2026 Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS Review: A Surprisingly Capable Homestead Workhorse
The 2026 Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS proves that you do not need the largest engine in the lineup to get serious work done.
We tested the Sportsman 570 EPS in Polaris Pursuit Camo around a working homestead, where it hauled a trailer loaded with firewood, traveled through wooded areas and handled tight spaces around the property. What surprised us most was how powerful, comfortable and versatile this midsize ATV felt in real-world use.
More Power Than We Expected
The Sportsman 570 EPS uses a 567cc single-cylinder engine producing 44 horsepower. That may not sound overwhelming on paper, especially compared with today’s larger 850cc and 1,000cc ATVs, but it never felt underpowered during our testing.
Power delivery was smooth and strong enough to pull a trailer loaded with wood without making the ATV feel overwhelmed. Polaris rates the Sportsman 570 for up to 1,350 pounds of towing, although safe towing will depend on the trailer, terrain, load distribution and operating conditions.
The automatic transmission and selectable all-wheel-drive system also made it easy to move between routine property work and rougher wooded terrain.
During a brief paved-road test, the Sportsman reached an indicated 60 mph without struggling. That demonstrated how much performance the 570 platform has available, but this remains an ATV rather than a highway vehicle. Riders should always follow local laws and wear appropriate safety equipment.
Eastern Bluegrass Reviews Power Rating: 8/10
For a midsize utility ATV, the Sportsman 570 delivered strong and surprisingly responsive performance.
Suspension Built for Real Work
The suspension was another highlight.
With 8.2 inches of front travel, 9.5 inches of rear travel and 11.5 inches of ground clearance, the Sportsman handled ruts, uneven ground and rough areas around the homestead extremely well.
Even while pulling a trailer, the ATV remained composed and comfortable. The independent rear suspension helped absorb rough terrain instead of transferring every impact directly to the rider.
That comfort matters during longer work sessions. An ATV may have plenty of power, but it becomes tiring quickly if the suspension constantly beats up the rider. The Sportsman 570 provided a good balance between stability while working and comfort while exploring the property.
Eastern Bluegrass Reviews Suspension Rating: 8/10
The suspension handled real homestead work well and provided a comfortable ride across rough and uneven terrain.
Agile Enough for the Woods
At 48 inches wide, the Sportsman 570 was narrow and agile enough to travel through wooded areas where a larger side-by-side could have struggled.
It could move between trees, follow tighter paths and reach remote sections of the property without feeling bulky. This made it particularly useful for checking fence lines, inspecting the land and reaching areas that would take much longer to access on foot.
The Pursuit Camo finish also looks right at home in a wooded environment. It is practical for hunting and property work while giving the ATV a more distinctive appearance than a basic solid-color model.
Multi-Select EPS Makes a Major Difference
The Multi-Select electronic power steering was one of the Sportsman’s best features.
Steering remained light and manageable in tight areas, particularly when maneuvering around buildings, trailers and trees. It reduced the amount of upper-body effort required and made the ATV more comfortable during longer rides.
The adjustable assistance was especially helpful when changing riders. A lighter female rider in our test was able to operate the Sportsman comfortably without straining. The assistance level could then be changed to better suit another rider’s preference.
That flexibility makes the Sportsman 570 EPS a much better shared machine. Different riders do not have to accept the same steering feel, and less experienced operators may feel more confident at lower speeds.
Practical Homestead Capability
The Sportsman 570 EPS is more than a recreational trail machine. Its combination of towing capacity, cargo racks, all-wheel drive and manageable dimensions makes it genuinely useful around a farm or homestead.
Polaris equips it with front and rear racks rated for a combined 270 pounds. The EPS model also includes a factory-installed 3,500-pound winch, front trail bumper, engine-braking system, rack extenders and LED lighting.
During our time with it, the Sportsman handled several different jobs:
- Hauling a trailer loaded with wood
- Traveling through wooded sections of the property
- Checking remote areas and property boundaries
- Maneuvering around tight working areas
- Carrying tools and supplies around the homestead
Instead of feeling like an oversized toy that could occasionally perform a chore, it felt like a useful work machine that was still enjoyable to ride.
Affordability and Value
The Sportsman 570 EPS is not the least expensive utility ATV available, but its combination of power, suspension, selectable all-wheel drive, adjustable EPS and factory-installed equipment creates a strong overall package.
Buyers can find less expensive machines, but they may have to give up features or purchase important accessories separately. The Sportsman’s ability to perform real work while remaining enjoyable on recreational rides adds to its long-term value.
Eastern Bluegrass Reviews Affordability Rating: 7/10
It requires a meaningful investment, but its versatility makes the price easier to justify for landowners who need one machine for both work and recreation.
What Buyers Should Consider
The Sportsman 570 EPS is a single-rider ATV, so buyers needing factory-designed passenger seating should consider a Touring model.
Its 4.5-gallon fuel tank is also smaller than what is found on some larger machines. The standard digital gauge provides the essential information, but buyers wanting a large touchscreen or built-in navigation will need to move to a higher trim or add accessories.
Those limitations did not interfere with our homestead testing, but they are worth considering before purchasing.
The Eastern Bluegrass Reviews Verdict
The 2026 Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS is one of those machines that feels more capable in use than its specifications initially suggest.
It had enough power to haul wood, enough suspension travel to remain comfortable over rough ground and enough agility to reach wooded areas around the property. Its Multi-Select EPS made tight maneuvering easier and allowed riders of different sizes and strength levels to adjust the steering assistance for greater comfort.
The Sportsman 570 may sit in the middle of Polaris’s ATV lineup, but it does not feel like a machine buyers will immediately outgrow. For homesteaders, landowners and recreational riders who want one ATV capable of working during the week and exploring on the weekend, it delivers an excellent balance.
Power Rating: 8/10 Suspension Rating: 8/10 Affordability Rating: 7/10 Eastern Bluegrass Reviews Overall Rating: 8/10
The 2026 Sportsman 570 EPS surprised us with its power, handled demanding homestead work comfortably and proved itself to be a capable all-around workhorse.
Would you choose the manageable Sportsman 570, or spend more for one of Polaris’s larger-engine ATVs?