Why Buy? | 2018 Polaris Slingshot Review

Motor1 Managing Editor Brandon Turkus takes the three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot for a spin to try and work out who would want the quirky roadster.
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As-Tested Price: $28,999
The Polaris Slingshot is an enthusiastic oddball of a vehicle. Blending a three-wheeled stance with superbike-like body work, it blurs the line between open-roof roadster and traditional motorcycle. For customers that are unwilling to accept the higher risk inherent in riding a motorcycle, or for those that are no longer physically able to handle a Honda CBR or Suzuki GSX-R, it’s a vehicle worth considering.
All Slingshots are powered by a GM-sourced 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. Sending that power to a very wide rear tire is a 5-speed manual transmission, also borrowed from the General. The result is an open-roof, highly stable trike that can scoot to 60 in around five seconds, do a rather ludicrous one-wheeled burnout, and put a big smile on its driver’s face.
But there are drawbacks. The cabin isn’t especially luxurious, the seats aren’t long-distance comfortable, and the ride borders on punishing. But if you’re a motorcycle lover looking for life’s next toy, the Slingshot, idiosyncrasies and all, might just be your speed.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.4-liter I4
Output: 173 Horsepower / 166 Pound-Feet
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive
0-60 MPH: 5.0 Seconds (est)
Weight: 1,749 Pounds
Fuel Economy: 25 Combined (est)
Seating Capacity: 2
Cargo Capacity: 1.96 Cubic Feet
Base Price: $19,999
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CREDITS
Host: Brandon Turkus
Video Producer: James Bradbury