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Polaris Sportsman 570 Top Speed, Specs and Review

With so many options, looking for a good, all-around quad can be difficult. Luckily, companies like Polaris never cease to innovate their vehicles. The Polaris Sportsman 570 is an excellent ATV that can tackle steep climbs, muddy conditions, and rocky terrain.

The Polaris Sportsman 570 is a multi-purpose, budget-friendly quad, great for work and play. Its powerful engine, rack extenders, Polaris-exclusive technology, and limited-edition accessories appeal to those searching for a capable yet fun four-wheeler.

This Sportsman 570 has a lot of power to take on many tasks, such as towing and hauling. With a top speed of 63 mph and 44 horsepower, it will get you where you need to be quickly and safely.

Sufficient power delivery, unshakeable grip, superb features, and a reasonable price point give off-roaders exceptional value. But that is not all it offers. Learn all about this iconic vehicle in this article.

Polaris Sportsman ATV on a Sandy Beach

The Polaris Sportsman 570

The Polaris Sportsman 570 succeeded the Sportsman 500 as the company’s carrier value model in 2014. For a list price of $6,499 that did not move since 1996, this ATV came with Electronic Fuel Injection, chassis and engine upgrades, and almost a decade of inflation for free. The 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570 was also the first to offer Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Aside from the above bonuses, the Sportsman was narrower to support rider comfort during long trail rides and outdoor adventures. Its versatile bodywork could convert into a 2-up ride due to its Victory Vision-like seat. Polaris also made a clever move in mounting the electrical terminal box inside the front storage box – for ease of access if you need to tinker with the fuses.

The combined capacity for the thumper’s front and rear racks are higher up the scale compared to the competition. The Sportsman’s rating of 270 pounds splits into two – 90 pounds in the front and 180 pounds at the back. Its towing capacity is also 500 pounds more than the standard hitch rating of ATVs during its launch.

Perhaps, the most infamous model years were between 2015 and 2017. For the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 lineup, some were included in the 3,800 units voluntarily recalled in 2017 due to EPS malfunction.

Trims affected were the EPS (utility and PPC), SP, Touring, and 6×6 vehicles. Other models that were recalled included 450-, 850-, and 1,000-cc Sportsman and Scrambler units. We will cover the 2015 and 2016 models in a different section of this article.

2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 Specs & Features (vs. 2018 – SP Trim)

Engine

A four-stroke, liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC engine powers the 570. It has a bore-stroke ratio of 99 x 73.6 millimeters. The engine displacement is 567 cubic centimeters delivered by an EFI system, with a compression ratio of 10.0:1. Fuel tank capacity is 4.5 gallons/17 liters.

Identification & Engine 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570
Model Type Touring
Base MSRP(US) $7,499.00 $8,699.00
Engine Type DOHC, Single-cylinder ProStar DOHC Single-cylinder
Engine Stroke 4-Stroke
Cooling Liquid
Valves 4
Bore-Stroke Ratio (MM) 99 mm x 73.6 mm
Displacement (CC/CI) 567 / 34.6
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Ignition ECU
Starter Electric
Spark Plug RG6YC / 0.7-0.8 mm MR7F / 0.7-0.8 mm
Alternator Output 560 W @ 7000 RPM (570/570 EPS)
660 W @ 7000 RPM (570 SP)
Fuel Type Leaded/Unleaded gasoline w/ Pump Octane 87+ (do not use fuel w/ more than 10% ethanol
Carburetion Type Electronic Fuel Injection
Lubrication Wet sump
Fuel Capacity (GAL/L) 4.5 US gal/17 l

Drivetrain

Power comes from a two-speed automatic PVT transmission inclusive of a reverse gear and parking brake. Other trims for both model years are available with the Electronic Shift Program (ESP) that makes the Sportsman a joy to ride.

Transmission 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570
Transmission Type Automatic PVT (POLARIS Variable Transmission)
Shift Type H/L/N/R/P
Drive Ratio (Front) 3.82:1 (570/570 EPS); 3.25:1 (570 SP)
Drive Ratio (Rear) 3.7:1
Gear Ratio, Low 23.91:1
Gear Ratio, Reverse 21.74:1
Gear Ratio, Forward 9.75:1
Drive Line 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570
Driveline Type High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand True AWD/2WD True On-Demand AWD/2WD
Number of Driveline Modes 2
Rear Unlocking Differential No
Rear Solid Axle Yes

Tires & Brakes

Only the wheel composition and recommended tire pressure changed for the 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570. The tire size and engine braking system remained as is. The tire brand used for the Sportsman trim is Maxxis.

Wheels & Tires, Brakes 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570
Wheels Composition Cast Aluminum Stamped Steel
Front Tire / Pressure (IN) 25 x 8-12 / 5 psi/34.5 kPa (570/570 EPS)
26 x 8-14 / 5 psi/34.5 kPa (570 SP)
25 x 8-12 / 7 psi/48.3 kPa (570/570 EPS)
26 x 8-14 / 7 psi/48.3 kPa (570 SP)
Rear Tire / Pressure (IN) 25 x 10-12 / 5 psi/34.5 kPa (570)
25 x 11-12 / 5 psi/34.5 kPa (570 EPS/LE)
26 x 10-14 / 5 psi/34.5 kPa (570 SP)
26 x 11-14 / 5 psi/34.5 kPa (570 SP LE)
25 x 10-12 / 7 psi/48.3 kPa (570)
25 x 11-12 / 7 psi/48.3 kPa (570 EPS/LE)
26 x 10-14 / 7 psi/48.3 kPa (570 SP)
26 x 11-14 / 7 psi/48.3 kPa (570 SP LE)
Tire Brand Maxxis
Front/Rear Brake Single-Control Hydraulic Disc
Auxiliary Brake Foot-Activated Hydraulic Disc
Parking Brake Hydraulic lock, All Wheel / Lockable Hand Lever

Suspension

The front suspension is MacPherson Strut that allows 8.2 inches of travel. The rear suspension utilizes a progressive rate swing arm and has a steel finish with two shock absorbers that enable 9.5 inches of travel – this suspension system was used across all trims for model years 2016 to 2018.

Suspension & Steering 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570
Front Suspension Type, Travel MacPherson strut w/ 8.2″ / 21 cm travel (570/570 EPS)
Double A-arm w/ 8.2″ / 21 cm travel (570 SP)
Rear Suspension Type, Travel Progressive rate w/ 9.5” / 24 cm travel
Steering Brand Electronic Power Steering
Steering Type Manual
Steering Control Handlebar

Dimensions

2018 Polaris Sportsman 570s have a shorter wheelbase for improved handling in tight corners. They’re also lighter due to frame modifications to fit the ProStar engine into the chassis.

Technical Specifications 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570
Length (IN/CM) 86 in/218.4 cm
Width (IN/CM) 48 in/121.9 cm
Height (IN/CM) 48 in/121.9 cm
Wheelbase (IN/CM) 56 in/142.2 cm 50.5 in/128.3 cm
Turning Radius (FT/IN) 6.8 ft/82 in (unloaded) 5.4 ft/65 in (unloaded)
Ground Clearance (IN/CM) 11 in/27.9 cm (570/570 EPS)
12 in/30.5 cm (570 SP)
Dry Weight (LBS/KG) 728 lbs/330.2 Kg (570)
739 lbs/335.2 Kg (570 EPS)
773 lbs/350.6 Kg (570 SP)
570: 677 lbs/307 Kg
570 EPS: 690 lbs/313 Kg
570 SP: 730 lbs/331 Kg
GVWR (LBS/KG) Dry weight + 485 lbs/220 Kg (includes operator, passenger, cargo, accessories)

Exterior

All Polaris Sportsman 570 trims had a matte finish. Later models, however, offered trims in metallic paint and with more color options.

Exterior 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570
Seat Type One-Piece
Adjustable No
Seat Material Vinyl
Seat Location Driver
Folding No
Seat Height (IN/MM) 33.7 / 857
Number of Seats 1
Frame Steel
Body Material Plastic
Hand Grips Standard
Foot Peg Location Driver
Adjustable No
Brush Guard No
Light Guard No
Radiator Guard No
Front Fender Standard
Rear Fender Standard
Handlebars Standard
Front Bumper Standard
Rear Bumper Standard
Bash Plate (Front) Yes
Metallic No Yes – depending on trim
Decal Kit No

Capacities & Storage

In addition to the standard features below, the Sunset Red, Titanium Metallic, and Hunter Edition trims for 2018 and more recent model years offered a gun scabbard, front and rear rack extenders, and hand/thumb warmers as options. Pair these with the vehicle’s 6.5-gallon storage box built into the front fenders, and you will indeed have ample space for all your off-roading necessities.

Capacities & Storage 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570
Engine Oil Capacity 2 quarts/1.9 l
Transmission Oil Capacity 32 oz/948 ml
Demand Drive Fluid Capacity 9 oz/265 ml
Coolant Capacity 2.7 quarts/2.5 l
Front Rack/Box Capacity 90 lbs/40.8 Kg
Rear Rack/Box Capacity 180 lbs/81.6 Kg
Receiver Hitch Tongue Capacity 120 lbs/55 Kg* (570/570 EPS)
150 lbs/68 Kg* (570 SP)
*Combined rear rack & tongue weight not to exceed limit of 180 lbs/81.6 Kg
Hitch Towing Rate 1225 lbs/557 Kg (570/570 EPS)
1500 lbs/682 Kg (570 SP)
Unbraked Trailer Towing Capacity 1786 lbs/810 Kg

Lighting & Instrumentation

Triple 50-watt Halogen headlights with two mounted on the front fenders and one handlebar light use multi-reflector lenses for light distribution. Instrumentation-wise, the instrument cluster changed from analog to digital beginning 2018 trims.

Lights & Instrumentation 2016 Polaris Sportsman 570 2018 Polaris Sportsman 570
Instrument Cluster LCD – Analog Speedometer, Digital Odometer, Tachometer, Twin Tripmeter, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, AWD Indicator, Hi-Temp/Low-Batt Lights, DC Outlet All Digital Gauge, Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, 2 Tripmeters, Hour Meter, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, AWD Indicator, Volt Meter, Coolant Temperature, Hi-Temp Light, Clock, DC Outlet
Headlight 1 x 50-watt High-beam on Headlight Pod
2 x 50-watt Single High-beam on Bumper
1 x 50-watt High-beam on Headlight Pod
2 x 50-watt Single Low-beam on Bumper
Taillights 1 x 8.26 watts
Brake Light 2 x 26.9 watts
Type Halogen

Highs & Lows of the Legendary Sportsman

The Sportsman’s bumped-up engine and EFI provides a 20% power increase compared to the Sportsman 500. Plus, the quad’s high-capacity air filter and better dust filtration help improve gas mileage by at least 10%.

Accessories are easy to come by and install, thanks to the wheeler’s Lock & Ride cargo system. This system allows Polaris owners to buy original add-ons that can easily be bolted onto their brutes – no drilling required.

Performance-wise, the quad is snappier at takeoff, thanks to enhanced clutching. It also remained very capable when riding uphill, on rough terrain, and through tight situations.

On the downside, Polaris enthusiasts feel that the 14-inch wheel (specifically on the SP trims) is more prone to punctures due to its stiffer sidewall, which kind of offsets the racy look the larger cast-aluminum wheels give. Likewise, older 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570s with MacPherson struts without the dual A-arms felt lacking in spring motion control and led to wheel scrubbing.

For all models equipped with Electronic Power Steering, experienced riders would appreciate some tweaks in programming to make steering firmer and provide off-roaders a better feel of the terrain that they are traversing.

How Much Is a Sportsman 570?

Polaris Sportsman 570 prices for its 2014 models cost $6,499, while the Pursuit Camo finish costs $500 more. The EPS versions were at least $900 more than the base model. There is little variance in list price for older or newer model years of the Sportsman.

It is a different story for secondhand Polaris ATVs. The average retail price for 2014 models is from 2,990 to $3,935, while 2019 Polaris Sportsman 570s cost almost $2,000 more than its five-year-old sibling. Not a huge price jump considering the gap in the production year, but not as negligible as the unit’s MSRP.

Auction listings have their own price range too. The benefit of going this route when buying a pre-loved Sportsman is that quads often come with accessories like 54-inch plows, rear sanders, and rear storage.

Some even have upgraded tires and clear titles. These units have low mileage, are mostly in good working condition, and sell anywhere from $2,900 to $5,350. Interestingly, most of the ones sold are 2015 models.

Unfavorable Events

All-terrain vehicles have always been controversial for the public, especially those who are not into off-roading. A few Polaris Sportsman 570 reviews and articles reveal why we cannot blame this kind of groupthink.

2015 to 2016 may have been the most contentious two years for the Sportsman 570 and Polaris. During this time, piled-up complaints about EPS-triggered fires, product recalls, and reduced list prices adversely affected its reputation and sales.

An example is Matt Klebe, who almost got burned three months after buying his Sportsman ATV. The demise of Debbie Swan and Destiny Dixon was another severe case. Incidents like these were probably what prompted Polaris to do a voluntary recall of problematic units in 2017.

The company has long addressed the mechanical defects in its four-wheelers, but consumers remain cautious – and they have every right to. Polaris is not backing out anytime soon from proving skeptics wrong by producing reliable and safe recreational and sport off-road vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What oil does a Polaris Sportsman 570 take?  The manufacturer recommends two quarts of PS-4 5W-50 4-Cycle Engine Oil. For brakes, use DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
  • What size battery does a Polaris Sportsman 570 have? It has a 12V, 210-CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) battery with assembled dimensions of 5.20 x 3.50 x 6.40 inches (not including wire harness and mounting accessories). This battery has a long service life, is rechargeable, and can mount in any position.
  • Will a Polaris 570 fit in pickup bed? If you have a standard-size pickup bed – meaning 79 inches plus the 22-inch tailgate totaling 101 inches of space – then yes, it will. It even fits in a Nissan Frontier, which is probably the smallest pickup bed there is. Anything bigger than a Frontier may not even require you to have your tailgate down.
  • How fast does the Polaris 570 go? The 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 top speed is 63 mph. However, some have gone faster, such as 67 mph.
  • How much is a 2020 Polaris Sportsman 570? The base trim for a 2020 model is $6,899. It is more expensive depending on accessories and whether you choose an EFI-equipped or Pursuit Camo model.
  • Where is the Polaris Sportsman 570 made? The vehicle components are manufactured in Osceola, Wisconsin, and assembled in Roseau, Minnesota.

About Polaris

Polaris Inc. is an American manufacturer of ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and other electric vehicles, and is the maker of Polaris Sportsman 570.

The firm began in the ’50s when Edgar Hetteen thought of creating a vehicle that could travel through snow, which eventually materialized into the Polaris Sno Traveler in 1956. Since then, Polaris has produced reliable vehicles and has pioneered some of the key components being used by ATVs today.

Conclusion – The Polaris Sportsman 570

The Polaris Sportsman 570 is an excellent four-wheeler that offers so much more than its worth. It helped shape the current all-terrain vehicles that Polaris has in its showroom today.

It holds its value well in mint condition, is fun to customize, and can help you around the property and farm. Proper care and maintenance guarantees years of having a blast riding on wooded trails, slick tracks, and bumpy roads.

If you’re looking for an ATV that can be both a workhorse and a weekend warrior, then look no further than the sporty and snug Sportsman!