Can Am 570 Vs Polaris 570 - Which 4X4 Is Right For Your Ride?

Stuck in the mud trying to decide between the two biggest names in the 570-class ATV world? You’re not alone. The can am 570 vs polaris 570 debate is a classic showdown, and for good reason. Both machines are absolute workhorses and trail monsters in their own right.

You’ve probably spent hours watching videos and reading forums, but you’re still looking for a straight-up, no-nonsense comparison from folks who’ve actually turned wrenches and pushed these rigs to their limits. That’s exactly what we’re here for.

At FatBoysOffroad, we promise to give you the real-world breakdown you need. In this ultimate guide, we’ll tear down the Can-Am Outlander 570 and the Polaris Sportsman 570 piece by piece. We’ll cover everything from engine performance and suspension feel to rider comfort and those common problems the dealerships don’t always talk about. By the end, you’ll know exactly which ATV fits your riding style, your chores, and your garage.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine & Drivetrain Showdown

Underneath the plastic, these two ATVs have fundamentally different power philosophies. Understanding this is the first step in figuring out which machine is for you.

Can-Am’s V-Twin Roar

Can-Am hangs its hat on the legendary Rotax 570cc V-Twin engine. If you’ve ever heard one, you know the sound—it’s a throaty, aggressive rumble that just sounds like power. And it is.

The V-Twin design delivers power smoothly across the RPM range and absolutely loves to be revved out. It’s punchy right off the line, making it a blast for aggressive trail riding and shooting out of corners. The 48 horsepower feels eager and responsive under your thumb.

Polaris’s ProStar Single-Cylinder Workhorse

Polaris takes a different approach with its ProStar 567cc single-cylinder engine. This motor is all about reliable, low-end torque. It’s a proven design that’s been refined for years.

While its 44 horsepower is slightly less than the Can-Am’s, the ProStar delivers its power in a very predictable and user-friendly way. It’s a fantastic engine for technical rock crawling, plowing snow, or hauling a trailer where smooth, controllable grunt is more important than top-end speed.

CVT and Drivetrain Differences

Both machines use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), but they feel different. The Polaris system is known for its exceptionally smooth engagement, which is great for work tasks. The Can-Am’s CVT can feel a bit more “sport-tuned,” engaging quickly for a faster response.

Both offer excellent 4×4 systems. The Polaris All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is famous for its “on-demand” nature, engaging the front wheels instantly when the rear ones slip. Can-Am’s Visco-Lok system is also effective, though some riders find it takes a fraction of a second longer to lock in.

Suspension & Handling: Who Owns the Trail?

An ATV is only as good as its suspension. This is another area where the can am 570 vs polaris 570 battle shows clear differences in design philosophy.

Can-Am: Sporty and Firm

Can-Am uses a Double A-Arm front suspension and their Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI) rear suspension. The TTI design is unique because the wheels move straight up and down, which helps maintain a consistent tire contact patch during suspension travel.

On the trail, this translates to a very planted and predictable feel, especially at high speeds. It feels stable and inspires confidence in fast corners. However, it can feel a bit stiffer over slow, choppy terrain compared to the Polaris.

Polaris: Plush and Comfortable

Polaris equips the Sportsman with a MacPherson Strut front and a Dual A-Arm Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). This setup is tuned for comfort and maximum wheel travel, allowing it to soak up rocks, roots, and ruts with ease.

The ride is noticeably plusher, making it a fantastic choice for all-day trail rides or navigating rough property. The trade-off is a bit more body roll in high-speed corners. It feels less like a sport quad and more like a capable off-road SUV.

Rider Comfort & Ergonomics: All-Day Rideability

How a machine feels after four hours on the trail is just as important as its horsepower. Ergonomics can make or break your ownership experience.

The Polaris Sportsman is widely considered the king of comfort in this class. It features a narrow mid-section, a plush seat, and a very natural, upright riding position. It’s a machine you can sit on all day without feeling beat up.

The Can-Am Outlander has a sportier, more aggressive feel. The seat is a bit firmer, and the riding position feels more “on top” of the machine, which is great for active riding. However, some riders find the engine heat on the right side can be noticeable, especially on hot days or during slow, technical riding.

Work & Play: A Deep Dive into Utility Features

Whether you’re hauling firewood or packing for a weekend camping trip, utility matters. This is a critical part of any good can am 570 vs polaris 570 guide.

Storage Solutions

Polaris is the clear winner here. The Sportsman 570 comes standard with an integrated front dry storage box and a rear storage compartment, offering a combined 6 gallons of weatherproof storage. It’s incredibly convenient for stashing tools, tow straps, and personal gear.

The Can-Am Outlander has a smaller, water-resistant rear compartment but lacks the integrated front storage of the Polaris. You’ll likely need to invest in accessory cargo boxes sooner with the Can-Am.

Racks and Towing

Both machines boast impressive capabilities. The Polaris features composite “Lock & Ride” racks that make adding accessories a breeze. They have a combined capacity of 270 lbs (90 front / 180 rear).

Can-Am uses rugged steel racks with a higher combined capacity of 360 lbs (120 front / 240 rear). If you plan on regularly hauling very heavy loads, the Can-Am’s steel racks offer a slight edge in raw strength. Both ATVs have a nearly identical towing capacity, typically around 1,300-1,650 lbs depending on the model year and trim.

Common Problems & Long-Term Care: A Mechanic’s Perspective

No machine is perfect. Knowing the potential issues and how to care for your ATV is key to a long, happy ownership. This is where we get into the can am 570 vs polaris 570 best practices and create a mini can am 570 vs polaris 570 care guide.

Common Problems with Can-Am Outlander 570

Engine Heat: The rear cylinder of the V-Twin can put off significant heat, especially on the rider’s right leg. Aftermarket heat shields and exhaust wraps are common solutions.
Differential Seals: Keep an eye on the front differential seals. They can sometimes weep over time. A quick inspection during an oil change is all it takes.
Electrical Gremlins: While generally reliable, some owners report occasional issues with sensors or wiring. Using dielectric grease on all major connections is a great preventative measure.

Common Problems with Polaris Sportsman 570

Belt & Clutch Wear: The ProStar engine is solid, but the clutches and drive belt can be a wear item, especially with oversized tires or heavy use. Learning how to inspect and change your own belt is a valuable skill.
Bushings: The stock A-arm bushings are known to wear out prematurely. Upgrading to aftermarket Delrin or UHMW bushings is a popular and highly recommended modification for long-term durability.
Battery Location: The battery is located low in the frame and can be a pain to access. Consider adding a pigtail for a battery tender to make charging easier.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Best Practices

Being a responsible rider is part of the gig. When performing maintenance, always dispose of used oil, coolant, and other fluids at a certified recycling center. Following a “Tread Lightly!” approach on trails by staying on marked paths helps preserve the environment for everyone. A well-maintained engine also runs more efficiently, reducing both fuel consumption and emissions, making it a more eco-friendly can am 570 vs polaris 570 choice, regardless of which you pick.

The Final Verdict: Which 570 Should You Buy?

So, after all this, how do you choose? It comes down to being honest about your primary use. There is no single “winner,” only the right machine for you.

You should choose the Can-Am Outlander 570 if:

You crave sporty performance and a thrilling engine note.
You prioritize high-speed stability and aggressive trail riding.
You need the absolute highest rack capacity for heavy-duty work.
You appreciate the premium fit and finish that Can-Am is known for.

You should choose the Polaris Sportsman 570 if:

All-day rider comfort is your number one priority.
You need a machine that’s both a capable workhorse and a comfortable trail cruiser.
You value built-in storage and the convenience of the Lock & Ride accessory system.
You do a lot of slow, technical riding or work where a plush suspension and smooth power are key.

Ultimately, one of the best can am 570 vs polaris 570 tips we can offer is to test ride both if possible. The feel from the saddle is often the deciding factor.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am 570 vs Polaris 570

Which is faster, the Can-Am 570 or Polaris 570?

The Can-Am 570 is generally faster in a drag race due to its higher horsepower V-Twin engine. It has a higher top speed and feels more responsive at higher RPMs.

Which is more reliable, the Can-Am 570 or Polaris 570?

Both machines have very reliable core engines. Reliability often comes down to maintenance and how the machine is used. The Polaris ProStar single-cylinder is arguably a simpler design with fewer moving parts, but the Can-Am Rotax V-Twin is also a well-proven platform. Address the common issues mentioned in our guide, and either machine will provide years of service.

Which ATV is better for mud?

This is a toss-up and depends heavily on the specific trim and tires. The Can-Am’s V-Twin power can be great for spinning tires to clear mud, while the Polaris’s AWD system is legendary for finding traction. Both are excellent platforms for building a capable mud machine.

The choice between these two titans isn’t easy, but hopefully, this guide has cleared the trail ahead. By focusing on how you’ll actually use your machine, you can confidently make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Get out there, do your homework, and get ready to ride. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a fantastic machine. Happy trails!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.