2026 vs 2025 XD 1500 ultimate

[dbyra]

Currently own a 2023 Ranger 1000 Northstar Ultimate. Going to buy a XD1500 ultimate. Are there enough changes to the 2026 to justify a 2026 over the 2025 model.

 

[Jay B]

Two new editions out for 26. The mountaineer edition with lower final gearing and the Texas edition which has some additional features. Otherwise I think the mainstream models are the same.

 

[dbyra]

Two new editions out for 26. The mountaineer edition with lower final gearing and the Texas edition which has some additional features. Otherwise I think the mainstream models are the same.

Have they fixed the clunky axle issue in the 2026?

 

[Rupp Collector]

Have they fixed the clunky axle issue in the 2026?

You either have the clunk, or you don't. My 2025 has over 6,000 miles and it doesn't have any of the bugs or gremlins others have.

 

[Big Red]

Two new editions out for 26. The mountaineer edition with lower final gearing and the Texas edition which has some additional features. Otherwise I think the mainstream models are the same.

The only thing to add is color choices, I'm not really a fan of the 2026 colors unless you get the Texas edition. Each to their own.

 

[claydoc]

Can you get electric door locks on the 2026 models? I am not worried about a remote start, but electric door locks would be very nice.

 

[Mr.C]

I don’t believe you can from the Polaris factory. Although there is an aftermarket company making and selling a kit. From what I’ve read on here, it’s not a quick and easy install. The company is called dirty teeth racing, if you wanna check them out.

 

[DGUY]

So I changed my order from the Mountaineer back to the Ultimate Crew. But the question for those that been here a while: best guess on when to expect '26 1500s to start shipping? Thanks for your informed opinions.

 

[Big Red]

I would think anytime now, it's not a new model and with the exception of the few upgrades (shock bushings, window gasket, faster side windows) it's the same as the 25. I would think your dealer has some on order, he should know when he's getting them in.

 

[awickedtruth]

I have inquired about a Texas Edition and was told they would start taking orders on November 1st.

 

[WDurbin]

I HOPE they fix the clunk issue if I had known I would
have waited for a 26 for them too weed out the noisy diffs!!

 

[Ridge]

I just seen a youtube video where a person in California bought a new Mountaineer, showed him and family on a sand dune but didn't show him driving it.

 

[awickedtruth]

Just heard from my dealer in Illinois… said should be able to order in January… and is absolutely positive that we will get one of the Texas Edition

 

[Jay B]

I don't know what I'm going to do for sure. I was really excited for the Mountaineer, but the 52 mph top end turned me off. I don't drive faster than that often, but sometimes you have to get down the road. I'm sure the tuners will fix that, but then there is warranty. I'm pretty well retired now and I plan on more sxs trips than ever. I'm seriously thinking about keeping my 24 and buying an Xpedition adv2 for trail riding. I've driven a few, and yes they are loud, but they're also a blast.

 

[Clubin]

I don't know what I'm going to do for sure. I was really excited for the Mountaineer, but the 52 mph top end turned me off. I don't drive faster than that often, but sometimes you have to get down the road. I'm sure the tuners will fix that, but then there is warranty. I'm pretty well retired now and I plan on more sxs trips than ever. I'm seriously thinking about keeping my 24 and buying an Xpedition adv2 for trail riding. I've driven a few, and yes they are loud, but they're also a blast.

I’ll keep my 1500.

 

[Big Red]

I can't get a new 1500 until they make a red one again............Everyone knows "REDS the fastest color"

 

[Clubin]

I can't get a new 1500 until they make a red one again............Everyone knows "REDS the fastest color"

Yes rumour is red us a +20hp.

 

[WDurbin]

I looked at the parts listing looks like on the 26 they added
some foam to the the cab close off panel.

 

[awickedtruth]

I looked at the parts listing looks like on the 26 they added
some foam to the the cab close off panel.

What is considered the “Cab Close Off Panel”?

 

[Big Red]

What is considered the “Cab Close Off Panel”?

I was wondering the same thing.