Off-roading is a popular hobby and pursuit in the United States. I mean, duh, right? It’s not like there are dunes, hills, mountains, dirt trails, and rocky paths from sea to shining sea. However, getting into off-roading can be daunting for those drivers who want to escape the tedium of paved roads for a world untouched by traffic. Still, aspiring off-roaders have a refinement-forward option in the latest Polaris RZR Pro lineup. So I got up close and personal with the new RZR Pro series in Coos Bay, Oregon to get a taste of what these off-roaders can do in the hands of a novice.

The new Polaris RZR Pro R, S, and XP add refinement, fit, and aesthetic improvements to the RZR for 2025

Coos Bay, Oregon isn’t exactly, well, easy to access. For most, it’s a flight or two and a lengthy ride from Eugene or Portland. However, as you approach the little Pacific community, you notice an odd combination of forestry and dunes– it really is an interesting mix. To an experienced off-roader, however, Coos Bay looks like a topographic challenge for their favorite custom build, utility vehicle, or side-by-side (SxS). 

As a result, I was stoked to get the opportunity to test out the 2025 Polaris RZR Pro R, Pro S, and Pro XP on the dunes and trails of Coos Bay. Now, I’m no seasoned SxS driver. That wasn’t going to stop me from getting acquainted with the new off-roaders.

For starters, the 2025 lineup got a welcome update in terms of fit, finish, and comfort. “With the 2025 RZR Pro lineup, we’re continuing to improve the rider experience and push the boundaries of style and performance,” said Vice President and General Manager of Polaris Off-Road Vehicles Reid Wilson about the new SxS models.

The first thing RZR fans will notice is the return of the fang lights, a feature absent from the most recent models. Moreover, the new lineup includes eye-popping color combinations, including color-accented componentry like matching beadlock wheels on Ultimate trims. 

Beyond the fangs and aesthetic updates, the new RZR lineup gets comfort and refinement updates with the intent of keeping riders comfortable for longer out on the trails and dunes. For instance, Polaris introduced the seats out of its XPEDITION model to certain trims in the RZR Pro series for 2025.

Call it comfortable, but don’t call it soft

Admittedly, I was most pleasantly surprised with the inclusion of climate control in the seats. See, Coos Bay got a little spicier than anticipated in the afternoon. Turning on the ventilated seat back through the RIDE COMMAND touchscreen provided some much-needed relief. Still, don’t think it’s top-to-bottom ventilation. 

No, the ventilated seats in the RZR Pro R send cool air to the back of the seat, while heat reaches riders through the seat base. Still, it’s more than sufficient for chilling your lower back or toasting your buns. What’s more, the new RZR Pro lineup funnels air through intakes into the cabin foot wells. As a result, riders experience less heat and lingering dust than previous models.

Better yet, most of the vehicle’s comfort, ride, and navigational features can be accessed through the seven-inch RIDE COMMAND screen. Tragically, my RIDE COMMAND screen gave up on me once or twice after vaulting some serious terrain. However, a reset brought the screen back to life, along with all the infotainment functions.

Still, the Rockford Fosgate Stage 4 audio was more than up-to-task even with the howling ProStar Fury 2.0 engine and environmental noise. That said, another set of audio control buttons on the steering wheel could be a helpful addition.