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Best Tires for the Polaris Ranger

Buyer guide · 4 min read

Best Tires for the Polaris Ranger

By the Rims & Tires Team

Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-24

The Polaris Ranger is the most popular utility side-by-side in the US — used on farms, hunting land, construction sites, and recreational trails across West Georgia. Ranger tires differ from ATV and passenger vehicle tires in their specific UTV sizing (listed in inches rather than metric) and their load ratings appropriate for a 1,000-to-2,000-lb vehicle with cargo capacity.

Polaris Ranger Tire Sizes by Model

Polaris Ranger 500 and 570 (mid-size): stock tires are 25x8-12 front and 25x10-12 rear. 12-inch wheels are standard on the mid-size Ranger.

Polaris Ranger XP 1000 (full-size): stock tires are 27x9-12 front and 27x11-12 rear on 12-inch wheels, with premium and NorthStar packages riding on 14-inch wheels (27x9-14 / 27x11-14).

Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000: same 27-inch front and rear tire sizing as the two-seat XP 1000 — the crew cab does not change tire sizing.

UTV tire sizing reads: height x width - rim diameter (all in inches). 27x11-12 is a 27-inch tall, 11-inch wide tire on a 12-inch rim.

Best UTV Tires for the Polaris Ranger

Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 in 27x9-14 / 27x11-14: one of the most popular all-terrain UTV tires for Ranger owners in the Southeast. Aggressive lug design handles Georgia clay and trail conditions well without sacrificing too much smooth-terrain performance.

ITP Mud Lite XL in 27x9-14 / 27x11-14: a classic mud-focused UTV tire — self-cleaning in deep mud, widely available, and a proven choice for Ranger owners who use the vehicle in wet, muddy conditions.

GBC Dirt Commander in 27x11-14: aggressive mud-terrain UTV tire appropriate for technical trail riding and hunting-land mud. Strong side-wall construction resists stumps and debris.

Carlisle AT489 in 25x10-12 (mid-size Ranger): an all-terrain budget option for mid-size Rangers used primarily on farm roads and light trails.

Frequently asked

What size tires does the Polaris Ranger use?

Mid-size (500/570): 25x8-12 front and 25x10-12 rear. Full-size XP 1000: 27x9-12 front and 27x11-12 rear on standard 12-inch wheels (27x9-14 / 27x11-14 on 14-inch premium packages). Verify with your owner's manual.

Can I put bigger tires on my Polaris Ranger?

Yes — most full-size Rangers can fit 28-inch or 29-inch tires with no lift. Going to 30-inch or larger typically requires a 2-inch lift kit to prevent rubbing. More aggressive tires may also require a clutch kit adjustment to maintain proper belt engagement.

What are the best tires for Polaris Ranger in Georgia clay?

ITP Mud Lite XL or GBC Dirt Commander for deep mud and clay. Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 for a balance of trail and farm use. Georgia red clay packs into mild A/T tires quickly — a more aggressive lug pattern self-cleans better.

How do I know when my Ranger needs new tires?

On a UTV you are watching the lugs more than a tread bar: when they round off or chunk out, you lose the bite that makes the machine useful in mud and on hills. Cuts and sidewall damage from stumps and rocks are common reasons to replace early. If it is sliding where it used to climb, the tires are worn.

Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.

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