For 2027, Polaris is focusing on improving one of the few areas where CVT-equipped side-by-sides have traditionally faced criticism: cabin noise. Rather than redesigning the XPEDITION from the ground up, the company has developed an all-new transmission system intended to make long days on the trail quieter and more comfortable.
Called NUMATIX, the new pneumatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) is being introduced as an industry first and was engineered entirely by Polaris. If it performs as advertised, it could represent one of the most significant drivetrain advancements seen in the side-by-side market in recent years.
Built Around Rider Feedback
Since its debut, the XPEDITION has earned a reputation for combining sport side-by-side capability with the comfort of a fully enclosed cab featuring heating and air conditioning. It’s a machine designed for riders who spend entire days exploring trails, working on their property or venturing deep into the backcountry.
According to Polaris, those same riders consistently asked for one thing: less drivetrain noise during long rides.
NUMATIX is the company’s answer.
Unlike a conventional CVT, the new system uses air pressure to regulate the primary clutch. That allows engine speed to drop whenever full power isn’t required, reducing noise without affecting acceleration or the vehicle’s ability to tackle demanding terrain.
Polaris says the result is a cabin that’s up to 40 percent quieter than before.
More Than Just a Quieter Ride
While lower noise levels are the headline feature, NUMATIX was designed to improve the overall driving experience.
The transmission continuously monitors operating conditions and can make adjustments up to 200 times per second based on throttle input, engine load and terrain. Polaris says that translates into smoother acceleration, improved belt grip, more consistent clutch engagement and increased durability when towing, climbing steep grades or crawling through technical sections.
For riders who regularly push their machines in demanding conditions, those improvements may prove just as valuable as the quieter ride itself.
Drive Modes Tailored to the Trail
The XPEDITION also receives updated drive modes for 2027.
Comfort mode is calibrated for relaxed cruising and reduced noise, Standard mode strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, while Sport mode sharpens throttle response when quicker acceleration is desired.
The idea is simple: let drivers choose how the vehicle behaves instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all setup.
A Practical Feature for Backcountry Adventures
Another addition likely to appeal to adventure riders is the integrated onboard air system.
Instead of packing a separate portable compressor, owners can inflate tires, blow dust and debris off equipment or operate compatible pneumatic accessories directly from the vehicle.
Polaris will also offer dedicated accessories, including a 25-foot air hose and a four-gallon pressurized water tank designed for trail and campsite use.
They’re not headline-grabbing features, but they’re the kind of practical additions that can make life easier during multi-day trips.
Refinements Continue
Polaris also updated the shifting mechanism for 2027, making gear selection smoother and requiring less effort. While not as visible as the new transmission, it’s another refinement aimed at improving day-to-day usability.
Availability
The 2027 Polaris XPEDITION will be available exclusively in NorthStar trim, with both two-passenger and five-passenger configurations offered in XP and ADV models.
Pricing starts at US$40,499, with deliveries expected to begin at North American dealerships in August 2026.
NorthStar models will also receive a two-year limited factory warranty, while the rest of the Polaris Off Road lineup continues with a one-year limited warranty.
What We Think
NUMATIX isn’t simply another feature added to the XPEDITION’s equipment list. It addresses a characteristic of CVT-equipped vehicles that many riders have accepted for years: drivetrain noise.
Whether the new transmission delivers on Polaris’ claims will ultimately be determined during real-world testing. If it performs as promised, however, the 2027 XPEDITION won’t just be quieter—it could influence how future CVT systems are developed across the side-by-side industry.
