You’re standing on the dealership floor, or maybe scrolling endlessly online, staring at two Can-Am Mavericks. They look almost identical, but one crucial number separates them: 64 inches or 72 inches. You know it’s a big deal, a decision that will define every single ride you take. Making the wrong choice could mean getting stuck between trees or feeling tippy in a high-speed corner.
I get it. At FatBoysOffroad, we’ve seen countless riders wrestle with this exact problem. It’s the single most important decision you’ll make when buying one of the most capable sport UTVs on the market.
This guide promises to eliminate that confusion. We’re going to break down the can am maverick 64 vs 72 debate piece by piece. We’ll dive into how each width performs in different terrains, the practical ownership differences you haven’t thought of yet, and the long-term maintenance considerations. By the end, you’ll know exactly which machine is built for the trails you ride.
The Tale of the Tape: What Do 64″ and 72″ Actually Mean?
Before we get into the dirt, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. When Can-Am labels a Maverick as “64-inch” or “72-inch,” they’re referring to the overall track width of the vehicle—the distance from the outside of one tire to the outside of the other.
This width isn’t just a random number; it’s the direct result of the vehicle’s suspension geometry. The wider machines use longer A-arms, longer axles, and longer tie rods, which also results in more suspension travel. This fundamental difference is the source of all the pros and cons we’re about to explore.
The 64-inch “X xc” Models: The Trail Specialist
Think of the 64-inch Maverick as the agile athlete. It’s purpose-built for navigating tighter, more technical environments. Its narrower stance allows it to slip through gaps between trees and rocks that would stop a wider machine in its tracks.
This is the go-to choice for riders who frequent the wooded trail systems of the East Coast, Midwest, or any area with dense forest. The shorter suspension components give it a nimble, responsive feel, allowing you to make quick, precise adjustments on the fly.
The 72-inch “X rs” Models: The Wide-Open Dominator
If the 64-inch is an athlete, the 72-inch Maverick is a heavyweight champion. Its defining characteristic is unshakeable stability. That extra eight inches of width creates a massive, planted footprint that inspires incredible confidence at high speeds.
This machine is in its element in the open deserts of the West, hammering through sand dunes, or blasting down wide-open fire roads. The longer A-arms and increased suspension travel allow it to soak up massive whoops and G-outs without breaking a sweat, keeping the chassis level and the driver in complete control.
Performance Showdown: Can Am Maverick 64 vs 72 in the Real World
Specs on a page are one thing, but performance in the dirt is what truly matters. This is a core part of our can am maverick 64 vs 72 guide. Let’s pit these two machines against each other in the environments you’ll actually be riding.
Tight Woods and Technical Trails
Winner: 64-inch Maverick
There’s no contest here. The 64-inch model is the undisputed king of the forest. It can easily navigate trails with 65-inch width restrictions and squeeze through tight spots that will have a 72-inch owner sweating and doing three-point turns.
If your rides involve constantly weaving between trees and navigating narrow rock gardens, the agility of the 64-inch will provide a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.
High-Speed Desert and Dune Running
Winner: 72-inch Maverick
When the terrain opens up and the speeds climb, the 72-inch Maverick shows its true colors. It’s simply more stable. In high-speed sweeping turns, it exhibits significantly less body roll, allowing you to carry more momentum with greater confidence.
In the dunes or desert whoops, that stability is a massive safety and performance advantage. The wider stance makes the machine far less likely to get “tippy” if you hit an obstacle unexpectedly or get a little sideways.
Rock Crawling
It’s a Tie (with a catch)
This one is tricky and depends on the specific crawling scenario. The 72-inch machine’s wider base gives it incredible stability on off-camber sections, where a narrower vehicle might feel like it wants to roll over.
However, the 64-inch can fit its tires into narrower lines and squeeze through tight rock gates. The best choice here truly depends on whether your local crawling spots are wide and steep or narrow and technical.
Beyond the Trail: Practical Ownership Differences
Your off-road experience doesn’t end when you turn the key off. The width of your Maverick impacts storage, transport, and even your future upgrade path. Here are some key can am maverick 64 vs 72 tips for prospective owners.
Trailering and Storage
This is a huge, often-overlooked factor. A 72-inch machine may not fit on a standard 6.5-foot wide landscape trailer. You’ll likely need an 8.5-foot wide car hauler or a dedicated toy hauler, which adds to the overall cost.
Measure your garage or shed! That extra eight inches can be the difference between fitting comfortably and having to store your expensive machine outside. The 64-inch is much more accommodating for those with limited space.
Trail Access and Legal Restrictions
Many public trail systems, especially in the eastern half of the U.S., have physical gates or legal restrictions limiting vehicle width to 50, 60, or 65 inches. The 64-inch Maverick (which is often closer to 65″ with stock tires) can squeak through many of these, while the 72-inch is a non-starter. Always check the regulations for the areas you plan to ride before you buy.
A Can Am Maverick 64 vs 72 Care Guide: Maintenance and Upkeep
Proper maintenance is key to a long and happy life for any UTV. While the core engine and drivetrain are the same, the different widths do introduce some unique wear-and-tear considerations. Following these can am maverick 64 vs 72 best practices will keep you on the trail.
Common Problems with Can Am Maverick 64 vs 72 Setups
The wider stance of the 72-inch model puts more leverage on suspension and steering components. While Can-Am builds them tough, parts like ball joints, wheel bearings, and tie rod ends may see slightly accelerated wear compared to a 64-inch machine, especially with aggressive driving or large aftermarket tires.
For the 64-inch, the most common “problem” is user-induced. Drivers can get a little too confident trying to keep up with their 72-inch buddies in high-speed corners, leading to a higher risk of a tip-over. It’s crucial to drive the machine within its stability limits.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Best Practices
Being a responsible off-roader is part of the culture. A truly sustainable can am maverick 64 vs 72 ownership experience involves protecting the trails we love. Regardless of width, always follow Tread Lightly! principles.
- Stay on the trail: Avoid widening trails or creating new bypasses.
- Pack it in, pack it out: Leave the trail cleaner than you found it.
- Proper Fluid Changes: When performing an oil or coolant change, always use a drain pan. Take used fluids to an auto parts store or local recycling center for proper disposal. Never dump them on the ground. This is a simple, eco-friendly can am maverick 64 vs 72 practice that protects the environment.
Making the Final Call: How to Choose Your Maverick
So, how do you decide? It’s time to be honest about your riding style and location. Here’s a simple breakdown of the benefits of can am maverick 64 vs 72 to guide your choice.
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Choose the 64-inch Maverick if:
- You primarily ride tight, wooded trails.
- You must access width-restricted trail systems.
- Your trailer or storage space is limited.
- You value nimble handling and agility above all else.
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Choose the 72-inch Maverick if:
- You primarily ride open deserts, sand dunes, or fast, wide-open trails.
- Maximum high-speed stability is your number one priority.
- You want the most suspension travel and capability for big hits.
- You have the space and equipment to transport and store a larger machine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Maverick 64 vs 72
Can I make a 64-inch Maverick into a 72-inch?
Yes, you can. Companies offer “long travel kits” that include the wider A-arms, axles, tie rods, and sometimes shocks to convert a 64-inch to 72-inch specs. However, this is an expensive and labor-intensive upgrade. It is almost always more cost-effective to buy the width you want directly from the factory.
Is the 72-inch model harder to drive?
Not necessarily harder, just different. It feels more “locked-in” and less darty than the 64-inch, which many drivers prefer. The main challenge is its sheer size; you have to be more mindful of your vehicle’s footprint on the trail, and its turning radius is slightly wider.
What are the main benefits of can am maverick 64 vs 72 for a beginner?
This depends entirely on where the beginner will ride. For open terrain, the 72-inch model is arguably safer. Its immense stability is more forgiving of beginner mistakes like over-correcting the steering at speed. For tight trails, the 64-inch is less intimidating and easier to place accurately, preventing frustrating trail-side damage.
At the end of the day, the can am maverick 64 vs 72 debate isn’t about which machine is “better”—it’s about which machine is better for you. Both are incredibly capable and thrilling UTVs that will deliver epic adventures.
By honestly assessing your terrain, your storage, and your driving priorities, you can make a choice with confidence. You’re not just buying a machine; you’re buying a key to the exact type of off-road freedom you’ve been dreaming of.
No matter which width you choose, do your pre-ride checks, wear your safety gear, and respect the trails. We’ll see you out there!
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