Is it a bike? Is it a car? Is it a trike? No, no, and… well, sort of, but not really? What it is, is the Polaris Slingshot, a three-wheeler that has always been one of those weird machines that seems to defy categorization. It’s sort of like that kid in school who wore a tribal hoodie, had questionable life choices, never got over his emo phase, and yet somehow always managed to hang out with the cool kids.
And for 2025, the Slingshot is back, and it's meaner, sharper, and packing even more attitude than before.
But before we dive into the details, let’s first take a look at where the heck this thing even came from, as the Slingshot first hit the streets in 2014, instantly turning heads with its aggressive stance, open cockpit, and interesting three-wheel configuration.
It wasn’t a motorcycle (although it's legally classified as one), but it wasn’t a car either. And no, it wasn’t an open-wheeler a la KTM X-Bow or Caterham 7, too. Instead, it found its own niche in the powersports world, sitting somewhere between a track toy and a sci-fi dune buggy—minus the ground clearance. Over the years, Polaris has fine-tuned the Slingshot recipe, bestowing it with better engines, improved transmissions, and—perhaps most importantly—even more outlandish styling.
Now, for its 10th anniversary, the 2025 Slingshot gets a full front-end makeover that makes it look like an angry alien fish that just found out you insulted its mother.
Indeed, the 2025 model takes the Slingshot’s already aggressive styling up a notch. The front fascia is sharper, the lighting more aggressive, and the overall aesthetic has clearly been inspired by the world of hypercars. Plus, the top-tier R model even gets a lower splitter that will surely provide some much-needed downforce on your way to the grocery store.
But the tweaks to the 2025 Slingshot aren’t just skin deep. Underneath all that newfound ferocity is a slightly more refined machine. There’s a modest bump in power, improved AutoDrive transmission tuning, and updated suspension for better handling. Polaris even decided to make it more practical for the street by raising the ride height by an entire inch.
Nevertheless, the 2025 Slingshot lineup still caters to varying levels of madness—from insane to all-out crazy. The base S model comes with a solid tech package, while the SL adds a bigger screen and better audio. Meanwhile, the SLR cranks up the performance, and the top-dog R model packs 204 horsepower, bigger brakes, and even navigation to help you find your way home should you get carried away with your exploits on the twisties.
And in the event you grow tired of pulling Gs in the corners and rocketing off stoplights, the Slingshot’s Rockford Fosgate eight-inch speakers are there to play soothing tunes on your way home (or to drown out your passenger’s screams as you drive like a total maniac). Customizable lighting, new styling accents, and the optional Slingshade roof add even more flair to the experience.
Now, if you're wondering what this insane three-wheeler’s gonna cost you, I’ve got some not-so-good news for you. It’s expensive, no matter what variant you choose. But hey, if you’re in the market for a Slingshot, chances are you’re not the most practical or financially responsible individual out there.
So in case you were wondering, the base Slingshot S starts at $24,999 for the manual and $26,849 for the AutoDrive. Moving up, the SL comes in at $28,299 (manual) and $30,149 (AutoDrive). The performance-focused SLR kicks it up to $31,399 (manual) and $33,249 (AutoDrive), with a bigger rear wheel and extra lighting. At the top of the food chain, the R model starts at $34,999 for the manual and $37,149 for the AutoDrive.
Let’s be real, the Polaris Slingshot is not for your average commuter. Heck, it’s not even for your run-of-the-mill powersports enjoyer. It’s for people who want to turn every drive into an event. It’s for those who love the wind in their face but maybe don’t want to commit to a full-on motorcycle literally everywhere they go. Is it practical? Not really. Logical? Definitely not. But is it an absolute blast? I’m willing to bet my entire salary that it is.
Source: Polaris
