Polaris Brings Back the Grand Touring to Lead an Updated Slingshot Line for the 2026 Model Year

The Polaris Slingshot has never fit neatly into a single category—it isn’t quite a motorcycle, yet it isn’t a traditional car either. For more than ten years, this three-wheeled machine has carved out its own niche, earning a devoted following drawn to its unconventional design. To keep that momentum going, Polaris announced the updates coming to the Slingshot range for the 2026 model year.

As expected, the mechanical foundation remains unchanged for 2026, and the overall styling sees only a light refresh. Most of the updates center on new paint schemes across the lineup. The one major addition, however, is a returning limited-edition model that will likely become the centerpiece of the range—and also its priciest offering.

The special-edition version is the Slingshot Grand Touring. Although the name isn’t new, the 2026 iteration brings more exclusive features than previous runs, along with the highest price tag in the family.

Built on the flagship R trim, the Grand Touring carries over the top model’s mechanical setup. That includes Polaris’ in-house ProStar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 204 horsepower, paired with either a manual gearbox or the AutoDrive transmission.

Drivers can toggle between Comfort and Slingshot modes—Comfort smoothing out shifts for relaxed driving, Slingshot delivering a sportier feel. Brembo brakes continue to handle stopping duties.

Visually, the Grand Touring distinguishes itself with a striking two-tone exterior in Viper Black and Green Venom. Both finishes receive a green iridescent effect that shifts depending on lighting, giving the three-wheeler a chameleon-like appearance. Grand Touring badging is placed throughout the exterior to emphasize the special-edition status.

The bodywork itself differs from the standard R thanks to a color-matched Slingshade and rear fender, vertically opening T-Top panels, and tinted windows. A vented sport hood adds better airflow for the engine and gives the vehicle a more aggressive front-end look.

Changes continue inside the cabin. The two-seat layout remains, but Polaris upgrades the experience with custom-stitched seating and an enhanced audio and lighting setup. The highlight is the Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 Max + Lighting system, which uses two 8-inch side speakers and two 6.5-inch headrest speakers to deliver 700 watts of sound. The system ties into the XKGlow Interior Lighting kit, allowing the cabin lighting to sync with the music through the Slingshot LED mobile app.

As for the rest of the lineup, the 2026 Slingshot family continues with the SL, SLR, and R trims, each receiving new colors—some featuring the same iridescent effect introduced on the Grand Touring. The SL will be offered in White Lightning, Blue Rush, and Sunburst Orange. The SLR comes in Blue Rush or Mirage Gray. The R trim adds Radiant Gray with Red Indy Pearl, Midnight Smoke, and a pearlescent White Crystal with a Mint fade and blacked-out accents.

A new five-spoke honeycomb wheel design will be available on the SLR and R trims, with the SLR receiving a machined finish and the R sporting a gloss-black version.

Polaris says the 2026 Slingshot lineup is arriving at dealerships starting this month. Pricing spans a broad range—some models rivaling the cost of well-equipped SUVs or pickups. Here’s the full breakdown:

• 2026 Polaris Slingshot S manual — $24,999
• 2026 Polaris Slingshot S AutoDrive — $26,849
• 2026 Polaris Slingshot SL manual — $28,299
• 2026 Polaris Slingshot SL AutoDrive — $30,149
• 2026 Polaris Slingshot SLR manual — $31,399
• 2026 Polaris Slingshot SLR AutoDrive — $33,249
• 2026 Polaris Slingshot R manual — $34,999
• 2026 Polaris Slingshot R AutoDrive — $37,149
• 2026 Polaris Slingshot Grand Touring manual — $41,999
• 2026 Polaris Slingshot Grand Touring AutoDrive — $44,149