It’s pretty easy to spot the differences in the XP models. First of all – they’re great-looking – especially with how the new racks wrap into the fenders.

Although the CVT transmission works incredibly once you’re moving, getting it from a standstill continues to require far too many revs

Even though it handles much better, the Polaris is still a 770-pound machine, which makes getting it under control when things go wrong a difficult chore.

The air filter is under a cover where the fuel tank used to be, and can be accessed by removing the seat.

The display is a modern digital unit with tons of available information.

Also new this year is the availability of Electric Power Steering (EPS) as an option. While the value of power steering can be argued on most ATVs, the addition of EPS on a two-seat quad is an unequivocal asset!

A-arms give the XP more controlled wheel travel with less camber gain as it moves up through its stroke.

Polaris lovers rest easy, although the seat is very narrow at the front, it fills out toward the back with plenty of that good-old Sportsman cush for those long rides in the saddle.

The SOHC, 550cc single cylinder engine is fuel-injected for easy starting and smooth running at any elevation or weather condition. Rated at 42 horsepower, the new engine is powerful enough to carry two people and all their gear up almost any mountain trail.

New A-arms up front, revised suspension front and rear and 14-inch wheels and tires make for a different feel in the Sportsman's handling.

The battery is located under the pop-off seat with the terminals within easy reach for checking, charging or just attaching a float-charger.

Because the engine now sits 90-degrees from what it was in the past, means that the CVT transmission on the XP rests behind the engine rather than alongside it.

The rear suspension has 10.25 inches of useful travel, and there are now preload adjustable shocks on both the front and rear.

Our riders enjoyed a more nimble feeling, despite the larger wheels.

Polaris has one of the best options for two-up ATV riding, Features like optional power steering make it even better.

Polaris Sportsman has always been comfortable and capable ATVs, and the XP takes those assets and builds on them.

The only downside we found to the added four inches of wheelbase is the increase in territory that’s required to turn around. Fortunately, it’s seldom as big of a problem as we thought it might be.

The Polaris XP 550 Touring is much better than the older model now that it has the same updates as the rest of the Sportsman models.

With all the changes made to the new XP, we do wish that Polaris would have continued their practice of putting top-level tires on the machine.

A thinner profile makes riding the XP Touring more comfortable, and the engine still packs enough punch to easily haul two riders and gear.

The engine now sits longitudinally in the frame making it a much narrower package.