Mike H, we each have our opinions on this and I think there probably is not an answer to which is "better" between the Gator and the Ranger in its purest sense. I will say that I have had both brands within the past three years and the considered top model at the time from each. For durability, quality of build, and heavy work there is no question the Gator XUV is the better machine. I have an 825I and it is simply much stronger for working than my prior Ranger 800 EPS LE. It is larger and weighs a lot more, and has much heavier components but has better acceleration and similar top end performance to the Ranger. Doing the same tasks I have done before the Gator is the better machine--one reason I went this direction (because it does well what I need to do). The Polaris, however, is simply a pleasure to drive. Unless one is testing the work limits of the Ranger it is nearly the equal of the Gator. I personally think one area where Polaris is much better is in the ergonomics of the cab and another the quality of the accessories. Both of these areas favor the Ranger, but their accessories are generally a bit more expensive than those of the Gator. The little things also, such as the larger fuel tank (a 5.3 gallon tank on the 825I, which uses about 1-1.5 gallons per hour--really?) better bench seat and more storage space also are better on the Ranger. As I have said in prior postings, were I to buy something to drive around between a top end Ranger and an 825I or 855D gator, I would choose the Polaris, especially if I was not pushing the weight/load limits of its capability or doing a fair amount of recreational duty. Instead, I chose the Gator because I mostly work my UTV but need power and some speed to get my work done efficiently. I also cannot have my equipment down when I use it and I have found the Gator to be more strongly made (though I never had really any major service issues with my Ranger) and I suspect it will perform more consistently over the long haul and has good John Deere support as well. I would choose a Ranger over a XUV 625I any day and perhaps over an 855D also, but would not choose one over an 825I. Perhaps the machine you saw in comparison was the 625I, which really cannot compete with the Polaris product in performance. Though but one person's opinion, it is the opinion of one who has owned and operated both and has a good relationship with both brand dealers that I form it. This said, I have not used the new 900 Ranger. I am intrigued by it, not because of the larger engine, but rather due to Polaris' evolution of the product and the improved design of the frame and suspension. I believe in no small part the has been driven by the competition within the market, primarily from JD, but am happy to see that Polaris is acting to improve suspect aspects of an otherwise solid machine. This may have equalized things a bit.
John M
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