Performance Testing the RZR Pro XP*

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AMSOIL ATV/UTV ProductsAMSOIL Racing ProductsAMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 100% Synthetic Gear Lube
David Hilgendorf
by David Hilgendorf
April 23, 2025

We love to do rigorous performance testing here at AMSOIL. We run machines in real-world scenarios, just like an owner would, then we put it on the dyno and turn up the intensity.

We recently put a turbocharged Polaris RZR Pro XP through its paces, measuring things like coolant and transmission temperature and oil temperature at max throttle and boost pressure. Then we took the data collected in field testing and pushed that performance testing up to 15% higher in our mechanical lab.

After testing AMSOIL 0W-50 Synthetic ATV/UTV Motor Oil for the recommended oil drain interval of 50 hours, we tore down the engine and transmission. The bearings are excellent indicators if the oil is doing its job. If there’s wear in a turbo application, you’ll see it on the upper shell of the rod bearing, caused by increased pressure from the turbo. The cams, lifters, bearing journals, pistons, valves and cylinders were in like-new condition, with no abnormal wear, staining or leaking.

We also analyze the oil every 10 hours throughout testing to measure any viscosity changes, oxidation, nitration, fuel buildup and other indicators that the oil is not doing its job. All test results were positive, with plenty of reserve oil capacity to continue protecting the engine even longer. We also found no metal particles across the entire 50-hour test interval, indicating that no metal parts touched, which is the oil’s primary job.

The RZR Pro XP also has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a gearbox to transfer power to the wheels. We did a full teardown on the transmission and gearbox and found the same results, no wear metals and minimal viscosity loss, indicating that the oil easily managed the extremes of this high-performance, turbocharged UTV engine. See for yourself in the following video.

“We simply put in stronger AMSOIL lubricants.”

At AMSOIL, we understand how machines work and how to build oil. So, it’s not surprising  when we see clean cylinders after testing. That means we’re keeping the oil in the cylinder and that everything is correctly lubricated and sealed. A well-lubricated engine retains its full power through the engine’s entire life, while low-quality oil will both reduce performance and cause engine wear over time.

But why stop there? The RZR Pro XP turbo comes from the factory with excellent performance, so we took it to the next level. To improve handling and put maximum power to the ground, we chose to upgrade it the same way an owner is likely to, including engine and turbo mods, clutch work, electronics and suspension upgrades, plus a branded wrap, of course.

The accessories added weight and rotating mass, with bigger 32-inch wheels and tires, a roof, windshield, bumper and other mods, but what it really did was add stress. Modifying your machine increases stress and wear on the components that makes the lubricants work extremely hard. But we didn’t make the transmission or differential stronger, we simply put in stronger AMSOIL lubricants.

Most consumers will grab oil off the shelf without asking, “what does it do?” We test AMSOIL products thoroughly to ensure they will protect your equipment, no matter what you drive, or how hard you drive it. You don’t want to break your machine and miss the fun, so when you upgrade your ride, make sure it’s protected by AMSOIL.

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by David Hilgendorf

AMSOIL Technical Writer and 20-year veteran of the motorcycle industry. Enjoys tearing things apart to figure out how they work. If it can’t be repaired, it’s not worth owning.

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