ATV Review: 2021 Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O.
Easy Only On The Budget
Whenever we review a Polaris Sportsman we like to remind the Sportsman line of ATVs is continually the number 1 selling brand of automatic 4×4. And in the case of the 450 H.O., it boasts the distinction of being the most popular of the Sportsman line. In short, this means there are a lot of 450 H.O.s out there on the trails and your ATV Connection editors were eager to dig into why this is.
We began the project by taking delivery of a 2021 Sportsman 450 H.O. EPS in Sage Green just as the weather in NY was going from late summer to the cool, crisp colors of fall. As a result of the transition in seasons, we were able to experience the machine in everything from dry all-day trails to mud and water crossings right on down to pushing it through snow and ice.
For 2021 Polaris offers the Sportsman 450 in two trims – the standard H.O. ($6,399) and the EPS edition (electronic power steering package, tested here, for $7,299).
All told, ours weighs in at 700 pounds, tracks a 48” wide footprint and boasts a 50.5” wheelbase.
Climb on Board
Climbing into the saddle of the 450 H.O. reveals a very nice cockpit layout with a comfortable seat, neutral reach to the bars and fully enclosed plastics. In fact, Polaris has done a remarkable job making all of the models of the Sportsman line feel similar from the cockpit perspective. Expect frequent peeks over at the side decals for assurance as to which displacement and package you’ve opted for during adventures.
Startup via the left bar-mounted button was always a non-affair (340 cold cranking amps battery) on even the coldest mornings (which here meant well below the freezing mark) and getting underway is simply a matter of selecting the desired gear on the right-side hand shift lever and applying thumb throttle at your own discretion.
Blast Off
How’s power and acceleration on the H.O.? Surprisingly competent. It’s smooth and quick and action – makes power linearly and feels just as at home on slow, technical terrain as it does blasting along at a good clip on a summer day. A good reason for this stems from that engine package hiding underneath the plastics – a fuel injected Prostar 4-Stroke SOHC 499cc single good for 33HP out of the box. While Polaris labels this a 450 and prices it accordingly; you are, by all facts and circumstances, getting a fuel injected, liquid cooled 500 at a discount. The H.O. (High Output) moniker here is not just marketing hyperbole.
The transmission is one-touch 2WD/ On-Demand AWD selectable and we had an opportunity to experience both configurations during our time with the machine. 2WD is adequate for nearly all dry conditions cruising needs and the savings in fuel consumption is noticeable. We switched over to the On-Demand AWD option when the conditions turned snowy and icy and couldn’t get the machine stuck in even the ugliest half-frozen ditches and creek crossings.
Climbing, too, proved more effortless than expected. Polaris has clearly tuned every one of its 33 ponies into finding traction with the 450 H.O. AWD is buttery smooth and, unlike some systems we’ve used in the past, wastes no time activating when a wheel slips. This is truly “set it & forget it” territory.
Handling
There’s no getting around it – 700 pounds is a lot of machine. The true testament to any brand’s engineering comes in how well they can centralize and distribute that mass so it’s not taking the rider along for a ride. How did Polaris do? Very well! The last Sportsman we tested was the 2019 850 SP which, not only had the EPS feature, it also positioned the massive twin-cylinder engine up front, below the tank. The 450 uses a more traditional engine mount design but gives up nothing in the handling department. If that doesn’t mean anything to you, let us present it another way – the 450 H.O. can be pushed to its absolute limits without losing its low speed stability. The suspension is good and stiff, absorbing terrain and staying level during off cambers extremely well.
11.5” of ground clearance means supreme confidence of not getting hung up in the ugly stuff yet never does the H.O. feel tippy or top-heavy.
This has been our second recent experience with Polaris’s EPS and it really needs to be experienced for full appreciation. Steering is light at the bars and even in slowest speed situations and you can be assured there will never be struggles with terrain feedback. This feature is always one of our favorites when it comes to snow riding – where stumps, roots and rocks are often hidden below the surface. With EPS, there are no surprises.
Braking
Another feature we got spoiled with when testing the 850 SP was the incredible engine braking system – something Polaris calls Active Descent Control – that really brought the big machine down from speed (or in smooth control on steep surfaces) in a hurry. The more budget-friendly 450 foregoes this feature but honestly, it wasn’t nearly as crucial as we expected. Good handling in stock trim coupled to very responsive braking (single lever 3-wheel hydraulic disc with hydraulic rear foot brake) all add up to an ATV that can be ridden hard without ever feeling out of control.
Plus, and we recommend this technique for any non engine braking equipped machine out there; remember that on steep descents, blipping the throttle will engage the automatic transmission and apply engine braking either way. The 450 was very compliant in this regard.
Work
Our time with the 450 was such that we didn’t get to do much towing or snow pushing but with a 1,350 pound towing capacity 1.25” receiver hitch out back, we had ample confidence that it would be up to the task.
Additional perks include a big dry storage trunk in the front (5 gallon capacity) and 90 pound capacity front rack/ 180 pound rear.
Conclusion
Your ATV Connection editors weren’t sure what to expect coming into this review. We’ve spent a lot of time in the saddle of Polaris’s absolute upper echelon machinery prior and weren’t sure if we could transition effortlessly to the most budget-friendly model on the Sportsman line. We came away very pleasantly surprised. Not only does the 450 H.O. perform well, it handles well, looks great and won’t break the bank.
The only complaints we noted on the test riders’ reports were the same issues we’ve seen on every single Sportsman model we’ve ever reviewed: Obtrusive gear select lever and a bit of a vague feeling making it tricky to determine which gear is selected.
Minor complaints, though, given that our unit spent 3 solid months being ridden hard, pushed through nasty conditions and never gave an ounce of complaint.
The fact that a unit identical to ours could be had for $7,299 is an immediate reminder that there are good days to be an ATV enthusiast.
Engine & Drivetrain
Cooling Liquid
Cylinders Displacement 499cc
Drive System Type One Touch On-Demand AWD/2WD
Engine TypeProstar 4-Stroke SOHC Single Cylinder
Fuel System/Battery Electronic Fuel Injection / 340 CCA
Horsepower 33 HP
Transmission/Final Drive Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H In-line Shifting
Dimensions
Estimated Dry Weight 700 lbs. (317.5 kg)
Front/Rear Rack 90 lb /180 lb (40.8 kg /81.6 kg)
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal (17.0 L)
Ground Clearance 11.5 in (29 cm)
Overall Vehicle Size (L x W x H) 83 x 48 x 47 in (210.8 x 121.9 x 119.4 cm)
Payload Capacity 485 lb (220 kg)
Person Capacity 1
Seat Height 33.25 in (84.5 cm)
Wheelbase 50.5 in (128.3 cm)
Braking
Front/Rear Brakes Single Lever 3-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Hydraulic Rear Foot Brake
Parking BrakePark In- Transmission / Lockable Hand Lever
Additional Specifications
Cargo System Lock & Ride Compatible 5 Gal (18.9L) Front Dry Storage
Hitch Towing Rating 1,350 lb (612 kg)
Hitch Type Standard 1.25 in (3.2 cm) Receiver
Instrumentation All Digital Gauge, Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Two Tripmeters, Hour Meter, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, AWD Indicator, Volt Meter, Coolant Temperature, Hi-Temp Light
Lighting Halogen Pod & Bumper Lights, Triple 50w High Beams, Dual 50w Low Beams, Single LED Brake Light/Taillight
Other Standard Features
Front Rack Extender, 12 Volt Power Plug, Pre-Wired for Hand & Thumb Warmers, In Pod Battery Charger, Winch Mount Included
Front Suspension Sealed MacPherson Strut With 8.2 in (20.8 cm) Travel
Rear Suspension Sealed Dual A-Arm, IRS 9.5 in (24.1 cm) Travel
Tires / Wheels
Front Tires 25×8-12 P373; 6 PLY
Rear Tires 25×10-12 P373; 6 PLY
Wheels Steel
MSRP
$7,299
