Side-by-sides aren’t exactly known for being quiet, but the 2027 Polaris XPEDITION is out to change that. The latest version of Polaris’ enclosed adventure UTV promises up to 40 percent less ride noise thanks to a new pneumatic transmission system, addressing one of the biggest complaints about an otherwise remarkably capable off-road machine . With a starting price of $40,499, it’s a serious investment—but one that could make long days on the trail a whole lot more enjoyable.

To find out whether Polaris delivered, I headed to South Dakota’s Black Hills for more than 40 miles of rugged off-road testing. What started as a leisurely cruise through dusty forest roads turned into a full-blown thunderstorm, complete with lightning, hail, and mud.…