While it’s not quite a three-wheeled bike, the Polaris Slingshot is fun in its own right. And depending on where you live, you might not need a motorcycle license to drive it. But before you head to the dealer, it’s worth knowing what’s within your budget. And that means knowing the 2021 Polaris Slingshot price layout.

What’s the price of a base 2021 Polaris Slingshot S?

For 2021, the Polaris Slingshot lineup has been shaken up slightly. The base model is now the Slingshot S, which starts at $19,999 before destination with the five-speed manual. With the optional five-speed single-clutch ‘AutoDrive’ automated manual, the starting price increases to $21,699.

As the base model, the 2021 Polaris Slingshot S only has one exterior color: white. However, you can add painted accent elements for an additional fee. As standard, though, the S gets ABS, LED headlights and indicators, keyless start, traction control, stability control, cruise control, and hill-hold assist. And it’s powered by Polaris’s own 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 178 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque. That goes to the rear wheel via a belt drive.

One step up from the 2021 Polaris Slingshot S is the Slingshot S with Technology Package I. With the manual, this trim starts at $22,299; with the automatic, it starts at $23,999. It has the same standard features as the S but adds an LED rear center taillight, a passive security system, and a Rockford Fosgate Stage 1 50W audio system. That last feature adds a 2.7” display with Bluetooth and an additional USB port (for a total of two).

What’s the difference between the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R and SL?

One rung above the 2021 Polaris Slingshot S is the Slingshot SL. The SL offers several additional features, including two driving modes: Comfort and Slingshot. It also trades the white paint for a choice between red and black. Both Polaris Slingshot SLs have the same price: $24,999 with the manual and $26,699 with the automatic.

After the SL is the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R, which starts at $31,299 with the manual and $33,299 with AutoDrive. This Slingshot trim has one significant difference from the SL and the S (besides the orange-and-blue and gray-and-blue paint scheme). Rather than 178 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque, its engine makes 203 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. And while shift paddles are optional on the other automatic trims, they’re standard on the automatic Slingshot R. Plus, the R has a wider rear tire and wheel, and a tinted windscreen instead of a clear one.

Speaking of features, the 2021 Polaris Slingshot R comes standard with most of the SL’s optional features But otherwise, the trims are fairly similar. The features are summarized in the table below, with ‘S’ for standard and ‘O’ for optional.

There is another 2021 Polaris Slingshot trim above the R: the R Limited Edition. It has the same features as the R, including the 203-hp engine and standard AutoDrive shift paddles. However, it has an exclusive green-and-black paint scheme, plus blacked-out badges and lightweight forged aluminum wheels. With the stick, the 2021 Slingshot R Limited Edition’s starting price is $32,799; the automatic is $2000 more.

Which model should you buy?

Choosing between the different 2021 Slingshot trims mainly boils down to several factors. Firstly, do you want the R’s extra horsepower and torque? Secondly, which color scheme do you prefer? And thirdly, is the lack of a backup camera a deal-breaker? That last one is particularly important because it’s the only SL and R feature the Slingshot S doesn’t offer as an optional accessory.

If performance isn’t your thing, the mid-tier Slingshot SL is the trim to get, The Drive says. This way, you get the open-air experience while saving some gas money. And you can always add some of the R’s features as options—including an engine tune.

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