Mahindra Roxor, Polaris Ranger and Honda Pioneer off/road test

[ArlyA]

Here is a video of folks comparing the Mahindra Roxor, Polaris Ranger and the Honda Pioneer. The Mahindra Roxor is built to compete with Jeep like vehicles.

Epic Off-Road Smackdown: Can the Classic Mahindra Roxor Beat the Polaris Ranger and Honda Pioneer? - YouTube

 

[TotalNoob]

Fun video to watch. I like how he broke it down. I'm not really in the market for something like that but I'll check out his other videos.

 

[cathy liebchen]

Fun video to watch. I like how he broke it down. I'm not really in the market for something like that but I'll check out his other videos.

Looks like a really primitive vehicle, maybe good for a third world buyer.

 

[deserteagle71]

Looks like a really primitive vehicle, maybe good for a third world buyer.

It IS a very primitive vehicle.

I've been looking at the Honda Pioneer 1000 and Polaris Ranger XP1000 myself. I have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that beats me to death after a long day on rough roads and I want something that rides a lot smoother. Found a dealer in Carson City that sold all three - there was a Roxor sitting on display also. It reminded me of the 1948 Jeep my dad used to own. All steel inside (no rubber mats or carpet) and only a speedometer in the dash as instrumentation. Manual transmission and a lever on the floor for the 4 wheel drive and transfer case. I'd say the Roxor is geared towards being a work vehicle on a ranch or farm and not for recreational riding. The Honda Pioneer is a lot nicer than the Roxor...but the Polaris Ranger Northstar Edition is a Cadillac compared to both. Now if I could only figure out a way to make it street legal....

 

[ArlyA]

Yes the Mahindra Roxor is primitive but not far off from that many UTV's are. Personally, I'll stick with a UTV....

 

[shooterdon]

I sold two Polaris UTV’s and bought a used 2010 Jeep JK for under $17k. No comparison IMHO. Far greater reliability....ever see a UTV go 50k mikes.... I have wipers/washers, heater, A/C, full cab all standard.

And the added benefit of being able to use it as a second vehicle and carry four passengers.

BTW, even one of the partners at the Polaris dealer told me he was looking at getting a used Jeep instead of buying his own product.

Jeep is worried the Roxor can be eventually be made street legal and compete with them. I think that is unlikely but it woukd be good for consumers.

 

[deserteagle71]

I sold two Polaris UTV’s and bought a used 2010 Jeep JK for under $17k. No comparison IMHO. Far greater reliability....ever see a UTV go 50k mikes.... I have wipers/washers, heater, A/C, full cab all standard.

And the added benefit of being able to use it as a second vehicle and carry four passengers.

BTW, even one of the partners at the Polaris dealer told me he was looking at getting a used Jeep instead of buying his own product.

Jeep is worried the Roxor can be eventually be made street legal and compete with them. I think that is unlikely but it woukd be good for consumers.

I've owned Jeep Wranglers for more years than I care to remember. They certainly have their advantages. But the one big advantage something like the Polaris Ranger or the Honda Pioneer has over the Jeep is the soft ride. Soft balloon tires and soft independent suspension on all four corners. As I stated in my post above, a day on rough dirt roads in my Rubicon is TOUGH on the old body. Look at that video in the link above and watch how the Roxor tosses about on the trail whereas the Polaris or Honda just float over the rocks. As far as heat/ac/full cab/wipers - check out the Polaris Northstar edition. It has ALL those. The crew version can haul 6 people. But it is not street legal.

 

[shooterdon]

I've owned Jeep Wranglers for more years than I care to remember. They certainly have their advantages. But the one big advantage something like the Polaris Ranger or the Honda Pioneer has over the Jeep is the soft ride. Soft balloon tires and soft independent suspension on all four corners. As I stated in my post above, a day on rough dirt roads in my Rubicon is TOUGH on the old body. Look at that video in the link above and watch how the Roxor tosses about on the trail whereas the Polaris or Honda just float over the rocks. As far as heat/ac/full cab/wipers - check out the Polaris Northstar edition. It has ALL those. The crew version can haul 6 people. But it is not street legal.

I did not view the video as I have limited internet. I can understand your point and if driving fast and for long hours on really bad roads is the main way the vehicle will be used that needs to be considered. BTW, I am old too LOL. We do not drive fast and we ride old two tracks and logging roads when going off road. We are never in a hurry and slow down for the rough spots.

I really enjoyed the SxS's but unless you spend over $20k they are not even close to the comfort of a used Jeep. Our roads are extremely dusty, so if travelling with others, a cab and A/C is almost a necessity. I know...that is not "roughing it" but it is how we ride.

One of my buddies spent over $24k on a Polaris 1000 with a plow last fall. He lives just outside Grand Rapids MI on less than 10 acres and after riding in my Jeep he regrets his purchase. I can put a plow on my Jeep and still be $3k less than he is and he does not have A/C. He is 5 years younger than me but still an old fart compared to most riders. So age may factor into the decision as well.

Just offering a different perspective. Buyers need to evaluate what they want and what they need...not always the same thing. Like you, I have owned both and think the Jeep is a better choice for me. Hope that by sharing my rationale it helps others. But you made great points too.