Published: August 21st, 2024
The UTV wars are alive and well, and you need to look no further than Polaris and Can-Am for proof. Meanwhile, although ATVs are seemingly dwindling in their presence as of late, ever-evolving (and improving) machines from the duo are keen to disprove the lack of excitement about the category. Can-Am is up to volley the next best thing into the market by releasing its 2025 models like the new Maverick R Max and Outlander 850 / 1000R. These fresh takes on classic Can-Am machines could be winning the match this time around, but we'll let you tell us what you think. Nonetheless, this is proving to be the golden age of powersports off-roaders.
Leading the charge on the side-by-side front is the all-new Maverick R Max line. Building on the bones of the Maverick R's glorious 240-horsepower Rotax engine and dual clutch transmission (DCT) powertrain, it brings four-rider fun to the model that was limited to two-seaters in the past. The Maverick R Max is a lot of what we expected, so don't be surprised by little more than the performance of the Maverick R in a longer package here, which frankly is a good thing. The signature tall-knuckle suspension design remains, and buyers can go for the same quarter of trim options as with the two-seat Maverick R, which in this case make for Maverick R Max, Maverick R Max X, Maverick R Max X RS, and Maverick R Max X RS with Smart-Shox. Basically, add more to the name, and you'll receive more when it comes to the Maverick R line.
On top of touting room for two extra passengers, Can-Am's engineers also "optimized the seven-speed DCT for multi-passenger riding with a 40% shorter low-gear ratio, improved torque control for low-speed maneuvers and reinforced components for maximum durability," which we take to mean the R&D team did some testing and felt it necessary to beef the platform up for the added weight of two extra people and their gear on board. There's also an updated 10.25-inch touchscreen on board, which has a built-in GPS, front and rear cameras, and gear and drive mode indicators. Needless to say, with a starting price of $39,199 for the R Max and going up to $47,799 for the R Max RS with Smart-Shox, these things will be nicer than most road-going passenger vehicles.
It might seem like the UTV'ers are having all the fun, but that couldn't be further from the truth. For 2025, Can-Am has again revamped its Outlander line – this time completely changing the Outlander 850 and 1000R. There's a plethora of choices: Outlander 850 is available in DPS, XT, X mr, Max DPS and Max XT and Outlander 1000R lineup in DPS, XT, X mr, XT-P, Max XT, Max XT-P and Max Limited.
The big news here is a shared 999cc Rotax V-twin engine; yes, you read that right, the 850 and 1000R share an engine that has a headlining 101 horsepower in Outlander 1000R guise. And the 850 makes a still-impressive 82 horsepower, while each of the engine variants possess Work, Standard, and Sport riding modes. Can-Am says it "boasts the fastest acceleration in the industry," and we look forward to testing that with our tried-and-true, extremely-technical butt dyno. Both are also equipped with an all-new continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivering smooth power to the ground, consistent shifts, improved torque and a reduction of maintenance requirements.
Helping, or attempting to, put that power to the ground is an all-new continuously variable transmission (CVT). It has Can-Am's newest pDrive primary clutch and a new dual-roller-driven pulley. Suspension is new for the Outlander 850 and 1000R as well, with arched A-arms present front and rear. This allows for improved handling characteristics and improved ground clearance, and Can-Am touts that it also increases front suspension travel by 1.6 to 10.8 inches and rear suspension travel to 12 inches flat, up 2.1 inches.
Going even further, Can-Am updated the steering geometry, which the brand says helps with high-speed stability. The new Outlander 850 and 1000R have a high-strength steel frame, and the bonus of a full-length skid plate is great to read is a there for underbody protection. Can-Am also threw in a new four-wheel disc brake system, and towing capacity is a claimed class-leading 1,830 pounds.
On the design front, Can-Am redid the lighting treatment with new front and rear LEDs, and the wheels have been revised as well. They also integrated a new 2.5-gallon LinQ removable storage box and somehow made eight gallons of front storage available for whatever it is you need to bring with you on your ride or while doing chores. And because we're really living in the technology age, there's a cell phone storage compartment with a USB charging port while the Max Limited gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity. The latter can connect with the BRP GO! app to put maps, settings, and more right in the rider's face.
Mud riders will be happy that the Outlander X mr returns, the model benefiting from an intake, CVT vent, and radiator that have all been moved up and out of the way of mud so as to help its ability to thrive in the muck. It has a 3,500-pound winch stock as well as 30-inch XPS Swamp King XL tires, and extra recovery points for when the Swamp Kings are outmatched by their mud pit opponents.
This is an exciting round of changes to the Outlander 850 and 1000R lineup. To learn more about the 2025 Outlander lineup visitcan-am.brp.com.
About BRP
BRP Inc. is a global leader in the world of powersports products, propulsion systems and boats built on over 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Through its portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft and Quintrex boats, Manitou pontoons and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds.
The Company completes its lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel portfolio to fully optimize the riding experience. Committed to growing responsibly, BRP is developing electric models for its existing product lines and exploring new low voltage and human assisted product categories. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP has annual sales of CA$10.4 billion from over 130 countries and a global workforce of close to 20,000 driven, resourceful people.
