Which Can Am Is the Fastest?

Can-Am is a well-established brand for making reliable, powerful and durable off-road vehicles. They offer a variety of products, each one designed for a specific purpose. So, if you have the need for speed, you must know which Can Am is the fastest.

As experienced Can-Am dealers, we are more than familiar with Can-Ams' capabilities, from the oldest to the newest models. So, we would like to share our wisdom and reveal the fastest among the most powerful Can-Ams that will provide you with a fast and smooth ride.

Which Can Am Is the Fastest?

Can-Am is a leader in making different types of off-road vehicles, one of which is side-by-side vehicles. As a brand, Can-Am is committed to pushing the boundaries of off-road vehicle capabilities. One of the fields where they are dominating is cutting-edge technology and power.

That said, you might wonder which Can-Am is the fastest, and the answer is easy: Maverick R! As the best Can Am SxS in the power category, the Maverick R can reach speeds up to 100 mph.

Not only is the Maverick R the fastest of all the Can-Am off-road vehicles, but it also holds the number one place in the entire side-by-side category. To compare, the highest-performing SxS vehicles of other brands max out between 60 mph and 85 mph.

Can-Am doesn’t disappoint with every new Maverick R. With the annual updates of the Can-Am SxS lineup, we won’t be surprised if the models that will be released in the following years exceed the current Can Am top speed of 100 mph.

What Makes the Can-Am Maverick R the Fastest SxS?

Now that we got the answer to what is the fastest Can Am, it’s time to dig a little bit deeper and see why that is the case. First, the main contributor to the unparalleled off-roading performance of Maverick R is the Rotax engine.

The Rotax turbocharged triple-cylinder engine can produce an incredible 240 horsepower and features an advanced fuel injection system for maximum power. The Maverick R has incomparable HP/L-specific output, making it highly powerful for its size, weight and displacement.

Regarding displacement, the Can-Am Maverick R has a 999cc engine that is also responsible for high power generation. But be aware: with high power and engine displacement comes the cost of fuel efficiency. Other reasons that might have an indirect influence on the Can-Am Maverick R speed are:

• Actuated wastegate
• Air intake design
• Low longitudinal engine layout
• Dedicated driving modes

Luckily, the Can-Am Maverick is not all about speed. You can enjoy riding it at high speeds thanks to the 77" wide suspension, vehicle stability, roll center height, steering geometry and Smart-Shox for best traction.

Factors that might limit you reaching the Can-Am top speed

While the machinery inside the top speed model is undoubtedly one of the most powerful on the market, you should be aware that there are some limitations when reaching 100 mph. 

Three major factors might limit you from reaching the Can-Am top speed. First and most important is the terrain. If you are trying to reach the Can-Am top speed on a smooth and flat surface, you will succeed faster. The vehicle doesn’t have to deal with a lot of resistance from the surface and can accelerate more in a shorter period.

However, if you try to reach the top speed of any vehicle, not just the Can-Am, on uneven and rough terrain like sand, mud or rocks, it will be harder, if not impossible. Such terrains tend to reduce the top speed due to the increased drag.

Next, the top speed can’t be achieved by simply pressing on the gas. In fact, you must know how to shift between the driving modes and gears, which ones to use when, and how to properly assess when it is safe and possible to drive at high speeds.

Ultimately, tires play a crucial role in achieving maximum speed. The tires on SxS can affect the traction and grip, influencing the speed limit you can reach. It is also essential to have adequate tires for the type of terrain you drive on and ensure the tire pressure is at an optimal level.

Top Speed of Can-Am Maverick Series

While the Maverick R is without a doubt the fastest Can Am, the other SxS from the Maverick series are also no joke when it comes to speed. Proof of that is the chart below:

Is It Possible to Increase the Top Speed of Can-Am SxS?

Can-Am SxS has incredible engine power. If you own some of the less powerful models, you might consider modifying the vehicle. It may affect your warranty if you decide to do the following:

• Replacing the turbocharger with a larger one or a supercharger
• Making modifications to the exhaust system
• Air filter and drive belt replacement
• Changing the gear ratio

If you don’t want to make modifications to parts, you can use some of these practices to potentially reach higher speeds with your Can Am:

• Using high-octane fuel
• Changing the tires and using bigger and lighter ones
• Reducing the weight of the SxS

Conclusion

So what have we learned: which Can Am is the fastest? With a top speed of an unbelievable 100 mph, the Can Am Maverick R is the fastest SxS. The Maverick R offers excellent comfort and security, so you can enjoy and reach the top speeds safely.

Interested in owning the fastest SxS there is on the market? Visit one of our Colorado locations, see for yourself why they call it the Beast, and you just might leave as a proud owner.