Skip to main content
A 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate and RZR Pro R 4 Ultimate speed through the desert
Trends

2022 RZR Pro R: The Most Powerful Polaris Side-by-Side Ever

Polaris is giving its performance RZR side-by-side lineup a new, range-topping model that packs more power than any of the brand's other UTVs. It's the 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R, and the extra horsepower is just the start of its upgrades. But if you want some of these fancy features, be prepared to pay.
by Matthew Skwarczek
Published on
3 min read

It’s no surprise that Polaris is the most popular ATV and UTV brand these days given its wide array of models. And its side-by-sides aren’t just working tools. If you want to shred off-road trails at speed, the Polaris RZR lineup has a lot to offer. However, with competitors like the Honda Talon muscling in, the RZR can’t afford to stagnate. That’s why Polaris just released the most powerful version of its performance side-by-side: the 2022 RZR Pro R.

The 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R is the brand’s speediest side-by-side yet

A 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate and RZR Pro R 4 Ultimate speed through the desert
2022 Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate and RZR Pro R 4 Ultimate | Polaris

Polaris offers the RZR in several different trims suited to different kinds of off-roading. The Trail models, for example, are designed for tight trails. Meanwhile, the RS and XP models are multi-terrain all-arounders. And up until now, the RZR Pro XP was the most powerful model in the lineup.

That changes with the 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R and its four-seater Pro R 4 sibling. Under the side-by-side’s hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pushing out 225 hp, 44 more than the Pro XP. Note, despite sharing displacement specs, this isn’t the same engine found in the 203-hp 2021 Polaris Slingshot R.

Also, unlike the Slingshot, the RZR Pro R doesn’t have a manual or single-clutch automatic. Instead, it has a CVT, which features an upgraded clutch, belt, and air-flow system compared to the other RZR Pros. Plus, unlike the RWD Slingshot, the RZR Pro R has selectable 4WD.

To help manage the extra horsepower, the 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R comes with four selectable driving modes: Comfort, Track, Rock, and Baja. Each varies the engine throttle response, power-steering assist, ride height, and suspension settings. That’s right, the RZR Pro R offers active suspension—but it’s not the same as the Pro XP’s optional setup.

Controlling that 215 hp requires a serious suspension and chassis setup

The front 3/4 view of a black 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate going down a dune
2022 Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate front 3/4 | Polaris

Polaris calls the RZR Pro R’s suspension ‘Dynamix DV,’ and it’s a step up the Pro XP’s Dynamix 2.0 system. Besides offering up to 20” of front travel and 22” of rear travel, the active suspension on the XP can vary compression damping, MotorTrend explains. However, in what Polaris calls an industry-first, the Pro R can vary both compression and rebound damping. And the new shocks—Fox 3.0 Live Valve X2s—are just the start.

To let its side-by-side handle its power output, Polaris widened the RZR’s track and installed beefier boxed A-arms as well as extra stabilizer bars. The redesigned suspension also gives the side-by-side 29” of rear travel and 27” of front travel. And with the 32” Maxxis Rampage Fury tires, the RZR Pro R has 16” of ground clearance, 1.5” more than the XP. Plus, besides extra travel and ground clearance, the 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R also has a new stiffer chassis with a welded-in one-piece roll cage. Also, stronger driveline shafts and knuckles as well as a front-drive-protecting torque limiter.  

Some things that have carried over from ‘lesser’ models are the electronics. In addition to the driving modes, the RZR Pro R offers a 7” center touchscreen with GPS, an LCD screen in the gauge cluster, and LED lighting. Also, a Rockford Fosgate audio system and multiple charging ports. And speaking of charging, the Pro R has a 1700-watt alternator, auxiliary battery, and six-position bus bar for extra lights and accessories. Its box and payload capacities, though, are unchanged from the XP: 300 lbs for the former and 740 lbs for the latter.

How much is the 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R?

Three different 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R side-by-sides in the desert
2022 Polaris RZR Pro R trims | Polaris

As cool as some of these features are, they’re not standard on every RZR Pro R. If you want the center touchscreen and Rockford Fosgate system, you’ll have to go from the base Sport model to the Premium. And the trick adaptive suspension with Fox shocks–and Baja Mode–only comes standard on the Ultimate, though the other trims’ shocks are still adjustable.

Here’s how the prices break down:

  • 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R
    • Sport: $31,999
    • Premium: $34,999
    • Ultimate: $37,999
    • Ultimate Launch Edition: $40,999
  • 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R 4
    • Sport: $35,999
    • Premium: $38,999
    • Ultimate: $41,999
    • Launch Edition: $44,999

Luckily, there’s still some time to save up. The 225-hp side-by-sides aren’t hitting dealers until early 2022.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, Producer - Sedans & Coupes

Matthew Skwarczek

Matthew Skwarczek started blogging in 2015 and focuses his writing on motorcycles and engineering science. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Matthew served as an applications engineer for BASF before joining MotorBiscuit in 2019.

In Matthew’s words, the visceral nature of riding requires you to be in the moment. Combined with his fascination in the analytics surrounding the building and designing of cars and bikes, both modern and classic, you’ll find his voice blends functionality and phenomena. He rides motorcycles and bicycles often, photographing them as well.

Matthew has contributed to Oppositelock and is now an alumnus. He plays Dungeons & Dragons and reads sci-fi and fantasy in his spare time, and appreciates the works of Peter Egan, Sam Smith, Brandon Sanderson, and Alex Goy.