Transmission slippage

[rogerr]

I’m in the process of deciding on a 2026 xd1500 purchase and just watched a can am comparison on a short drag strip with the xd1500 lagging at the line. Also heard they were sluggish in a hill environment when you need prompt response.

Is this something that has been addressed? I realize that the unit is heavier but I’d like to see response when you put the pedal down.

Maybe I’m paranoid but for the cost want to know what I’m getting into.

Any commments either way will be appreciated!

 

[Big Red]

If you're buying a utility side by side to drag race you are in the market for the wrong rig. I'm not sure if the HD11 beats the XD in a drag race or not but I know I really couldn't care less if it did. The XD will beat the Can Am in everything I do care about which is ride, smoothness, noise, and comfort. Looks too but that is subjective. I'm not sure where you live so I can't speak to the "hill environment" but can say I've never had any problems at all. There is plenty of information out there where people at high elevations have struggled with rock crawling with the steel drive transmission when compared to a rubber belt CVT. I know Polaris reprogrammed the Steeldrive transmission to improve this and even put out a video showing which mode and how to drive it.

 

[Clubin]

I’ve been stuck lots of times. Reverse if you need power it’s not there. But tow/haul needs to be selected. Forward power is amazing!

Yah sorry but these aren’t drag racing machines.

What are you comparing it to because there isn’t anything that compares.

 

[jj46]

I’m in the process of deciding on a 2026 xd1500 purchase and just watched a can am comparison on a short drag strip with the xd1500 lagging at the line. Also heard they were sluggish in a hill environment when you need prompt response.

Is this something that has been addressed? I realize that the unit is heavier but I’d like to see response when you put the pedal down.

Maybe I’m paranoid but for the cost want to know what I’m getting into.

Any commments either way will be appreciated!

What model year were they comparing? When did the video come out? As others have said, drag racing is pretty much irrelevant.... However, some of the other complaints may have been mitigated with the new ECM/TCM tunes came out late last year in the 2026 models, which yours would have.

 

[rogerr]

Not sure what years they were comparing. It was a Thumper video more showing their product line than a drag race comparison. Bit, when they lined up to do a side by side comparison the XD definitely had a second or two lag time.

Let me be clear. I don’t care about the lag time in a drag race scenario. I don’t plan on drag racing. Just want to know if your going up or down a hill and need immediate corrective action will the unit respond?

 

[Clubin]

Not sure what years they were comparing. It was a Thumper video more showing their product line than a drag race comparison. Bit, when they lined up to do a side by side comparison the XD definitely had a second or two lag time.

Let me be clear. I don’t care about the lag time in a drag race scenario. I don’t plan on drag racing. Just want to know if your going up or down a hill and need immediate corrective action will the unit respond?

What other machine is your plan b? Like I said there isn’t anything that compares to the 1500.

I have zero complaints with how fast the machine reacts to braking or acceleration.

 

[Big Red]

What other machine is your plan b? Like I said there isn’t anything that compares to the 1500.

I have zero complaints with how fast the machine reacts to braking or acceleration.

DIDO what Clubin said!

 

[Mr.C]

I have a friend that his significant other’s cousin bought the can-am version of the XD 1500. And all he did was bitch about how much it leaked rain water inside while developing his 100+ acre property. He lives in the valley where it pours buckets forever. Not sure all the details, but there was photos and videos, a return. He now owns an XP 1000 northstar. Not sure if that helps towards a manufacturer or not. Just some true experience/advice.

 

[CREX]

Not sure what years they were comparing. It was a Thumper video more showing their product line than a drag race comparison. Bit, when they lined up to do a side by side comparison the XD definitely had a second or two lag time.

Let me be clear. I don’t care about the lag time in a drag race scenario. I don’t plan on drag racing. Just want to know if your going up or down a hill and need immediate corrective action will the unit respond?

Get the Mountaineer if you are planning to ride in the mountains mostly. It is geared correctly.

 

[Tazman10]

Did some testing with a 2026 two door Mountaineer last week and for the trails, rocks, and agility, it seems to be a good fit for all around use. We may build one of these to replace the crew with long travel we just sold.

 

[rogerr]

Did some testing with a 2026 two door Mountaineer last week and for the trails, rocks, and agility, it seems to be a good fit for all around use. We may build one of these to replace the crew with long travel we just sold.

Good info to know. I’m certainly leaning towards the XD. Waiting for my dealer to get the crew cab version in to take a closer look at it.

 

[rogerr]

Update! Just purchased the 2026 XD1500. Now need to wait for it to arrive. All of your comments swayed me to pull the trigger and I thank you for that. Been a long time Polaris friend and looking forward to spending more $$’s on add-ons and a lot of time driving to places unknown!

 

[jj46]

Update! Just purchased the 2026 XD1500. Now need to wait for it to arrive. All of your comments swayed me to pull the trigger and I thank you for that. Been a long time Polaris friend and looking forward to spending more $$’s on add-ons and a lot of time driving to places unknown!

Awesome! Hope you don't have to wait long.

 

[Northwoods Ranger]

Update! Just purchased the 2026 XD1500. Now need to wait for it to arrive. All of your comments swayed me to pull the trigger and I thank you for that. Been a long time Polaris friend and looking forward to spending more $$’s on add-ons and a lot of time driving to places unknown!

Congrats on your incoming Buddy

 

[Big Red]

Congrats on the new XD!!

 

[Mr.C]

Congratulations on the new ride! The wait is the hardest part.

 

[vm2]

Update! Just purchased the 2026 XD1500. Now need to wait for it to arrive. All of your comments swayed me to pull the trigger and I thank you for that. Been a long time Polaris friend and looking forward to spending more $$’s on add-ons and a lot of time driving to places unknown!

Your going to love it! We took our can-am to the gas station to top it off and my wife and I booth looked at each other and said wow! cant believe how loud this thing is to our new 1500 and 45 minutes in to the ride the a/c quit and it was raining and windows fogged right up! typical can-am.