When it comes to off-roading, people often find themselves split into two camps: Jeep fans and side-by-side (UTV) riders. Both vehicles offer thrilling experiences when it comes to road adventures (and outdoor activities in general), but in different ways.
Jeep owners often prefer the convenience and comfort of a road legal vehicle that can transition seamlessly from city streets to challenging trails.
On the other hand, UTV enthusiasts value the raw, adventurous spirit and off-road capabilities that side-by-sides provide—and hey, we can’t say we blame them! So, which is better? In this article, we’ll be comparing the Polaris Xpedition with the Jeep to help you decide, so stick around!
The Basics
First, let's establish what we're comparing here. The Jeep is a well-known off-road vehicle that you can also drive on public roads. It's famous for its rugged build and off-road capabilities, but people also like it because you can drive it on public roads. As you’ll soon learn (and might already know), most UTVs aren’t street legal, which is why some people decide to buy Jeeps instead.
The truth is, though, most people don’t know enough about UTVs (like the Polaris Xpedition) to actually make an informed decision. In comparison to the modern Jeep (which has limited trail access), the Polaris Xpedition is a side-by-side UTV that’s specifically designed for off-road use.
It's not street legal in most places without modifications and typically requires a truck and trailer if you need to transport it to the trail. True UTV enthusiasts agree that it’s still worth it, though. It’s about time we started making some comparisons. Let’s take a closer look at the basics below:
Street Legality
One of the biggest differences between Jeeps and UTVs is, of course, street legality. A Jeep can be driven from your house to the trailhead without any issues. This makes it a versatile choice for people who want a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
UTVs, like the Polaris Xpedition, are generally not street legal in their stock form. To make them street legal, you would need to add features like windshields, headlights, turn signals, a horn, and sometimes more. Even then, legality varies by state and county. So, if you don’t have a truck and trailer, a UTV might not be the best choice.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Jeep wins again (according to most people). It comes with a fully enclosed cab, air conditioning, heating, a sound system, and comfortable seats. These features make long drives more enjoyable and bearable, especially in harsh weather conditions.
The Polaris Xpedition, however, also has an enclosed cab, heating, and AC. In terms of comfort, it’s really not that different from your typical Jeep. A lot of people don’t know this, though, which is why we’re here to shed light on the topic.
Many people also tend to worry about space when it comes to choosing between a Jeep and a side-by-side. Perhaps you’re concerned about whether or not your UTV will have enough cargo space (or space for passengers, for that matter). With the Polaris Xpedition, you won’t have to worry about this. It’s built to keep your gear safe and even beats some street vehicles when it comes to comfort.
Safety
People like Jeeps because they’re designed with safety in mind, but, to be fair, so is the Polaris Xpedition. Here’s where the differences lie: Jeeps come with airbags, crumple zones, and a sturdy frame. These features are regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Side-by-sides like the Polaris Xpedition have roll cages and seatbelts, which offer quite a bit of protection. However, they are not designed to handle crashes as well as Jeeps. So, if safety is a major concern, you might want to get a Jeep. That said, Jeeps aren’t as good for off-roading, as you’ll learn shortly.
Off-Roading
Now, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of the matter: off-roading. While Jeeps and UTVs both do pretty well when it comes to off-roading, they excel in different ways. The Jeep Wrangler, for example, has impressive torque and horsepower.
That said, it’s also heavier, which can sometimes negatively affect its performance on challenging trails (consider the terrain during hunting season, for example). The Wrangler’s wider body (74 inches) limits its ability quite a bit.
Now, what about the Polaris Xpedition? Despite having less horsepower, the Xpedition’s lighter weight gives it a better power-to-weight ratio (11 lbs. per horsepower vs. 14 lbs. per horsepower for the Wrangler). This makes it more capable of handling narrow trails and obstacles that would challenge a Jeep.
Ground Clearance and Suspension
Now, let’s talk about ground clearance and suspension. While quite capable, a Jeep's ground clearance is generally lower than that of a side-by-side. It might need additional modifications (like lift kits) when it comes to tackling extremely rough terrain.
The Polaris Xpedition, on the other hand, is specifically designed with off-roading in mind. It comes with high ground clearance and an advanced suspension system right out of the box. To be specific, the Xpedition has 14 inches of ground clearance and a suspension system that can easily handle rugged terrain.
Polaris Xpedition vs. Jeep: Technology and Features
We can’t compare the Polaris Xpedition and the modern Jeep without talking about the technology and features that each type of vehicle comes with. Remember, you can always add accessories to your Polaris Xpedition, so even if it seems like the Jeep has more features, you won’t be missing out on anything.
The more you know about each type of off-roading vehicle (keeping in mind, again, that the Polaris Xpedition will be a better choice for off-roading), the easier it’ll be for you to make a decision (assuming you’re trying to choose between a Jeep and a UTV). Let’s break it down below:
Jeep
Most modern Jeeps come with advanced technology features (like navigation systems and touch screens). Needless to say, these additions will make your driving experience a lot more enjoyable and convenient. This is one of the reasons why Jeeps are preferable for driving on public roads.
When it comes to comfort, most Jeeps have heated seats, premium sound systems, and automatic climate control. These features are more common in higher-end Jeep models, so just keep that in mind.
Polaris Xpedition
The Polaris Xpedition also comes with a lot of great technology features, including advanced suspension systems, customizable driving modes, and a flat roof. Some models even come with a touchscreen display and GPS navigation. The Xpedition has RIDE COMMAND technology, too, which means you can easily stay in touch with your friends while exploring your favorite trails.
While UTVs may not come with all of the luxury features of a Jeep, they do usually come with add-ons (like adjustable bucket seats, enclosed cabs, and heating systems). You can also customize your Polaris Xpedition however you want (by adding a rear cargo box or roof rack, for example), which is definitely a plus.
What About Durability and Maintenance?
Obviously, when it comes to off-roading, durability and maintenance are super important. If you’re going to be doing a lot of extreme trail riding, you’ll definitely want to take durability into consideration (as well as how expensive it’s going to be to repair your vehicle if something goes wrong).
Frankly, both the Polaris Xpedition and most modern Jeeps are pretty durable. There are some slight differences, though, and these differences are what give the Xpedition a slight edge. Here’s a breakdown of what both the Jeep and the Polaris Xpedition have to offer in terms of durability and maintenance:
Jeep
Jeeps are known for their durability and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, they are also more expensive to repair if something goes wrong. Scratches on a Jeep’s paint job can lead to rust and expensive repairs, for example.
Regular maintenance for a Jeep usually includes oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations, similar to any other car. This isn’t so bad, however, the biggest downside is that the cost of Jeep maintenance can add up, especially if you frequently take your Jeep off-road.
Polaris Xpedition
UTVs like the Polaris Xpedition are literally built to be rugged and durable. In general, they’re also cheaper and easier to repair. Scratches and dings on a UTV are less of a concern, since the plastic body panels are easy to replace. They’re a lot less prone to rust, too, which is a huge plus.
Maintenance for a UTV is usually simpler (and a lot less expensive). Regular maintenance includes changing the oil, inspecting the drive belt, and making sure that the tires are in good shape. It’s much easier to maintain a Polaris Xpedition, which is why a lot of people consider it to be a better choice (especially in the long run). Basically, it’s a better investment!
So, Polaris Xpedition or Jeep?
Clearly, this isn’t an easy choice. Many people choose to go the Jeep route because Jeeps are street legal. In most cases, this makes them easier to transport and take off-road. That said, when it comes to actual trail-riding, the Polaris Xpedition becomes the better choice.
Perhaps, if your main focus is driving on public roads, you should get a Jeep. If your main focus is on off-roading, then the Polaris Xpedition will probably suit your needs better. Remember, the Polaris Xpedition is literally built for off-roading. It’s also super durable against different types of weather conditions. You can’t say the same about most modern Jeeps.
In the end, understanding what you need and how you plan to use the vehicle will help you make the best choice. There’s no pressure, though. Whether you decide to go with a Jeep or the Polaris Xpedition, both will offer you incredible off-road experiences. In other words, you can’t really go wrong with either choice.
Remember, though, that if you decide to go with the Polaris Xpedition, you can customize your UTV however you want. Thumper Fab has plenty of add-ons and accessories available for the Xpedition, including adjustable bed racks, front winch bumpers, and phone dash mounts. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make your UTV your own!
