How Wide Is a Polaris General

Chances are you’ve heard about the Polaris General. Teased to the public in 2015, the General debuted one year later to significant fanfare. UTV lovers also have the option of the General XP, a UTV with meaningful substantive improvements.

Compare and contrast the Polaris General trims, and you’ll find the General XP has a superior transmission with fluid clutches. Moreover, the General XP also features high-clearance arched-style a-arms for additional ground clearance, helping you surmount obstacles.

The vehicle trims also differ in terms of tire size, sound system, and fender flares. Continue researching the Polaris, and you’ll find there is also a General XP 1000 Sport Ghost Gray Recreational UTV to boot.

Experienced UTV owners consider the entirety of the vehicle’s nuances before purchasing. In particular, veteran UTV riders zero in on vehicle width. Though width might not seem that important at first, it is important while out on the trails.

This is your inside look at the width of the Polaris General.

Stock Width by Model

Polaris General individual trim width measurements

The regular Polaris General 1000 measures 61.5” in width. The Polaris General XP 1000 Sport Ghost Gray is 64” wide. This trim provides 12.4" of ground clearance. In contrast, the Polaris General XP 4 1000 measures 66.4” in width.

Factors That Can Affect Width

The “why” of UTV width explained

The size of a UTV is determined by several factors. As an example, the size of the following determines vehicle width:

• Engine
• Battery
• Cargo-carrying capacity 
• Additional internal components

The Polaris General has a 575 CCA lead-flooded acid battery with the following specifications:

• 6.55” in width
• 7.1” in height
• 7.73” in length

Moreover, the number of seats installed to accommodate riders also determines the width of the UTV. UTV makers targeting riders looking for a more luxurious and comfortable ride add extra interior space, meaning the vehicle is likely to have more width. 

UTV type also shapes vehicle width. Utility UTVs tend to be wider than others, as balance and stability are critically important for hauling loads. Such work-based UTVs are optimal for off-road use, hunting, and farming.

Sport-style UTVs are often narrower than Utility UTVs as the focus is on performance. The sport UTV’s comparatively small width heightens agility for exciting rides and competitive racing.

The widest UTVs are the side-by-side versions designed for stability and superior control. The side-by-side style has a minimum of two seats adjacent to one another with roll cage protection above. This design’s additional width also accommodates more passengers than the sport variety.

Why Polaris General Width Matters

UTV width is a key factor to consider when shopping for a new ride

UTV vehicle width might not seem that important at first consideration. In reality, width is of the utmost importance.

Use your mind’s eye to envision yourself out on the trails, deep in the woods. You are far off the beaten path, meaning your cell phone probably has no reception, or at most, a single bar of connectivity.

If you venture through narrow paths, there’s a chance your UTV won’t fit without encumbrance. There’s even a chance your vehicle will become lodged in a cramped space. Even if your UTV fits through cramped spaces, the overhanging tree limbs, leaves, and brush might scrape your arms and neck.

These scenarios are exactly why UTV width matters. If the UTV is too wide, it will take up the bulk of the riding trail, possibly to the point that it becomes stuck. Alternatively, thin UTVs cannot accommodate the following:

• Large engines
• Sizable batteries
• Multiple riders
• Other space-consuming sundries

Vehicle width is also important for turning purposes. If the UTV has sufficient width, it maintains balance even if it is especially tall. If the vehicle lacks sufficient width, it is more likely to slip, slide, and possibly tip over on such challenging terrain. Rollovers are more common when UTVs are tall with narrow stances, as less surface area is covered between the wheels.

Sandy and muddy terrain is especially dangerous. Wide UTVs are also of great benefit when traversing rocky terrain, as a better distribution of weight enhances traction.

It is also worth noting that certain trails have specific restrictions on UTVs.  In particular, trails in national parks and some of those that are off-road have nuanced UTV width restrictions. The logic in implementing such restrictions is to minimize trail damage and safeguard riders. As an example, some trails have a rule that UTVs with a width greater than 50” are not permitted due to non-compliance.

Moreover, especially wide UTVs are difficult to store as they take up a significant amount of space. There is also a chance that the excessive width will make it challenging to transport the UTV to the trails.

Keep in mind, there is always the option to customize your ride with Polaris General accessories as you see fit. The addition of one or several aftermarket parts from StarKnightMT has the potential to take your Polaris General to the next level.

Examples of those add-ons include:

• Cargo storage box
• Cargo tool box
• Vented front windshield
• Cargo net
• Gun rack
• Phone holder
• Tie down anchors
• Speaker mount pods

When in doubt, opt for a happy medium, choosing a UTV of moderate width. This way, you’ll take to the trails with confidence, knowing your ride will fit when traversing narrow trails.

Tips for Measuring Your Polaris General

Guidance to help you accurately measure a UTV

If you are on the fence as to whether it is worth the time and effort to measure your UTV or one you are considering for purchase, take the time to do it. You can conduct an online search for exact model measurements. It is also in your interest to verify those measurements with a measuring tape of your own.

Measure from the widest point of the UTV, be it the bed box or tires. It is also prudent to measure the ground clearance, tire size, and wheelbase for future reference.

When measuring the vehicle, make sure it is on level ground to guarantee accuracy. Though width is of primary concern for trail-riding purposes, you should also measure the overall length. Length measurement is important for fitting a trailer, using loading ramps, and storage.

It also makes sense to measure the height from ground level all the way to the top of the roof to ensure the vehicle will fit in your selected garage. Ground clearance measurement provides invaluable peace of mind when attempting to traverse logs, rocks, and other obstacles while roaming the greater outdoors.

When measuring, be sure to use a tape measure of 25 feet or greater to guarantee it spans the entirety of the vehicle from side to side, front to back, and top to bottom.

Tips & Conclusion

The Polaris General is a UTV worth considering

It is the subtleties of your UTV that make the difference between enjoyable and frustrating off-road experiences. Do your due diligence before buying by measuring the UTV to compare its dimensions with your favorite trails.

Review the entirety of the vehicle specs, and you’ll have the confidence necessary to make an informed decision.

FAQs

Q1: Should I err on the side of a wide or narrow UTV?

A1: Wide UTVs distribute weight across a large wheelbase for safer riding. However, if the vehicle is too wide, it is less likely to fit on less spacious trails. If your preferred terrain includes narrow trails, opt for a UTV with less width for safe and easy riding.

Q2: How wide is the Polaris General?

A2: The Polaris General has a width of 61.5” and an 81” wheelbase.

Q3: How heavy is the Polaris General?

A3: The Polaris General weight differs by model year and edition. The base model Polaris General 1000 has a dry weight of 1,430 pounds. The Polaris General XP 1000 Sport weighs 1,654 pounds.

The Polaris General XP 1000 Ultimate with four doors weighs 1,998 pounds. The two-door version of the General XP 1000 Ultimate weighs 1,705 pounds.

The Polaris General 1000 EPS has a dry weight of 1,430 pounds. The Polaris General 1000 EPS Deluxe comes in at 1,544 pounds.