First Look at the 2025 Polaris RZR Pro S Ultimate and Rick's First Impressions

2025 Polaris RZR Pro S Ultimate: Ricks First Impressions

Polaris RZR Pro S Ultimate

We recently got the keys to a 2025 Polaris RZR Pro S Ultimate with the Stage 4 Rockford Fosgate sound system and I took it out to the Glamis Sand Dunes for some real-world testing and first impressions. The very first thing I noticed was the fit and finish of the inner doors, armrest, and almost every body panel. Everything felt tight and right, and the material used seemed to be of a much higher quality and formed to a better fit with cleaner gaps. Once I sat in the seat and took it all in, I realized how far the UTV industry has come in such a short time. Remember when the RZR 800's came out and we all thought they were on a new level!

Everyone wants to be comfortable while out on the trail. We all want some creature comforts like our daily driver cars and trucks. Well, we’re definitely getting those comforts nowadays, and Polaris seems to be paying attention. Once you're strapped in the seat and ready to rip, you start to notice a bunch of little things that are going to make your ride that much better.

One of those little things is the door line, and how it drops to the dash for a better driving experience, allowing all types of drivers a better perspective while navigating the rough terrain. Another new feature that we all enjoyed was the inner door panel and armrest. Now, you may not use that armrest as a driver while you're driving aggressively or at a fast pace, but our passengers sure used it. And when the pace would slow down, it gave the driver an opportunity to relax and recover in a comfortable manner.

Another change is in the dash, and how it seems to be lower, allowing for an even better driving experience. Not everyone is the same height—some of us are vertically challenged—and the lower dash is a big deal. The new dash has a few storage compartments, and they open just a little differently than what we’re used to. Whoever designed the passenger-side storage box to open at an angle was really thinking ahead for aftermarket cages. Normally, the storage box lid hits the cage, but we have a feeling that will no longer be an issue. You can actually use them for storage if you decide to install an aftermarket cage.

The added LED light in the dash is a very nice feature, and the new rocker switches felt great and looked great. The Pro S interior panels and layout will easily accommodate any size driver, and your passenger will be very comfortable. To make the interior even more comfortable, Polaris added a driver and passenger air vent that is adjustable, and it worked very well. Every UTV retains heat inside, and if you have a two-seater like we do, it really helped drop the temperatures during the day and move air around in the lower section of the cockpit. It's just another one of those creature comforts everyone will enjoy. At night, we simply closed the vent to retain the heat while out in the dunes, great little addition!

Breaking Down the 2025 Polaris RZR Pro S Trim Levels

For those interested in the full lineup, Polaris offers the RZR Pro S in three trims: Sport, Premium, and Ultimate. Each brings something unique to the table, so let’s break it down:

Sport Trim: The entry-level trim starts at $26,999. It’s built for those who want raw performance with no frills. Powered by the same 181 HP engine across the lineup, it features a 74-inch-wide stance, 28 inches of suspension travel, and a solid CVT transmission. While it lacks advanced tech like Ride Command, it’s a capable option for riders focused on value and trail performance.
Premium Trim: Stepping up to the Premium trim adds comfort and convenience features, such as Polaris Ride Command with a seven-inch touchscreen, LED accent lighting, and upgraded interior materials. This trim balances affordability with enhanced usability, making it a favorite for recreational riders looking to explore longer trails.
Ultimate Trim: The Ultimate trim, which we tested, is Polaris’s top-of-the-line offering. Along with Ride Command, it includes a Rockford Fosgate Stage 4 sound system and DYNAMIX live valve suspension, which is a total game-changer. This trim has everything you need for a seamless and luxurious off-road experience.

Tech and Performance That Stand Out

Since we had the Ultimate model, we got to play around with the tried-and-true Polaris Ride Command system—and let me tell you, it’s awesome. Being able to map and track your ride gives you a sense of freedom, knowing you’ll always find your way back. Having that feeling kind of lets you explore more and stumble into new areas without the fear of getting lost. Basically, zero anxiety for the driver—and that trickles down to the passengers, too.

The Stage 4 Rockford Fosgate sound system is another win. While I didn’t sync my phone to it (I was way too busy driving and getting a feel for this UTV), the layout was great. Not once did any of the stereo components hinder or impede visibility while driving fast in the dunes. I’ll make it a point to use the stereo on my next run.

But let’s talk about that red button on the steering wheel I just love it. Polaris really upped its game with the DYNAMIX live valve suspension and what they are capable of over all. One of these capabilities is the ability to heavily stiffen the shock using a button on your steering wheel. Polaris added a feature allowing you to lock out the shocks to full-stiff mode by simply double-tapping that famous red button. This gave me a little driving comfort eliminating the need to keep hitting the button every 10 seconds navigating some really big whoops during one of our runs. After a long, aggressive drive, the ability to stay in full-stiff when needed was really nice and just something I appreciated.

Handling and Ride Experience

Now let’s get into the handling. The two-seat Pro S Ultimate is one of the most impressive UTVs I’ve driven. In the dunes, it was extremely responsive. Point it in any direction, and it goes there—fast. The turbo felt like it had minimal lag and plenty of power to dominate in the sand.

For this trip, the vehicle was kept 100% in it's stock form. We added a 5150 whip for visibility day and night, but that was it. No paddles, just the stock wheels and tires aired down to around 13 psi up front and 12 psi in the rear. Even with this stock form setup, we never felt like we’d get stuck with the available power. The stock power was def rad, but I know that a proper paddle tire and wheel setup would take it to the next level.

Out there, I kept it in Baja mode most of the time, double-clicking the red button to lock the shocks when we were really on the skinny pedal. When I decided to cruise and take it all in, I switched to comfort mode. Coming back down to camp, the terrain was cross-rutted and chewed up. Having the ability to switch between modes on the fly saved my body—and made the ride way more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Some might say the 2025 RZR Pro S isn’t a completely new UTV and that it’s just a few changes to an existing platform. But let me tell you, it felt like an entirely new machine. Every feature, from the redesigned dash to the enhanced suspension, transformed it into a better, more enjoyable driving experience. It’s a UTV that lets you drive harder, explore further, and ride with even more confidence.

So, does the 2025 Polaris RZR Pro S Ultimate slay the dunes? Absolutely. And it does so with ease and comfort at your fingertips. Will it excel in the desert? Stay tuned—I’m planning a fun adventure in some harsh terrain soon. I can’t wait to see how this machine performs in a completely different environment.