Besides its well-reviewed ATVs, Polaris also offers a wide array of side-by-sides, aka UTVs. And off-roaders interested in performance often gravitate towards the Polaris RZR lineup. Said lineup is getting some updates for 2022, including two new models. One of them, the RZR Pro R, is the brand’s most powerful ATV yet. And the other is arguably its younger sibling: the 2022 Polaris RZR Turbo R.

The 2022 Polaris RZR Turbo R replaces the S with more power like the Pro XP

Before the Pro R came out, the 2021 Polaris RZR Turbo S was the most powerful model in the lineup. For 2022, though, it’s being replaced with the new Turbo R. And while the Turbo R isn’t as powerful as the Pro R, it is more powerful than the S.

Like the outgoing Turbo S, the 2022 Polaris RZR Turbo R has a 925cc turbocharged two-cylinder engine. However, it doesn’t have the Turbo S’s 168-hp engine. Instead, like the current RZR Pro XP, the Turbo R makes 181 hp. And, as before, the side-by-side packs a CVT and selectable AWD.

Despite the extra power, the Polaris RZR Turbo R can’t carry more weight than the Turbo S. In fact, although the UTVs have the same 300-lb box capacity, the 2022 model’s 730-lb payload capacity is slightly smaller. But then, hauling cargo isn’t exactly this UTV’s raison d’etre—high-speed dune-jumping and dune-running are. And to get it ready for Baja-level air-catching, Polaris upgraded more than just the engine.

It doesn’t have the Pro R’s power, but the 2022 Polaris RZR Turbo R does have some of its suspension and chassis upgrades

On top of extra horsepower, the 2022 Polaris RZR Turbo R has a stiffer chassis than the outgoing S model, TFLOffroad notes. That chassis also comes with a one-piece roll cage welded in. And there are further reinforcements underneath.

It’s only available on the top trim, but the Turbo R has the same electronically-adaptive Fox 3.0 Live Valve shocks as the Pro R. The fancy shocks’ settings are linked to four different driving modes that also adjust the power-steering assist and throttle response. However, even the base Polaris RZR Turbo R still has adjustable dampers as well as stronger boxed steel A-arms and stabilizer bars. And its track is slightly wider than the outgoing Turbo S’s track for extra stability.

The 2022 Polaris RZR Turbo R has 16” of ground clearance like the Turbo S. But the new side-by-side’s modified suspension setup gives it more travel: 27” in front and 28” in the rear. And while the Turbo R still has 32” tires, they’re Maxxis Rampage Furies instead of ITP Coyotes Plus, its new five-lug wheels are mounted on unified hubs.

In addition, while both UTVs have well-bolstered bucket seats with four-point harnesses, the Turbo R’s seats are more adjustable. The new model has a tiltable steering column, too, something that the Turbo S lacks.

Technology-wise, the Polaris RZR Turbo R is virtually identical to the outgoing UTV, apart from the adaptive suspension, which Polaris calls ‘Dynamix DV.’ The side-by-side offers a gauge-cluster-mounted LCD screen, 7” center touchscreen with GPS, LED lighting, two DC charging ports and a 900-watt alternator with a six-position accessory bus bar. However, you’ll have to step up to higher trims to get the center touchscreen as well as the Rockford Fosgate audio system.

How much does the new side-by-side model cost?

Speaking of trims, the RZR Turbo R has three of them, as does its four-seat version, the Turbo R 4. Their prices break down in the following way:

• Sport
  • Turbo R: $25,999
  • Turbo R 4: $29,999
• Premium
  • Turbo R: $29,999
  • Turbo R 4: $33,999
• Ultimate
  • Turbo R: $32,999
  • Turbo R 4: $36,999

If you want the GPS-equipped touchscreen, you’ll have to step up to the Premium trim, which also has standard front, rear, and interior accent lighting. And those trick adaptive shocks are only available on the Ultimate models. However, you have some time to save up some cash, as the RZR Turbo R won’t hit Polaris dealers until spring 2022.

And in the meantime, you might want to think about how to practice your dune-jumping, too.

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