Testing Camso Tracks on the 2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD – A Backcountry MNT Experience

We recently had the chance to get behind the wheel of the all-new 2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD Polaris’s most powerful and capable utility side-by-side yet and put it to the test in rugged backcountry terrain. To elevate the experience, we outfitted the Ranger with Camso 4S1 UTV tracks with the help of the amazing team of UTV Tracks, transforming this already impressive machine into a true all-season, all-terrain powerhouse. 

Camso Tracks on Polaris Ranger 1500 XD NorthStar

From steep climbs and rocky paths to snow-covered routes, this setup proved to be more than ready for extreme off-road conditions. What followed was an unforgettable ride that showcased just how much performance, traction, and stability Camso tracks can unlock on the latest UTV platform.

Why the 2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD Stands Out

The 2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD is not just another side-by-side it’s a ground-breaking leap forward in the utility UTV category, designed for serious riders who demand strength, durability, and performance in extreme conditions. Powered by a 1500cc 3-cylinder ProStar engine, this machine delivers 110 horsepower and an incredible 105 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Ranger ever built. 

2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD

Whether towing, hauling, or climbing through backcountry slopes, it offers unmatched muscle and control. The new 1500 XD also features a fully enclosed steel-reinforced chassis and heavy-duty suspension system, engineered to handle the toughest environments without compromise. With 14 inches of ground clearance and 11 inches of suspension travel, it soaks up rocky terrain and technical trails with ease.

But it's not all about brute force; the 1500 XD is also built for rider comfort and smart functionality. The cab has been completely redesigned with premium seating, noise insulation, and available heat and air conditioning to support long workdays or backcountry excursions in any season. Polaris also integrated cutting-edge tech like Ride Command+ connectivity, digital displays, and customizable drive modes, giving riders more control and feedback than ever before. 

From remote mountain trails to snow-covered utility routes, the 2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD is built to handle it all, setting a new standard for what a modern utility UTV should be. When paired with a top-tier track system like the Camso 4S1, this machine becomes a true all-terrain powerhouse ready for anything nature throws its way.

Preparation for the Backcountry Ride

Before heading into the backcountry, careful preparation was key to making sure the 2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD was ready for the challenge, especially with the addition of Camso 4S1 UTV tracks from UTV-Tracks.com. The first step involved removing the stock wheels and installing the track system, which was engineered to fit seamlessly on the new 1500 XD platform. With a few specialized tools and proper torque specs, the installation was smooth and secure, thanks to Camso’s vehicle-specific mounting kit and clear instructions. Once mounted, we performed a full inspection checking track tension, alignment, and clearance to ensure the system was dialed in for remote trail conditions.

In addition to outfitting the machine, we packed gear tailored to the high-altitude environment: extra fuel, recovery tools, a winch, a GPS unit, and layers of cold-weather clothing. Because the Ranger 1500 XD would be operating in a mix of snow, mud, and rocky terrain, we also carried traction boards and a satellite communicator for added safety. The cargo box’s massive capacity and the Ranger’s towing power made hauling gear easy, even with the added weight of the track system. With everything prepped and the machine fully equipped, we were ready to take on a route that most UTVs on wheels wouldn’t dare attempt, confident that both the vehicle and track system could handle whatever the backcountry had in store.

If you want to test some of the new 2025 UTVs equipped with Camso tracks before choosing one for yourself, I suggest picking a UTV rental company that also rents UTVs with tracks in winter, recommended for those that live in Utah.

Field Performance Review

Once out on our private 400 acres Moose Spring Ranch here in Utah, the combination of the 2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD and Camso 4S1 tracks quickly proved its worth. From the first climb through loose, rocky terrain to deep snow banks at higher elevations, the machine delivered outstanding performance in every scenario. The Camso tracks provided unmatched traction and floatation, allowing the Ranger to glide over snow and mud where wheeled UTVs would struggle or get stuck. Climbing steep grades felt stable and secure, thanks to the increased contact surface of the tracks, which distributed the machine’s weight evenly and reduced ground pressure. The powerful 1500cc engine had no trouble maintaining momentum, even through heavy resistance and uneven surfaces.

Handling remained impressively responsive, especially for a tracked vehicle, with the Ranger’s steering system adapting well to the extra grip and turning resistance from the tracks. On descents and across side slopes, the setup felt planted and confident, giving us full control even in sketchy off-camber situations. Suspension performance was solid, absorbing bumps and ruts while the tracks absorbed shock across rough patches. Even when we encountered a mix of snow and exposed rock, the tracks maintained grip without compromising balance. Throughout the ride, it became clear that this setup wasn’t just capable, it was built for serious backcountry work and play, providing a dependable platform for anyone who needs to go beyond the limits of conventional off-road machines.

Overview of Camso UTV Tracks on the New Polaris

Camso UTV tracks are designed to push the boundaries of where a side-by-side can go, and pairing them with the 2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD unlocked an entirely new level of performance. The Camso 4S1 track system replaces the wheels with a rugged, terrain-dominating platform that provides exceptional traction, stability, and floatation. Whether navigating through soft snow, thick mud, or loose rock, the tracks ensured constant grip and control, minimizing the risk of getting bogged down or losing momentum. 

2025 Polaris Ranger 1500 XD NorthStar with tracks

The installation process was straightforward, thanks to Camso’s model-specific mounting hardware that aligned perfectly with the new Ranger's chassis. Once installed, the tracks delivered a noticeably smoother ride over uneven surfaces and steep inclines, dispersing the Ranger’s weight evenly to reduce ground pressure. Designed for year-round use, the Camso system proved to be the ideal upgrade for those looking to transform their UTV into a true four-season, go-anywhere machine. 
If you can’t install the tracks on your own, you can send your UTV to the team at Snow Machines or UTV-Tracks.com. You can calculate your shipping and return costs with this car shipping calculator that can work as an UTV shipping calculator due to UTV being the same size as a small car and compare companies. It might be more expensive, but it’s a hassle-free process.

With the Ranger 1500 XD’s raw power and Camso’s proven track technology, the result was a high-performance setup capable of conquering backcountry terrain where traditional wheeled UTVs would hesitate.