New to Xpedition (maybe)

Expedition1 · Jul 23, 2026

New here, never had an expedition but looking at one currently, hoping to get some real info.

Currently have a 2024 Maverick x3 and I have alot done to it, love the performance, speed and handling. Something i know the expedition 5 seater will not be able to touch. Looking a for a bit more storage and comfort for longer multi-day rides but don't want to suffer from being underpowered.

We just came nack from a 6 day trip, myself in X3 and wife, 2 more in a can am defender hd11 lonestar and 2 more in a kawasaki ridge hvac xr limited, mine is a 2 seater and theirs were 5. There were hills they couldn't climb, sand hills in 4 hi they couldn't make. I could easily make them in 2 hi. It seems like a 5 seater hvac machines are underpowered. Im considering 32"s and a turbo/clutch kit but at the 10grand price tag it doesn't seem worth it on a n already 60K machine. Im in Canada.

Also looking at the cab noise in the 2026 models, has it gotten better. Both kawasaki and can am are very quiet. Do these rattle and clunk alot? The reason I looked at the expedition is the seating position, I can't sit upright and these seats are better than the others and I can also modify the position a bit.

johndeerefarmer · Jul 23, 2026

Xpedition in low gear has plenty of power as it's geared really low. Polaris has had their quiet clutch out for several years. I would put an Aftermarket Assassins cruiser clutch kit with the butter smooth washers on it instead. You can tweak the weights to suit your noise and or power level
The only clunking on mine is the driveshaft. Keep it greased at the slip joint and you are good to go

These are NOT designed for high speed stuff. If you plan on running fast in the dunes, then save your money and wait for a Turbo S or Pro XP with a full cab. Polaris has a patent on this from several years ago. In two weeks they are introducing new models and maybe that will be it.

Expedition1 · Jul 23, 2026

I know they aren't meant for high speed, but im not as concerned about high speed but being able to climb certain hills. Im on the east coat of Canada so im not running high speed dunes but tjete are lots of fast roads and alot of beach running with some.larger sand hills to climb that are part of the trail systems. Keeping RPM up and wheel speed is important for that stuff, as well as muddy hills. I am waiting until the 27's are released but I also need to stay around the 64" wide mark as well.

My x3 isn't quiet my any means but I does have the fun factor and I have it enclosed woth can am doors, bent metal windshield with wiper and sprayer, inferno heater and lots more. Still doesn't give me storage though. I wish they made a hybrid between these big 5 seaters and something with performance.

Expedition1 · Jul 27, 2026

I've also read about bad steering racks and poor braking, steering is a high dollar item to keep throwing at these at approx 3 grand a pop not counting labor.

El Chorizo · Jul 28, 2026

Welcome to the forum @Expedition1 -- glad to have you aboard!

JTBarlow · Jul 29, 2026

There are options if you want an Xpedition AND the ability to have a little more fun. Packard Performance has a supercharger kit for the Xpedition, and we watched it out run a stock X3 in the sand. I don’t have any personal experience with the kit other than seeing that. There’s also the AA turbo kit. A turbo will quiet the machine down a little, whereas the supercharger won’t.

Every machine of every brand has their own particular issues. If you consider that there’s only a few dozen reporting, out of the Tens of thousands sold, they’re not really that problematic. Except to the people it happens to.

I’d say brakes on the Xpedition is the one real area where there’s reasonable concern. It affects all xpeditions. It’s not a complete deal breaker. I have around 4000 miles on my Xpedition, with at least a third of that pulling a 1500# camp trailer, and still with the OEM brakes. With a little seat time one learns to drive accordingly. And even at that, there’s options. SDI has a big brake rotor kit that can improve braking. TPR has their Big Brake Kit that replaces the master cylinder and front calipers, but at a bunch more cost, and limited supply, so it may take a while to get.

Overall, I’m a huge fan of the Xpedition. It’s comfortable, a little sporty, and has a decent amount of cargo capacity.

Expedition1 · Jul 29, 2026

I get that alot of issues are blown out of proportion and you only read about the bad ones. I can wade through alot of that. The noise is one thing that I don't want to deal with if I go this route. My X3 is loud, but it also has that "wow factor" I guess with power and great handling so the noise is kind of to be expected withbthat design, same as the RZR. If I was to spend big money on an enclosed cab id want to be able to speak to my passenger.

I am really hoping for a power increase in the 27's, I know about the aftermarket turbos etc, but id weather not have that cash on a new machine and instantly lose warranty.

JTBarlow · Jul 29, 2026

The noise levels are definitely pretty high in the Xpeditions. It can be mitigated to varying degrees depending on how much a person wants to do, and how they want it to perform.

I’ve done a post on here showing our process for sound dampening and insulation. It’s a very labor-intensive process, but typical results are a 7-9db noise reduction while still tuning and clutching for performance.

Expedition1 · Jul 31, 2026

I'd like to be able to have a conversation with my passenger, right now in my X3 we have to scream at each other but its a whole different animal. I don't want to have to tear it apart and pay thousands to be abke to have a conversation but its something I can look into doing myself possibly.
Honestly im more concerned about the lack of power and the reliability.

Expedition1 · Jul 31, 2026

Im very familiar with polaris atv's, had a few and replaced all the known issues up front, for much cheaper than the expedition issues would cost, and easier. Nothing against polaris but it seems like their quality isn't up to the same level as the other manufacturers when i comes to their SXS line.

JTBarlow · Monday at 7:08 PM

Well. Here’s Polaris’ answer…

https://www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road/polaris-xpedition/models/xpedition-xp/

This should be an interesting one. I still don’t think simply lowering the rpms will fix all the noise issues. But I see how this Numatix CVT could be a big improvement.

johndeerefarmer · Monday at 7:28 PM

JTBarlow said:
Well. Here’s Polaris’ answer…

https://www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road/polaris-xpedition/models/xpedition-xp/

This should be an interesting one. I still don’t think simply lowering the rpms will fix all the noise issues. But I see how this Numatix CVT could be a big improvement.

I'll keep my 2024 model. We are happy with long travel and the AA clutch .
I wouldn't consider another one unless it was long travel and turboed from the factory and quiet!!

JTBarlow · Monday at 8:44 PM

johndeerefarmer said:
I'll keep my 2024 model. We are happy with long travel and the AA clutch .
I wouldn't consider another one unless it was long travel and turboed from the factory and quiet!!

Yeah. I’d definitely be interested in a factory turbo Xpedition

Expedition1 · Wednesday at 6:01 PM

Looks like ill be sticking with my X3 for a but longer. No extra power, bad brakes and a new clutch that adds unnecessary complexity and its unproven. Still want one but wont be getting one this year.