Overview
Most utility ATVs in the $11,000 price range focus on providing a dependable workhorse with enough comfort for long days in the field, and the 2013 Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 HO EPS fits that mold perfectly. It’s built for riders who want a machine that can handle tough chores but also offers a smooth ride for recreational adventures. Its primary purpose leans toward trail riding, light hauling, and outdoor exploration, with a focus on comfort and control for extended use.
This model packs an 850cc twin-cylinder engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection, giving it enough punch to tackle rugged terrain while maintaining good efficiency. The CVT transmission with selectable 4X2 and 4X4 drive modes makes it adaptable for various trail conditions and work scenarios. The machine’s suspension setup includes independent double A-arms at both ends, offering 9 inches of travel in the front and 10 inches in the rear-just enough to soak up rough terrain without sacrificing stability.
Designed with larger riders in mind, the Sportsman Touring 850 boasts broad tires that grip well on dirt and gravel, and a spacious footprint that emphasizes comfort during long rides. Its dimensions, including an 11.3-inch ground clearance and a wheelbase of 57 inches, help it navigate obstacles confidently without feeling bulky. Whichever way you look at it, this ATV is aimed at riders who want a dependable, easy-to-handle machine that blends work and play. What makes this model stand out in the segment is its balanced mix of power and comfort, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts who demand more than just basic utility from their ATV.
Performance & Powertrain
With 850cc of displacement, the engine on this ATV packs enough punch to handle a variety of tasks, from trail riding to hauling gear across rugged terrain. It’s a parallel twin configuration, which means it offers a smooth power delivery and a balanced feel, making it enjoyable for both casual riders and those who push their machines harder. The liquid cooling system keeps temperatures in check even during extended runs, ensuring consistent performance without overheating worries.
The fuel injected system provides precise throttle response and helps optimize fuel efficiency, especially important when you’re out on long rides or working through tough conditions. The engine’s power comes on in a linear fashion, giving you confidence when climbing hills or accelerating out of tight spots. Compared to other engines in the utility class, the 850cc setup delivers a healthy mix of torque and top-end power, making it suitable for pulling or carrying heavier loads without feeling underpowered.
Shifting comes via a continuously variable transmission, which eliminates the need for manual gear changes and keeps power delivery smooth and predictable. You can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes easily, depending on whether you’re tackling slick mud or firm trail. This drive system makes the machine adaptable on different terrains, giving you the grip and control you need without fussing over complex shifting patterns. Whether you’re hauling supplies, towing a trailer, or just enjoying a day of trail fun, this powertrain makes every mile feel responsive and engaging.
Suspension & Handling
Working a full day on rough trail rides and hauling gear across uneven terrain puts the suspension system to the test, but the 2013 Polaris Sportsman® Touring 850 HO EPS manages to keep things smooth and controlled. Its independent double A-arm front suspension offers 9 inches of travel, which is enough to soak up big rocks, roots, and chatter on the trail, keeping the tires planted and rider comfort high. Out back, the rear suspension provides a full 10 inches of travel, giving you extra cushion over larger obstacles and helping maintain traction on loose or uneven surfaces.
The use of hydraulic disc brakes both front and rear ensures confident stopping power, whether you’re descending steep hills or making quick stops on a tight trail. These brakes respond quickly and deliver solid modulation, which is essential when navigating tricky terrain or towing gear. The braking setup pairs well with the suspension, allowing you to maintain control without feeling overwhelmed by terrain changes or sudden obstacles.
The tires on this machine are designed to handle a variety of terrain as well. The Maxxis 26 X 8-14 front tires are wide enough to grip loose gravel or packed dirt, providing stability and good steering feedback. Out back, the Maxxis 26 X 10-14 tires offer additional grip and flotation on soft ground or mud, helping you keep momentum without sinking in. This tire combo offers a balance between off-road traction and on-trail responsiveness, making the Sportsman 850 a purpose-built workhorse or adventure partner across different types of terrain.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
With a length of 7.21 feet and a width of 8 inches, this machine might need some room but still fits comfortably within the bed of a standard pickup truck, making it easy to haul to your favorite trails. Its height of 58.3 inches keeps things manageable for most riders, not towering over the landscape but tall enough to give you a commanding view of your surroundings. The wheelbase measures 57 inches, which balances stability and maneuverability, whether you’re winding through woods or tackling rough terrain.
- Seat height of approximately 34 inches offers a good fit for riders of varying heights, allowing shorter riders to reach comfortably and taller riders to stretch out.
- Ground clearance of 11.3 inches clears rocks and roots without scraping, maintaining confidence on uneven trails.
- Dry weight of 798 pounds makes it substantial enough to feel planted yet still manageable to handle in tight spots or on steep inclines.
This size and weight combination provides a practical balance, with enough room for gear and comfort for longer rides. The 5.3-gallon fuel tank keeps you riding longer between stops, and the overall dimensions make loading and unloading simple, whether you’re tossing it in a truck bed or storing it at home. Ergonomically, it caters well to a wide range of riders, blending comfort with a responsive feel that encourages confident handling on all kinds of trails.
Notable Features
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on trails or working around the property, you’ll want to know how Polaris has upgraded this model beyond the base offerings. This 2013 Sportsman Touring 850 HO EPS delivers a handful of enhancements that boost convenience, durability, and rider comfort.
- Electronic Power Steering (EPS) provides lighter steering effort, especially when maneuvering in tight spots or under load, reducing fatigue on long rides.
- Liquid-cooled 850cc parallel twin engine offers smooth power delivery with added cooling efficiency for extended use, which is a step up from entry-level models.
- Fuel-injected system ensures reliable starts and consistent performance across varying elevations and temperatures without the fuss of carburetor adjustments.
- Selectable 4X2 or 4X4 drive modes allow you to customize traction depending on terrain, providing better control on mud, snow, or loose dirt.
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) simplifies operation by automatically adjusting gear ratios, letting you focus more on riding than shifting.
While some models in this class stick to basic features, the Touring 850 HO EPS stands out with its combination of technology and rider-friendly touches. Whether tackling rough terrain or cruising for hours, these features make a noticeable difference in how much fun and confidence you get out of every ride.
Pricing & Value
Most utility ATVs in the mid-range segment hover around the $11,000 mark, and the Polaris Sportsman® Touring 850 HO EPS at $10,999 positions itself as a competitive option within this price range. It offers a lot of what you’d expect from a premium touring utility ATV, with a focus on comfort, power, and features aimed at riders who value long days on the trail or working around the property. When you compare it to other machines in this class, it delivers a strong balance of performance and ride quality for the price, making it a compelling choice for serious work or recreational riding.
Within Polaris’s lineup, the $10,999 Sportsman Touring 850 HO EPS sits just below the top-tier models, which often include more premium features or larger engine options. Moving up, you’ll find models that add features like enhanced electronic systems, larger cargo capacity, or refined suspension components, often pushing the price above the $13,000 range. Going lower, the entry-level models tend to cut back on some electronics and comfort features but stay in the $8,500 to $9,500 zone. For its price point, the Touring 850 delivers a lot of value, especially with its reputation for durability and ease of use.
From a value perspective, this ATV is fairly priced. It’s not the cheapest in the segment, but it provides a durable package that justifies its cost by blending power, comfort, and Polaris’s proven build quality. Compared to other machines at the same price, the Touring 850 HO EPS offers a well-balanced experience that caters to riders who want dependability and performance without jumping into the higher and more expensive class of utility vehicles. It’s a machine that, for its MSRP, hits the sweet spot of what many riders are looking for in a mid-range utility ATV.
Final Thoughts
Anyone running long days on the trail or tackling tough work projects will appreciate the smooth power delivery and handling confidence of the Polaris Sportsman® Touring 850 HO EPS. Its 850cc engine offers enough grunt to keep you moving through challenging terrain or heavy loads, making it a reliable companion for both recreation and utility tasks.
This machine’s standout trait is its user-friendly nature. The EPS steering simplifies maneuvering, especially when navigating tight corners or uneven ground, while the comfortable seat and spacious riding position make extended rides less fatiguing. It’s clear Polaris designed this ATV with riders who want a balance of comfort and performance without sacrificing capability.
That said, this model is best suited for riders who prioritize comfort during long rides or extended work sessions. If your focus is purely aggressive trail riding, racing, or extreme mudding, you might find other models with more specialized features better suited to those pursuits. The Sportsman 850 HO EPS shines brightest when used as a dependable all-rounder that can handle the daily grind with ease.
For riders who want a reliable, easy-to-handle ATV that balances power and comfort, this Polaris is a strong choice. Its most defining quality is the combination of a responsive engine and rider-centric features, making it a pleasure to operate for hours on end. If your riding style matches what this machine offers, you’ll find it hard to beat in this segment.
Tech specs
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Dimensions
Tags and taxonomy
Compatible parts for the 2013 Polaris Sportsman® Touring 850 HO EPS
Selected from this machine's own specification, not a generic list. Check any of it against the table above.
- ClassUtility ATV
- DriveSelectable 4X2 / 4X4
- Front tire26x8-14
- Dry weight798 lb
- Winch and mountSynthetic and steel line kitsShop on Amazon
- Plow kitBlade, mount and push tube. Needs the four wheel drive on this machineShop on Amazon
- Tires26x8-14Front tire size fitted from the factoryShop on Amazon
- BatteryReplacement and AGM upgradesShop on Amazon
- Oil and filter kit850ccFull service kitsShop on Amazon
- Loading ramps1500 lbRated above the 798 lb dry weightShop on Amazon
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