ATV Review: Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. EPS

I live and hunt on a small farm where budgets are tight and the work is never-ending. My goal each day is to accomplish as many tasks as possible in less time and with minimal cost. Enter the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. EPS. This machine simplifies a wide range of projects, saving both time and money. From hauling grain bags to dragging a field for planting, it fulfilled all my needs this spring.

The Sportsman 450 H.O. has been redesigned for 2021, with improved strength, reduced noise, and enhanced user-friendliness. Let’s take a closer look at the new 450 EPS.

Polaris Power Rating

As hunters, we require an ATV that can handle heavy loads, pull trailers, and plant fields. All these tasks demand a powerful engine.

The Sportsman 450 H.O. is unique among 450-class ATVs. Though labeled as a 450, it actually boasts a 499cc Prostar 4-stroke single, overhead-cam engine that delivers 33 horsepower. Polaris made this slight upgrade to provide a competitive edge and reduce consumer confusion when comparing it to the more powerful Sportsman 570.

In my experience, the 450 provided more than sufficient power for the tasks at hand. I used it with a Kolpin Dirtworks system for tilling food plots, and it handled previously worked and loose land with ease. While I wouldn’t recommend tackling overgrown land, the Sportsman was more than capable on well-prepared plots.

Making Short Work of Big Jobs

One of our major spring projects was tree planting, including red pine for wind breaks and cedar for pond privacy. The Sportsman handled this potentially daunting task effortlessly. We loaded the ATV’s racks with trees and easily transported them using our OxCart trailer, allowing us to plant and water hundreds of trees across multiple acres within a few hours.

The Sportsman’s rack design includes a convenient storage area beneath the front rack, which we used to carry marking flags and essential hand tools. It also proved useful for transporting additional trail cameras for setting up along potential rub lines.

Thanks to its 48-inch overall width, the Sportsman is highly maneuverable in woods and allows for quick camera installation without dismounting. I’ve actually been more efficient than my husband in setting up cameras, and my Michigan deer last season was bigger than his.

A Custom Fit

Customization is crucial for any good tool, and the Sportsman 450 supports various job-specific adaptations. We added a winch and snowplow, with the factory-installed winch mount plate making installation a breeze. The winch features rapid recovery and synthetic rope, proving invaluable for moving our chicken coop and extricating the ATV from muddy fields. The plow, aided by the built-in mount, cleared our driveway with ease.

The 450 Has Limits

While the Sportsman 450 excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The trailer hitch is a 1¼-inch receiver rather than a standard 2-inch receiver, necessitating an additional purchase. Additionally, the stock tires, while sufficient for hard surfaces, do not perform well in snow and mud. Consider investing in aftermarket tire upgrades to maximize performance.

Is the Polaris Sportsman 450 a Good Buy?

We’ve had numerous ATVs of all sizes on our farm. If you require excessive horsepower or high speeds, there are larger options available. However, for most hunters, the power and handling of the Sportsman 450 provide the perfect balance for small- to medium-sized hunting properties.

The ATV offers adequate ground clearance (11.5 inches) and effortlessly navigates the ruts on our property. Polaris has improved the suspension for a smoother ride, while the all-wheel-drive system delivers traction when needed. The battery relocation to the front wheel well enhances accessibility, and investing in electronic power steering (EPS) significantly improves handling and reduces rider fatigue.

The power, handling, and styling of the 450 make it an excellent all-around ATV for mid-sized applications. Additionally, Polaris offers package options and a wide range of accessories to suit specific needs. Customization possibilities are endless. Unless you require the power of larger engines, the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. EPS should meet your needs.

Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. EPS Spec Chart

Engine: 499cc SOHC single-cylinder, liquid-cooled four stroke; Horsepower: 33; Transmission: Automatic PVT with P/R/N/H/L; Fuel: Electronic fuel injection; Overall Width: 48 inches; Ground Clearance: 11.5 inches; Front Suspension: Sealed MacPherson Strut, 8.2 inches; Rear Suspension: Dual A-arm independent, 9.5 inches; Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons; Wheelbase: 50.5 inches; Rack capacity: 90 lbs. front, 180 lbs. rear; Towing capacity: 1,350 lbs.; MSRP: $7,449