Can-Am Commander vs Polaris General

Side-by-side vehicles have many features, and picking the right one for your needs and preferences can be a challenge. To narrow down your choice, we created the ultimate comparison of the two most popular options – Can-Am Commander vs Polaris General.

In our expert guide, you will find all the information you need to make the best decision. Stay tuned as we discuss the power, performance, durability, comfort, capabilities, customization options, and prices of the two highly demanded SxS vehicles, the Commander and the General.

Polaris General vs Can-Am Commander

Can-Am Commander vs Polaris General Recommended Use

The Can-Am Commander is a popular side-by-side vehicle due to its versatility and ability to handle multiple tasks. Whether you use it for heavy-duty work or recreational driving, it won’t disappoint. One of the biggest advantages of the Can-Am Commander is its adaptable design, making it suitable for various purposes.

Similarly, the Polaris General is a crossover side-by-side vehicle that excels in both work and play. Polaris General vehicles are meticulously designed to fulfill your utility preferences while also catering to your adventurous side. With its incredible off road capabilities, you can tackle any terrain, enjoy a day out with friends, and rely on its impressive towing capacity for work the next day.

Available models

Can-Am Commander and Polaris General are both side-by-side series with various off-road models. As a Can Am side by side dealer, we can confidently say that Can-Am offers a slightly more versatile choice compared to its competitors, with eight available side-by-side vehicles:

In total, there are five Polaris General SxS you can choose from. The Polaris General 1000 has two configurations, Sport and Premium models, while the General XP 1000 is available in three models: Sport, Premium, and Ultimate.

Can-Am Commander and Polaris General Available Models — Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Photoillustrator

Can Am Commander vs Polaris General Specs

To help you discover the answer to the question of, is Can-Am Commander better than Polaris General, we compared the general specifications of both side-by-side vehicles.

Power and performance

Whatever use case you will operate the side-by-side vehicle for, its power will significantly influence your driving experience. Both brands offer robust vehicles capable of generating plenty of horsepower and torque, allowing you to easily tackle uneven terrain and steep inclines.

Can-Am Commander can have one of two engine options:

700, 650cc single cylinder liquid cooled 52hp engine
1000R, Rotax 976cc V-twin liquid cooled 100hp engine

Polaris General models, on the other hand, have engines with enhanced performance and ultra-responsive acceleration. The Polaris General UTV is equipped with fast-engaging all-wheel drive 100-horsepower engines that offer the ultimate riding experience.

Under normal driving conditions, the fuel consumption of Can-Am Commanders is roughly 11.5 mpg. Polaris General, on the other hand, typically has better fuel economy with an average of 17.7 mpg.

Durability

Generally, both the Commander and the General are made from robust materials and have reliable machinery. Their durability mainly depends on how well you maintain it.

With proper upkeep, cleaning, and care, a Can-Am Commander can last between 10,000 and 15,000 miles. On the other hand, Polaris General models can typically reach 8,000 miles without any major repairs.

Number of seats and comfort

If you have others joining you while driving a side-by-side vehicle for work or fun, it’s important to choose a model with the appropriate number of seats. Both the Can-Am Commander and Polaris General offer two- and four-seat options.

The Polaris General series is specifically designed for long-haul enjoyment. It features up to 14 inches of usable suspension travel and responsive steering, which prevents excessive bouncing and ensures a comfortable journey. Additionally, the Polaris General is equipped with extremely comfortable bolstered bucket seats that provide ultimate support, whether you’re working or riding the trail.

The cockpit of the Can-Am Commander is also equipped with bucket seats, designed to make any rough ride more enjoyable. For added comfort, the driver’s seat and steering wheel are adjustable.

When it comes to comfort, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. We recommend visiting one of our company locations in Colorado to test different models and find the perfect fit.

Towing and hauling capabilities

Whether you need a high towing capacity for utility tasks or recreation, the Can-Am Commander will suit your requirements with its class leading 2,000-pound towing capacity. The 2025 Polaris General models, on the other hand, have a slightly lower towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Regarding the hauling capacity, both brands offer similar UTVs. The Can-Am Commander has a cargo box of 29.5 x 45.2 x 10.6 inches with a 600 pounds weight limit. The Polaris General features a maximum cargo box load of 600 pounds and a maximum weight capacity of up to 1,280lb, depending on the model.

Can-Am Commander and Polaris General Towing and Hauling Capabilities — Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Wirestock Creators

Price and affordability

The Polaris General vs Can Am Commander comparison isn’t complete without mentioning the price range you should expect to pay for the machinery. Depending on the features and models, the prices of Can-Am Commander and Polaris General vary.

The Can-Am Commander 2024 models are available for prices starting at $15,699. The most expensive Can-AM Commander, the MAX XT-P, is sold for an MSRP of $28,599.

On the other hand, the 2025 Polaris General series has prices starting at $17,499 for the General 1000 and $23,999 for the General XP. Understandably, the older models are more affordable. You can purchase the 2023 Polaris General XP 1000 Sport from us at Wickham Tractors Co. for only $20,900.

Customization and additional features

While both brands offer UTVs tailored to meet everyone’s needs, you can further personalize them. Can-Am, for instance, offers a variety of accessories to increase comfort, such as windshields and door panels, along with practical solutions like mirrors and audio systems.

Polaris also provides a comprehensive collection of additional accessories to customize your Polaris General, including doors, windshields, mirrors, racks, audio, heaters, tracks, lighting, and more.

Conclusion

The Can-Am Commander vs Polaris General comparison highlights valuable insights into both vehicles’ strengths and capabilities. Both of them are highly recommended, as they each offer unique features and distinct advantages for work and recreation. For instance, the Can-Am Commander provides a wide range of models and a higher towing capacity. On the other hand, if you need a more powerful engine, better fuel economy, and greater customization options, the Polaris General might be the better choice.