John Deere Gator XUV Polaris Ranger RZR 900
This is my in-depth comparison review of the Peg Perego John Deere Gator XUV and Polaris Ranger RZR 900 Ride On Vehicles for kids.
At first glance, there are some obvious similarities in the way these vehicles look, both in terms of their general shape and functionality. Looks can, however, be deceptive and there are some subtle and some not so subtle differences between these ride on toys that aren’t immediately obvious by just looking at pictures of them.
So, what exactly are the most important similarities and differences between the Gator XUV and the Polaris Ranger RZR 900 vehicles? Which one is best suited to your child?
John Deere Gator XUV vs Polaris Ranger RZR 900 – Similarities
Both vehicles are powered by a single rechargeable 12 Volt battery (included with charger), can carry a single passenger, and are designed to be used by kids on a variety of different terrains, including grass and dirt.
A fully charged battery will last between about 1 to 3 hours, depending upon how the vehicles are used.
But, what are the other important similarities?
1. Top Speed, Gears & Brake
Okay, technically, neither vehicle uses gears in the strict sense of the word, they they do both have 2 forward speed settings in addition to an ability to reverse. There is a stick between the seats to control the speed settings.
The 2 different forwards speed options means that these vehicles fall somewhere between the very simple “go/stop” models that are generally designed for younger kids aged between about 1 and 3 years, and the more sophisticated vehicles that come with true variable throttles and which are intended for use by older kids and teenagers.
If your child has previously owned one of the “go/stop” models, one thing that you will be very pleased to see on the specification lists for the Gator XUV and the Polaris Ranger RZR 900 is a reverse gear. The vehicles designed for younger kids almost never have a reverse gear, which means that unless you have a very large area for them to ride in, you will be forever having to turn them around when they end up trapped in a corner or against a wall!
If your child drives into a corner on one of these machines, they can simply reverse out and carry on themselves.
The top speeds are identical, and are as follows:
- Gator XUV: 2.5 mph / 5 mph
- Polaris Ranger RZR 900: 2.5 mph / 5 mph
Both machines have an optional lockout function for beginners, which is set at 5 mph.
The brakes are automatic so your child does not need to worry about co-ordinating taking their foot off the accelerator pedal and then applying a separate brake pedal. Once they release the gas pedal, the automatic brake kick in an stops the vehicle for them.
2. Adjustable Bucket Seats & Large Cargo/Dump bed
In order to accommodate your growing child and to ensure that they can continue to enjoy a comfortable and safe riding position (with easy access to the throttle and braking systems), both machines come with adjustable bucket seats. (See below for the recommended age ranges for these vehicle, as they are not the same for both)
In my experience, one of the things that kids love to do with these types of battery-powered ride ons is to carry things around from one place to another. Often the storage spaces are pretty small and can only carry a couple of stuffed animals or a few small items. The great thing about both the Gator XUV and the RZR 900 is that they have very large cargo/dump beds that can be used to transport larger items than other similar vehicles.
One of the main differences between these machines is that whilst the Gator XUV comes with a functioning dump bed (and tailgate) that can be used to … well … dump stuff onto the ground, the RZR 900 does not. The RZR 900’s cargo bed is simply used to carry stuff and cannot dump it anywhere.
3. Driver Age Ranges & Weight Limits
Both vehicles come with the same recommended driver age ranges and maximum weight limits.
Please bear in mind that these driver age ranges are those recommended by the manufacturer. Kids mature at different rates and you will have to make your own personal judgment about whether or not your child to drive one of these safely. Bear in mind that the top speeds are not very high, and so the dangers are pretty limited.
The driver maximum weight limits, however, are not just a guide. They must be adhered to in order to ensure the safety of your child and the longevity of the product. Misuse will also probably invalidate the warranty.
The Recommended age ranges are:
- Gator XUV: 3 to 8 years of age
- Polaris Ranger RZR 900: 3 to 8 years of age
4. All-Terrain Wheels / Tires
Although the treads look slightly different, both machines are fitted with super traction wheels that are suitable for use on grass, dirt, gravel and hard surfaces. They will work in a little mud, but you need to be sensible and they will probably struggle on a very heavy muddy surface due to their limited power outputs.
The tires are made of hard plastic. On the one hand this means that you don’t have to worry about flat tires but, on the other hand, they are not as smooth and efficient as rubber pneumatic tires.
John Deere Gator XUV vs Polaris Ranger RZR 900 – Differences
Aside from the functionality of the dump bed/cargo beds on these vehicles that I have already mentioned, and the fact that one is an XUV whilst the other is a Ranger vehicle, the other important differences are as follows.
1. Styling Options
The Gator XUV just comes in a single styling option of green, yellow and black.
The Polaris Ranger RZR 900 come in a variety of styling options.
John Deere Gator XUV vs Polaris Ranger RZR 900 – Videos
Here are some videos of the Gator XUV and Polaris Ranger RZR 900 vehicles in action …
John Deere Gator XUV vs Polaris Ranger RZR 900 – Verdict
Both of these vehicles are fun to ride.
Apart from the styling and the dump wagon on the Gator SUV, there isn’t really much to tell them apart in terms of functionality. It really comes down to whether your child prefers the look of one over the other and whether or not they want to be able to dump cargo onto the ground or not.
There is some building to do when you open the box, and quite a lot of stickers and decals to put on. Some people might think that this would be chore but most kids (including my own) just love to build their machines prior to using them, rather than have them ready assembled. It is all part of the fun when they feel like they are building a vehicle from scratch!
Read User Reviews of Gator XUV
Leave a Comment
I would love to hear from anyone that has anything constructive to say about my Peg Perego John Deere Gator XUV vs Peg Perego Polaris Ranger RZR 900 Comparison Review.
Have you or your child ever ridden one of these machines? What did you think of it?
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