2025 Polaris RZR Gets Pro Armor, Because You Never Know What's Lurking in the Tree Line

 And here we are now faced with something even more exciting, the first limited edition model based on it. And not just a limited edition model, but one tailored for maximum protection against hazards with the help of side-by-side aftermarket specialist Pro Armor.

As you probably know by now, the 2025 RZR range comprises three models, namely the RZR Pro R, RZR Pro S, and RZR Pro XP. The limited version announced this week, officially called RZR Pro R Factory-Armored, is based on the RZR Pro R.

That would be the side-by-side that can claim a direct lineage to the race version of the vehicle that climbed to the top of Score and Dakar races over the past few years. It is a machine powered by a 2.0-liter ProStar Fury naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that delivers no less than 225 horsepower.

The upgrades announced for the 2025 model year at the beginning of August include the fitting of a MaxLink suspension system with 29 inches of travel, but also a Dynamix DV system meant to automatically adjust the ride's shocks.

Standing at 74 inches wide and riding on a 104.5-inch wheelbase, the RZR Pro R also throws into the fight the Pro Performance True 4WD system, complete with its driver-selectable modes.

All of the above makes for a very compelling package if you are in the market for such a vehicle, but what Pro Armor did to the thing to turn it into this limited edition makes it even more spectacular. Granted, we're not talking about literal armor, but the extra gear installed on the side-by-side should make the machine more than capable of taking on whatever unexplored terrain lies just beyond the tree line.

The list of extras is not that extensive, but there's a lot to talk about. And I'll start with the front and rear bumpers that go over the vehicle's bodywork to protect it from unwanted harm. These things, made from 1.75-inch steel tubing, mount directly to the chassis, making for a very solid addition to the overall package.

Then, Pro Armor throws in beadlock wheels of its own make. These are not just any wheels, but flow formed ones – that means they were produced by applying pressure to the inner barrel of the wheel while at the same time spinning it. This way of doing things allows the aluminum to be better stretched and compressed, and that translates into more tensile strength.

Thanks to this method, the wheels installed on the RZR Pro R Factory-Armored can withstand 1,740 pounds (789 kg) of loads. Running between the wheels are Pro Armor skid plates, installed for better underside protection.

Finally, the side-by-side also received a 32-inch rigid light bar to shine light into dark corners and nights. The thing has an output of 20,064 lumens and can shine its beam to distances of up to 938 meters.

The light bar comes with an IP68 rating for its resistance to dust and moisture, and features a series of unbreakable scratch resistant polycarbonate lens.

To make sure the vehicle really stands out on dealers' lots, Polaris turned to custom painter Mark Lopera. The pitch was to create a unique color that best represents the "lifestyle, flash and high energy of the Southwest."

What resulted is a color called Orange Marmalade, a throwback to the colors seen during sunset and in desert landscapes, and this is the first time Polaris has used it on one of its products. It is accompanied by dedicated graphics, but also color-matched seats and dashboard.

Speaking of the seats, the 2025 RZR Pro R Factory-Armored Limited Edition is equipped with what Polaris calls the "industry's first heated and vented seats," just like the model it is based on.

As said, the side-by-side you're looking at now has been designed as a limited edition. What that means is Polaris will make only 500 units of the model, in both two- and four-seat configurations.

The range is already listed on the company's configurator, and it will become available at dealers later this month. Polaris is asking no less than $44,999 for the Factory-Armored, which if you really thing about it, it's not that much over the price of the base model.

As announced since August, the RZR Pro R is offered in two trim levels, Sport and Ultimate. The former is priced at $34,999, while the latter retails for $42,999.

If you plan on getting a sense of what the Factory-Armored is all about before actually paying for it, you should know that the side-by-side will be on display at the 2024 Sand Sport Super Show in Southern California this coming weekend.