Polaris Slingshot: The Three Wheeled Desert Thrill Ride
What Exactly Is a Slingshot?
Polaris introduced the Slingshot in 2014 as a 2015 model. It’s not a car or a motorcycle; it is a three-wheeled roadster with two wheels up front and one driving wheel in back. You sit side by side with a passenger in bucket seats and buckle into automotive-style safety belts. At the federal level it is considered a three-wheeled motorcycle, but Polaris lobbied to reclassify it as an autocycle in 49 U.S. states (Massachusetts is the lone hold-out). That means you don’t need a motorcycle license to drive it in most states, though helmet laws still apply.
Under the Hood: A Power-to-Weight Machine
The Slingshot is powered by Polaris’s 2.0 liter ProStar inline four engine. In base trims like S and SL the engine produces 178 horsepower and about 120 pound feet of torque; in performance trims like SLR and R it delivers 203 horsepower and 144 pound feet. Those numbers may not sound like much on paper, but the Slingshot weighs about 1,651 pounds. With its light chassis and single rear wheel it offers a power to weight ratio of roughly 240 horsepower per ton. In other words: twist the throttle and the rear Kenda tire chirps, pushes, and sometimes smokes.
Inside the Cockpit: Bare Bones Meets High Tech
Climbing into the Slingshot feels like settling into a fighter jet. You step over a low sill, drop into a weather-resistant vinyl seat, and stare at a simple dash that is equal parts analog and digital. Keyless ignition is standard. Most trims come with Polaris’s Ride Command seven-inch touchscreen display, which provides navigation, vehicle data, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a rearview camera, and Apple CarPlay support. There is even a 200 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system that pumps music loud enough to hear over the wind. Storage space is limited: a glovebox and two small lockable cubbies behind the seats. The seats are more comfortable than they look; you can upgrade to heated and cooled versions for all-season riding.
Open Air Freedom: How It Feels to Drive
Twist the ignition and the ProStar engine barks to life. Because there is no roof to muffle sound, every mechanical noise is amplified. The exhaust note is crisp and the belt whine adds a futuristic undertone. On the road you will notice two things quickly: people stare at you and the Slingshot changes direction like a side by side UTV on asphalt. The steering is quick and direct, the chassis stiff. With the manual transmission you are always one downshift away from a burst of acceleration; with AutoDrive you have both hands free to brace the wheel as the rear tire claws for grip.
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There are drawbacks. You are fully exposed to the elements; summer sun requires sunscreen and hydration, and winter rides demand layers. Storage is minimal, and wind noise makes conversation difficult at highway speeds. But the thrill is addictive; this machine was built for fun, not practicality.
From Phoenix to the High Country: Where to Ride a Slingshot
Head east through Cave Creek and wind toward Bartlett Lake for an ideal half-day loop. For a longer ride, take the Sonoran Desert Drive to Lake Pleasant and continue up to Crown King, where cooler elevations await. With a full-day rental you can continue north past Black Canyon City to the pine forests around Prescott.
Safety and First Timer Tips
New River Offroad Rentals sits just north of Phoenix and rents top-of-the-line Polaris vehicles. Each rental includes fuel, helmets, goggles, maps and a cooler filled with ice-cold water. Choose two-hour, four-hour or eight-hour rides or opt for a full-day paved adventure. The team will walk you through the controls and help you pick the perfect route.
The RZR ride we did was amazing. We did a 2-hour ride and it was a great. The team at New River was great in getting us set up & going. Scenery during the ride was beautiful!
Quick and easy to get into the vehicle. We are a family of 5 and has the best time! The GPS was easy to use and follow. We saw wild animals on the trail, went hiking, and got some great family memories!
We had a great experience—rented a two person side-by-side (RZR Pro) and a four person (RZR Pro Ultimate). Equipment was in great shape. Very easy to operate and could handle all the trails we tackled (we did it all). We did the 4 hr half day. I think that was just right (2 hrs probably not enough, I think 8 would have been too much for us). Will return here next time we want to ride.
Plan Your New River Slingshot Adventure
Booking a Slingshot with New River Offroad Rentals is simple. Choose two-hour, four-hour or eight-hour rides or an all-day paved adventure. Each rental includes fuel, helmets, goggles, maps, instructions and a cooler with water. The team will help you pick the right route and ensure you are comfortable before you set out.
Final Thoughts
The Polaris Slingshot is not for everyone; it is raw, unique and unapologetically fun. In a world of sanitized SUVs, this three-wheeled roadster strips driving to its essentials: power, road and you. Pair it with the rugged beauty of central Arizona and the expertise of New River Offroad Rentals, and you have an adventure that burns itself into memory. Let the engine settle, listen to the desert quiet and then twist the throttle. The road is yours.
Experience the Slingshot
Turn the key and let the desert say “keep up.” Feel the open sky and the grit. Your story starts here.
Know Before You Go
Bring sunscreen, layers and plenty of water. Always wear a helmet and buckle your harness. Familiarize yourself with the controls and never underestimate the Arizona sun and dust.
New River, AZ
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More Customer Reviews
This off-road rental experience was top-notch! The staff were super helpful and professional, and the vehicle itself was clean and in great condition.
— Christopher Miller
New River Offroad Rentals
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