Can Am Commander vs Maverick
One of the many advantages of purchasing a Can-Am is their variety of options to suit everybody’s needs. When it comes to SxS vehicles, the brand offers different line-ups; this comparison is for Can Am Commander vs Maverick.
The two Can-Am UTV models have different features, making them more suitable for some applications than others. In this guide, we will review the Commander and Maverick's most important characteristics and see what sets them apart.
Can Am Commander vs Maverick: Detailed Comparison
Can-Am manufactures three SxS series: the Commander, Maverick, and Defender. While the Defenders are generally considered vehicles for utility work, the Commander and Maverick are known for their higher performance and heavy-duty work.
The two series exist for a reason: they are different in many aspects, such as their recommended use, power, engine displacement, capacities, prices and comfort. So, is Can Am Commander better than Maverick? Discover below.
Intended use
The main difference between Can Am Commander and Maverick is their intended use. The Can-Am Maverick is considered a high-performance SxS designed to tackle any type of terrain, including the roughest and toughest terrain. For instance, if you are planning on driving the SxS on rocky terrain, you may need a Maverick, while for mud riding, there are certain Commanders well suited for the job.
On the other hand, as a Can Am ATV dealership, we categorize the Commander vehicles as expedition SxS. As a rule of thumb, a Can-Am Commander is designed to be a universal tool for recreational use and heavy-duty work.
Power and performance
The Can-Am Commander and Maverick both have Rotax engines, but the type of engine used varies greatly from one model to another. The Can-Am Commanders can have a Rotax 700 single-cylinder or a Rotax 1000R V-twin engine. Regarding their power, the Rotax 700 has 52 hp, while the Rotax 1000R has 100 hp.
Meanwhile, the Can-Am Mavericks can have different engine types, from the Rotax 700 single-cylinder engine to the Rotax turbocharged triple-cylinder engine, all with unique features and performance capabilities. Here is a short overview of the engines the different Mavericks are equipped with:
- Maverick Trail - Rotax ACE 700R or Rotax 1000R
- Maverick X3 - Rotax ACE Turbo RR engine
- Maverick R - Rotax turbocharged triple-cylinder engine
- Maverick Sport - Torque-rich Rotax 1000R V-twin engine
Depending on the model, the Can-Am Maverick can have 52 hp up to 240 hp. A quick fun fact: the Can-Am Maverick R has the highest horsepower of all SxS vehicles available on the market.
Engine displacement
Most Can-Am Maverick models have engines with engine displacements higher than 900cc. Only the Maverick Trail DPS 700 has an engine displacement of 700cc.
The Commander models have various sizes of engine displacement. There are as many models with engines between 600cc and 899cc as SxS with engines over 900cc.
But why does the engine displacement matter? The engine displacement directly influences the power and torque you will benefit from.
Capacities
The Maverick vs Commander comparison wouldn’t be complete without mentioning their capacities. The Can-Am Commander has a class-leading towing capacity of 2,000 lb. Its cargo box capacity is also significant, at 29.5x45.2x10.6 inches.
Since the Can-Am Maverick is a high-performance vehicle focused on power, it typically doesn’t have a towing feature. However, its storage capacity is more than enough and typically divided into three places: the glove box, central console and cup holder.
Seating options
If you intend to share a ride with friends on your new Can-Am, you should know that the Maverick series offers more two-seater options than the Commander. This is also the case with the four-seater SxS, as there are only four Commander models with four seats. Unfortunately, neither the Commander nor the Maverick has a vehicle suitable for six passengers, like the Can-Am Defender.
Price range
If you are on a budget and need a SxS, you might find the most suitable options in the Commander series. The cheapest 2025 Commander is the DPS, with an MSRP of $15,699.
In addition, the Commander series has two other models, the Commander XT and the Commander Max DPS, with prices starting at $17,699 and $18,399, respectively.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, typically have prices from $20,000 and up. Several vehicles are available between $20,000 and $24,999, but most are above this range.
Fuel economy
The fuel economy of the side-by-side vehicle depends on many factors, including riding style, power and the terrain. Consequently, it is almost impossible to compare the Commander's and Maverick's general fuel efficiency and declare a clear winner.
If we put the two series side-by-side and consider what they are designed for, we may say that the Commanders tend to have better fuel economy. This is because they are vehicles for more utility-focused applications rather than acceleration and performance like their Maverick counterparts.
Comfort
Since they are designed for different purposes, it is understandable that they have distinctive points of view regarding comfort. While the features generally depend on the specific model, some of the comfort characteristics of Commander and Maverick SxS are worth mentioning.
The Commander has secure bucket seats for all passengers and an adjustable driver’s seat. The entire interior is carefully planned so that it is easy to drive, even for beginners. The cockpit is designed to be quiet and has many features to enhance comfort, such as wide-opening doors, a full skid-plate, premium half doors, and a tilt steering wheel.
The cockpit of the Maverick models is adjusted so that you can enjoy the ride and the power simultaneously. Each Maverick subcategory has unique comfort features, most of which feature bucket seats. The Maverick X3, for example, has an advanced cockpit design with well-placed controls, enhanced precision and four-way adjustable bucket seats.
Can-Am designers haven’t compromised on comfort on the Maverick R models. Maverick R vehicles have a modern design that features a driver-centric cockpit, smart accessories, easily accessible storage integration and seamless access to controls.
Conclusion
From this Can Am Commander vs Maverick comparison, you have learned that they have different features, making them suitable for distinct applications. We always recommend the Can-Am Commander series to people who are looking for a UTV that can successfully balance their needs for recreation and heavy-duty work.
The Can-Am Maverick comes with more powerful engines and is focused on providing unprecedented performance. Once you assess your needs and determine which series will suit you better, you can check our current offer and find the best model.
Happy shopping!