Can Am Defender vs Kawasaki Mule
Brands are competing to showcase their utility vehicles as the best choice to buyers across the nation. Among the top current competitors are Can-Am and Kawasaki. But which has a better UTV? What are the main differences between the Can Am Defender vs Kawasaki Mule?
Both brands are at the top of their game regarding top-notch side-by-side vehicles. Still, when choosing the right one for yourself, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
To help you choose the best UTV, we have prepared this comprehensive comparison guide. Read on for more Can Am vs Kawasaki differences!
Which Is Better, a Can-Am or a Mule?
Can-Am and Kawasaki are both brands that consistently produce high-quality UTVs (utility vehicles), ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), and other types of vehicles. Both companies have been long-standing pillars of the UTV market for decades.
Still, one company comes out on top. As a trusted Can Am SxS dealership in Colorado, we will outline why we chose Can-Am’s Defender as the better overall pick.
Both Can-Am Defender and Kawasaki Mule are highly capable work machines that allow farmers, ranchers, and hunters to tackle each task reliably. However, Can Am’s dedication to innovation, reliability, and technology is unmatched. The Can-Am UTVs offer impressive capabilities and excellent versatility.
Can Am Defender vs Kawasaki Mule Overview
Utility vehicles are excellent machines for any farmer, rancher, hunter, or off-roading enthusiast. The Kawasaki Mule, introduced in the late 1980s, was the first side-by-side vehicle on the UTV market.
Today, Kawasaki’s Mule (Multi-Use Light Equipment) lineup is a series of heavy utility vehicles built to handle any work task. However, entering the marketplace first does not necessarily guarantee you remain the best option, as is the case here.
Despite Can-Am’s first side-by-side debut in 2010, the brand was among the the most highly regarded, largely thanks to the company’s dedication to innovative solutions. In contrast, the Kawasaki Mule may lack the specific advanced features provided by Can-Am’s Defender. The Kawasaki Mule may offer more competitive pricing, but you must deal with the lack of advanced features.
Can Am Defender vs Kawasaki Mule Pro Specs
Both the Can-Am Defender and the Kawasaki Mule Pro provide excellent capabilities in handling challenging off-road conditions. Whether ranching, farming, or hunting, these side-by-side vehicles can handle any work task you throw their way.
But with the Can-Am Defender, you get a UTV that goes beyond work. With its spacious interior and innovative features, you may take your family or friends on an off-road adventure.
In order to showcase the capabilities of both options, we will compare their specifications. They include the following:
- Engine power
- Towing capacity and performance
- Durability and off-road capabilities
- Comfort and convenience
- Size and cargo box
- Technology
- Safety
Engine power
When it comes to engines, Can-Am is ahead of most brands, including Kawasaki. The Can-Am Defender side-by-sides, like all other Can-Am vehicles, feature the world-renowned Rotax engine.
The powerful Rotax V-twin, liquid-cooled engine has a performance capability of up to 82 hp (horsepower). The incredibly powerful engine is also built to make less noise and has a PRO-TORQ CVT transmission on demand.
However, the Kawasaki Mule engines range from 400cc to 1000cc. The Mule engines are powertrains that offer you efficiency and reliability for heavy-duty workloads, but they fall short of the Rotax engines.
Towing capacity and performance
If you are looking for a utility vehicle to drive around a farm and handle work tasks, the Kawasaki Mule is a good choice. But if you want a UTV that goes above and beyond, choose the Can-Am Defender.
For example, the Can-Am Defender can tow up to 2,500 pounds, whereas the Kawasaki Mule can only pull up to 2,000 pounds. In addition, the Defender 6x6 has a towing capability of 3,000 pounds, which leads the market.
With the Can-Am towing capacity, you may rest assured that any job is within reach, whether on a farm, ranch, or hunting trip. Overall, the Can-Am Defender provides better and more versatile performance.
Durability and off-road capabilities
Both brands excel in durability. The Defender and the Kawasaki Mule are UTVs built to handle all kinds of conditions while lasting for a long period of time. In terms of design, both side-by-sides feature rugged constructions with advanced suspension systems.
These utility vehicles are designed to withstand the harshest conditions and easily complete any challenges. For instance, the Can-Am Defender side-by-side, with its robust construction, high ground clearance, and advanced four-wheel-wheel-drive system, can handle even the roughest terrain.
In contrast, the Kawasaki Mule is well-known for its reliability in handling heavy-duty workloads for extended periods. But if you want the added advantage of excellent off-road capabilities, we recommend the Can-Am Defender due to the advanced 4WD system.
Comfort and convenience
Regarding comfort, the Can-Am Defender and the Kawasaki Mule offer comfortable rides with their advanced suspension systems. With the Kawasaki Mule UTV, you may expect a focus on practicality. It offers straightforward controls and easy access to essential features, making it excellent for comfortable rides during long workdays.
In contrast, Can-Am goes above and beyond to ensure maximum comfort. It features ergonomic and spacious cabins with adjustable seats. The intuitive cockpit provides optimized visibility and additional lateral support with reinforced sealskin, which is excellent for all-day group riding.
Size and cargo box
In terms of size, the Kawasaki Mule is more compact, which allows for higher maneuverability in narrow spaces. However, the compact size also means a more limited cargo box.
The Can-Am Defender features a cargo box 4 to 5 x 6 ft long with a 1,000 lb capacity. This box is versatile and spacious for hauling equipment, tools, and gear. Moreover, the Defender’s cargo box is multi-functional with a hydraulic power tilt bed and easy flat-bed conversion.
Customizability
If you want to ensure your UTV is tailored to your preferences, then Can-Am’s Defender is the right choice. With a Can-Am UTV, you get the opportunity to customize your vehicle with custom parts.
This means you can choose between various parts and colors based on your preferences and specific purpose for using the UTV. You can also choose the right seating combination and features based on whether you are a farmer, hunter, or off-roading enthusiast.
Technology and safety
When it comes to safety, Kawasaki and Can Am are companies that put great emphasis on operator protection. Safety features in both side-by-side vehicles include advanced braking systems and integrated rollover protection structures (ROPS). This offers you the safety assurance you may need while out on the field working or exploring trails.
As for technology, both utility vehicles feature standard tech, including digital displays and GPS navigation. However, Can-Am also comes out on top in terms of advanced technology as it features:
- VERSA-PRO bolster bench seats with the seats flipping up
- Electronic Hill Descent Control ECO™ / ECO™ Off / Work modes
- Dynamic Power Steering (DPS™)
- PRO-TORQ CVT Transmission with Quick Response System (QRS), high-airflow ventilation, and Electronic Drive Belt Protection
- A 7.6-inch wide digital display with keypad
- Selectable Turf Mode / 2WD / 4WD with exclusive Smart-Lok
- Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC™) with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Conclusion
When comparing the Can Am Defender vs Kawasaki Mule based on the available features and technologies, the Can-Am is the better choice for reliable and versatile performance. With Can-Am’s Defender, you get a UTV that will handle the toughest farm jobs, while also making for a great recreational vehicle.
If you are interested in learning more about the Can-Am Defender, contact Wickham Tractor today. We will be happy to assist!