guys did better than the automotive world, those didn't take any kind of abuse or spirited driving. Otherwise this is just going to be a much more expensive way to change the belt

[@EZNowTrucker]

I agree. The Ford 500 and Freestyle were notorious for transmission problems with their steel belt CVT although the wife's 2020 civic is holding up really good so far but has only 45000 miles. I understand Polaris likes to innovate but I think a hydrostatic dual range transmission may be more practical in this application. Just a thought.

[@happierendings139]

immediately the first thought, how do you change that belt buried in there!

[@chriszavitz6407]

Agreed, why copy failed automotive designs ? Maybe the go the belts cheap

[@carlstrohm3785]

There are a LOT of CVTs on the road today. Many vehicles with way more power on tap and weight to move than this utv. It looks like they did their homework and built a good transmission. Of course time will be the true judge of that.

[@glopez807]

Lots of moving parts.

[@toddhunt4308]

What is the MSRP?

[@EZNowTrucker]

If you want a full cab with heat and a/c with a few accessories for off road capability you're looking about $60000. No thanks.

[@nicholasolsen4698]

I wouldn’t be shocked if this was JATCO sourced

[@MrIMCP]

WTF is that a cast aluminum air intake?!!!! I thought those were extinct! Good job Polaris if so!

[@RocksNRuts4]

better than a belt but why not move to direct drv like a talon or my 1985 atv???

[@kirbywinters1291]

That’s what I’m wondering? Honda has done it for years Yamaha has been doing it and it’s rumored that can am will be adding a DCT to their x3.

[@RocksNRuts4]

@@kirbywinters1291 id lov to see a dct commander, and mav sport!

[@1gr8oil]

@@kirbywinters1291 THe 2024 MAVERICK R has a 7 speed DCT. NO BELTS of any kind!!

[@anthonyglund]

So Polaris went to subaru and Honda dealers, bought one civic and one outback and reverse engineered the powertrains .

[@joshkolden9103]

We had a CVT Subaru, transmission was cooked in 80k miles.

[@sdvten]

It has more in common with the Nissan CVTs. The Nissan CVTs are much worse than from Honda and Subaru.

[@NCMATT]

On road use low rpm

[@freedomisntfree_44]

Might last a 3rd as long as a Honda but probably not that long

[@michaelcopeland8985]

Anyone watching this that wants something to pull whatever at the farm, go through some mud, and to chase cows with while bouncing off of trees, I have two trucks that I no longer need, most likely out last these, and you could buy both of them, and still have money in your pocket.

[@geraldpodaima4465]

I would think for the price of these things they would at least come with half doors instead of the cheap nets.

[@Chris_at_Home]

The thing is people want different types of doors. Personally I like my half metal doors but some people want full doors. By just putting nets on them the people can make their own choice.

[@jackedup8790]

​@@Chris_at_Homeits not about choice its about selling more extras

[@paulgarcia6257]

So no low gear?…. So now we just skim right thrust the mud hole? Oh and about that neutral… wait till there stuck in the water hole waist deep trying to find that neutral….

[@RocksNRuts4]

under a cover at that.....do these engineer nerds ride?

[@golgo1348]

Starting at 45k

[@bradmcmanis3231]

U Guys Crack me up It's Called FRONT DIG Rockcrawlers Have Been Using It For 30+yrs SENCE U PUT IT ON THE RANGER PUT IT ON THE GENERAL & XPIDITION ??????

[@jadebylund7061]

Put this tranny on the pro R. I would love to trail ride and have the rpms come down. I wonder how much more this weighs versus a typical belt driven cvt

[@TheCamaro5]

I dont see how this is twice the price of a Ranger 1000 at 14,700.00

[@BigWheelFab]

The loaded crew is 52k

[@evoskimo3273]

I mean its a Polaris developed engine and Polaris developed transmission that has never been in any other side by side in the industry. They said it was 4 years of development for this rig so that's a lot of time dedicated to it

[@TheCamaro5]

they have priced these things out of the market.@@BigWheelFab

[@acmenditto]

Chinese motor attached to a Chinese transmission. I bet it will last like the steering racks or fuel pumps

[@bryanwilliams3509]

I have the new xpedition northstar 91db in the cab! $53k

[@447Film]

I think the price for this is understandable. look how next level the drivetrain is.

[@thegodfreyspecial423]

I don’t think it’s next level - it’s the same concept as a small economy car that people buy for $15k new

[@447Film]

@@thegodfreyspecial423 yeah. I suppose all sxs need to come down in price

[@sledforpeace]

@@thegodfreyspecial423With 7 airbags, crash avoidance systems and a whole lot more 😂

[@youareright5431]

Have you seen the nightmare CVT transmissions have been in the automotive world?? There horrible!

[@izom]

the old snowmobile clutch has much less parts is much lighter and much cheaper- the new one gets oil- electronic- hundreds of parts and the size of a car clutch?! hmm i dont know...

[@michaelkinney898]

I’ll keep my Honda for 13k

[@wildbill23c]

Which has a regular automatic transmission if I'm not mistaken?

[@michaelkinney898]

@@wildbill23c yes sir 3 speed

[@wildbill23c]

@@michaelkinney898Thank you for the clarification. I think a Honda UTV would be my only choice....other than that I would rather own a mini truck like a Subaru Sambar or similar before I would waste money on most UTV's.

[@timwaddell9450]

Que all nissan cvt issues. This the dumbest move you can do with a "toy". They keep increasing prices to the point people wont buy them.

[@CashMoney5280]

These polaris will still probably catch fire with all them plastic pieces 🤣

[@APOffroad]

All these guys talking smack but apparently didn’t listen to a word they said. SMH

[@nibotkram7743]

What a complexity nightmare. No opt unity for failure.

[@samuelkinsey5430]

What is this Wii stuff you didn’t invent it

[@Mikesukes]

This is a dumb idea. Just have a clutch and 6 speed with reverse.

[@shaneay]

Cheaper to buy a 1/2 ton truck with massaging seats and bash it through the woods

[@wildbill23c]

At least you'd have more than a 1 year warranty, and can work on it yourself LOL.

[@HannsGruber]

If I blow a belt I can change it in just a few minutes anywhere I am, and have. This thing pops good god... there goes the entire trip. Feature creep ruins all good things.

[@mandytuning]

Hopefully Nissan is not involved in the development of the transmission

[@wasupfool5692]

Automotive style CVT? Absolute garbage.

[@douglaslane4480]

More electronics equals more problems and more expensive!

[@wildbill23c]

Have you looked at cars the past couple decades, more and more electronics in them too...what did you expect to happen in the ATV world.

[@MotorsportsX]

this this is way too heavy for the trails. 2500 lbs is just gonna tear things up and get it banned from the national forrests. this machine is for farm work, and thats how its priced too, since farmers dont have to pay taxes on it. and just put a regular 6 speed or even dct trans in it. no way im going to alaska with a cvt. Polaris is really missing the mark.

[@immytay65]

Looks like a hot mess.

[@larryw5429]

Just buy a fkn pickup or jeep lol!

[@jasonmullen1256]

polaris better start doing alot of factory training for techs!! lol or just throw the trans away and buy a new one $$$$$

[@RocksNRuts4]

my shop cant evn do an alignment u think they can fix this spaceship....nope

[@jasonmullen1256]

@@RocksNRuts4 i learned the hardway 7k 1110 motor lasted 180 break in miles built by polaris shop and was basically told to fly a kite!! come to find out that polaris has little to no factory trained tech....cupis pekin il best prices on new rides but worst techs EVER!!!!!!!

[@kirbywinters1291]

They took notes from Nissan because that is exactly what you do with their garbage CVTs. I’m sure it will cost more to replace the transmission then the vehicle is worth.

[@RocksNRuts4]

@@jasonmullen1256 yup thats why Ive canceled polaris, they wont get a cent from me!

[@fozzybear9114]

Polaris = gm quality for a crazy price. Steel belt😂😂 ya nissan tried it. Complete failure

[@fozzybear9114]

Still copying can am guage

[@jasonschuh2988]

It's about 8000 dollars under priced.

[@ReggieWatsonKandiAmericaTech]

Over engineered over priced

[@user-uv2ht8rg7m]

Over priced electrical problems

[@johnsmith-ub7vr]

Just buy a Honda.

[@jeffreypatton3321]

Polaris is nuts just buy a jeep