2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP 4x4 ATV Review

June 6, 2017

Polaris has two versions of Sportsman using their powerful 570 single cylinder engine. One is the $6,699 base model that uses the old McPherson Strut front end and the other is this model which uses A-arms and is loaded with features. The SP sells for $8,699.

Power on the 570 does not disappoint. Polaris did such a good job with clutching, you take advantage of every ounce of power the single has and never ask for more. It's not arm jerking fast but for trail rides, even fast ones, it's fun. If you do need a little more grunt, stop and shift it in low and you will have it. Even on steep climbs the quad did not feel under powered.ATV Rider

Performance Chart	2017 Polaris Sportsman 570SP
Power Rating:	5
Suspension:	4
Steering:	5
Seating comfort/ergonomics:	5
Tires:	4
Brakes:	4
Engine Braking:	5 (4mph)
Overall Handling:	4
Fit N Finish:	4
Storage/racks:	5
Total:	45

2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP 4x4 ATV ReviewATV Rider

The Sportsman line features a great gauge cluster providing all kinds of information to the rider. The controls are easy to operate and we like that Polaris added Active Decent Control on this unit. It really slows the quads down to a crawl when needed. On the other side, we still don't like the single lever brake system. If you stay on flat ground and ride slow, you won't have the same complaints.ATV Rider

The SP uses dual A-arms on all four corners providing a stabile and soft ride. They soak up jumps and bumps well. They only complaint we have is that the shocks are a little clunky up front when they top out. The steering feels a little loose too at high speed.. The steering is ultra light however, and is the most comfortable to saw back and forth around all day.ATV Rider

2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP 4x4 ATV ReviewATV Rider

The integrated front storage box and rack system on this Polaris is great use of space. We have always liked this feature. On this quad Polaris uses the lower cost version that is basically only a lid and the top of the fender provides the floor of the cargo area. It's still large enough to hold items like tire plug kits, water bottles, a tow rope or a small jacket.ATV Rider

Engine heat coming from the right side by your calf is noticeable and does become uncomfortable in some situations.ATV Rider

Being there is a large range of engine and chassis sizes available in the 4x4 catagory we are in the process of looking at a group of our favorites from each brand. The comparison will be machines right at the $10,000 mark and not a specific displacement. Shear power will not have an advantage although we payed close attention to power feel, low range grunt and overall smoothness of operation. Each machine will be judged on usefulness and rideability for work and play. We rated them all using the same seat of the pants feel on technical and smooth trails as well as how they did around a working ranch. In the comparison we will explain why we rated each section as we did.