DIRTHAMMER SAYS

Not everyone wants a huge, 200-plus horsepower desert shredder as their one and only side-by-side. Unless you're committed to going full chat all the time, those rigs can be a little much. And, not for nothing, if you have a passenger who is new to side-by-sides, they can be properly scary.

Enter, the 2020 Polaris RZR S1000. Here's a 65-inch wide, 100-horsepower, two-seat sport machine that can be as fast playful as you want or as docile as you need. It's super capable and quick on the trail, and will put a smile on your face when you nail the gas.

With a 999cc, 100-horsepower Polaris ProStar parallel twin backed up by Polaris' excellent PVT automatic. That's backed up with the High Performance True OnDemand AWD/2WD transfer case. There are more advanced drivetrains out there, but few are as dependable, playful, and versatile. This RZR S 1000 also came from the factory with electric power steering, which makes navigating tight, rocky trails a nonissue.

This RZR has been well taken care of, nicely upgraded, and driven sparingly over its six years. Check out the full mod list below, but it includes 14-inch Fuel wheels, front and rear bumpers, a winch, front and rear windscreens, fender flares, and rock sliders. The seller also added a metal roof to keep the weather and dust at bay. Maybe our favorite mod is the aftermarket cab heater, which makes cold mornings or winter trail sessions a nonissue.

We think this little rig has a lot to offer, with low miles, choice upgrades, and an approachable engine and chassis, especially with the EPS option. It's small and light enough to tow behind a crossover, but it will go almost anywhere the big sport rigs will.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 747 Miles