Battle of the SxS’s: Can-Am and Textron Off Road Set Their Sights on Polaris
It must be nice to be in a category all your own—controlling the game, thus setting the bar and calling the shots. Really, the Jeep Wrangler has enjoyed zero competition for years, so why should the Polaris RZR be any different in the world of side-by-sides, right?
While both of these off-road behemoths have single handedly dominated their respective markets, all good things come to an end. As Ford steadies itself for an upcoming Bronco launch that guarantees to tip the balances, double trouble has its nukes set on Polaris. Things are heating up and as they do, we’re dubbed the real winners. Increased competition equates to a bevy of model options with cool new features and advanced performance, which elevate the entire segment.
And speaking of friendly competition, the all new Can-Am Maverick X3 X rc Turbo and Textron Off Road Wildcat XX are two formidable opponents to Polaris. Make no mistake, these companies finally figured out their X factor. And while Can-Am and Textron Off Road are certainly in competition with one another, they share a common enemy—these new releases are ready to go full throttle on Polaris. And just like an ancient gladiator tale, may the best machine win.
The Can-Am Experience
“At a commanding 64-inches of width, the X3 X rc Turbo puts stability at the center of everything it does. With race-winning geometry and advanced suspension, wheels, and tires working in concert, the only obstacle you’ll really face is the one staring back in the rearview mirror.”
Can-Am Maverick™ X3 X rc Turbo – Base Price: $23,999
*All technical specs below are courtesy of the manufacturer
| Thrilling Power: Responsive, refined performance is more accessible than ever with the 120 horsepower Can-Am Maverick X3 X rc Turbo. With a turbocharged Rotax engine tuned for torque and seamless, shift-less power, it’s able to rip, rock, and crawl at the command of your right foot. | No Torque Interruption: A compact, high-performance QRS-X CVT has been calibrated to work with the turbo to virtually eliminate lag, without shifting or torque interruption to slow you down. Its large drive—a long, wide, and thick belt—is our most robust three-roller pulley design yet. | For the Tough Stuff: Considering the other improvements to the Maverick, the latest 30” Maxxis Liberty Tires on 14” cast-aluminum rims might be overlooked, but their aggressive tread and rugged construction are the key to pushing the X3’s capabilities further than ever on very rough ground. |
| Smart-Lok Technology: For next-level traction to conquer the roughest terrain, Can-Am-exclusive Smart-Lok™* technology is the new benchmark. A true full lockable on-the-fly front differential with electronically-controlled automatic modes, or with the simple press of a button that offers preset, intelligent calibrations for your type of riding. Using multiple input sources, “Smart mode” will instantaneously engage locking with the right load at the right moment. Never before have riders been given maximum traction while retaining low-speed maneuverability. | Suspend Belief: BRP’s four-link TTX suspension with 18” of travel features a trophy truck-like trailing arm and three links dedicated to controlling camber while delivering optimal geometry at all times, even during extended wheel travel. The result? Unparalleled power transfer to wheels, virtually no bump steer, precise steering response, and more confidence at higher speeds. | Stunning Suspension: The Maverick X3 X rc Turbo is equipped with FOX 2.5 Podium Piggyback with QS3 compression adjustment shocks on all four corners, with the rears adding bottom-out control for performance over hilly terrain. Up front, double A-arms with sway bars and 18” (45.7 cm) of travel combine with the Can-Am exclusive 4-link Torsional Trailing-arm X (TTX) rear suspension also with 18” (45.7 cm) of travel and arched lower links. |
| Wind That Works: With an intake and exhaust tuned to maximize power, efficiency, and throttle response, the Can-Am Maverick X3 will never be starved for performance. Three oversized, out-of-the-way intakes feed the engine and the CVT with clean air and keep temperatures low, with a sport exhaust out back to let the Rotax ACE engine roar. | Driver Focused: You’ll find everything is in its right place, from revised pedals that allow better foot control over challenging terrain and a flat-bottom steering wheel that tilts up or down 25° to steer with precision. Four-way adjustable seats—2” in height and 6” in slide, ease of accessorizing, and integrated wiring—allow it to truly adapt to the line ahead. | Max Protection: With a full complement of Heavy-Duty protective gear, from HMW skid plate to UHMW rock sliders, to differential HMW protection and HMW suspension armour, the X rc Turbo has overbuilt HMW parts where you need them most. |
| Cleverly Caged: The Maverick X3 features an ultra-light, rigid chassis anchored by a fully-welded roll cage made of state-of-the-art Dual-Phase 980 steel. So? Figure 53% better torsional stiffness, 20% lighter than its closest competitor—and your confidence at 100%. | Unmistakably Fierce: The Maverick X3’s intensity comes from a mix of performance-driven mechanical and structural design, from its signature LEDs to its advanced cockpit. Here, designers have selected a futuristic bright blue as the hero color for the Maverick X3 X rc Turbo. | Recover with Ease: A 4,500-lb (2,041 kg) winch with synthetic rope positioned on the front bumper gives the Maverick X3 X rc Turbo the power to pull itself—and your rivals—out of tough terrain. |
A Ride on the Wild Side with the Textron Off Road Wildcat XX
“Go anywhere. Ride over anything. With an off-road racing inspired suspension system, nowhere is off limits. What did we learn from the world’s most extreme off-road racing vehicles? We learned ride matters more than anything. We learned how a suspension system puts mud, dirt, dunes, and rocks in their place. We learned how to handle boldly. Corner ruthlessly. And put ride over everything.”
| SUSPENSION AND HANDLING | Off-Road racing inspired suspension Unequal length front A-arms Rear trailing arm 18” of front and rear travel Premium FOX 2.5 PODIUM QS3 shocks with bottom-out control 14” ground clearance Shocks mounted to lower A-arm Front and rear sway bars Electronic power steering |
| POWER
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125 horsepower with a 998cc naturally-aspirated EFI engine 2WD/4WD with 4WD lock TEAM rear transaxle and front gear case High and low gear settings for changing terrain |
| DRIVER EXPERIENCE
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Largest-in-class cab Ergonomically designed, customizable dash Custom 15” KMC Wheels 30” CST Behemoth tires Standard full doors Race-inspired ROPS Oversized fenders Class-leading 4-gallon glove box |
| HAULING AND STORAGE | When you need to take extra gear along for the ride, the Textron Off Road Wildcat XX has just the spot, including enough room for a 32” spare tire.
Class-leading 300-lb cargo box Class-leading 4-gallon glove box |
| RELIABILITY | If you’re thinking of taking it easy on Wildcat XX — don’t. We doubled down on unstoppably tough, tested components, and made XX easier to service than any other side-by-side. The Textron Off Road Wildcat XX is built in Thief River Falls, MN — and designed to take you anywhere. And we stand behind it with a 6-month warranty. Double-shear steering and suspension components Forged aluminum front knuckle Oversized front and rear wheel bearings Hanging rear drivetrain HSLA steel tube frame |
| CUSTOMIZATION | Make the Textron Off Road Wildcat XX your own with more than 30 easy-to-install Textron Off Road accessories, and two pre-loaded gear packages: Decked out package, with 36” light bar, Kicker SSV audio system and more Geared-up package, with Bimini DLX top, kick panel, and shoulder storage bags and more |
