If you’re shopping the Polaris Sportsman lineup, the Polaris Sportsman 570 vs 450 decision is one of the most common — and sometimes most confusing — choices in the brand’s ATV lineup.
On paper, these two ATVs look remarkably similar. They share the same basic chassis, suspension layout, 11-inch ground clearance, towing capacity, and On-Demand True AWD. So what actually separates them? And which one is right for the way you ride?
The honest answer is that these two ATVs are designed for different types of riders — even though they can look like twins on the showroom floor. This Polaris ATV comparison breaks down where they differ, where they’re similar, and how to choose the right machine for your riding needs.
We see this exact decision play out regularly at Guys Outdoor Motorsports & Marine in Lewiston, Idaho. Here’s how we help riders compare the Sportsman 450 H.O. and Sportsman 570.
Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. — Overview
The Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. is Polaris’s entry into the mid-size utility ATV class. Despite the “450” badge, the engine is actually a 500cc single-cylinder ProStar. Polaris tunes it for smooth, controlled power delivery that works especially well for utility riding and newer ATV riders.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Engine: 500cc single-cylinder ProStar, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected
- Horsepower: Approximately 33 HP
- Transmission: Automatic PVT (P/R/N/L/H)
- Drivetrain: On-Demand True AWD / 2WD
- Ground Clearance: 11 inches
- Front Suspension Travel: 8.2 inches
- Rear Suspension Travel: 9.2 inches
- Towing Capacity: 1,350 lb
Who the 450 H.O. Is Built For
The Sportsman 450 H.O. makes sense for riders who want:
- A forgiving and predictable ATV for their first riding experience
- A dependable machine for property maintenance and utility work
- An ATV for plowing, hauling, and light-duty tasks
- Reliable access for hunting and outdoor recreation
- Smooth performance on flat-to-moderate terrain
- An easy-to-manage machine for shorter trail rides
The 450 H.O. isn’t simply an underpowered version of the 570. Its power delivery is intentionally tuned for controlled, predictable performance. That’s one reason it can be a strong fit for newer riders and people who prioritize utility use.
Polaris Sportsman 570 — Overview
The Polaris Sportsman 570 is one of the best-known models in the Sportsman family. It uses Polaris’s 567cc single-cylinder ProStar engine, giving riders noticeably more horsepower and stronger acceleration than the 450 H.O.
That additional performance becomes particularly useful when riding steep trails, carrying heavier loads, navigating challenging terrain, or riding at higher elevations.
This Sportsman 570 review focuses on the areas that matter most to trail riders, hunters, property owners, and recreational ATV enthusiasts.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Engine: 567cc single-cylinder ProStar, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected
- Horsepower: Approximately 44 HP
- Transmission: Automatic PVT (P/R/N/L/H)
- Drivetrain: On-Demand True AWD / 2WD
- Ground Clearance: 11 inches
- Front Suspension Travel: 8.2 inches
- Rear Suspension Travel: 9.5 inches
- Towing Capacity: 1,350 lb
Who the 570 Is Built For
The Sportsman 570 is a strong choice for riders who:
- Regularly ride trails and varied terrain
- Need additional power for hills and elevation
- Hunt in steep, remote, or rugged areas
- Use their ATV for hauling, towing, and demanding utility work
- Expect to ride through mud, snow, or challenging terrain
- Want more performance when adding larger or more aggressive tires
- Want access to a broad range of Sportsman configurations and specialty models
- Plan to keep their ATV for years and want room to grow into its capabilities
For Idaho riders, the Sportsman 570 can be especially appealing because its additional power provides more confidence when tackling elevation, uneven terrain, and demanding backcountry trails.
For riders comparing models in person, Guys Outdoor can also help explain how the Sportsman 450 H.O. and Sportsman 570 differ in everyday riding situations. Seeing the machines side by side can make it easier to determine which ATV better matches your intended use.
ATV Specs Comparison: Sportsman 570 vs. 450
| Specification | Sportsman 450 H.O. | Sportsman 570 |
| Engine Displacement | 500cc | 567cc |
| Cylinder Configuration | Single ProStar | Single ProStar |
| Horsepower (approx.) | ~33 HP | ~44 HP |
| Power Difference | Baseline | ~33% more power |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT | Automatic PVT |
| Drivetrain | On-Demand True AWD | On-Demand True AWD |
| Ground Clearance | 11 inches | 11 inches |
| Front Suspension Travel | 8.2 inches | 8.2 inches |
| Rear Suspension Travel | 9.2 inches | 9.5 inches |
| Towing Capacity | 1,350 lb | 1,350 lb |
Specifications are based on current Polaris model-year information. Confirm current specifications with your dealer before purchase.
Engine & Performance: Where the Real Difference Lives
Both ATVs share several important characteristics, including their basic chassis, suspension architecture, drivetrain, ground clearance, and towing rating.
So when riders ask, “What’s the actual difference?” the biggest answer is the engine and how that additional power affects real-world performance.
Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. Power Profile
The 450 H.O. delivers smooth, linear, predictable power. It’s a good match for:
- Flat-to-moderate terrain
- Light-to-medium loads
- New riders learning throttle control
- Plowing driveways
- Pulling a small trailer
- Hauling brush and property-maintenance materials
- Casual recreational trail riding
Where riders may notice its limitations more quickly:
- Long, steep mountain climbs
- Heavy loads on steep grades
- Aggressive mud or deep snow
- Larger, heavier tires
- Long backcountry rides where additional power can reduce rider effort
For riders who primarily need a dependable utility ATV with manageable power, the 450 H.O. can be a very capable machine.
Polaris Sportsman 570 Power Profile
The Sportsman 570’s additional horsepower is noticeable in several situations:
- Quicker throttle response
- Stronger acceleration
- More confident hill climbs
- Improved performance when carrying heavier loads
- Greater capability in mud and snow
- Better performance with upgraded tires
- More usable power when riding at elevation
If you regularly ride above 4,000 feet, particularly in Idaho’s mountainous terrain, the Sportsman 570’s additional engine output can provide a noticeable advantage.
At Guys Outdoor, this is one of the practical differences worth discussing with riders who aren’t sure whether they actually need the additional capability of the 570. Your typical terrain, workload, riding experience, and future plans can all influence the better choice.
Suspension & Handling
Both machines use a similar suspension architecture, including MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension.
The Sportsman 570 has a slight advantage in rear suspension travel, with 9.5 inches compared with 9.2 inches on the 450 H.O. For most riders, however, the difference is relatively subtle.
What’s Similar?
- 11-inch ground clearance
- Similar steering geometry
- Similar wheelbase
- Approximately 48-inch vehicle width
- Independent rear suspension
- Automatic transmission
- On-Demand True AWD
- 1,350-lb towing capacity
The approximately 48-inch width is particularly relevant for riders who frequently use narrow trail systems where width restrictions apply.
Capability & Real-World Use
When comparing the Polaris Sportsman 570 vs 450, it’s important to look beyond horsepower.
The Sportsman 450 H.O. can be an excellent match for riders who spend most of their time maintaining property, plowing, hauling smaller loads, hunting, or exploring moderate trails.
The Sportsman 570 takes the advantage when the riding environment becomes more demanding. Its additional engine output gives riders more capability when climbing steep terrain, carrying heavier loads, navigating mud, or traveling through higher elevations.
Quick Capability Summary
| Rider Priority | Best Fit |
| Easy-to-manage power | Sportsman 450 H.O. |
| Property maintenance | Sportsman 450 H.O. |
| Light utility work | Sportsman 450 H.O. |
| Plowing and general hauling | Sportsman 450 H.O. |
| Beginner-friendly trail riding | Sportsman 450 H.O. |
| More demanding trail riding | Sportsman 570 |
| High-elevation riding | Sportsman 570 |
| Steep and rugged terrain | Sportsman 570 |
| Mud and deep snow | Sportsman 570 |
| Heavier loads | Sportsman 570 |
| Larger or more aggressive tires | Sportsman 570 |
| Specialty configurations | Sportsman 570 |
If you’re still weighing the two models, Guys Outdoor can be a useful resource for comparing the Sportsman lineup based on how you actually plan to ride. A model that looks ideal on a specification sheet may not necessarily be the best fit for your terrain or intended use.
Who Should Choose the Sportsman 450 H.O.?
Choose the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. if:
- This is your first ATV and you want forgiving, predictable power
- You’re primarily using the ATV for property work and maintenance
- You frequently plow driveways or move materials around your property
- Your trails are mostly flat to moderate
- You don’t regularly ride at high elevations
- You prefer smooth, controlled power delivery
- You want a straightforward utility ATV
- You don’t need the additional performance of the 570
The 450 H.O. is an excellent option for riders who prioritize utility, simplicity, and manageable performance. It’s only “less” than a 570 when you actually need the additional capabilities that the 570 provides.
Who Should Choose the Sportsman 570?
Choose the Polaris Sportsman 570 if:
- You regularly ride trails in Idaho, Montana, Washington, or Oregon
- You’ll be riding at elevation regularly
- You hunt or work in steep, remote, or rugged country
- You haul heavier loads or tow regularly
- You frequently ride through mud, snow, or rough terrain
- You plan to upgrade tires or add accessories
- You want stronger acceleration and hill-climbing performance
- You want an ATV that can handle a broader range of riding conditions
- You’re moving up from a youth ATV or older quad and want additional performance
For riders in the inland Northwest, the Sportsman 570 hits a strong balance between engine performance, utility capability, and trail readiness.
The Verdict: Polaris Sportsman 570 vs 450 — Which Is the Best Polaris ATV?
If we had to choose one for the widest range of Idaho riding conditions, the Polaris Sportsman 570 gets the edge.
That doesn’t mean the 450 H.O. is a poor choice. Quite the opposite. It’s a capable utility ATV with smooth, predictable power and the features needed for property work, recreation, hunting, and moderate trail riding.
The 570 simply provides more performance for riders who regularly encounter steep climbs, higher elevations, challenging terrain, heavier loads, mud, snow, or longer backcountry rides.
The Sportsman 450 H.O. is a strong fit for utility-focused riders, new ATV owners, and those who primarily ride moderate terrain.
The Sportsman 570 is better suited to riders who want additional horsepower and greater capability for demanding trail, hunting, utility, and backcountry applications.
Ultimately, the best Polaris ATV depends on how and where you plan to ride. If you’re comparing these models for your next ride in Idaho, Guys Outdoor can help you narrow down the right Sportsman based on your terrain, riding style, and intended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Polaris Sportsman 570 and 450?
The primary difference is engine displacement and horsepower. The Polaris Sportsman 570 uses a 567cc engine producing approximately 44 HP, while the Sportsman 450 H.O. uses a 500cc engine producing approximately 33 HP. Both share several key features, including automatic PVT transmission, On-Demand True AWD, 11-inch ground clearance, and a 1,350-lb towing capacity.
How much horsepower does the Polaris Sportsman 570 have?
The Polaris Sportsman 570 produces approximately 44 horsepower from its 567cc single-cylinder ProStar engine.
Is the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. actually a 500cc?
Yes. Despite the “450” name, the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. uses a 500cc single-cylinder ProStar engine. Polaris tunes it for smooth, controlled power delivery compared with the Sportsman 570.
Which Polaris Sportsman is best for beginners?
Both are beginner-friendly because of their automatic PVT transmissions and On-Demand True AWD. The Sportsman 450 H.O. has an advantage for new riders who prefer softer, more predictable power delivery. The Sportsman 570 can be a good option for beginners who expect to progress into more demanding trail riding.
Where can I find a Polaris dealer Idaho riders can visit?
Guys Outdoor Motorsports & Marine in Lewiston, Idaho, is an authorized Polaris dealer serving Idaho, eastern Washington, and western Montana. The dealership offers Polaris Sportsman models along with other powersports products and accessories.
Can both ATVs fit on 50-inch trails?
Both the Sportsman 450 H.O. and Sportsman 570 are approximately 48 inches wide, making them well suited for trail systems with a 50-inch maximum width requirement. Always verify current local trail regulations and vehicle requirements before riding.
