Can-Am side-by-sides: specifications and model differences
Can-Am
Can-Am side-by-side models compared
| Model | Class | Engine | Seats | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can-Am Commander XT 1000R | Crossover | 976cc | 2 | $15,499 |
| Can-Am Maverick Trail | Recreation | 650cc | 2 | $15,499 |
| Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo | Sport | 900cc | 2 | $19,999 |
| Can-Am Maverick Sport X | Sport | 976cc | 2 | $18,499 |
| Can-Am Maverick R | Sport | 999cc | 2 | $39,699 |
| Can-Am Defender DPS HD9 | Utility | 976cc | 3 | $14,999 |
| Can-Am Defender XU XT HD11 | Utility | 999cc | 3 | $19,799 |
Defender work ratings and the Maverick sport chassis
Defender. The Can-Am DPS HD9 and XU XT HD11 seat three, tow 2,500 lb and carry up to 1,000 lb in the bed.
Commander and Maverick. The Commander XT is the crossover, the Maverick Trail is the entry sport model, and the Can-Am Sport X, X3 Turbo and Maverick R are the performance machines.
What to check before buying a Can-Am side-by-side
Bed limits differ by state: the Defender lists 1,000 lb in most states and 600 lb in California. The sport Mavericks carry only 200 to 300 lb, so they are not work machines. Maverick R and X3 owners should ask about the warranty on turbo engines and about service intervals.
Check seat count against your passengers, since the Defenders seat three and the sport models two. Ask what accessories, such as a winch or a roof, are included in the quoted price.
Can-Am against the other side-by-side brands
Compare Can-Am side-by-sides with Honda and Yamaha
The 2026 Commander XT family price covers 700 and 1000R engines. A family starting price does not establish the price of the XT 1000R; compare a written quote for the engine and trim you are buying.
- UTV models
- Can-Am side-by-sides: every model and what it is for.
Can-Am
Can-Am side-by-sides come in three families: Defender utility machines, a Commander crossover and Maverick sport machines. This page covers 7 current models, from the 976cc Defender DPS HD9 at $14,999 to the 999cc Maverick R at $39,699. The table lists class, engine, seats, bed and starting price; Can-Am side-by-side models compared.
How Can-Am organizes its side-by-side lineup
Defender. The DPS HD9 and XU XT HD11 seat three, tow 2,500 lb and carry up to 1,000 lb in the bed.
Commander and Maverick. The Commander XT is the crossover, the Maverick Trail is the entry sport model, and the Sport X , X3 Turbo and Maverick R are the performance machines.
Which Can-Am side-by-side to buy
The Defender DPS HD9 at $14,999 is the value utility choice, and the Commander XT at $15,499 and Maverick Trail at $15,499 are the cheapest crossover and sport machines. The Maverick X3 Turbo at $19,999 is the classic turbo model, and the Maverick R at $39,699 is the flagship. Reviews of Can-Am's ATVs, such as Electrek on the Outlander Electric, describe a maker that leads on towing and powertrain technology.
Can-Am history and reputation
Wikipedia says Bombardier Recreational Products was founded in 2003 when Bombardier Inc. spun off its recreational products division. The Defender's 2,500 lb tow rating and the Maverick's turbo engines are the brand's calling cards.
What to check before buying a Can-Am side-by-side
Bed limits differ by state: the Defender lists 1,000 lb in most states and 600 lb in California. The sport Mavericks carry only 200 to 300 lb, so they are not work machines. Maverick R and X3 owners should ask about the warranty on turbo engines and about service intervals. Check seat count against your passengers, since the Defenders seat three and the sport models two.
Ask what accessories, such as a winch or a roof, are included in the quoted price.
Can-Am against the other side-by-side brands
The Defender DPS HD9 at $14,999 costs $700 more than Polaris's Ranger 1000 at $14,299, and both tow 2,500 lb with a 1,000 lb bed in most states. The Maverick R at $39,699 sits below Polaris's RZR Pro R at $43,999, and well above Yamaha's YXZ1000R at $20,899 or Honda's Talon 1000X at $20,599.
The Maverick Trail at $15,499 and the Commander XT at $15,499 are priced level with Kawasaki's Teryx S at $15,499, which makes the $15,000 band the most crowded in the market.
Other side-by-side brands
UTV questions
What is the cheapest Can-Am side-by-side?
The Defender DPS HD9 at $14,999 is the cheapest, followed by the Commander XT and Maverick Trail at $15,499 each.
What towing figure does the Can-Am UTV range give the Defender?
Can-Am lists 2,500 lb for the Defender DPS HD9 and XU XT HD11. The bed carries up to 1,000 lb in most states, or 600 lb in California for the DPS HD9.
What is the Can-Am Maverick R?
It is Can-Am's flagship sport side-by-side with a 999cc engine, priced at $39,699. It seats two and is the most expensive Can-Am side-by-side in this table.