Hunting

Polaris ACE 570 SP

If it’s not a multi-passenger UTV and it’s not a single-seat ATV, then what is it? It’s the new-for-2015 Polaris ACE 570 SP ($9,999), and it effectively bridges the gap between two distinct genres of offroad utility vehicles for the hunter and backcountry explorer.

The ACE is unique in the fact that it provides the nimble dimensions of an ATV, while providing the riding experience and full-roll-cage security levels of a UTV. We love the concept, and we’re guessing it could be exactly what many outdoorsman have been waiting for. Dry weight comes in at 881-lbs., which is a little over 100-lbs. more than the company’s Sportsman 850 ATV.

Polaris gets top marks for both ingenuity and for meeting consumer demand in our book, and one of their latest creations—the ACE—is a prime example of why. Never before has the buying public been offered a single-seater, sit-in, UTV-type vehicle with all-wheel drive and the nimble width of an ATV. It’s a pretty neat rig for the outdoorsman who requires the qualities of both UTV and ATV. For this person, the ACE will represent an ideal option for backcountry hunting and exploration.

1. In the cockpit you’ll find a bolstered bucket seat that appears like it was borrowed directly from the company’s RZR line. Speaking of RZR’s, operators of larger stature will not only find the ACE easier climb in and out of, but once seated, they’ll be noticeably more comfortable with the cockpit dimensions. Legroom is adjustable via a seat slider, and steering through a lever and shock-assisted tilt mechanism. The right-side-mounted transmission shifter proved easy to reach and operate. 2. The single gauge pod includes a combination analog speedometer/digital readout—the latter providing readouts on the odometer, tachometer, tripmeter, gear indicator, fuel gauge, AWD indicator and hi-temp/low-battery lights. A keyed ignition switch, AWD selector and DC accessory power port all sit within arms reach on the right side of the dash. — 1. In the cockpit you’ll find a bolstered bucket seat that appears like it was borrowed directly from the company’s RZR line. Speaking of RZR’s, operators of larger stature will not only find the ACE easier climb in and out of, but once seated, they’ll be noticeably more comfortable with the cockpit dimensions. Legroom is adjustable via a seat slider, and steering through a lever and shock-assisted tilt mechanism. The right-side-mounted transmission shifter proved easy to reach and operate.
2. The single gauge pod includes a combination analog speedometer/digital readout—the latter providing readouts on the odometer, tachometer, tripmeter, gear indicator, fuel gauge, AWD indicator and hi-temp/low-battery lights. A keyed ignition switch, AWD selector and DC accessory power port all sit within arms reach on the right side of the dash.

The fact that you sit in (instead of on top) of the ACE, with a steering wheel in front of you (as opposed to handlebars) and a roll cage surrounding you gives the pilot more of a UTV riding experience than that of an ATV. However, the fact that the machine is built around the Sportsman chassis means that it’s narrower and more nimble than any UTV currently offered, and exhibits the tight-trail prowess of an ATV. If the UTV-type experience is what you’re after, but the width of your trail systems prohibits it, this may be the perfect machine for you. Additionally, if mobility posses a challenge for you, ease of entry and exit with the ACE are far greater than any ATV or UTV, making this machine an excellent option for those with physical limitations.

We fell in love with the electronic-fuel-injection 570 ProStar mill when we reviewed the RZR 570 a few years back, and while testing the ACE with the same engine tucked in its framework, our opinion hasn’t changed. Respectable power, great power delivery and a high level of reliability make up the top-three attributes on our list. Want more power? You’re in luck . . . with the new, 2016 lineup you can now get your fix courtesy of the 900cc ACE 900 SP.

On our 2015 model 570, the “SP” suffix denotes the addition of electronic power steering, aluminum wheels and a distinct graphics package. For 2016, the 570 SP includes a Polaris Pursuit Camouflage finish and factory-installed quarter doors—both options we would have loved to have seen on our prior-model-year test unit. Currently, the new ACE lineup is broken up into 4 categories—the standard ACE, ACE 570, ACE 570 SP and the “Alpha ACE”—the ACE 900 SP.

All models share the same cockpit layout, including a single, highly-bolstered bucket seat, right-side transmission shifter (with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low and High selections) and full instrumentation placed directly in front of you. Also consistent within the lineup is the smooth-riding and great-handling fully-independent suspension system, comprised of MacPherson struts up front and a dual A-arm, coilover-spring arrangement out back.